The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles

Dating isn't just hard; it's expensive, especially if you're trying to search for love in places where you're more likely to score a restraining order than a second date. Luckily, modern tech has made dating more accessible and affordable.

Thanks to advanced filters, matching algorithms, and location-based features, dating apps have made it easier to connect with others without worrying about your wallet or whether or not they're an axe murderer (we're looking at you, Craigslist).

Is there a dating app that is completely free?

Remember those gym trials that lure you in with "free" access, then lock you in with hidden fees and iron-clad contracts? Some dating apps pull the same stunt with "free" features.

That's why we scoured the internet for legit, free dating apps — where you can create a profile, browse matches, and even message others without needing a second mortgage.

From free trials to working with limited features, we've tested dozens of dating apps (including the best dating apps for introverts, college students, and sexting, to name a few) to find the best way to meet new people and spark a meaningful connection.

Think of us as your dating app lab rats — we've done the research so you can focus on finding your perfect match without handing over your credit card digits.

What are the best free dating apps?

When it comes down to it, dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge have a free version that holds its own against their paid counterparts. That said, there are also some completely free, more niche dating apps worth checking out, like Archer, Lex, and heybaby.

Below, we've compiled a list of dating apps to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between without paying a dime.

Note: It's almost impossible to find a dating site or app that doesn't have some sort of paid upgrade feature, but all of the dating sites below have a free membership option that gives you almost everything you need for the full experience. These aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to do basically anything.