Portland is a city that never gets bored, especially when it comes to dating. You can meet so many singles just by going to some popular bars and clubs. But are those the only options? Definitely not. Some singles prefer the convenience of the best Portland dating apps, especially post-pandemic as many people are still hesitant to approach strangers in public. In fact, research suggests that 45% of young men have NEVER approached a woman in the real world.
By contrast, around half of Americans under 30 have used dating apps, according to PewResearch. Older singles are using them in growing numbers too. So if you have yet to meet someone who's right for you, it's time to use one (or several) of the best dating apps in Portland. Here’s a sneak peek of our favorites:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
I’m an experienced dating expert who is fully aware how important it is to choose the right dating app. There are roughly 2,500 dating apps available in the United States, according to Forbes data, but only a handful are really worth your time. Around 50% of dating app users said that fake scam profiles were “very common” in their experience and I’d expect that’s because they’ve chosen one of the awful apps.
That’s why I’m excited to work with Heart Insider to reveal the best dating apps to find amazing women in Portland. We’ve done the research that others haven’t. This isn’t just some anecdotal evidence - we’ve crunched the numbers. It’s important to pick the right apps specifically for Portland (and not any other city in Oregon) since usage is vastly different depending on where you live. So whether you live in Multnomah, Argay, or even Richmond, these apps will help you find someone!
Here are our picks for the top 10 dating apps and sites in Portland.
#1 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Portland for long-term relationships
eHarmony is by far the most popular dating app among Portland locals who want to find long-term partners. For those of you who are tired of dating apps that are too focused on looks or gamifying the app, eHarmony gives you a smooth, straightforward method that's powered by a matchmaking algorithm like no other.
With eHarmony, you don't have to scroll for hours. The app does all of the tough work for you once you've filled in the signup questionnaire. This questionnaire asks you about everything you want in a partner and what you can offer. By being honest and straightforward with your responses, eHarmony searches its huge database of users to find the singles you're compatible with.
Of course, you might not make a perfect connection outside of the algorithms, but it usually works like magic. The toughest part is answering all of the questions. It's important because this is how they match you with other single people. You can build chemistry before you even meet. Just ask all the successful married couples in Portland who found each other through eHarmony!
Need more info on how eHarmony works for a regular guy? We’ve created an eHarmony review where you can see how the site works, how you can meet people, and how you might one day find love online!
If you're serious about finding long-term partners this is the site for you.
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in Portland
- The best success rate out there for long-term relationships
- 70% of users find their future spouse within a year
- Makes it pretty easy to form connections
- Popular among singles in Portland
- User-friendly and easy to use
What we don’t like about it
- It definitely takes more time than most to get started
- Not super popular with those 18-22
What Other People Are Saying About eHarmony
Bill - Google Play
“eHarmony is safe and reliable. No additional hidden fees and no "partner" sites adding to confusion and more fees. I feel safer here with no surprises.”
#2 - Lamour (Android; iOS) humanizes online dating
“Meeting in person without a video call is a type of dating roulette: Will they look like their pics? Will we have any chemistry?,” says Mix Lux, co-founder of La Vette Social Club. “This puts a lot of pressure and stress on a date, making it hard to get excited or to relax and enjoy it.”
If you agree with this sentiment, love to travel or enjoy learning more about different cultures, Lamour may be the dating app for you. It allows users to video chat with locals, but also with people around the world. It includes tons of great features, like a built-in translator, gifts, and live streams.
All video chatting is done on the app, so you don’t even need to worry about exchanging contact details. To make the experience even safer, Lamour censors words that are more than flirtatious to limit harassment. Video chatting with your matches also eliminates the possibility that they’re catfishing you.
Why Lamour is one of the best dating apps in Portland
- Meet locals or people from around the world
- Talk to people who speak different languages using the built-in translator
- Connect with your matches better over video chat
Why Lamour isn’t the best
- There are a lot of fake profiles
- Censorship limits sexting, which some users may be looking for
What Other People Are Saying About Lamour
Richad Rawe - Google Play
“I really like that you can do video and audio calls with people, it makes it much more easier to talk with people than only texting, you can also choose to blurry your video in case you are a little bit shy in the beginning and only after unblurry your cam, really nice!”
#3- Heybaby (iOS) is the dating app designed for parents
Heybaby is a dating app specifically designed to help single parents find partners. It’s also for singles who want to have kids in the near future. It takes away that awkward conversation where you mention that you have a kid and then your match ghosts you. Heybaby is where single parents understand each others’ dating struggles, which makes it one of the best dating apps in Portland!
Why heybaby is a great dating app
- It’s specifically for parents or those who want kids
- The user base is quickly growing
- It has a pretty high rating on the app store
Why heybaby isn’t that great of a dating app
- The user base tends to be older
- It’s still relatively new
What Other People Are Saying About Heybaby
Kazakhstan Cowboy - Apple Store
“Great app! Finally a dating app for like minded adults who are looking to meet quality people, in a simplistic, non-bloated interface.”
#4 - AFF is the easiest way to find a fling
AFF should be your first choice when you're not looking for a relationship but still want some fun in the bedroom. We've tried a lot of different apps for this (most are awful) and only a couple have proven to work over and over. Tinder is great if you're under 25 but once you get beyond that AFF has shown the best results out of any dating site in Portland we've tried, especially for guys.
One of the things we really like about this app is that they do a really good job of helping you find EXACTLY what you're looking for. Everyone on this site is looking for the same thing so you can save a LOT of time that you would waste on other sites. If you're 25+ and want to take someone home this is your app.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
Why you should try AFF
- They have a massive number of users on their app (over 50 million)
- We’ve seen guys have the best success using it, especially those who aren’t super good looking and didn’t do well on Tinder
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it
- Many users can only access via web app
- The app is a little dated and not as polished as some others
- Sometimes people are a little TOO upfront with what they want
What Other People Are Saying About Adult Friend Finder
Don G - Trust Index
“I've met LOTS of REAL people on it. If you're a single guy, it's more difficult, granted, but as a couple, it's easy as pie to get other couples to swing with. I live in a small city of only 70,000 people. Can you imagine what it would be like in a metropolis?!?!”
u/notunek - Reddit
"I've only been on AFF for 3 weeks now, but have had a lot of activity. Of course it is easier for females than males to get lots of messages and offers. You have to be thick-skinned because many of the males are very explicit in what they want. It bothered me at first and was a turn-off. I don't mind frank talk about sex, but it's rude in my mind not to introduce yourself, give some details and get to "know" each other a little before you ask if she likes DBA...
There are many men that are looking for a relationship and also those looking for NSA. I got a bunch of men in town for a couple of days on business."
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) is the most well-known dating app
Tinder is by far the most used and most understood dating app out there because it’s fun. It’s so fun that it can become addictive - seriously. The majority of users aren’t looking for anything serious, but that’s also part of the appeal of the app. With a young, restless crowd of singles, a date (or something more casual) might literally be at your fingertips.
Tinder's simple yet effective swipe-left-for-no, swipe-right-for-yes system is perfect for those who believe a picture is worth a thousand words. In Portland, known for its laid-back and visually driven culture, a standout profile picture can be your ticket to success on this platform.
Let's be real: Tinder tends to shine for those who are photogenic or conventionally attractive – a little superficial, maybe, but hey, that's the game! The app's massive user base in Portland means you'll have plenty of potential matches, whether you're looking for a quick coffee date in the Pearl District or a romantic stroll along the Willamette River.
What makes Tinder great
- It has an enormous user base
- Their app is extremely user-friendly
- You consistently see matches that work for you
What we didn't like
- It’s for more casual dating
- There can be the occasional fake account
What Other People Are Saying About Tinder
Anthony Brown - Google Play
“I enjoy being on Tinder. I always have at least 30 matches, and I like to mingle with my ladies from time to time.”
#6 - OkCupid (Android; iOS) keeps up with the times
OkCupid was originally founded in 2004 by four friends from Harvard. Unlike many sites its age, it has evolved with the times. The apps are very popular as well - and they look good. Being around for so long has its advantages - they really know what does and doesn’t work. That’s why they make sure to ask questions that only get you the absolute best matches.
Why OkCupid is one of the best Portland dating apps
- Over 91 million matches are made every year
- Over 50K dates are made every week
- They’ve been around for a long time and know what works
Why OkCupid isn’t our favorite
- The userbase tends to be a bit older
- It only has a rating of 3.4 (on Android)
What Other People Are Saying About OkCupid
Berit Can Der Jagt - Google Play
“The app presents people who match at questions you both filled in. You can see a percentage of how many questions you agree on. You can also see if a person is there for a relationship or less than that.”
#7 - Zoosk helps you find the perfect match (Android; iOS)
Zoosk is the perfect no-frills dating app for young singles looking for love. Don’t worry about spending time answering extensive questionnaires to find true love, Zoosk will analyze your behavior on the app to suggest matches you may like instead.
If you’re more interested in looking for matches yourself, you can swipe through users in your area. Users can include bios of up to 1500 characters, making it easier for you to get to know one another. Signing up is super easy, especially if you have a Facebook account you can connect.
Why it's one of the best dating apps in Portland
- Good balance of men and women on the app
- Use Zoosk’s app or desktop site
- Large dating pool
What we don’t like about it
- You need to buy a membership to send messages
- Matches aren’t based on compatibility
What Other People Are Saying About Zoosk
Klynx-Mysr Christensen - Google Play
“I met my wife through Zoosk many years ago, now we have been happily married for 8 years now and with a new baby in our family.”
#8 - EliteSingles (Android; iOS) is one of the top options for single professionals
EliteSingles was specifically designed to help match single professionals. When your career is your main objective, it can be hard to find someone who understands how much your career means to you. So EliteSingles helps you find driven professionals who also know what it’s like to balance work and play. On top of that, most of the users you’ll meet here are well educated, too!
Why EliteSingles is awesome
- It remains one of the best dating sites in Portland for career-minded singles
- It has 173 000 new members each month
- 85% of users have an above-average education
Why EliteSingles is just okay
- The apps aren’t great
- Some features are behind a paywall
What Other People Are Saying About Elite Singles
Cobus Mostert - Google Play
“It works well if you have very specific requirements in a new partner.”
#9 - BlackPeopleMeet (Android; iOS) is full of Black singles looking for flings or serious relationships
BlackPeopleMeet is the answer to so many dating apps that aren’t doing Black singles any favors. The app (which also has a pretty good site) helps you connect with Black singles in your area. This can help you meet someone who’s compatible with you in terms of preferences as well as culture. So if you’re seeing a shortage of Black singles on other apps, you might meet them here!
What makes BlackPeopleMeet great
- It’s one of the best dating apps in Portland specifically for Black singles
- The site works great
- It has a decent userbase in Portland
What makes BlackPeopleMeet just okay
- The app isn’t that great
- The login system can be frustrating
What Other People Are Saying About Black People Meet
ItsPBsWorld84 - Apple Store
“Yes there are a few areas that could use a little help, but all in all it’s a pretty good site.. I met 3 people on here and all 3 were actually great.”
#10 - Hinge (Android; iOS) is one of the best Portland dating apps for younger people
Hinge is a great app that has a great motto: “the app that’s made to be deleted.” That’s because they’re so confident that you’ll find someone on Hinge that will make you want to do away with dating apps forever. Add to that a fun user-centric experience (a mix of swiping and interacting) and you’ve got one of the most popular apps for younger singles in Portland!
What makes Hinge great
- They have a research division dedicated to figuring out what makes great matches
- The app is designed very well
- Their user base is composed mainly of younger people who want something real
What we don't like
- The app has a rating of 3.5 (on Android)
- The “discover” feed doesn’t always work well
What Other People Are Saying About Hinge
SimicSlaw - Apple Store
“I really like their profile style. It works well, makes it easier to start conversations and share things about yourself, and also makes it easier to gauge someone else’s profile.”
The Best Dating Sites in Portland for Long-Term Relationships
Choosing the best dating app for you is much easier if you know what you’re looking for in a partner. So, if you’re after something serious, here are two of our favorite dating apps for you to try:
eHarmony is the best place to find a meaningful relationship
eHarmony is one of the most well-known dating sites on the market as it’s been around since 2000. Since its inception, it’s helped over 600,000 people in the United States alone get married, so the site has a good track record. Its success is largely thanks to the in-depth questionnaire that all users complete when they sign up.
The questionnaire asks you about your interests, lifestyle, and preferences in a partner to match you with someone you may actually be compatible with. Since you have common ground, it’s much easier to start a conversation so you can get straight to planning a date. This method for matching also saves you plenty of time.
Zoosk is full of young people looking for love
Since eHarmony is a paid dating site, you may be looking for a more affordable option for finding love. Zoosk is a great alternative as there are over 40 million users worldwide, making it easy to find a Portland local you can connect with. Most users are around 18 to 25 years old, making it a great option for young people.
The Best Hookup Sites in Portland
If a long-term relationship isn’t what you’re after, don’t worry. There are plenty of other dating apps you can try. Here are two of the best Portland hookup sites:
AFF is one of the best Portland hookup sites
AFF is the largest hookup site on the market. Thanks to its size and clear marketing as a hookup site, plenty of users have found success on it. Since all members know what the site is for, there’s no need for any awkward conversations about your intentions.
AFF is a paid dating site with a free trial, which can put some people off but think of it as an investment. Membership gives you access to high-quality matches and fun features like erotic stories, adult chatrooms, and live webcam shows. You can try AFF for free first to test the waters before committing.
Tinder is the best free hookup site in Portland
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Tinder is the best free hookup site in Portland. It’s not advertised as a hookup site but it’s what most people use it for nowadays. The app is heavily focused on appearance, so choose your hottest pictures to attract matches. When you’re ready, start swiping for matches. Swipe right if you’re interested and left if you want to move on.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Portland
Since we’ve talked about a mix of paid and free dating sites, you may be unsure about which one is the best option for you. While free dating apps are fun, they don’t offer the same results that paid ones do.
Paid dating apps offer better features, high-quality matches, and increased commitment from users. Plenty of singles, ourselves included, have had much better luck on paid dating apps.
If you’re not ready to pay for a dating membership just yet, take advantage of a free trial or free app first to test the waters. This is a great way to discover what features you like in a low-pressure way. Just don’t expect too much from the experience.
Here are three of the best free dating sites in Portland:
- Hinge
- Bumble
- OkCupid
All three apps are free to use with the option to pay for additional features like super likes and knowing who liked you so you can discover what you’re looking for in a paid app.
How To Stay Safe On Dating Apps In Portland
Oregon residents lost more than $10 million to romance scams in the first ten months of 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. These are scenarios where scammers pretend to be a love interest, then manufacture reasons to borrow money, which they really have no intention of paying back.
These tips should help you avoid being caught up in such a tragic situation.
- Look for verified profiles. These are the most reliable sign that you’re online beau is using their own photos.
- Conduct some extra research on your own matches. Add your matches on social media. Do a reverse image search on their photos. Arrange a video call before agreeing to meet them. These will help you gain a better idea if this person is representing themselves accurately on the dating app.
- Beware of love-bombing. Romance scammers often try to overwhelm their victims with loving sentiments soon after matching with them on a dating app. They will almost always have a plausible reason why they can’t meet you in the real world for a while.
- Don’t give money to online strangers. Set this rule for yourself and you’ll ensure an online scammer doesn’t get away with your funds. “If a ‘love interest’ asks you for money, that’s a scam,” says Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. “Do not send a prepaid gift card; do not wire money; and do not send cryptocurrency to someone you met online.”
- Follow your gut. Romance scammers are experts at using fake personas to build online bonds, but you should be able to see through their lies when you follow your gut feeling. In many cases, victims get stung because they ignore their initial doubts. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dating Sites in Portland
Is Portland good for singles?
Portland is a great city to live as a single guy who’s looking to play the field.
OKCupid recently named it as the city with the highest percentage of users looking for casual sex on its platform. It was also named the U.S kink capital following a study by kink.com to find the city with the highest percentage of locals belonging to a fetish community. What’s more, Census data suggests that 59% of Portland residents are single and there’s a 100:156 male to female ratio among straight college-educated 20-somethings.
“By all accounts, meeting singles in Portland is actually pretty easy,” confirms local blogger Matt Seymour. “The dating pool is huge, so running into a few singles anywhere you go isn’t much of a problem.”
Is there a hook-up culture in Portland?
Portland has a surplus of young single women and the kink community is very well represented in this city. So, it might be no surprise to hear that hook-up culture is rife here.
“Portland is (or at least was) a place for misfits and weirdos,” says sex educator Amory Jane. “We’re more accepting of folks doing things outside the norm.”
“In Portland you've got to throw out the old dating rules,” adds local blogger Drew Tyson. “In PDX we like to keep things like our food -- organic”.
Traditionally, those looking for serious relationships in Portland would have better luck during the cold winter months. However, in a survey conducted by Bumble, 52% of Portland residents said they believed ‘cuffing season’ was an outdated narrative.
“The conversation is shifting to support the idea that singles shouldn’t hold themselves to an arbitrary timeline – which often results in lowering one’s standards in order to find a match,” says Shane Boodram, Bumble spokesperson. “People are no longer in a rush to trade in typical summertime socializing behind to “cuff” themselves to just one person.”
Is it expensive to date in Portland?
What is the most popular dating app in Portland Oregon?
The most popular dating app in Portland Oregon is Tinder, but that doesn't mean that it's the most effective one. We recommend you try eHarmony or AFF if you're looking for something casual rather than a relationship.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
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Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
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