There are some great dating app options out there. Whether you’re a busy professional or a college student at UW or Seattle U, using the right app can help you weed through the crowded, sometimes messy dating field. That said, it is far too easy to pick one that looks great only to wind up with one that will do little more than waste your time and money. If you’re worried about choosing the wrong app — the one that will bring you unwanted results — don’t be. Here’s a quick list of the Seattle dating apps that have worked for dating experts and regular guys alike:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
Some 30% of Americans have tried online dating, according to Pew Research, and this trend has proved especially popular in large cities like Seattle.
Dating apps have become a useful tool in the city where the ‘Seattle Freeze’ sometimes makes it difficult to meet women in the real world.
“Online dating allows you to find people nearby who are compatible with you so you can start a conversation without feeling forced,” explains Jerry Miller of the Farmers Only dating app. “Meeting online allows you to get to know your match better before committing to an actual date”.
How We Picked the Best Seattle Dating Apps and Sites
The thing with finding dates in Seattle is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the top dating apps in Seattle:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding dates in the city. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--dating experts who have the experience and knowledge necessary to succeed in dating apps.
- Our experts then test each app and site to see how effective it really is. They use common techniques employed by regular people to find dates to see if the average Joe can find a date.
- They then compare and contrast their experiences across different dating sites in the city. The ones that were most helpful in finding them a date would make this list.
#1 – Lovoo is great for Seattle singles on the go (Android; iOS)
Lovoo is one of the fastest-growing dating apps on the market, with more than 70 million members worldwide. Over the past few years, it’s become one of the go-to’s for singles in Seattle thanks to its super quick sign-up process and easy-to-use features.
Lovoo’s main matchmaking feature is called “Play,” a roulette-type of matching system where you can send a heart or pass on the profile. You can also filter members according to your preferences or use the “Radar” feature to see suggestions near your current location. The app is simple to navigate and with the release of Lovoo Live, you can host or watch live video streams for an even more interactive experience.
What makes Lovoo great:
- The app has a high user activity, with over 2 million active users daily
- Connecting with members by sending hearts is free and Lovoo credits toward paid features are easy to earn
- Interactive, easy to use app and features
What we don’t like:
- Profile questions are optional, so some profiles aren’t very detailed
- The search filters are pretty basic
What Other People Are Saying About Lovoo
Suresh K P - Google Maps
”This app has been used to help me find good girls.”
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the only app you need for relationships
eHarmony is one of the dating sites out there that everyone has heard about in Seattle. If you don't know someone who’s met their SO on it, you've undoubtedly seen their commercials (they're everywhere these days).
It's extremely popular with over 33,000,000 active users and, in our experience, has been the best performing dating app in Seattle when it comes to finding a real relationship (not just a night of fun). Of course, there are a couple of other options out there that have nearly as many members, but eHarmony makes things so much easier for you.
What really stands out, though, is their success rate locally. They're so good at actually helping people connect after they match you up that 75% of all marriages that start online began with eHarmony. You just don't see success rates like that anywhere else. So if you want a real relationship, this is the app for you. 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!
Why eHarmony is probably the best dating app in Seattle:
- 70% of users meet their future spouse if they use the app for a year
- They are very good at actually finding compatible matches
- It’s extremely popular in Seattle
What we don’t like about it:
- There is a system you have to follow, which can feel a bit constricting at times
- It’s definitely one of those apps where you get out what you put in
What Other People Are Saying About EHarmony
Lee Mahzle - Google Play
“eHarmony has shown me that not only are they a great app for meeting a highly compatible woman, but that the company itself cares about me as a person, not just my wallet. They have truly great customer service.”
#3 - Elite Singles (Android; iOS) is for the smarties out there
Elite Singles is the app specifically for those who put a big value on education. With universities like UW and Seattle U in its borders, it’s no surprise that 37 percent of Seattle residents have college degrees. Not only is that a statistic to be proud of, but it also makes it easier for Seattle grads to find a well-educated date.
If you’re single and looking for someone who has earned a college degree, Elite Singles is your best shot. It’s relatively new to the dating scene but membership is growing quickly, and it’ll save you from sorting through the mass of people on other apps who don’t meet your standards. If you know you want to date a college grad, Elite Singles can quickly help you find the best matches. You might not read about it on SeattlePI, but it really is great!
Why Elite Singles is a great site:
- Does a good job of attracting educated users
- Pretty in-depth profiles and good matching
- You don’t have to filter out a lot of people who don’t match your ambition
What we don’t like about it:
- Still pretty new with a smaller but growing userbase
- Kinda feels like a smaller eHarmony
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”
#4 - AFF actually makes finding a fling easy
AFF is what so many apps in Seattle try to be. An app that actually makes it easy for people (even guys who aren't great looking) to find a little fun in bed. There are so many bad apps out there it can be super frustrating.
AFF is one of those rare apps that actually has a lot of users (over 50 million) but still kind of flies under the radar, probably because it's ALL about finding a quick fling. We've seen more guys find success using it than anywhere else (unless you're super hot, then Tinder is for you). When you want the fun without the commitment, there isn't a better option right now. Check out their free trial with the link above.
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 AFF works so well:
- A huge number of active users in the Seattle area
- Gets right to the point without going through weeks of messaging
- Everyone on this site is there for the same thing, so nobody is pretending
What we don’t like about it:
- Not a big fan of the overall site design
- You have to signup through the website, not the app
What Other People Are Saying About AFF
U/naughtynjvixen - Reddit
“My wife has been seeing her current lover for 3 years and she connected with him on AFF. Also connected with a few others from AFF.”
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) is great for the younger, hotter crowd
Tinder is the dating app everyone knows but only a select group actually like. Most often used by singles looking for quick fun, it’s an effective tool for finding some casual fun. So when you're looking at the solid dating apps out there that are free for adults, you should check it out.
While Tinder can be a great way to find a quick romp, it does take a bit of effort for guys to land a date unless they have a really eye-catching profile photo. Women are propositioned non-stop on Tinder, so if your picture doesn’t make an impression, you’ll have a pretty hard time standing out from the other men barraging women with messages.
Tinder, admittedly, is a great way for a woman to boost her ego but it’s unlikely she’ll find a man looking for more than a fling. That’s because men who are popular with the ladies use Tinder as a way to score some action on nights that they don’t have a date. So if you are not interested in keeping it casual, you’d be better off looking somewhere else.
Why Tinder is worth trying:
- Very popular with the younger crowd
- Very effective if you’re young and hot
- Easy to use (almost a game)
What we don’t like about it:
- Lots of women just looking for an ego boost
- Plenty of guys end up striking out completely
What Other People Are Saying About Tinder
Guillermo Zaandam - Google Play
“Good app, cool matches, the changes that app has made are great.”
#6 - Zoosk is the best app for younger Seattle singles (Android; iOS)
With over 35 million members and 30 million new downloads each day, Zoosk is easily one of the most popular options for Seattle singles right now. It’s currently the #1 dating app on the App Store, and with so many active users, you’re bound to find someone you really connect with.
Zoosk was originally built as a Facebook app and it retained a lot of its social media inspiration. Thanks to the app’s social media feel, the interface is intuitive and perfect for younger singles. With over three million messages sent over the platform every day, it’s perfect for young college singles looking for a real relationship without resorting to Tinder.
Most Zoosk members are between 18 and 24 years old, with a nearly even ratio of male and female users. However, even with such a large user base, finding and connecting with the right people is easy with the app’s SmartPicks matchmaking technology. It analyzes your behavior while using the site and helps you find the most compatible matches, saving you lots of time in the long run.
Why we love Zoosk:
- Its SmartPicks technology makes finding quality matches easier than ever
- Perfect for singles between 18 and early-20s who want a real relationship without having to deal with Tinder
- The interface is easy to use and feels familiar
What could be better:
- Singles older than their mid-20s probably won’t have much luck on here
- No member screening, so you’ll have to deal with some bots and spammy accounts
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.”
#7 - OkCupid (Android; iOS) is the best Seattle dating app to practice on
OkCupid is the largest and most popular free dating app in Seattle. It's been around for a long time and is often the first app that people try when dipping their toes in the online dating pool. As a result, it's a great place to get acclimated but not known for getting the best results.
There are a fair number of quality people using OkCupid, but the response rates are low and there are a lot of abandoned profiles. We really like it when we're trying out new opening lines or profiles since it's a free way to test things out.
If you want to get the most for your time, there are better options out there, though.
Why OkCupid is a great dating app in Seattle:
- Lots of users and a free platform
- Good environment to try new things out
- There are some fun quizzes and matching options
What we don’t like about it:
- Response rates are really low and there are a lot of abandoned profiles
- As a free app, it’s super competitive, with lots of thirsty guys messaging every woman they see
What Other People Are Saying About OKCupid
Oliver Ford - Google Play
“The best of the dating apps, in my opinion. Tons of users, tons of swipes, able to send a comment with every like, able to like specific parts of the person's profile, able to change location, able to look around in the global pool, all for free. You can also really customise your profile.”
#8 - Our Time (Android; iOS) is another solid app for those 50+
Our Time is for the significant number of singles in Seattle that fall into the over-50 age group. Finding them, however, is difficult unless you have the right dating app.
If you are in the 50+ crowd in Seattle and are looking to date someone of a similar age, Our Time is perfect for you. Don’t sweat it if you’re not super tech-savvy; Our Time offers a simple sign-up process and is easy to use. Whether you are good with new technology or not, this app will increase your chances of finding you a fantastic date in Seattle.
Why Our Time is worth downloading:
- Only seniors use it so matching is easier
- Easy to use even for the non-technical
- A safe way to meet other singles in Seattle
What we don’t like about it:
- Not as many people using it as other apps
What Other People Are Saying About Our Time
Malcolm Greaves - Google Play
“Decent dating app, but it takes a bit to get used to the different features. There's plenty of local potential suitors to browse through, I was quite impressed.”
The Best Dating Sites in Seattle for Long-Term Relationships
Now that we’ve gone over our top dating sites and apps, we want to give you a few specific recommendations. While some sites are geared toward meaningful relationships, some are for casual dates and hookups. If you’re looking for a real, long-term relationship, not every dating site will do the trick. Here are our top picks for users looking for something long-lasting:
eHarmony is the best site for making meaningful connections
We covered eHarmony in more detail above, but we can’t stress enough how great it is for Seattle singles looking for a long-term relationship. With over 33 million active users, many of whom live in Seattle, it’s one of the most successful dating sites out there. Over 70% of members who use the site find their future spouse within a year.
The sign-up process is super much more in-depth than other sites out there but the lengthier process is worth it. The site takes a lot of the guesswork out by using your answer to determine exactly what you’re looking for in a partner and – better yet – who out there is looking for someone like you.
Zoosk is great for younger Seattle singles looking for real love
Zoosk is the #1 dating app on the app store for a reason! With over 35 million members, you’ll have luck finding a great match no matter what type of relationship you’re looking for. But with that said, Zoosk has proven to be very successful for younger singles between 18 and 24 looking for a genuine, long-term relationship.
Its app is simple and easy to use and Zoosk’s matchmaking algorithm goes a long way toward finding the best, most meaningful matches. While older singles might not be as successful on here, Zoosk is a great option for younger singles who want to avoid the casual hook-up culture of Tinder.
The Best Hookup Sites in Seattle
With so many hookup sites to choose from, figuring out which ones you’ll have success with can be tough. Some Seattle hookup sites are absolute garbage for regular guys, but luckily, a few do actually work. Here are our top picks for the best casual dating sites in Seattle:
AFF is where normal guys can find success
AFF is fully dedicated to one thing: casual dating. There’s no room for miscommunication here, so it’s easy to see why this site is such a popular site for Seattle singles looking for a fling. Also, since AFF isn’t as appearance-focused as other options like Tinder, it’s great for regular dudes who haven’t had a lot of luck elsewhere.
There are a huge number of users active in the Seattle area, so if you’re in the market for some casual fun, start with AFF first. Check out their free trial to see for yourself!
If you’re really hot, Tinder is also an option
Lots of people still think of Tinder as the best free hookup site in Seattle and with tons of people to connect with on there, it’s easy to see why. But did you know that only the top 10% of men on the app get over 80% of the responses from women? It may be unfair, but it’s true. So unless you’re one of the best-looking guys in Seattle, you should try AFF first.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Seattle
Can you find success on a free dating site? You wouldn’t be alone in wondering that. A lot of people are hesitant to spend money on a site that doesn’t guarantee love (or a casual fling, if that’s more your thing), so they gravitate toward free options and get frustrated when they don’t connect with anyone they like.
After trying out over 100 different dating sites and apps, we’ve found that paid sites consistently get much better results. If you’re new to online dating and just want to get familiar with how things work, give a couple of free sites a try. But once you’re ready to get serious, paid sites provide a lot more value.
If you 100% can’t afford to try a paid site right now, here are the best free dating sites in Seattle worth looking at:
- OkCupid
- OurTime
- Tinder
While paid sites tend to offer better results overall, users should manage to find some success using these free solutions.
How To Stay Safe on Dating Apps in Seattle
Americans lose millions of dollars to online romance scams every year, and a study by Social Catfish suggests Washington is among the top 10 most targeted states.
In these scenarios, scammers create fake profiles, build connections with unsuspecting victims, then find plausible reasons to ask them to borrow money.
“The consequences of these scams are often financially and emotionally devastating to victims who rarely get their money back,” says Joseph R. Bonavolonta, FBI special agent. “[They] may not have the ability to recover from the financial loss.”
The following tips will help you to avoid losing money to these heartless dating app users.
- Keep your personal data safe. There’s no reason for other dating app users to know your full name, address or financial details. If users press you for this information, they could be planning some type of identity fraud.
- Look for verified profiles. If your dating app offers profile verification, keep a look-out to see if your matches have verified their profiles. This is the most reliable sign that they are the person in their photos and not a catfish.
- Watch out for love-bombing. This is a term to mean overwhelmed with loving sentiments. Some 70% of dating app users have been ‘love-bombed’ according to a study by ShaneCo, and most said they still considered dating this person. That’s sometimes fine, but you should be aware that love-bombing is a common strategy for romance scammers.
- Arrange a video call. This is an even more reliable way to discover what your online beau really looks like. It can also help you search for real-life chemistry.
- Don’t give money to online strangers. A large study on the behavior of romance scammers suggests they tend to initally ask to borrow small amounts, then ramp up their requests as the relationship deepens. "It starts with a familiarity, sort of like a budding internet relationship,” explains Detective Patrick Altiere, of the Washington County Sheriff's Office. “You start to have feelings for this person, and then it’s like, Hey, I need 20 bucks for this, 30 bucks for that, can you send me some money, can you send me a gift card?"
- Follow your gut feeling. Your natural intuition is normally reliable for sniffing out phoney love interests, whether that’s online or in the real world. The key is to not let your excitement cloud your natural judgement. Remember that if something feels too good to be true, it usually is.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dating Apps in Seattle
Is Seattle good for singles?
Seattle has a population of around 737,000, and it’s the fastest growing big city in the United States ccording to the latest U.S census, while data from WalletHub suggests around half of these are unmarried. So, you’ll never be short of options for people to date in this city.
This city has been notorious for the cold nature of the locals, nicknamed the Seattle Freeze’, but we’ve found that this is somewhat exaggerated.
“The Seattle Freeze is thawing a bit,” says local matchmaker Cora Boyd. “What we know in general is that humans want to connect; it’s one of our most fundamental desires and needs.”
The only major hurdle that we’ve found is the significant gender imbalance. Around 58% of the dating pool is male, according to a study published in Sociological Science. “In Seattle, women - especially older women - are more likely to be in a submarket with roughly equal numbers of men and women, or majority men,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bruch, who authored the study.” However, she did add that “sex ratios shape dating experiences, but they’re not the end-all-be-all.”
Ultimately though, we’ve found that the fun and social men who put themselves out there tend to rise to the top.
“You can’t just sign up for a Meetup group and expect friends in Seattle, nor can you just quickly create a Bumble profile and expect to get dates. Sure, it’s possible but it is not the norm. You are going to have to prioritize it,” dating coach Eddie Hernandez says. “This means going out, talking to strangers, dressing up, learning to improvise conversations, expanding hobbies beyond your comfort zone and learning to make mistakes along the way.”
What is Seattle's most used dating app?
The most used dating app in Seattle is definitely Tinder just because of how popular it is in the city. However, we do recommend that you try AFF and eHarmony as well.
Is there a hook-up culture in Seattle?
Research by Match.com suggests that 75% of Seattle residents are looking for serious relationships. This was the second-highest figure out of all the major cities analysed in the study. Still, we’ve found that there are plenty of great women searching for casual hook-ups too.
Is it expensive to date in Seattle?
Yes, a study by The Black Tux blog ranked Seattle as the fourth most expensive city in the United States for dating.
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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Lin, F. (2022) Woman who lost nearly $140,000 in romance scam also lost trust in people. Katu2 ABC.
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Miller, J. (2021) Dating culture in Texas: How to up your Texas dating game. Farmers Only.
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Senkus, T. (2024) 2024 eHarmony review. Heart Insider.
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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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