While Philly has a sizeable single population, you might not be able to meet the ones you’re compatible with. Plenty of singles are either too busy to go out or they prefer to meet people through the comfort of an app. So which are the best Philadelphia dating sites and apps that will help you find a date ASAP? If you’re in a rush (like most people in Philly), here’s a quick summary:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
There are roughly 366 million people using them across the world according to Statista, but Pew Research data suggests that only 42% of users say their dating life has become easier as a result.
Well, we’d say it’s still worth the hassle if you choose the right app; just think of how much BS it cuts through. There are more than 1.5 million people in Philly according to the latest Census. Instead of having to go through the entire dating pool of your local area (or the entire state of Pennsylvania) trying to find ‘the one’, you’re instead literally presented with people who like and do the same things as you. No more awkward bar conversations and no more awkward dates if you use the best dating sites in Philadelphia.
“Online dating is the fastest way to connect with viable dates in your area,” says datingadvice.com writer Amber Brooks. “The simple search and matching tools put you in contact with tons of people you may never have met otherwise.”
Dating apps have become even more useful post-pandemic as people may still be hesitant to go out and about in Philadelphia. I know dating apps work because I’ve literally done the research. I’m a dating expert with plenty of experience testing various dating apps in Philadelphia and throughout the United States.
There are around 2,500 dating apps available in the U.S these days, according to figures gathered by Forbes. While I haven’t been through all of them, I can confidently suggest nine of the best apps that can get you same great results.
“A Philadelphian is always the life of the party,” says dating writer Spencer McKee. “Put a ton of them in the same room and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.”
I can’t help but agree. It’s time you got out there and met more of them. If you’re not having luck with online dating, it’s time to tweak your profile and ditch the dating apps that aren’t working for you.
“What’s the Einstein quote?” says matchmaker Molly Weinberg. “Imagine doing the same thing all the time and expecting a different result? That’s essentially what’s happening on dating apps.”
With that in mind, here are our picks for the best Philadelphia dating sites.
How We Picked the Best Philadelphia Dating Apps and Sites
The thing with finding dates in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- 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 - Christian Mingle is the best dating site for religious singles in Philadelphia
Christian Mingle is the best place for Christians to meet like-minded partners. Talking about religion can often be awkward and taboo, but on Christian Mingle, it doesn’t have to be. Everyone on the site is a practicing Christian, typically looking for serious relationships.
Christian Mingle sends you daily match recommendations based on the information you include in your bio. You can also browse through profiles on your own to find your perfect match.
Why Christian Mingle is a great dating site
- Large dating pool of over 15 million users
- Almost an equal amount of male and female users
- Easily find people who practice the same religion as you
Why Christian Mingle may not be for you
- If you aren’t Christian, try another app
- Paid membership can be a little expensive
What Other People Are Saying About Christian Mingle
Joe Bennett - Google Play
“I am now a happily married man thanks to this app. No but really, I met the most incredible young woman on here just over a year ago, and two days ago made her mine forever.”
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best dating site in Philadelphia for long-term
eHarmony is the site that everyone has heard about and most of us know couples that met using it, even if they keep that little fact under wraps. The reason this site is still around and incredibly popular in Philly is that it works! We haven't found an easier way to find long-term relationships yet.
Why it works is pretty simple; tons of Philly locals using it and a proven system that actually delivers on its promises. In fact, 70% of users find their eventual spouse within a year of using it. 70%! How crazy is that? No other app or site comes close to that.
Instead of forcing you to scroll through hundreds of profiles a day they make your life easy. They find out what you're looking for in detail and match you up with people that match that. Crazy idea right? It saves so much time and has led to 75% of all marriages that begin online (another crazy success stat).
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 really looking for someone compatible for something real this is your best bet in Philly.
Why we love eHarmony:
- The absolute best way to find compatible singles
- Insane success rates compared to any other app
- Your matches are based on your personality and preferences
Why it might not be for you:
- They pick the matches for you so you don’t have a ton of influence on the process
- It takes a little time to really get cooking
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. No auto renewals without reminders and consent.”
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 - heybaby (iOS) is for parents or those who want kids
Heybaby was created for singles who have or want kids. It might seem silly to some, but if you fit into this category, “silly” couldn’t possibly accurately describe this app. Dating as a single parent can be really, really difficult. Heybaby makes sure to match you only with people who understand the struggle or are at least open to dating a single parent.
Why heybaby is one of the best dating sites in Philadelphia:
- It’s specifically created for single parents
- The app runs smoothly
- It has a great rating of 4.4 stars
Why heybaby is “meh” in Philadelphia:
- It isn’t available on Android
- It doesn’t have a huge userbase
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 best hookup app in Philadelphia
AFF is the best hookup site in Philadelphia, especially if you're not having a lot of luck on Tinder. While Tinder is turning into just another dating app these days AFF is sticking to its roots. Nothing else can compete right now.
Where AFF really shines is that a ton of people in Philly are on it and they're all focused on one thing, fun in bed. This is not about long-term relationships at all. When you have 60 million active members, a lot of whom are in Philly, with the same goal in mind you're going to have a lot of options.
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.
If you're just looking for something casual check out their free trial below. It's easy to use and a much better experience than Tinder, especially for guys.
Why AFF is seriously one of the best dating sites in Philadelphia:
- Where single guys have been getting the best results in Philly
- Huge number of local users (and a lot of tourists who use it)
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it:
- Many users can only access via web app
- They need better ads
- We don’t like the design much
What Other People Are Saying About AFF
Mike T - SiteJabber
“I enjoy my membership with AFF as much as I do it with couple other sites I use to have a guaranteed success. But guys, stop complaining that there are so many fake members on the site! Yes, dating industry is suffering from Nigerian scam and cam girls. Keep your mind clear and don't send any money to the members of the site. None of real members would ask money from you. And if hot looking girls inviting your to another site to have a private chat - report them straight away!”
#5 - Hinge (Android; iOS) is among the best Philadelphia dating sites for not-so-serious dating
Hinge was built for those who’re looking for something serious but still want it to be easy. It’s for the people in between ultra-serious and sort of serious. By this, the app has all the fun of Tinder and the seriousness of eHarmony.
You start off with a profile with all your best photos and some info. Hinge then gives you a list of fun questions to answer so that your potential matches can get a glimpse of your personality. Once done, you can then “like” different parts of a potential match’s profile and you can start a conversation from there. This simple method is actually pretty good at helping singles open up and start chatting. Many ex-singles would agree that Hinge is one of the best dating sites in Philadelphia today.
Why Hinge works:
- The profiles are super fun
- There’s no lack of users
- It has an amazing rating of 4.5 stars – better than almost any other dating app
Why it’s not our favorite:
- Customer support isn’t the greatest
- There’s the odd fake profile
What Other People Are Saying About Hinge
Matthew Hale - Google Play
“Incredible app. It doesn't make me feel like an object (tinder). Does make it easy to talk to people (prompts). I have met people IRL from this app and they are sound.”
#6 - Bumble (Android; iOS) is for finding dates, career development and friendship
Bumble is an amazing 3-in-1 dating app. They offer dating (obviously), professional development (networking) and a BFF option. The app is mainly for casual dating, but you can find people looking for something serious too.
Sure, other apps do this too, but what sets Bumble apart? Well, it’s how the conversations start. When you find a match, it’s the woman who starts the conversation. This helps keep the women on the app as it helps them avoid creeps who start off a conversation with a dumb line.
Why Bumble is among the best Philadelphia dating sites:
- It’s a 3-in-1 package (career, friends and dating)
- It has a significant userbase
- Women message first
What we don’t like about it:
- Paid version can be frustrating because it doesn’t add that much
- Women have to message first
What Other People Are Saying About Bumble
Stephen Umejiuba - Google Play
“i love the app 🥰 it's very understanding and happy to use. though I haven't found my missing ribs yet. but I believe soon I will.”
#7 - Zoosk (Android; iOS) is one of our favorite dating sites in Philadelphia
Zoosk is a great general app for anyone in Philadelphia, regardless of what you’re looking for. With over 35 million members, there are plenty of people looking for hookups, casual relationships, or long-term partners.
Profiles are fairly detailed with information about people’s personal stories, what they want in a partner, and their ideal date. You can even search for users based on your preferences, so finding your perfect match is easy.
Why Zoosk is a great dating app in Philadelphia:
- Massive dating pool of over 35 million members
- There’s a balance between men and women on the app
- You can also access Zoosk on desktop
Why Zoosk isn’t everyone’s top choice in Philadelphia:
- The free features are limited
- If you’re using the free version, there are advertisements
What Other People Are Saying About Zoosk
Candy - Google Play
“Easy to message someone. Less ads than other apps. Let's have the option to pay $19 to see your matches. Not too far away. Best dating app.”
#8 - Jdate (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Philadelphia for Jewish people
Jdate is exclusively for Jewish people, and it works great! Jdate has been around for a long, long time. They’re one of the premiere group-specific dating sites. The company that owns it also has acquired apps and sites such as EliteSingles. So it’s safe to say they know how to match people even if the dating pool isn’t that huge.
Why Jdate is one of the best dating sites in Philadelphia:
- It’s one of the best dating sites in Philadelphia for Jewish people
- It’s been around for a long time
- The profiles tend to be extremely rich in content
Why Jdate is “meh”:
- If you don’t happen to be Jewish, skip this one
- The site works better than the app
What Other People Are Saying About JDate
Harrison “Tingleynuts” OConnell - Google Play
“Absolutely wonderful to interact with ethically sound, articulate and gorgeous women. A true diamond in a sea of disappointing experiences.”
#9 - Raya (iOS) is for the social-famous
Raya was specifically designed to help IG famous people meet: the absolute minimum followers necessary for access to the app is 5000. And they state that it is most optimal if you have 250,000+ followers. So, yeah - it’s probably not for the majority of people. With that being said, it’s great for those who do fit into this category. If you’re rich, famous or both, Raya might be one of the best dating apps in Philadelphia for you!
Why Raya works:
- It has a great selection of verified people to choose from
- They offer career development features as well
- They have a great rating of 4.5 stars
Why it might not be for you:
- You need a minimum of 5000 followers
- You can’t be on the app without paying
What Other People Are Saying About Raya
Onantiad - Apple Store
“Traditional dating apps don’t work for me. I kept running into people that felt either threatened by my success or were aggressively trying to take advantage of it. I feel safe in this space.”
The Best Dating Sites in Philadelphia for Long-Term Relationships
Although we’ve covered 11 great dating apps in detail, there are a few more worth mentioning and a few worth a second shoutout. Here are some of the best options for those looking for a long-term relationship:
eHarmony is the best place to find a lifelong partner
eHarmony is consistently thought of as one of the best sites to find long-term partners, which is why we had to include it in this article twice. The signup process can be daunting as you need to fill out an in-depth questionnaire about your preferences, interests, and goals, but it’s worth it.
Once you fill out the questionnaire, eHarmony can recommend people they think you might be compatible with based on your answers, saving you from endlessly swiping left or right all day. If you’re interested in a long-term relationship, try eHarmony.
Hily can help you find your perfect match
Hily requires users to complete a compatibility quiz when they sign up, helping them match users with people they actually have something in common with. Once you match with someone, you can share videos, do live streams or video chat safely on the app to get to know one another.
With over 22.5 million users on the app and 2 million likes a day, the chances are higher that you’ll find your perfect match on Hily.
The Best Hookup Sites in Philadelphia
Not everyone is on dating apps to find a long-term partner and that’s okay. There are plenty of apps specifically for people looking for hookups and casual relationships. Here are some of the best casual dating sites in Philadelphia:
AFF is the best hookup site in Philadelphia
Although we’ve talked about AFF already, it deserves a second mention. Everyone is on the app for the same reason: to hook up, so you can avoid the awkward age-old question, “So what are you looking for on here?”
Instead, focus on finding hot singles you can have a good time with. And with over 80 million members on AFF, we’re sure you’ll find someone.
Hinge is the place for one night stands
Hinge is another one of the best Philadelphia hookup sites. It’s also free, so you won’t need to invest too much time or money into finding a hookup. You can easily find local Philly residents on Hinge as the app shows you potential matches based on distance. While it used to be a popular app for finding relationships, it’s now gaining popularity as a hookup app. So what are you waiting for?
The Best Free Dating Sites in Philadelphia
With dating apps, just like with most things in life, you get what you pay for. While free versions of apps and sites can be fun, they often have limited features, making it more challenging to meet someone.
Many singles, including us, have more success with paid apps and sites, making it a good investment for your future. Consider using free sites or trials to test the waters and get familiar with how dating apps work, but don’t expect crazy results.
Here are some of the best free dating sites in Philadelphia to help you get started:
- Bumble
- OkCupid
- Hinge
These apps have a great free platform with the option to pay for additional features you can have your cake and eat it too.
Using Tinder in Philadelphia
Although Tinder in Philadelphia is one of the most popular dating sites, it may not work for everyone. Tinder’s main focus is pictures as bios are optional and users that do have them only include a sentence or two. Because of this, it can be hard for average-looking people to get noticed, especially men since there are more men than women on the app.
If you’re a great-looking man, you may have some success on Tinder. Otherwise, stick to one of our other app suggestions.
How to stay safe on dating apps in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania residents lost around $14.4 million to online romance scams in 2022, according to data gathered by Social Catfish. The following tips will protect you from falling victim to this scam.
- Take steps to check for catfish. Romance scammers tend to create super-attractive fake profiles rather than use their own photos. Look for verified profiles, complete a reverse image search or ask for a video call if you feel suspicious.
- Know the warning signs. If they say they can’t meet you in the real world or even jump on a video call for a while, that should be a warning sign. In spite of this, online romance scammers will often declare their love for you very quickly. “You go from one text to three weeks later or three random texts that they love you, or they want to know more about your family,” explains experienced matchmaker Lisa Galos. “They're taking all your information and kind of calculating how much money you have.”
- Don’t send money to online strangers. After building an online relationship, the scammers will make up a reason why they need to borrow money. “They want to groom you for a little while, and build that ultimate trust, just between the two people," explained Joyce Petrowski, founder of the elderly safeguarding charity R.O.S.E. "Then, all of a sudden, it's ‘I need money for this, I need moeny for this,’ and there are never-ending excuses." It’s up to you to be strong enough to refuse this request.
- Use your head, not your heart. It can be very emotionally moving when a seemingly perfect person contacts you online and begins to spark this relationship. The truth is: you should be able to spot the signs of a romance scam quickly when you keep your logical head on. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Frequently Asked Questions on Philadelphia Dating Sites
Is Philadelphia good for singles?
Philadelphia was ranked as the 13th best U.S city for dating following a nationwide study by Apartment List. There are 1.5 million people with a ratio of 86 men to 100 women according to Census data. Apartment List puts Philly in the top 10 cities for percentage of single residents as well.
Not everyone is happy with the local dating scene though.
“ Philly is not an easy city to date in,” says local dating writer Marielle Mondon. “It quickly starts to feel very small.”
This is where it becomes important to choose the right dating apps.
Which dating app works well in the Philly area?
Zoosk is a pretty good option in Philly. It has a lot of users and is relatively new compared to things like Tinder and Bumble, so people there are a bit more serious about both hookups and relationships.
What is the most popular dating site in Philadelphia?
The most popular dating app in Pennsylvania is DOWN according to research by datingnews.com, but we’ve had better luck with the likes of Adult Friend Finder and EHarmony.
Is it expensive to date in Philadelphia?
When The Black Tux blog recently measured the cost of an average date in 50 major U.S cities, Philadelphia ranked as 12th most expensive. You can expect to pay more than the average American when wooing a woman here, according to this study at least.
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Kassutto, M. (2022) Done with dating apps, some Philadelphians turn to Facebook groups for a more personal connection. Billy Penn.
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Majaski, C. (2019) Philadelphia has way more women than men. Ask Men.
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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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