To be single in Toronto is to be always on the verge of a new adventure. At least, it is if you’re someone who is willing to put yourself out there and try new things such as Toronto dating apps. This is a city of millions of people with countless ways to spend an evening. Online dating is exceptionally popular in Canada too. Around 2.88 million Canadians are using dating apps, according to market research firm Statista. Data from eHarmony suggests that 36% of Canadians have tried it at some point. They may have used one of our top picks when it comes to dating apps in Toronto:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
So, on any given day, your next adventure may only be a few swipes away. Assuming, that is, you’re using the best dating apps in Toronto.
Unfortunately, that’s not always so easily done. With new sites and apps appearing weekly and hundreds – if not thousands – of existing ones, online dating can be confounding. If you’re a student at UToronto, do you use Tinder or is there a better app? What if you’re looking to date, but you have children? How do you know which sites and apps are right for you?
Simple, you keep reading. As a dating expert who has spent many years online dating in Toronto, I’m excited to present you this list of the best dating apps. This list was created by myself and other team members with knowledge and experience of the best Toronto dating apps. This list has something for everyone, whether you spend your nights in the Entertainment District or out in the suburbs. Good luck out there, and be sure to comment below to let us know which dating sites in Toronto worked for you.
Methodology: How We Test Dating Apps
At Heart Insider, we pride ourselves on providing you with the most detailed and accurate dating app reviews on the internet. All of the apps we review are tested by online dating experts for several weeks using a strict methodology that we apply for every review. This allows us to make comparisons between dating apps and create reliable lists of the best apps.
For every app, our writers endeavor to test out each feature available in the free and paid editions of the app. They engage in reliable procedures to check the app for scams or bots.
From there, they’ll create a profile using the same photos, bio and demographic information, then send messages to 50 suitable women from our vault of tried-and-tested online dating openers. They’ll make a note of how many responses they receive, then engage each of these women in further conversation and try to swap contact details with the intention of meeting for a date.
Although all features of the app and the associated costs are considered, the verdict of our reviews are based on how easy the app makes it to connect with great women.
#1 - AFF is the best hookup app in Toronto
AFF has been the top hookup app in Toronto for a year or two now. Tinder used to be the best but it's more about relationships now and less about more casual fun. AFF is the only big hookup app in Toronto that is actually worth using at this point.
If you're just looking for some casual fun and don't want a long-term commitment AFF should be your first choice. It's also where we've seen guys find the best success since it isn't full of people who just want compliments or attention. Singles actually want to meet up!
Why you should try AFF
- They have a massive number of users on their app (over 60 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
- One of thew most popular dating sites in Toronto
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 Users Say About Adult Friend Finder:
u/Adventure4me2 - Reddit
“I met a couple women who were looking for companionship and a couple others looking for a friend with benefits. Stay classy, use your charm and wit. They want someone who is safe, comfortable and fun. Not always in that order.”
You can also check out our more detailed review of Adult FriendFinder if you want to learn more about this amazing dating site!
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best option for real relationships
eHarmony is extremely popular here and has an amazing track record of helping Toronto locals find long-term partners by using matching algorithms. This Toronto dating site does the best job of matching you up with compatible potential mates that we've seen and consistently delivers.
In fact, 70% of all marriages that begin online started with eHarmony. Those are pretty insane results!
You don't have to scroll for hours. The app does all of the tough work for you. Of course, you might not make a perfect connection outside of the algorithms. Usually, it 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.
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 Toronto
- 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
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 Say 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.”
You can also check out our more detailed review of eHarmony to know exactly why we always recommend this dating app when it comes to long-term relationships.
#3 - EliteSingles (Android, iOS) is an online social scene for educated adults
With a name like EliteSingles, it’s safe to say this dating site isn’t worried about being modest. This is the site for Torontonians who have attained a high level of education and career success. For that reason, most of the users are in their 30s or 40s and have their lives together. Does that describe you? Then you’ll find it refreshing to find so many like-minded people on one site.
If you’ve tried the other dating sites, one thing you’ve probably found is that not everyone shares your drive. That’s fine, of course, everyone has their own path to walk in life. But if you’ve dedicated yourself to professional success, chances are you want someone who appreciates that. Give it a try and find a partner who shares your ambition.
Why Elite Singles is one of the best Toronto dating apps
- The ideal dating site for anyone who puts a high priority on education
- The introductory questionnaire is a useful way to express your personality type
- Easily one of the highest quality dating sites in Toronto for people between 30 and 50
Why you should skip it
- You can’t limit the distance filter to less than 50 miles, which is essentially useless
- There is no free version of the site
What Other People Say About Elite Singles:
Peter Gushue - Google Play
“Easy to use, more refined choices. Excellent screening process. Why didn't I try this site before? Tata Match.”
#4 - OurTime (Android; iOS) has become one of the best dating sites in Toronto for anyone 50+
OurTime is the dating app for people 50 and over who are sick of wasting their time. So much of the dating scene throughout Ontario is all about quick matches and even quicker evenings. If you’re someone who prefers to slow down and get to know someone, this is the site for you.
One of the best things about dating in the second half of your life is there’s far less game-playing. With a user base predominantly made up of people in their 50s and 60s, OurTime helps you create real connections. Whether you’re starting over after a long-term relationship or settling down for the first time, there are options aplenty.
Have you been resisting online dating because you’ve heard horror stories? Let us put your mind at ease. For anyone over 50, OurTime is one of the best dating sites in Toronto.
Why OurTime is a great option
- Most users are over 50, so you’ll find people with whom you have much in common
- You can add a video or audio message to your profile for a more personal touch
- The people on the site are looking for something real and lasting
Why you should give it a pass
- If you’re under 50, you can technically sign up, but there are better options for you
- It’s free to browse, but you’ll want to pay for a subscription for actual results
What Other People Say About OurTime:
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.”
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) remains one of the most popular dating apps for young adults
Tinder was the dating app that introduced the concept of swiping left and right for love. It remains esceptionally popular in Toronto, especially among young adults. Usually, we suggest that you’re better off away from Tinder if you’re over 30, but data from Start.io suggests there are plenty of 30-something using this app in Toronto. Around 40% of users are in the 25-34 age bracket, it says. Meanwhile, 30% are aged between 18-24.
Tinder still has plenty of nay-sayers though. In our experience, you’ll only enjoy great results on this app i you’re in the top 10-20% of handsome men. On top of that, a Stanford Medicine study indicated that around two thirds of Tinder users were already in a relationship. The surprising part is that a big percentage, about half, were not going online to find dates,” said Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Elias Aboujaoude, who led the study. “It becomes an interesting question as to why someone would spend all this time on a dating app if they’re not interested in finding a date.”
I can answer that one for him. It’s well-known that many women are only on the app for validation and boredom relief. With that said, it has a generous free edition, so you won’t lose anything by giving it a try.
Why Tinder is making dating in Toronto better
- There’s a huge user base of young and attractive women.
- Although there’s a paid version, you’ll land a date with the free edition if you’re good-looking.
- Plenty of women are looking for no-strings fun on this app.
What you might not enjoy about it
- Average guys tend to struggle on this app more than most
- There are not so many options if you’re looking for an older woman or a serious relationship.
#6 - Heybaby (iOS) is how single parents re-enter the dating world
Maybe you’re recently coming off of a divorce. Or perhaps you’ve been waiting to get back to dating until your kid was old enough to stay home alone. There are a million reasons why a single parent may be testing the dating waters again. For many, though, the prospect of getting back on the dating scene is terrifying. It doesn’t have to be with Heybaby in your corner.
We’ll go so far as to say Heybaby is the best Toronto dating apps for single parents. It’s just as great if you’re someone who doesn’t have children but hope to have them in the future. This is the app for anyone whose priority is their children – the current ones, or those you’ll have someday. Knowing that everyone on the app understands your priorities takes so much of the pressure off.
Why you should download Heybaby
- You won’t have to avoid (or lie about) the subject of your children
- If having children is on your to-do-soon list, this is one of the first apps you should try
- The users are more serious, so there’s less ghosting and unanswered messages
Why you shouldn’t bother
- If you have no interest in parenthood, there is absolutely no reason to be on this app
- As of now, it’s only available for Apple, so Android single parents are out of luck
What Other People Say About HeyBaby
Zyngaf116 – The App Store
“I would recommend my single friends to this app who are serious daters. It definitely seems like a place to connect with individuals who have or want kids or at least open to the kid/future conversations.”
#7 - Bumble (Android; iOS) is one of the best Toronto dating apps for women
Dating in this city can be exciting and sexy, but it can also be challenging and, yes, scary. Every woman we know has a story of a dating app encounter that went real sour real fast. For any woman who has ever received a too-insistent message from a would-be-suitor, Bumble has come to the rescue. With this free dating site in Toronto, ladies are in control of the interactions.
On the surface, Bumble is not much different from Tinder. You still swipe based mostly on photos and a brief bio. The main difference – and what a difference it is – is that female users must message first to initiate a conversation. Not only does it give ladies more control over their experience, but it also lets men be the pursued for once. Win/win, we say.
Why Bumble is one of the best dating apps in Toronto for women and men
- Women can swipe at their leisure without having to immediately respond to dozens of messages
- The users of both sexes tend to be more serious about real relationships
- For any guy that struggles with finding a good opening line, this app is a relief
Why it could still be better
- For an app ostensibly about serious dating, profiles are still pretty focused on looks
- Women only have 24 hours to message before a match disappears, which isn’t that long
What Other People Say About Bumble
Brandon Muncy - Google Play
“I met my wife on here. I'm not kidding. This app is amazing. Thanks guys!”
#8 - Coffee Meets Bagel (Android, iOS) simplifies online dating
The greatest free dating sites in Toronto take the existing formula and tweak it just enough to add an extra level of success. Like Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel is an app that feels immediately familiar but changes the game enough to stand out. CMB is geared toward ensuring quality matches over quantity. It does this by limiting likes and encouraging quicker in-person meetups.
Guys are given a list of up to 21 “bagels” each day, and they can like them or pass. If you like someone, you have the option to send a message with the like. If the two of you match, you can continue to chat, but there’s a catch. You have seven days to chat via the in-app messenger, and then the match disappears. It’s a great way to ensure neither one of you wastes the other one’s time.
What Coffee Meets Bagel does right
- Helps eliminate the problem of too many choices
- One of the best dating apps in Toronto for women, which is why they actually outnumber men on CMB
- The seven-day chat limit encourages people to actually meet in the real world
- One of the top free dating sites in Toronto
Why it might not be right for you
- If you’re someone who prefers staying mysterious on your profile, you probably won’t get many likes
- The matching criteria is pretty basic so you can’t get very specific
What Other People Say About Coffee Meets Bagel
Rene - Google Play
“I found a special someone on CMB. I am writing this review to recommend CMB to people who are looking for a serious relationship. Stay away if you are looking for casual flings or not ready to commit to a serious relationship.”
#9 - Facebook Dating (Android; iOS) gives you a reason to keep your FB account open
Almost all the best dating sites in Toronto do one thing very well. They create an online space where strangers can really get to know each other. If that sounds a bit like a social networking site, then you’ll understand why we think Facebook Dating is superb. As the only officially dating app created by Facebook, users can learn about each other in detail before meeting.
Everyone is sick of going on a hundred bad dates with essentially complete strangers. With Facebook Dating, you bring over as much of your Facebook info as you want to fill out your profile. In that way, it’s one of the most detail-oriented dating apps we’ve ever tried. Plus, it’s free, which is truly impressive.
And don’t worry: your second cousins throughout Ontario won’t be able to see your dating profile.
Why Facebook Dating is so impressive
- With everyone and their mom on Facebook already, the potential matches are almost limitless
- You’ve already got all the details and photos you could want to include on your main FB account
- It’s definitely one of the best dating apps in Toronto that’s actually 100% free
What we don’t like about it
- The dating features are only available through the Facebook app on your phone
- Lots of 20-year-olds are bypassing Facebook these days, so the dating pool is a bit older
What Other People Say About Facebook Dating
u/itsonlytime11 - Reddit
“I think it’s actually the best software and easy to use plus it’s free. You get to see everyone who likes you and search by interest. I have met a couple people there and every other site over the years.”
How To Safe Using Dating Apps In Toronto
Online dating in Toronto can be fun, but you need to protect yourself too. Around half of dating app users describe the discovery of fake scam accounts as “very common”, according to Pew Research data. Meanwhile, the FBI estimates that some $3.3 billion USD was lost to online romance scams in 2022.
WIth that in mind, here are some tips to help prevent you falling victim to these problems.
- Leave your profile blank for 24 hours. We do this in all of our dating app reviews to test the app for bots. If your blank profile is bombarded with messages, you can be sure that the app is using bots to fool you into using it more.
- Check for verified profiles. Most mainstream dating apps allow users to verify their profiles and prove they are the person in their photos. If you’re suspicious about someone you meet online, ask them to verify their profile. The process is very quick and simple so they should have no reason to deny your request.
- Add your matches on social media. This will help you learn more about them and get a better idea of whether they’re catfishing you. A quick video call before the date is a good for that too.
- Trust your gut. When you sense something is “off” about the person you’re chatting with, you’re usually right. “When it comes to online dating, your instincts are your best friend,” says matchmaker and dating expert Vince Ricco. “If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut and proceed with caution.”
- Never send money to strangers from the internet. No matter how much you think you have a special connection, don’t ever break this rule. Online scammers can fool even the most intelligent people. “These people are very good at recognising opportunities,” says detective chief insepector Gary Miles, who specialises in cybercrime. “The social engineering is quite remarkable.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Apps in Toronto
What dating apps do people use in Toronto?
Toronto singles frequently use Tinder and Bumble. But in our opinion, the most effective dating sites in Toronto are AFF and eHarmony.
Does Tinder work in Toronto?
Yes, but only if you're hot and want to hook up. If you prefer to find a serious relationship, we suggest using eHarmony.
What is the #1 dating app in Toronto?
Our top recommendation for Toronto dating sites is eHarmony if you want a serious relationship and AFF if you want to hook up.
Should I pay for dating apps or use a free version?
There are many dating apps that force users to pay a monthly subscription to be able to message other users. However, many of these aren’t as effective as the free apps that are available.
“It’s really about thinking about what you want to put that money into and doing your research rather than being like ‘I’m going to join Match and pay whatever’,” said Shannon Tebb of Toronto matchmaking service Shanny in the City.
You should focus more on which apps provide proven results, rather than assuming the most expensive apps are the best. Of course, you should also ensure that your profile is up to scratch otherwise you’re unlikely to be excited by your opportunities on any dating app.
“Do you have a good profile? Do you have good photos? If no, I don’t know why you are already joining the membership,” Tebb adds.
Is it easy to meet someone to date in Toronto?
Toronto has been described as a lonely city by many people. Indeed, around 30% of Canadians live in one-person households, which is the highest percentage in the country's history, according to Statistics Canada.
“People aren’t as open to talking to strangers – they tend to keep to themselves,” says Laura Bilotta, manager of matchmaking firm Single in the City. “Men [in Toronto] seem to think women are standoffish and hard to approach. When men do work up the courage to speak to a woman, a lot of the time the women aren’t open to getting to know someone who has approached them out of nowhere.”
“Toronto has always been a tough city for dating,” adds Ashley Magalas of matchmaking company Single and Eligible. “People come here for work and their dream careers and put dating on hold.”
The silver lining is that so many Toronto residents are looking for a companion online. In fact, one in five couples in Canada now meet online, according to data from eHarmony.
How do I get a date in Toronto?
One of the best ways to find a date is to use a Toronto dating site or app like AFF and eHarmony.
What is hookup culture like in Toronto?
Men and women are generally fairly open to hooking up in Toronto. Some 16% of Canadians have had sex with someone they met online, according to eHarmony data.
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
References:
Anderson, M., Vogels, E. & Turner, E. (2020) The virtues and downsides of online dating. Pew Research Center.
Better Business Bureau (2021) BBB risk report: Adults 18-24 were highest scam risk in 2020.
Fletcher, E. (2023) Romance scammers’ favorite lies exposed. Federal trade Commission.
Kitchener City News (2023) Will paying for dating apps make you more likely to find love?
Manzocco, N. (2020) Swiped out: Why Toronto is burned out on online dating. Now Toronto.
eHarmony (2021) 10 online dating statistics you should know.
Senkus, T. (2024) 2024 eHarmony review: Will eHarmony find your perfect match? Heart Insider.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024 — Is this app worth it? Heart Insider.
Statista (2023) Dating services - Canada.
Tang, J., Galbraith, N & Truong, J. (2019) Living alone in Canada. Statistics Canada.
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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