Over the years, technology has changed the way that we communicate and maintain social relationships. The dating scene has changed and flourished to accommodate this transition to on-the-go communication.
Gone are the days of a confined dating pool and trial-and-error dating. Now, no matter where we are, we have access to connections with new people with just the click of a mouse or swipe of a finger. Even the concept of having to go through extended times to find out if they share your interests has been made convenient through questionnaires, filters, and algorithms.
Although there is no shortage of available dating services, some can be unsafe or come with a hefty subscription fee. Fortunately, there are many of these apps that have excellent reputations and features without any costs.
Which Dating Apps Are Best For Canadians?
#1. Zoosk
Zoosk is a tried-and-true dating platform that first launched in 2007. Since then, Zoosk has drawn in a staggering 28.9 million users per month and has yet to stop gaining ground among its competitors. The male to female ratio on this platform is almost completely 50/50, with men making up 48% of members and women making up 52%.
Zoosk apps are available through the Apple, Google Play, and Amazon app stores, as well as having a Facebook-specific add-on application. This platform has spread all over the world, offering services for over 80 countries and in 25 different languages. The apps available are free, including a Zoosk Messenger app for chatting throughout your busy day.
Your dating experience on Zoosk can be personalized using their Behavioural Matchmaking technology to find the right person to fit your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a high-ranking and globally accessible platform that you can use on any device, Zoosk is an ideal match for you.
#2. Eharmony
Arriving at the dating-scene even sooner is eHarmony, which launched in 2000. Currently boasting the title of the #1 trusted dating app, eHarmony is known for the in-depth 32-dimension compatibility algorithm that the creators have continued to hone for match accuracy.
eHarmony recently released a total overhaul that they describe as "groundbreaking" as an attempt to draw in today's millennial crowds after noticing that their user numbers had plateaued. This overhaul seems to have worked well as a strong 40% of users are now in the 18-34 age range. Over 2.3 million messages are sent per week by eHarmony users all around that match up with someone.
This platform has a separate page for Canadians to help introduce you to local matches close to you. eHarmony invites users of all ethnicities, religions, and sexual preferences. Outside of the main website, eHarmony has apps available for both iOS and Android devices.
#3. Match.ca
Next on our list is Match, which began in 1995 and has garnered an excellent reputation as a dating service. Currently, Match boasts a massive 39.7 million users per month, of which 49% are men, and 51% are women.
This platform also includes a Canada-specific page for locals looking to meet up to go on dates nearby. Members who join Match can fill out several free writing sections to express themselves to those viewing their profile, as well as post up to 26 photos, all of which go through a screening process to prevent inappropriate content from being posted.
Match states that their mission is "to help singles find the kind of relationship they're looking for," and they do not discriminate based on ethnicity, sexuality, or personal preferences. The Match app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible no matter which type of phone you own.
#4. Elite Singles
Elite Singles caters explicitly to users that are looking for serious relationships. More than 90% of members at Elite Singles are around the 30+ age range and have obtained a higher education degree, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree. This high rate of educated users has earned Elite Singles a highly esteemed spot among many top lists for dating services.
Elite Singles has around 2 million users per month and the average monthly growth of 173,000 new registrations. Member data shows that male members make up approximately 44% and 56% for women. This platform happens to have originated in Canada and has since spread to more than 20 countries around the world. The website offers French translations for Canadian members who primarily speak French.
If you're wondering how the matchmaking process works, Elite Singles designed a unique algorithm to provide the best matches possible. Daily profile checks take place to maintain a safe and secure environment, so you don't have to worry about speaking with someone fake or inappropriate. The app for this platform is available on the Apple app store and Google Play.
#5. OkCupid
The OkCupid dating service first launched in 2004 and has since blossomed in its reputation and member numbers. The website currently states that there are a staggering 91 million connections made each year, with approximately 60,000 dates made per week
OkCupid offers a set of questions to help you connect with members who share your values and interests, but if you prefer not to answer the questions, then you are free to begin chatting as soon as you complete your profile setup.
OkCupid offers many sections to appeal to different types of members, such as those in the LGBTQ+ community or those with more conservative preferences. Self summaries provide a quick overview of your personality and interests to pique the attention of members that are looking for somebody like you.
If you prefer to be the first to initiate a conversation, there's no need to only adhere to the matchmaking algorithm, unlike some other platforms that will only allow mutual matches to communicate. OkCupid is available on iOS and Android devices. Read our full review of OkCupid!
#6. Bumble
Bumble offers a unique new perspective on dating services by requiring women to make the first move. The creators of Bumble hoped to offer a paradigm shift on gender norms and encourage a kind and respectful environment.
Members can import their information from Facebook for easy account setup, and all photos get verified by staff for safety. Men are not allowed to initiate conversations, but if they don't hear from the member they matched with, the connection is lost. Although they are required to wait for women to make the first move, men have the available option to use their daily 24-hour extend to show their interest and hopes to hear from their match.
Ladies who would like to take control of their dating service experience and choose who they would like to connect with will truly love Bumble.
If you sign up and happen to enjoy the Bumble dating service, the platform also offers Bumble Bizz for career networking and Bumble BFF to make new friends. The Bumble app is available through both the Apple store and Google Play.
#7. BeNaughty
BeNaughty is the perfect dating service if you're looking for a dating experience that can go either way. Maybe you will find love, or maybe you will find someone you want to be naughty with and leave it at that.
BeNaughty understands that not every person is looking for the same type of romance or a serious commitment. There is no shortage of members, with 13.3 million users flocking to BeNaughty per month.
This platform appeals to an almost equal amount of men and women, 48% men and 52% women. There are absolutely no limits based on race, sexuality, or preference.
You can head to the BeNaughty Canada page to find local singles near you, take advantage of the innovative chat rooms, and surf through profiles that can include private photos and videos. Whether you have an Apple iPhone or an Android device, BeNaughty is here for you to start your search for local hookups free of charge.
#8. FriendFinder-X
If you are looking for a 100% casual hookup site, look no further than FriendFinder-X. Not only does this platform cater to singles, but also to couples who have an open relationship or maybe looking to spice things up.
FriendFinder-X allows you to create a profile, add photos and information, and begin looking for local hookups or video chat with interesting members. You can opt to check out the sexy matches you receive or break the ice with someone else who catches your eye.
FriendFinder-X certainly has a broad member base with 1.2 million visitors per month, of which 64% is male, and 36% is female. On top of being a quick site for hookups, FriendFinder-X offers a supportive community that is discreet, does not shame anyone, offers tips and advice, and keeps your experience completely discreet.Member safety and privacy are of the utmost importance to the creators and members of this service.
FriendFinder-X is an excellent place to let loose and is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones for no charge.
#9. MocoSpace
MocoSpace is a dating service and social media platform hybrid that offers a ton of entertaining features to explore. Profile pages for this platform are highly customizable and include public chat rooms, instant messaging, and various games.
MocoSpace prides itself on the strong community atmosphere that it has to offer, which stays busy with an average of 800,000 weekly users. 56% of MocoSpace users are men, while 44% are women, which creates an almost equal balance of members.
This service offers a unique perspective on dating without the division between meeting potential dates and making new friendly connections. You can use your profile feed to find nearby members to strike up a casual conversation or try to spark a romance.
No matter what you're looking for, MocoSpace will provide you with a unique social platform experience. MocoSpace apps are available through the Apple store and Google Play.
#10. Wild
Finally, Wild is a rapidly growing dating platform that first launched in 2016. Within the first year of being released, Wild had gained around 500,000 members and has since continued to gain steam.
Over 65% of Wild users have photos that the staff has verified and approved using a list of requirements to make sure that the member's photo shows them clearly.
If you and another member mutually like each other, you are considered a match and can begin chatting, and only your matches have access to your private photo album. Extensive filters allow you to find members that fit your specific preferences and let them know that you would like to match up with them.
Wild welcomes any sexual preferences with open arms, whether it be straight, bisexual, lesbian, or gay.
The homepage for Wild lists Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver among their most popular member areas, making Canadians a substantial amount of members.
Satisfied users have showered Wild with raving reviews on both the Apple store and Google Play, with a 4.3-star rating on Apple and a 4.4-star rating on Google Play.
The Bottom Line
There is a dating service out there for everyone. Whether you are looking for a serious commitment, a casual hookup, or something in-between, this list has your back.
On top of that, nobody says that you can only try one! The sky is the limit, and you can have access to every sea full of fish at the tip of your finger.
Our number one choice on this list, Zoosk, is a highly-recommended option by both members and dating experts alike and an excellent starting place if you are new to using dating platforms and apps.
Finding pages that offer access to singles in your area helps you fit in-person dates or hookups into your schedule. Best of all, your wallet will stay full. Save that money for new outfits for upcoming dates or to splurge on fun places to go with your new matches. Sign up at Zoosk.