Read our full review of Match.
Who it’s for:
While Match is known for finding a long-term partner, its large and diverse user base also includes individuals who are open to other relationship dynamics, including casual hookups. We won’t sugarcoat it — it will certainly be more difficult to find something no-strings-attached on here than if you were looking for a serious relationship.
But, if you belong to a slightly more mature demographic, have some patience, and maybe most importantly, the budget, Match could be a good fit for you.
Why we picked this:
We know Match isn’t the raunchiest place (it’s actually known for its relationship success rate), but its massive user base of over seven million people can’t be ignored. Even if you’re not looking for a long-term relationship like many members, there’s a decent chance you’ll find a ton of users also down for something risqué and casual.
One main difference between Match and most other sites we’ve listed is that Match sees a more diverse age range. Sure, there are large numbers of young people on Match who are probably on Tinder as well, but Match also attracts significantly older, more mature (and probably more experienced in bed) users.
The downside is that it tends to attract these users because it costs a pretty penny, and there’s no functional free version of the site. Still, if you’re at an age where you feel nothing but creepy on Tinder, Match is a nice alternative, especially if you could see a hookup leading to a relationship.
We’ve also seen the Match Group in the news lately for reportedly using misleading tactics to get users to subscribe to its apps’ premium services. In addition to Match, the Match Group now owns popular dating apps, including Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish. In February, Inc. reported that a group of people were suing the company for “employing psychologically manipulative features to ensure they remain on the app perpetually as paying subscribers.” The lawsuit described the apps as addictive, like gambling.