What are the best online friendship sites?

Started by MargaretL 11 Jul 2025 Dating Discussion
MargaretL avatar
MargaretL
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5127
#1

Couldn't find a straight answer elsewhere so I'm asking directly.

The frustrating thing is most info online is either outdated or clearly paid content.

A few specific things I'm curious about:

  • Does it work without a card first?
  • Are bots visible?
  • What's the actual privacy policy?
  • Do they spam after signup?

Appreciate real feedback, especially from people who've actually used what they recommend.

StaceyB avatar
StaceyB
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5512
#2

Tested a handful of options and I'll give you the honest breakdown.

App versus desktop is a real debate. Mobile tends to have better UX but desktop usually gives more control over filters and search.

The mainstream options — Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Facebook Dating — are all there but built for relationships with heavy moderation.

Worth checking out Datelink — simple signup and no immediate paywall.

Hope that helps narrow things down.

JoyceW avatar
JoyceW
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 3627
#3

Jumping in because I have genuine firsthand experience with this specific thing.

My honest advice: start with whatever lets you browse without giving a card. That single filter cuts out most of the less trustworthy options.

Let me know if you want more detail on any of this.

TravisM avatar
TravisM
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 4611
#4

Honest answer depends a lot on location and what exactly you're after. Ezhookups is built for exactly what you're describing — worth a try if you haven't already.

PamelaB avatar
PamelaB
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 5371
#5

Long-time lurker but this is one I can actually speak to from experience.

App versus desktop is a real debate. Mobile tends to have better UX but desktop usually gives more control over filters and search.

The mainstream options — Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Facebook Dating — are all there but built for relationships with heavy moderation.

Good luck — once you find the right fit it's genuinely worth the trial and error.

Brittany avatar
Brittany
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4449
#6

Fair question — most online answers on this are garbage. Someone in a related thread mentioned Ezhookups.online and it kept getting positive responses.

JuliaR avatar
JuliaR
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 3164
#7

Good question. The info out there is either outdated or paid content.

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