By Oliver Love Powers
We went looking for love in Australia to try and find the best dating apps and websites in Australia. There surely is a lot out there! Swiping, scrolling, messaging, ghosting – it’s a jungle!
Some folks want long-term relationships and others just want someone to laugh with on a Tuesday night. Many others are not even yet sure what they want, but the volume of people using online dating tells us that online dating has become very popular.
In this article we explore the top dating platforms for Australia and tell you about the pros and cons. Some apps impressed us. Some didn’t.
Online dating can feel overwhelming with so many choices and so many promises. But hey, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re chasing, romance, something casual, or just a friendly chat, there’s an online dating platform out there for you.
Here’s our list. Carefully picked and honestly reviewed.
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eHarmony
I was tired of swiping left, right, and upside down, hoping the next match wouldn’t ghost me after a feeble attempt of trying to get a great response out of an extremely attractive woman. That’s when I stumbled onto eHarmony. Instead of using crystal balls and tarot cards to find your matches, they use science. The real-deal psychology stuff!
They kicked things off with a personality quiz. To be honest, it felt more like a self-discovery adventure than anything else. I answered a bunch of questions about what makes me tick. My values, my quirks, even how I handle stress.
Then the magic happened. Instead of throwing random profiles my way, eHarmony actually matched me with people who seemed a great fit. We’re talking deep stuff – values, lifestyle, long-term vibes, the works!
Pros:
- Compatibility-based matching – uses a comprehensive personality questionnaire to match individuals.
- eHarmony profiles are detailed, allowing you to learn more about potential matches before initiating contact.
- Provides suggested conversation starters and prompts to help break the ice.
- eHarmony is one of the oldest and most reputable online dating platforms. Hands down one of the best dating Sites in Australia.
Cons:
- Lengthy sign-up process
- Limited control over search options – less control over manual searches
- Higher cost – relatively expensive compared to other platforms
- Less emphasis on casual dating – focused primarily on long-term relationships
RSVP
I’m sitting on my couch, in pajamas, holding a mug of something warm, thinking, “It must be the right time to find someone who won’t vanish after three messages.” That’s when I signed up for RSVP.
I believe RSVP is kind of a big deal here in Australia. It’s been around forever, trusted by heaps of singles. It also seems to be really easy to use. No weird menus. No confusing buttons. Just a clean, simple setup that even my nan could navigate. (And she still calls her iPad “the Facebook.”)
Scrolling through profiles is like scrolling through a trendy catalog. The best bit? The filters. So many filters. I could search for someone who lived nearby, loved sushi, didn’t smoke, and wasn’t afraid of commitment. I mean, it felt like ordering a girlfriend with extra personality and a side of common interests.
The crowd on RSVP? People from all walks of life – adventurers, bookworms, plant parents, dog parents, and even a few cat-wranglers like me. RSVP offers a great platform for various types of relationships.
Pros:
- RSVP is one of Australia’s largest and most popular dating sites.
- Advanced search options.
Cons:
- RSVP offers free basic membership but some key features require a paid subscription.
- Limited profile information.
EliteSingles
I’m thinking, “Where are all the smart, ambitious people hiding?” That’s when I stumbled across EliteSingles.
This place is for folks who actually read past the headline in an article. People with goals. Big dreams. A love for deep conversations… and maybe a slightly concerning number of degrees.
What caught my interest? They’ve got this algorithm that digs into your personality, your career dreams, even what kind of future you’re after.
According to EliteSingles, they actually verify users. My advice: It’s not a guarantee against fake profiles and exercising caution should always be the first priority on any online dating platform.
If you’re on the hunt for someone who knows the difference between “your” and “you’re” – EliteSingles might just be your new favorite corner of the Internet.
Pros:
- Targeted towards educated professionals
- Uses a unique matchmaking algorithm that takes into account factors like personality traits, career aspirations, and relationship goals
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other platforms
- Lengthy sign-up process
- Limited user base in certain areas
Tinder
I believe Tinder is hailed as a lightning bolt in the world of dating apps. One minute I was filling out long questionnaires, and the next, I was swiping like a caffeinated raccoon on a touchscreen. Swiped right if I liked the vibe. Swiped left if I didn’t. Pretty simple if you ask me.
And when someone swiped right on me too? The magic happened! A match! Suddenly, we could chat! There was flirting. Sometimes there was ghosting and it was handled politely like modern-day cowards would on a typical dating site. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure.
Honestly, it felt more like window shopping for personalities than traditional dating. With so many people on there, especially younger folks, it’s great for testing the waters. No pressure. Just possibilities. Like a digital playground for the romantically curious.
Pros:
- Large user base.
- Geolocation featured to connect with users in your immediate vicinity.
- Ease of use.
Cons:
- Matches are primarily based on physical appearance, which may overlook other compatibility aspects.
- Limited profile information – profile presentations are relatively minimalistic.
- Highly competitive, particularly for male users.
- Has a reputation for casual dating and hookups that may attract individuals looking for more casual connections.
Bumble
So, I downloaded Bumble after a mate told me it wasn’t the usual dating circus. I was skeptical. Another app? More swiping into the void!#? But then he said something interesting: “Dude, the women message first.”
If you match with a woman, she decides if the conversation is going to happen. I must confess, I kind of like that. It takes the pressure off. No scrambling to think of a clever one-liner while panic-Googling “how to be interesting.”
Sometimes I match, but not getting a message is not a rejection – it’s just part of the deal. And honestly, it filters out the chaos. When someone does reach out, it feels like they actually want to talk.
Honestly, the whole women-initiate-contact thing on Bumble has been a real shift. It respects boundaries. Gives women the wheel. And for guys like me? It’s a chance to show up, be decent, and maybe meet someone who makes your phone buzz for all the right reasons.
Pros:
- Puts women in control by allowing them to initiate conversations.
- There is a time limit for initiating conversations, encouraging users to be more proactive and responsive.
- Photo verification that improves online dating safety.
Cons:
- Bumble’s women-first approach means that men have less control over initiating conversations.
- Limited profile descriptions.
- Limited user base in certain areas.
OkCupid
When I first joined OkCupid, I didn’t know I’d basically be taking a personality exam. So many questions! It felt like the app wanted to know me better than my own mom does. But honestly? I kind of liked it because it has the possibility to send me matches more interested in the values and beliefs I harbour.
It’s not just about looks – it’s about vibes. Shared values, weird quirks, mutual love for midnight snacks – that kind of thing. I wasn’t just swiping; I was hoping to find someone who’d laugh at my bad puns and debate conspiracy theories with me.
Of course, it’s not magic. Some days the matches are spot-on. Other days? Crickets. It really depends on who’s around and how serious people are. Still, if you’re like me and want more than just “hey” and ghosting, OkCupid gives you a real shot at something meaningful.
Pros:
- Detailed profiles that include a variety of information.
- Extensive communication options.
Cons:
- While OkCupid offers a free basic membership, certain features and functionalities require a paid subscription.
- Limited control over search options.
Coffee Meets Bagel
When I tried Coffee Meets Bagel, it felt like the opposite of every dating app I’d ever used. No endless swiping, no thumb cramps. Just a handful of matches. They call them “bagels”, served up fresh each day. It was like a dating bakery without the carbs!
The app felt more intentional. Instead of “hey” messages that lead nowhere, it nudged me with clever icebreakers and gave me a little countdown to actually start talking. It’s definitely not for folks looking to rapid-fire through profiles, but if you’re like me and prefer quality chats over quantity, it hits the sweet spot.
Pros:
- Focuses quality over quantity by delivering a limited number of curated matches each day
- Designed with women’s preferences in mind
- Provides meaningful conversation starters
Cons:
- Limited number of matches per day
- Limited control over matches
- The curated and limited nature of matches means that the dating experience can be slower compared to platforms
Conclusion To Our List of Best Dating Sites in Australia
When I first dipped my toes into the Aussie online dating pool, I quickly realized something – there are a lot of fish out there. Some are charming, some are odd, and a few… well, let’s just say I swiped left so fast I nearly got thumb cramp.
Finding the right dating app or website felt a bit like hunting for the perfect avocado at the supermarket – most look promising, but not all are ripe for love. Still, when you land on one that actually suits you? Magic can happen indeed!
Now, I won’t sugar-coat it – there’s no magic button that beams your soulmate straight into your world. A real connection? That is going to take time and a bit of effort. Maybe even some awkward small talk about whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
Australia’s online dating scene is buzzing, and there’s something for everyone. Long-term love, casual hangs, or something in between. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a platform out there for you. The key is knowing where to look.
In the end, it’s kind of like bushwalking where you might stumble a bit, maybe even get lost once or twice. Have faith, the right path is out there!