The best online dating sites when you’re over 40

There’s often the perception that online dating is meant for a younger, more tech-savvy crowd. But, we know that’s just a nasty stereotype. The online dating world is a rich and interesting place for those looking to get back into dating—or meeting others in any capacity—at any point in your mature adult life. The problem is sussing out exactly what dating site to pour your time, energy, and even money into. While most dating sites offer free trials that allow you to create a profile and browse around, the real connection seems to happen when we put a bit of extra effort into a single (no pun intended) online dating pursuit. The problem is then, how do we choose? Here are a few of the best options out there for the over 40 single set.

OurTime.com

A happy senior couple sitting on the side of a sail boat on a calm blue sea looking and pointing to a clear horizon

Photo by Spotmatik Ltd/Shutterstock

OurTime.com is an incredibly popular dating site for the over-50 crowd. The website’s interface is easy to follow and allows you to craft a profile that is interest and personality-driven. You’re given suggested matches based on your profile, but you can also easily search users. An added bonus is the astrological match feature, which determines your compatibility based on your sun sign (if that’s important to you). As an American website with an international crowd, it might be a little harder to locate Canadian locals, but the profile-driven site makes up for that wider target audience. A six-month subscription runs $107.76 (total), and OurTime also offers Apple App Store and Google Play mobile apps.

eHarmony.ca

Senior African couple smiling in woods

Photo by Blend Images/Shutterstock

eHarmony.ca is the Canadian side of eHarmony, a dating website known for its matching capabilities. While compatibility surveys may be finding their way onto many dating sites, eHarmony is known for their matchmaking savvy, running their own relationship research facility, eHarmony Labs, as well as eHarmony advice. When users sign up for an account, they are presented with a detailed survey that outlines their personality traits, needs, and wants. From there, users are presented with matches based on who eHarmony thinks would make a great match. Their basic subscription ($17.95/month) allows you to send and receive messages, know who has viewed you, and see your matches’ photos. With total connect (currently on special for $15.95/month for 12 months) you get access to a secure phone call service, which is a safe way to call potential dates, protecting your contact info in the process.

SeniorMatch.ca

Man kissing happy senior woman at the computer on the cheek

Photo by Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

SeniorMatch.ca has been serving senior singles for over fifteen years. Gold service rings in at $15.95/month for six months and allows you to search matches in more detail and boosts your profile, making it seen more often by other users. The site lacks complicated survey technology that matches you with potential dates but does have a community-like feel with the inclusion of discussion forums. The downside is the slightly outdated user interface, but since the site is targeted at seniors directly, the crowd is on the older side, which might be just what you’re looking for.

Meetup.com’s over 40 pages

Group portrait of happy multiethnic couples smiling on the beach

Photo by Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock

While not entirely a dating site, Meetup is a great way to meet singles in a group social setting. The site allows people to start meet ups; real life get-togethers with groups of like minds. These group outings are a great option for those who might find one-on-one dates forced or high pressure. It’s also a quick shortcut around the online dating hustle of back and forth message sending. The one downside to dating this way is that you don’t know who you’ll meet—dating sites have come a long way in helping to determine compatibility, and there’s a reason why we’re forced to write those daunting dating profiles. But, who knows, your match might just be hiding in that niche meet-up group (Vegans Over 40? Toronto Jewish Singles?) that you’re dying to check out. Free to join, a small fee to start your own meetup.

Stitch.net

family, age, tourism, travel and people concept - senior couple in park

Photo by Syda Productions/Shutterstock

Stitch was modelled with an older, community-driven crowd in mind, and it shows. Unlike the often high-pressure and 20-something styled seas of regular dating sites, a variety of companionship opportunities are encouraged at Stitch: love and romance, travel partners, group activities, dinner dates, just company, or even some good old-fashioned intimacy. This way, you can be clear about your wants and needs, and perhaps explore a few you didn’t know you even had. At only $80 per year, Stitch sounds like a genuine website with genuine appeal. Mobile app coming soon.

Match.com

Senior couple lounging on beach with drinks

Photo by Blend Images/Shutterstock

Match.com is easily one of the most successful online dating sites, and because of it’s popularity the number of singles over 40 on the website is plentiful. Like many popular dating sites, with a paid account one can search through profiles, but you’re also provided with suggested matches based on your profile and survey information. Upside: plenty of fish. Downside: one heck of a giant online dating pool to wade through. $17.95 (for 12 months), app access through Google Play or Apple App Store.

Alikewise.com

Happy senior couple reading book in bed at home

Photo by Wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

You can’t judge a dating profile by its profile picture, just like you can’t judge a book by its cover. If reading is your thing, and you can’t imagine having a partner who doesn’t share that interest with you, then Alikewise might be a great place to start. The site matches you with potential dates based on your shared reading interests. The only downside to this site might be distance (your matches are book, not location, driven), but maybe that charming person across the ocean whose library would make a great complement to yours might just be worth a shot. Sounds like something out of a novel, doesn’t it? Cost: Free!


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