The best dating sites for divorcees offer a blank page where you can write the next chapter of your life. It may not be what you imagined or expected for your adult life, but it could still lead to a happily-ever-after with a new partner.
Reentering the dating world as a divorcee can be a nerve-wracking prospect. Adults may not be familiar with the lingo, the technology, or the norms at play because they’ve been in a relationship for years or even decades. A single parent may be grappling with how to balance dating with family responsibilities. A retiree may not know where to go to meet singles in the over-60 age group.
Fortunately, our experts have been through the ups and downs of the swiping world and are thoroughly familiar with how it works — and what it can offer divorced singles. Here are the top recommended online dating sites and apps for finding love after a divorce.
Best Overall Dating Sites for Divorcees
Online dating can offer a simple and low-stress way for divorced singles to meet new people and form relationships at their own pace. Some people just want to dip a toe into the local dating scene and have casual conversations, while others are more motivated to go on dates and find their next great love story.
However you want to play it, setting up an online dating profile on a trustworthy platform is an important first step. Our reviews can offer a divorced single person clarity on the best dating sites for a new beginning.
1. Match
Match.com has come a long way since it launched in April 1995. This well-reputed dating site has honed its match algorithm to identify long-term compatibility and facilitate countless first dates, serious relationships, and successful marriages. Match's esteemed dating experts go to great lengths to guide singles to a seriously good match.
- Match is the world's longest running dating site
- The Discover section has search filters by interests, looks, lifestyle, and more
- Match is available in 50 countries and 15 languages
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Match pioneered online matchmaking in 1995, and it has been going strong ever since. The online dating website and app have millions of daily active users who are serious about forming a new relationship.
Throughout its history, Match has been committed to inspiring love stories and leading singles to their perfect match (hence the name). The dating platform has an algorithm to calculate compatibility ratings based on personality, lifestyle, and location. A select number of Top Picks have the ability to exchange messages for free.
According to the dating website’s demographic data, about 75% of Match members are over 30 years old, and 54% have children from a previous relationship. Members can identify themselves as divorced or separated in their dating profile and use search filters to encounter other divorced people or single parents.
EliteSingles.com maintains a sophisticated network of young professionals seeking a relationship. Over 80% of its members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree, and over 90% are over the age of 30. Elite Singles uses an intelligent matchmaking system to introduce daters to someone on their level.
- Over 2 million monthly users
- Premium members receive 20 wildcard matches a day
- Search features include age, height, education, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits
- Browse Elite Singles profiles 100% free »
Elite Singles has made a name for itself by catering to the top tier of the dating world. The platform hosts single professionals who have high standards and clear ambitions for the future. Serious relationship seekers particularly benefit from its matchmaking insights and personality tests.
Approximately 80% of Elite Singles members are college graduates, and they’re looking for a romantic partner on the same intellectual and maturity level.
Divorced singles can up their dating game by joining Elite Singles. The free membership includes access to base search filters and compatibility assessments; however, only a paid member can unlock private chat windows and explore new relationship prospects.
3. Zoosk
Zoosk is a socially savvy dating site known for its diverse membership base and behavioral matchmaking system. Over 40 million singles in 80 countries have joined the network so far, and it's growing larger every day. The platform offers many different ways to communicate and express interest in members, so it's easy to form a fast connection here.
- Send messages to premium members for free
- Over 3 million messages sent a day
- Premium perks include photo verification and sending virtual gifts
- Browse Zoosk profiles 100% free »
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs designed Zoosk to shake up the typical online dating routine. The dating platform launched in 2007 as a natural extension of Facebook — but with more romantic opportunities. Today, Zoosk has over 40 million members in 80 countries, and its message boards facilitate over 3 million chats per day.
Zoosk appeals to singles of all different ages. Young people often enjoy playing the matching games and using the free features, which include some messaging capabilities, while senior singles can take advantage of the verification tools to find an authentic match. A divorced man or woman can use search filters based on age, appearance, and background to find a desirable match in the Zoosk network.
4. eharmony
Since its launch in 2000, eharmony has endeavored to find the formula for love. Its 32-dimension personality test uses psychological truths to identify areas of compatibility between two individuals. The dating site's mission is to foster relationships that last, and every potential match has a reason behind it.
- Over 2 million people have found love here
- Users can filter their match recommendations by age or city
- Compatibility Quiz identifies common interests, lifestyles, and goals
- Browse eharmony profiles 100% free »
A Christian theologian and psychologist came up with the idea for eharmony in 2000 because he wanted to strengthen marriage in the United States. The dating site has used psychology principles to predict relationship success and foster long-term happiness.
The eharmony algorithm takes a single person’s temperament, communication style, dating preferences, and core values into account when setting up matches. The platform’s compatibility ratings have led to over 2 million relationships in the U.S., and it is rapidly growing more popular and successful worldwide.
From the beginning, eharmony has been committed to helping single people choose the right partner and create a healthy dating experience. This heartfelt mission has resonated with many separated singles and divorced folks who are hoping for another chance at love and marriage.
Christian Mingle is a faith-based dating website for singles who want a relationship grounded in Christian values. People of all religions and backgrounds turn to this site in hopes of meeting a good Christian man or a good Christian woman. Christian Mingle's claim to fame is that it has the highest percentage of Christian members of any dating site or app in the world.
- For singles interested in God-centered relationships
- Over 3.5 million monthly users around the world
- Available as an app on Google Play and the App Store
- Browse Christian Mingle profiles 100% free »
Since launching in 2001, Christian Mingle has united millions of Christian singles in the dating scene. And it’s free to join the niche community. The online dating site supports a faith-driven approach to romance, so its members can be upfront about their religious values and beliefs.
About 90% of Christian Mingle members identify as Christian singles, and many of them are serious about making a holy covenant with a long-term partner. A survey of Christian daters found that Christian Mingle was responsible for nearly 1 in 3 of the Christian marriages that began online.
Whether you’re a single mom or a divorcee, you can rely on Christian Mingle to uphold good values and create a strong foundation for a new relationship or marriage.
Since its launch in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has created an African American singles network that stretches across North America. This niche dating site has 1.5 million members who are attracted to Black and biracial people. It takes less than two minutes to create a full profile and start browsing through profiles sorted by age, location, and orientation.
- One of the largest Black singles networks in existence
- Straightforward search and matching features
- Use Tokens to appear higher in search results
- Browse BlackPeopleMeet profiles 100% free »
BlackPeopleMeet is a niche dating site geared toward Black singles in the U.S. and Canada. Since 2002, this platform has promoted diversity and inclusion in the online dating scene. That alone is enough to merit a mention on our list of the best dating sites for divorcees.
Members don’t have to be Black to join the dating website or download the free dating app — they just have to be interested in dating a Black person.
BlackPeopleMeet has advanced filters and a keyword search option to help individuals find their type as quickly as possible. The local dating pool is accessible for free, but online communication is limited to paid members only.
7. OkCupid
In 2004, OkCupid's founders decided to create a fool-proof formula for love, and they launched a free dating site to delve into what personal attributes made relationships work. OkCupid members can send unlimited messages for free. It's easy to discover mutual interests and compatibility on the platform's information-rich dating profiles.
- Free, unlimited communication for everyone
- Singles can swipe or search for a compatible date
- Over 91 million connections every year
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free »
OkCupid is a free dating platform where divorced folk can tell their stories, engage in conversations, and pick up dates without bothering with a paid membership. All members can send free messages to anyone they fancy, and they can use the relationship questionnaire to streamline their dating journey.
Thanks to its flexible interface, OkCupid can facilitate all types of relationships. It can be used as a divorced dating site or a hookup app. Or you may find it useful for making friends or finding travel buddies in a new city. By exploring local and international swiping lists, singles can review a lot of compatible date options and make a splash in the dating pool.
Plenty of Fish prides itself on being one of the best dating sites for conversations. It supports 100% free and unlimited messaging for over 120 million monthly users in 20 countries. Since its launch in 2003, Plenty of Fish has developed a science-based matching system that has proven successful.
- Free registration, searches, and messaging
- The Chemistry Test creates a compatibility framework
- Over 1 billion messages sent per month
- Browse Plenty of Fish profiles 100% free »
Plenty of Fish has everything a divorced man or woman needs to get back into the dating game. The online community has free chat features, profile verification options, and proactive safety measures to keep the good vibes going. The platform also added video chat opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Plenty of Fish community boasts having over 150 million profiles in its database, and it sees over 4 million daily active users.
A free membership on Plenty of Fish can help a single person move forward after a divorce decree. The online dating site offers an easy way to meet new people in a chatty and flirty atmosphere.
9. Tinder
In 2012, Tinder pioneered a swiping-based match system that empowered singles to connect with dates who liked them back. Tinder users can message their mutual matches for free on this fast-paced dating app. Since its launch, Tinder has created over 97 billion matches worldwide.
- Supports active daters in 190+ countries
- The swiping system creates over 12 million matches per day
- Tinder Plus members have unlimited likes and 5 Super Likes
- Browse Tinder profiles 100% free »
Tinder is easily one of the most popular dating apps on the market. The dating app has been downloaded over 530 million times and created over 75 billion matches since 2012. This is the original swiping platform, and it acts as a wingman for singles from all walks of life.
After you’ve signed your divorce papers with your former spouse, you may want to explore new flirtatious connections, and that’s why Tinder exists. The app provides casual introductions and lets singles decide how far they want to take things. Some Tinder users are content to stay online and work on their pickup lines, while others swipe with purpose and hope to turn a Tinder match into a happy relationship.
10. Bumble
Since its launch in 2014, Bumble has positioned itself as one of the queens of the online dating world. The dating app turns gender stereotype on its head by empowering women to make the first move in a conversation with a man. Once you've made that mutual match, you have up to 48 hours to respond and make a connection.
- A feminist dating app puts singles on equal footing
- 60% of Bumble matches turn into dates
- Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF spark non-romantic connections
- Browse Bumble profiles 100% free »
One woman’s vision and tenacity led to the creation of Bumble — aka the first feminist dating app. Bumble prioritizes single women in its online matching system and upends traditional gender roles by empowering women to take the lead. A single man can only message a woman on the app IF she likes his dating profile AND messages him first.
A divorced woman can take control of her dating destiny by using Bumble. She can send up to 25 likes per day and unlock conversation windows with her matches simply by typing “hi.”
The Bumble app has over 100 million users worldwide, and it is poised for future growth as a new generation of feminists come into their own.
Best Senior Dating Sites for Divorcees
Some couples stay together for years for the sake of their children or out of respect for family obligations. But, at some point, a person has to think of their own happiness. A grey divorce typically occurs when couples enter a new phase of life as empty nesters or retirees and realize they aren’t compatible anymore. The marriage foundation has served its purpose and run its course, and the time has come to part.
Senior singles tend to have a good idea about what they want in their golden years, and it isn’t a loveless marriage. Fortunately senior dating sites have the technology to inspire new romantic connections between people in the over-50 age group.
11. SilverSingles
SilverSingles is serious about helping singles over 50 meet one another, and its network stretches across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The secure signup process includes profile verification and fraud detection, so new members must portray themselves accurately to gain access to the platform. By fostering a safe environment, SilverSingles helps men and women meet mature dates in their area.
- An exclusively senior membership base
- Over 800,000 monthly users worldwide
- App available for free on Google Play
- Browse SilverSingles profiles 100% free »
Silver Singles is a senior dating site with a highly sophisticated match algorithm behind it. A quick survey asks singles to state their preferences regarding a potential date’s age, height, religion, and other factors, and then the matching games begin.
Safety is a top priority on the Silver Singles platform. All newcomers must verify their identity through the registration process, which includes an hCaptcha test. Scam detection software ensures fake profiles do not appear in the network. Additionally, users can only send messages or view photos if they have enrolled in a premium subscription.
A divorced mom or divorced dad can mingle with single adults in privacy thanks to the Silver Singles team.
12. OurTime
OurTime is an over-50 dating site with a lot of helpful features to facilitate friendships and relationships. Senior singles can look for dates themselves using the search tools, or they can view a curated list of matches to find compatible folks. Singles can send likes, flirts, and faves for free, but they have to subscribe to send messages to their online crushes.
- Open to straight, gay, and lesbian singles over 50
- Free match recommendations and conversation starters
- Use Tokens to promote your profile and send virtual gifts
- Browse OurTime profiles 100% free »
OurTime provides a senior single support group where friendship and romance can blossom. The online dating website and app have access to over 1 million profiles and add another 20,000 to the network every week.
Any single person in the over-50 age category is welcome to join OurTime and browse mature matches for free. It is the ultimate senior matchmaker with both search filters and daily match recommendations to facilitate a meaningful relationship. The premium features allow singles to look for true love at their own pace. Another upside of OurTime is its international scope — an American single can scan for matches in other countries or conduct a localized search by ZIP code or state.
13. SeniorMatch
Since 2003, SeniorMatch has built its reputation as one of the world's leading senior dating sites. The site offers free communication and searches to help singles over 50 find companionship and love. If you're interested in a mature dating experience, this dating site can meet your needs.
- Doesn't allow members under 45
- Available as a dating app in Google Play
- Dating advice and safety tips shared by senior daters
- Browse SeniorMatch profiles 100% free »
SeniorMatch launched in 2003 to prove that it’s never too late to fall in love. The senior dating site has created a safe space for older men and women who have been through heartache and yet still have hope for a future relationship. Divorcees and widowers can come together on this niche platform and bond through their shared experiences.
According to the platform’s statistics, SeniorMatch members exchange over 1.6 million messages per month, and about 6,000 people browse the network every day.
So far, SeniorMatch users have reported over 36,000 success stories. Its most poignant testimonials come from senior couples who have moved in together or gotten married. “Clearly found the love of my life,” one senior single said. “We will take our time and let it grow to the next level: engagement! Thank you SeniorMatch for this wonderful adventure.”
Best LGBTQ Dating Sites for Divorcees
The legalization of gay marriage in the U.S. has meant that gay divorce has started trending as well. Maybe a couple rushed to the courthouse in a fervor of LGBTQ+ love that burnt itself out, or maybe a queer person finally feels free to be out and proud — and divorced.
Whatever the reason for the split, the simple fact is a lot of single divorcees have begun mingling in the gay dating scene these days. Here are two apps that welcome all types of singles in the LGBTQ+ crowd.
14. HER
HER is a women-only (or "womxn" as the team says) dating app that helps cis, trans, and non-binary identified singles come into their own. This is a strict no-boys-allowed zone. HER encourages LGBTQ+ women to mingle by commenting on photos or events in the Feed, or they can like profiles to initiate a private conversation with a mutual match.
- A quirky and unapologetic womxn-only dating community
- Queer events get users connecting IRL
- The constantly updated Feed facilitates social networking
- Browse HER profiles 100% free »
HER is a female-driven dating app where all members identify as women seeking women. It is a great place for divorced moms who identify as LGBTQ. Since its launch in 2014, the lesbian community has grown to encompass over 10 million women in the U.S. and abroad.
Many lesbian love stories have started as HER matches. The app facilitates private conversations as well as a queer events calendar to help single women feel a sense of community.
If you want proof that HER works, try going on Twitter or Instagram and reading #WeMetOnHER posts. The app boasts inspiring over 10,000 weddings, and many couples have left photo evidence of their partnership.
15. Grindr
Grindr became the world's first gay geosocial app in 2009, and it continues growing its all-male user base more than a decade later. The app uses real-time GPS data to locate nearby date prospects and give gay and bisexual singles a chance to connect while they're out on the town.
- Social networking for gay, bi, trans, and queer men
- Location-based matches spark instant chemistry
- Grindr Equality advocates for LGBTQ+ interests on the global stage
- Browse Grindr profiles 100% free »
Single men can explore their sexuality and meet eligible bachelors on Grindr. Over the last decade, Grindr has won LGBTQ+ men over and become the world’s leading gay dating app. Think of it as a virtual gay bar that is open 24/7 with no last call.
The Grindr network includes over 27 million men across the globe. Its users range from newly out 18-year-olds to divorced men who are best described as silver foxes. The app uses location-based matchmaking to ensure local singles can find casual hookups wherever they go.
If you’re an older man, you will likely have a lot of matches from young men on Grindr. A lot of single guys are looking for an experienced partner (maybe even a sugar daddy), and the age difference is actually a turn-on!
FAQs: How Do Dating Sites for Divorcees Actually Work?
Divorced dating sites typically begin with a free registration process that requires some basic details (first name, age, gender, hair color, ethnicity, etc.) and at least one photo submission. The photo guidelines vary from platform to platform, but nudity is generally discouraged — unless you’re on a no-strings hookup site.
After the dating profile is complete, online daters can browse for potential matches either by swiping on a single profile at a time or by conducting a personalized search within a certain mile radius. Swiping apps tend to be fast but random, while dating site searches can narrow the pool to the most desirable candidates.
If you’re looking for a fellow divorcee, you can try applying search filters based on relationship status. This filter is not standard on every dating site or app. If you don’t see it as an option, try setting age filters or a keyword search instead. Most divorcees tend to mention their divorce status somewhere in their dating profile, so it should be easy to identify as you browse for a potential partner.
Are Dating Sites for Divorcees Safe to Use?
It is normal for a divorced parent or other online daters to have some safety concerns when meeting a new person online. The internet allows for user anonymity, which can facilitate deception, harassment, and scams, but the dating industry has implemented verification tools to foster greater trust between matches.
For example, Tinder authenticates users through a phone number or Facebook login, and it has plans to unveil a background check feature for premium members.
Singles can also verify their dates by arranging a phone call or video call before meeting in person. This is a safe way to weed out scammers and catch online catfishers.
At the end of the day, online dating is a safe way to explore romantic options and get to know new people. Just be smart about it. Don’t agree to a first date with a person you hardly know, and never ever give money to an online pen pal. Remember you can always do background research on Facebook or Instagram to make sure your match is legit. Don’t hesitate to block any person who makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
If you’re a single parent, you may be more hesitant to share personal information that could put your family at risk. Premium dating sites offer security measures to put such concerns at ease. Elite Singles protects user privacy by blurring photos in the free browsing interface and asking members to operate under their first name only.
How Do I Choose the Best Dating Site for Divorcees?
Our list includes dozens of popular dating sites and apps, but choosing the right divorced dating app for your needs can pose a challenge. Maybe multiple dating platforms sounded good to you, or maybe you’re not quite sure what you want from your divorce dating experience. If you’re feeling uncertain, we’d recommend joining two or three of your favorite platforms. Creating multiple dating profiles is a good way to up your odds of meeting a special someone, and daters can learn what works for them by trying different dating strategies in the online scene.
Consider your goals and values when selecting your next dating platform, and be sure to polish your dating profile to attract the right crowd.
Are There Any Hookup Sites for Divorcees?
Let’s be real — divorces are rough, and not every divorcee is eager to get back into a committed relationship after an experience like that. Some just want to explore the dating world and have casual sex with strangers. That’s perfectly normal, and plenty of hookup sites can help the modern single woman or man explore casual encounters safely.
Here are our ratings for the best adult dating sites where divorcees can start their new single life with a bang.
BeNaughty invites singles to walk on the wild side and explore their sexuality in a fun, free-wheeling environment. This adults-only dating site is full of X-rated content, but users can blur nude photos if they'd prefer to leave some things to the imagination. Premium subscribers get the most bang for the buck because they can send messages, browse incognito, and receive alerts when their messages have been read by someone special.
- Sexually active adults in 10 countries
- Browse the Like Gallery for hot singles
- Stimulate conversation in intimate private messages
- Browse BeNaughty profiles 100% free »
BeNaughty ranks at the top of our list of online sex communities because it’s free, it’s fun, and it’s anonymous. The hookup site does not require singles to use their real names or set up a profile through a Facebook account. All they have to do is provide an email address, upload a photo, and answer a couple questions about their background and sexual preferences. The photo isn’t even mandatory — but it is a good idea to have a sexy pic to get attention online.
In 1996, Friend Finder Networks began harnessing the power of online networking to help adults meet sexually active singles in their area, and it has now grown into a global X-rated phenomenon with over 93 million profiles. Adult Friend Finder provides a safe, anonymous dating platform where singles and swingers can hook up with another.
- Among the largest online sex and swinger communities
- Completely free no-obligation registration
- Live chat rooms and discussion forums open 24/7
- Browse Adult Friend Finder profiles 100% free »
Hoping to meet a lot of sexual partners in a short amount of time? Adult Friend Finder has got it covered. This adult hookup website has over 108 million profiles, 99 million photos, and 14 million discussion groups available at the user’s fingertips.
Adult Friend Finder is totally free to join, and its free browsing options encompass the erotic blog, discussion board, and member photo gallery. however, only a paid subscriber can send unlimited private messages and view live video content in the AFF community. Our Adult Friend Finder review goes into more detail about the free trial features and cost breakdown.
The divorce process involves a lot of heavy and serious things such as dealing with matrimonial lawyers, fighting with a spouse, and figuring out child custody or child support — so if you want to take a break from family law and divorce count in a low-stress, casual environment, then the best dating apps will be the ones that keep things casual.
Divorcees Can Have a Fresh Start on a Dating Platform
We’ve outlined the best dating sites for divorcees to make it clear that it’s never too late to find love and companionship, perhaps even a new relationship status. Divorced singles can pick themselves up after heartbreak and go online to discover new dating possibilities. Whether they’re interested in casual sex or a happy relationship, adults can meet promising matches from the comfort and safety of a smartphone or computer.
A divorce is the end of one love story, but it is also the beginning of a new life with a lot of potential. Being single as an adult can be liberating and allow for personal growth and exploration. The lessons from a past relationship may help in the search for a healthy and fulfilling romance with a compatible person.
Online dating can introduce divorcees in a controlled environment. Thanks to online technology, mature singles have the opportunity to expand their social circle, meet potential love interests, and move forward — one swipe and chat at a time. Best of luck!