Key Takeaways
Our experts tested and ranked the best dating sites according to how popular, inclusive, and effective they are.
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Match is our top recommendation for lesbians seeking a compatible date.
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For senior dating, OurTime has the best value to offer lesbians.
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If you’re looking for a lesbian hookup, Adult Friend Finder is a popular sex network to join.
After my friend broke up with her girlfriend of three years, she was eager to move on, so she immediately joined the apps. She knew online dating can be difficult for lesbians, and she was determined to beat the odds by doing her research and maintaining profiles on a bunch of dating apps at once.
My friend was valedictorian at her high school. She doesn’t do anything halfway. She dove into the experience, sent out likes and messages daily, and soon filled her calendar with dates.
Popular queer dating apps can offer LGBTQ+ people a chance to recover from a breakup, regain their confidence, and build relationships with like-minded singles. You don’t have to be serious about meeting “The One” to enjoy yourself on a dating app for lesbians. The following apps work for women of all ages, backgrounds, and dating goals.
Overall Best Lesbian Dating Apps
Our experts actually set up profiles to test the popular apps out there and see which offer a good value and effective matchmaking tools for women seeking women. We’ve reviewed the best of the best to help single lesbians get their flirt on. Take a look!
1. Match
Match supports the LGBTQ+ community by providing a safe online space where anyone over 18 can pursue a real relationship. The female-friendly dating site prioritizes personal compatibility and has a smart algorithm to point users toward their dream dates. Whether you're looking for new friends or a long-term love, you can trust Match to point you in the right direction.
- Women enjoy an expert-led online dating experience
- Can set specific preferences for age, education, and pets
- Free messaging with matches
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Since 1995, Match has established a fierce reputation among singles seeking the real deal. It’s the best app for serious dating. All communication between mutual matches is free, and over 70% of users are over 30.
Most of the profiles I saw were completely filled out with information about their hobbies, their pets, their work, and their goals for the future. I also liked that most profiles included multiple photos, not just one blurry pic.
Pros
Cons
- No video features
- Not all search filters are free
People of all orientations are welcome to join Match and use the free membership to search for compatible profiles. Identify yourself as a woman seeking women upon signing up, and that’ll effectively remove all men and straight women from your match list.
If you’re bisexual, gender fluid, nonbinary, or bicurious, you can easily adjust your gender preferences in the settings while exploring date prospects. Over the years, the dating company has made efforts to create a more inclusive dating pool, and it currently offers 31 identity options. Ultimately, Match is about dating on your terms, putting you firmly in control.
2. HER
A lesbian named Robyn Exton founded HER because she recognized that not all dating sites look out for the unique needs and interests of LGBTQ+ women. The HER community does a great job of connecting its users in a fun-loving and active community. Its easy social networking tools are great whether you're fully out of the closet or just starting to question your sexuality.
- Free private messaging to all mutual matches
- Post comments or send likes to connect with local lesbians
- Local events posted by women for women
- Browse HER profiles 100% free »
Unlike the other apps on this list, HER is an all-women space designed to serve the LGBTQ+ community. A lesbian named Robyn Exton got it started to make sure lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer women had a safe and respectful place they could call their own.
The LGBTQ+ dating app currently has over 15 million members, mostly in the United States. HER authenticates every profile and removes the fakes automatically. This is a strict no-jerks and no-dicks zone, and the community guidelines emphasizes its zero tolerance for hateful or abusive speech.
Pros
- Designed for LBT matches
- Free messaging features
- Local events hosted by women
Cons
- Free membership has limited swipes
- Must download app and give phone number
- Some catfishing men
From the moment you join the HER community, you’ll see lots of pictures, blurbs, and events shared by women. And it really works. The social media hashtag #WeMetOnHER showcases posts from a variety of women who found love on HER.
Caveat: I’ve heard complaints that some straight cisgender men slip past the HER moderators, but I personally didn’t encounter anyone I considered a catfish on the app.
3. Bumble
Bumble is a female-friendly dating app made by women for women. The platform encourages women to take initiative and go after the date they find most attractive. Lesbian, bisexual, and queer women can use Bumble to make deep connections and see where the free chatting takes them.
- A global network of strong, confident women
- Conversations expire within 72 hours of a match
- Less than 1% of Bumble women are looking for hookups
- Browse Bumble profiles 100% free »
Bumble is a proactive and progressive dating app for lesbians seeking new connections. Since 2014, Bumble has made a name for itself as the female-friendly alternative to male-dominated dating apps.
Men typically outnumber women on most dating apps, and that can spell bad news for women who don’t want to be badgered by creepy messages and dick pics. Fortunately, Bumble came up with a simple solution, and we can summarize it in two words: Ladies first.
Pros
- Progressive female-led community
- Only mutual matches can message
- Rules against guns in photos
Cons
- Inactive chats disappear after 72 hours
- Not all search filters are free
Of course, the “women message first” rule is a moot point for women seeking a same-sex relationship—in that case, you’re both able to message your mutual matches without waiting. Chats disappear within 72 hours of inactivity, so I would recommend not dawdling.
No matter where you fall on the sexuality spectrum, you can use Bumble to form deep bonds with someone special. The free dating app welcomes people from all walks of life, including queer folk. What’s more, the app has Date Mode, BFF Mode, and Biz Mode to help users network in their romantic, social, and work lives.
Best Lesbian Dating Apps for Free Chatting
I know we all love freebies, so that’s why I wanted to make a section dedicated to the apps that don’t charge money for the good stuff. If you’re hoping to save money on your lesbian dating experience, check out the following affordable services.
Ashley Madison allows women to push their boundaries, meet attractive ladies, and explore romantic opportunities without stigma. For obvious reasons, privacy is a top priority for this dating site and app, and users can take advantage of a number of safeguards, including blurring photos, to keep their identities a secret.
- Lesbian and bisexual women mingle in privacy
- A shame-free space to flirt, chat, and date at will
- Report or block profiles that raise red flags
- Browse Ashley Madison profiles 100% free »
Ashley Madison became famous for facilitating secret dating and no-strings affairs, but it’s not just good for shady married people. It’s a great anonymous meeting spot for women who care about their privacy and want to chat casually (and for free).
New members are not required to give their full names or show their faces in photos. In fact, Ashley Madison has photo blurring and masking tools to ensure users feel comfortable browsing without exposing too much.
Pros
- Totally free for women
- Real names are optional
- Keep a low profile for casual dating
Cons
- Not all profiles have pics
- Binary gender options
Whether you’re in the closet or just privacy-conscious, Ashley Madison lets you go at your own pace and only share what you’re comfortable sharing.
Over 91 million people have joined Ashley Madison. Yes, male accounts outnumber female accounts, but only women are gifted free messaging immediately upon signup. So in actuality, it’s the women who run the show here.
5. OkCupid
OkCupid has taken great strides to welcome LGBTQ+ women from all walks of life. The dating site and app offers a menu of gender and orientation options that recognize the fluidity of people's sexual identities. Now singles can identify themselves as lesbian, queer, questioning, bisexual, sapiosexual, and so much more.
- A wide range of sexual orientation options available
- Use the search filters to find nearby lesbians
- A savvy system leads to meaningful relationships
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free »
OkCupid operates under the motto “dating deserves better.” Since 2004, this dating app has been all about offering free services and better quality matches by using its time-tested formula.
Pros
- 35 gender identity and sexuality options
- Profiles state intentions
- Free to send chats
Cons
- Lengthy profile creation process
- Free users can’t see likes
The smart algorithm analyzes dating profiles and identifies compatibility in demographics, values, and relationship goals. The compatibility ratings also draw from answers in the optional personality quiz. The questions include “Could you date someone who’s messy?” and “Do you like the taste of beer?”
OkCupid is a personality-driven dating app where who you are counts for a lot. It also happens to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly apps with 22 gender options and 13 orientation options included in the deal. You can send messages for free on OkCupid, so there’s no harm in giving it a try to see if it works for you.
6. Tinder
When it comes to online dating, Tinder is one of the queens. The dating app invented swiping, for crying out loud. Thanks to its mutual matching system, lesbian women no longer have to worry about dudes showing up in their inboxes. You have control over who can talk to you on Tinder.
- A growing network of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women
- Fast and casual photo swiping
- Responsible for over 100 billion matches worldwide
- Browse Tinder profiles 100% free »
Tinder needs no introduction. It’s easily one of the most popular dating apps of all time, responsible for over 100 billion matches since its launch in 2012.
This dating app pioneered the swiping system that’s become standard in the online dating market, so we’ve got to give credit where credit is due. If you want to view a lot of lesbian profiles and form a lot of matches quickly, then Tinder will be your jam.
Pros
- Large, active user base
- Low-pressure, simple, and affordable
Cons
- Some unicorn hunters
- Limited to only local matches
- Swipe fatigue
Now, not all those women will be incredibly serious or certain about what they want, and that’s because Tinder users tend to like to keep options open.
Tinder is gay-friendly, and its open-ended system allows women to set their own standards and pursue any type of relationship they want. “I actually met a girl I dated for four months on Tinder,” said Bezzella in a Reddit post. “Just watch out for couples looking for a third.”
Best Senior Lesbian Dating Apps
Single seniors often grapple with loneliness in their retirement years—maybe they’re mourning the loss of a partner or maybe they haven’t made a new friend in over a decade—but modern technology is doing its part to connect and support older adults by giving them a community they can rely on.
Online dating apps can help lesbian seniors break out of their shell and meet women of a similar age.
7. OurTime
OurTime has established itself as a leading senior dating site by focusing on making quality introductions between compatible singles in the same age bracket. This dating site is free to join and easy to use. The global network includes lesbian singles who are over 50 and looking for a partner to share their golden years.
- Free profile searches by sexual orientation, age, location, ethnicity, and height
- Age-appropriate matches for lesbian women over 50
- Message mutual matches without paying
- Browse OurTime profiles 100% free »
OurTime is one of our favorite apps for seniors because it offers a simple setup and straightforward matching system. You’re shown mature date options from the moment you complete your profile, and it’s easy to get attention by sending likes.
While the OurTime setup is very much reminiscent of traditional swiping, the team added a few great touches of its own such as profile prompts that focus on life experiences and icebreaker suggestions based on specific profile details.
Pros
- Free to message mutual matches
- Nonbinary dating options
- Mature and detailed profiles
Cons
- No video features
- Must pay to see who liked you first
When I opened an OurTime profile, I was impressed with how flexible it was to gay, lesbian, and nonbinary dating. Selecting the “More Options” button upon signup gave me over a dozen identity choices, and the site made it clear that my profile would only be shown to folks who’d expressed interest in dating someone like me.
That meant no misaligned matches, and no time-consuming guessing games. Plus, it was free to message my mutual matches, which I always appreciate.
Best Lesbian Hookup Apps
Not all women want a relationship right now…or ever. Maybe they’re on the rebound or just aren’t the marrying kind. Legit hookup apps can help lesbian women explore their options and enjoy no-strings-attached dates that lead straight to the bedroom.
The best sex apps offer the freedom to pursue pleasure without apology, and that’s why we love them, right?
Adult Friend Finder offers a safe, anonymous place for lesbian, bisexual, queer, and questioning women to explore their sexuality. Women can look for female companionship, or maybe even a threesome, on this sexually permissive dating site. Since its launch, AFF members have posted over 98 million revealing photos and made over 5 million love connections.
- Lesbian and bisexual women can initiate threesomes and hookups
- Adults-only content on profiles, forums, and web broadcasts
- Explore your sexuality in a safe online space
- Browse Adult Friend Finder profiles 100% free »
Adult Friend Finderis a sex-positive dating site where singles and swingers can satisfy their desires. Lesbians are more than welcome here—especially if they’re unicorns, aka women who enjoy threesomes.
I will say that poly dating, quick sex, and orgies seem to be a big motivator for people in the AFF community. I saw a lot of references to sexual activities in my messages (over 70 within a week, and I didn’t even have a profile pic up).
Pros
- Free flirting in public chats
- Searches by sexuality, kinks, and fantasies
- X-rated photos and videos
Cons
- Some unicorn hunters
- Only paid members access live video
There are so many ways for a queer person to connect on Adult Friend Finder that it’s easy to get lost in a whirlwind of X-rated chats, video broadcasts, and blogs. The dating forums are particularly popular, with more than 170,000 groups and over 14 million group discussions.
Fair warning: Nothing is off-limits between consenting adults here, and many people choose to post nudes as a way of say “hi.”
9. NaughtyCharm
NaughtyCharm has worked hard to create a safe space where women can feel comfortable embracing their sexuality and pursuing hot dates. NaughtyCharm has verification by email and phone number, restricting communication to paid members only, and offering helpful guidance every step along the way.
- Sexually active women in the U.S., Canada, and Europe
- Advanced search parameters include orientation and body type
- Lesbian, bisexual, and queer women connect in private messages
- Browse NaughtyCharm profiles 100% free »
Everything about NaughtyCharm screams sex appeal. From the advanced search filters to the free-wheeling Like Galley, it’s easy to come across hot local dates here.
Pros
- Signing up takes less than 1 minute
- No names or identifying details
- Unlimited free swiping
Cons
- Only requires email verification
- No video features
Thanks to its matching game, NaughtyCharm can introduce lesbian women to singles with wild imaginations and zero inhibitions. The sexually charged atmosphere facilitates hookups, threesomes, and one-night stands.
NaughtyCharm really stands out as a hookup platform because of its streamlined setup, fast onboarding, and free anonymous browsing. You can even activate Safe Mode in your settings to ensure only Verified members can contact you.
10. FriendFinder-X
FriendFinder-X markets itself as the dating site "where good girls do bad things." This open-minded platform liberates women to follow their hearts and pursue sexual relationships online and offline. The friendly, anonymous forum helps lesbian women stay in their comfort zones as they browse and chat on FriendFinder-X.
- Facilitates same-sex hookups and threesomes
- Live chat features and intimate dating advice
- A safe space where lesbians can explore their sexuality
- Browse FriendFinder-X profiles 100% free »
FriendFinder-X characterizes itself as the site where “good girls do bad things,” and that pretty much sums up what it’s all about. Singles, couples, and groups join because they want to find a sexual playmate and get frisky on their nights off.
Pros
- Lots of adult content
- Age verification is required
- Free to post in the forums
Cons
- Users can be too explicit
- Some paywalls
The free dating site highlights local profiles that have no qualms sharing their sexual preferences and fetishes. It’s easy to get into the swing of how the matching process works. You can use search filters for age, distance, kinks, and appearance to find a woman who’s your type, and then you can send flirts or messages to see if she’s interested too.
FriendFinder-X has earned the “X” in its name. The photo galleries have naked pictures, the video library has stripper livestreams, and the forums promote sex ads, flirty polls, and invites to swinger parties.
What’s the Best Lesbian Dating App?
I’ve heard this question from friends, acquaintances, and strangers at drag shows, and my answer changes depending on who’s asking. All women are different and want different things, after all. The best dating site for a woman in her 50s may not be the best one for a casual dater in her 20s.
That’s why our team developed a quick quiz to get to the heart of what users want and then drum up a personalized list of recommended dating sites for them. Give it a try to see which sites fit your needs and expectations:
Now, if you want a true lesbian dating app where straight dates aren’t even an option, you can download Lex, Taimi, or Fem, but we didn’t rank these among our best-of list for reason. They’re so small in size that it’s difficult to find real, active profiles in a given search radius. Dating is a numbers game, and mainstream dating apps have the numbers.
How Do I Successfully Find a Lesbian Match?
Some people treat their dating profile like a lottery ticket. They fill it out, and then they wait. That’s not how my friend (or I) approached online dating, and if you want to get fast results, I’d recommend being more proactive with it.
Fill out your profile completely and then edit it regularly with new pics or prompt responses to keep it current. Experiment with the filters. Send likes and messages at a steady pace. Don’t wait for a love match to find you. It takes effort, even on the most popular dating apps, to make a real romance blossom.
Is There a Free Lesbian Site?
All the sites on this list are free to join. Free profile creation is pretty standard on legit dating sites. That doesn’t mean matching, messaging, and searching is completely free though. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with a free membership on the best lesbian dating apps:
| Dating App | What’s Free | What’s Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Match | Messaging mutual matches, search by age, distance, and family values. | Extra search filters, seeing who’s liked and viewed you. |
| eharmony | Send likes and icebreakers. Compatibility quiz. | Unlimited messaging, advanced search filters, view all photos. |
| HER | Message mutual matches, community calendar, basic search filters. | See who’s online now and who’s liked your profile. Unlimited swiping. |
| Bumble | Limited daily swipes, view local profiles only, message mutual matches. | Unlimited swipes, more search filters, travel mode, rewind swipes. |
| Ashley Madison | Women message for free. Men view profiles and send likes. | Men use credits to send messages, access private photo galleries, give virtual gifts. |
| OkCupid | Sending messages, quiz questions, search filters. | Unlimited likes, see who liked you first. |
| Tinder | Swipe on local profiles, limited likes, message mutual matches. | Unlimited daily likes, travel mode, rewind button, more advanced search filters. |
| OurTime | Browse unlimited profiles, send likes, message mutual matches. | See who’s liked you, profile boosts, more search filters. |
| Adult Friend Finder | Communication in the forums, viewing nudes, reading messages. | Private DMs, some videos. |
| NaughtyCharm | Sending likes, all search filters, read incoming messages, some replies. | Unlimited messaging, full-sized photos. |
| FriendFinder-X | Posting and commenting in the forum. Viewing X-rated pics. | Some video streams. Private messages. Visibility boosts. |
I know the gut instinct tells you to look for the freest deal with the fewest paywalls, but stop a moment to remember that old saying, “you get what you pay for.” Premium online dating sites like eharmony offer a quality-first experience by having new members essentially pay a cover charge to join.
What’s the Safest Lesbian Dating App?
Match ranks at the top of our list for a reason. It has spent decades honing its matchmaking system and looking out for the interests of serious daters.
Match is the safest dating service for adults who want to get serious and skip the drama of fake profiles and sex seekers.
Some of its safety features include photo checks, content moderations, reporting tools, and a first date check-in system to provide accountability throughout the online dating process.
How We Chose the Best Lesbian Dating Apps
At DatingNews, we do extensive research on online dating apps, including creating profiles for ourselves and testing them out. To determine which apps work best for lesbians, our dating experts set their preferences for women-seeking-women and assessed the app’s lesbian dating pool.
Our recommendations consider the app’s appeal to lesbian singles, including:
- Audience
- Matching and search features
- Communication options
- Privacy assurances
- Value for money
- Reputation
For this list, we also made certain there were inclusive gender and sexuality options for LGBTQ+ dating.
It may surprise some readers to see more mainstream dating apps than women-only apps on this list, but it all boils down to popularity. The cost of going too niche means it’s harder to find adequate matches.
In our exploration and assessment, our experts found that dating apps with larger databases and more established reputations offered more quality profiles than a plucky lesbian-run startup did.
An editor returns regularly to check that the facts are accurate and revaluate our ratings based on current user trends and new updates.
Online Dating Is a New Beginning
Lesbian dating apps can help women who have just left a relationship, have never dated women, or are in an “it’s complicated” situationship. Basically, anyone who wants to explore the dating scene is welcome to download a dating app and start swiping through new prospects.
Many LGBTQ+ women, like my friend, have truly mastered online dating and use it to reach their romantic goals. The popular dating apps mentioned here can help lesbian singles broaden their search and find someone who shares similar interests and values.
I recommend that a lesbian woman try multiple dating apps—the average single uses two or three at once—to see which one suits your needs best. Happy swiping!
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