Online dating has become increasingly popular over the last several years. As of 2021, there were more than 323 million users on dating apps and websites.
It is reported that around 30 percent of U.S. adults have used a dating website or Christian dating app at some point. However, there are still plenty of people out there who are looking for love and are hesitant to do so online. Some of these people worry about scammers, while others simply want to meet someone the old-fashioned way through regular dating events or by bumping into someone they can form a Christian relationship with.
When it comes to finding love online as a Christian, things may get a little more difficult. It’s hard enough to find someone at church or in person who has the same morals, values, and beliefs as you, so why would it be any easier to find your love match online?
The good news is that there are real Christian dating sites and Christian dating apps that are designed to help you find like-minded Christian singles without having to get up off of your couch! Below, we have chosen the top four best Christian dating sites and best Christian dating apps that are on the market right now. We took a close look at site features, price, privacy, and more to determine the best of the best Christian dating websites.
Top 4 Christian Dating Sites
- eHarmony – Best Overall
- Christian Cafe – Best for Marriage, Editor’s Pick
- Christian Mingle – Best for Faith-Focused Dating
- SilverSingles – Best for Seniors 50+
Best Christian Dating Sites Reviewed
1. eHarmony – Best Overall
Overview
eHarmony was the first online dating platform to match customers based on a proprietary compatibility system. That system has stood the test of time, resulting in millions of happy couples over the past 20+ years. eHarmony’s system matches participants based on 32 different dimensions of personality and lifestyle. While it is not strictly a Christian dating website, the algorithm does make it easy to find other Christians who share your background, values, and life goals.
Pros:
- Unlimited free trial
- Option of browsing anonymously
- Highly functional app
- Many Christian members
- Video Date feature
Cons:
- Limited functions with “Basic” membership
Pricing:
Anyone can join eHarmony for free at the Basic membership level. At this level, you can complete the compatibility quiz, review your matches, and exchange limited messages with your matches. To upgrade to a Premium membership, you have three price options. Join for 6 months at a cost of $65.90 per month, 12 months for $45.90 per month, or 24 months at $35.90 per month.
As a Premium eHarmony member, you gain access to lots of additional functions. Most notably, you can see who has viewed your profile, enjoy Video Dates, and use the distance search feature. Premium members can also view unlimited photos of their matches.
2. Christian Cafe – Best for Marriage, Editor’s Pick
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Overview
Christian Cafe is a popular Christian dating site that has been operating since 1999 and is independently and Christian owned. The website has helped tens of thousands of marriages occur from its matches. The best part of Christian Cafe is they offer a 10-day free membership trial to allow you to test the waters before committing to a paid membership. The website is fully functional during this time.
Pros
- Christian-owned
- Free trial
- Helpful forums
- Group conversations possible
- Mobile app available
Cons
- Mobile app lacks some features
Pricing
When it comes to free Christian dating sites, Christian Cafe’s free trial gives you access to one of the best – albeit full free access (including messaging!) is only available for 10 days. After the trial, you can choose from various membership packages. You can start with two weeks for $34.97 or go up to a month for $44.97. Alternatively, you can pay for three and six months upfront to save.
3. Christian Mingle – Best for Faith-Focused Dating
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Overview
As one of the more well-known Christian dating apps, Christian Mingle has more than 15 million members and has won awards for its dating services. While you won’t find the cheapest membership with Christian Mingle, you can expect the cost of the popular Christian dating app and website to be worth it in the end. The Christian Mingle dating site offers numerous Christian connection tools, the ability to create a very thorough profile, and access to Believe magazine that features success stories and dating tips.
Pros
- Well-established
- More than 15 million members
- Mobile app available
- Extensive list of religions
Cons
- Limited access with the free account
- Profile changes can take a few days to be approved
Pricing
You have very limited functionality with a free membership on Christian Mingle, though you can browse the website. In order to be able to view all pictures, update profile privacy settings, use read receipts, message other members, and see who has visited and liked your profile, a paid subscription will be needed.
Christian Mingle subscriptions are $49.99 per month, but you can pay upfront for three or six months and receive a $15-25 monthly discount.
4. SilverSingles – Best for Seniors 50+
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Overview
An online dating site that is focused on connecting older Christians with each other, Silver Singles is a platform for those 50 years of age and older. The people who created Silver Singles understand the higher risk of scams that surround older adults, and as such, they have created a safe and secure website with SSL encryption and fraud detection/prevention. Members can browse the site for free, but in order to access messages and photos, a paid membership is required.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Dedication to member’s safety
- Excellent customer support
- Mobile app available
Cons
- Limited options for free members
- Can’t see photos unless a paid member
Pricing
Silver Singles offers a basic membership package for free. With this package, you can test out the membership and see if it is something you like. You can see how many quality Christian singles are on Christian dating apps. You will have limited access to profiles and features, though. You will be able to complete a profile and the personality test and see recommended profiles, but communication will be limited.
With the Premium membership plan, you will gain full access to the entire website. You can pay $44.95 for three months, $34.95 for six months, or $24.95 for 12 months.
How We Chose Our Best Christian Dating Websites
Here is a look at how we evaluated Christian dating websites and finally settled on our top four.
Cost
Most Christian dating sites will allow you to sign up with a basic free account, but it has limited functionality. Some sites will offer a free trial. In the end, though, you must pay in order to gain access to the full advantages of the website. When we looked at cost, we not only looked at the price you would pay for a membership, but we also paid close attention to the value of your payment. It is important to ensure you are getting your money’s worth.
Privacy
Privacy is paramount when engaging in dating online. While you may want to find love, you don’t want to do so at the risk of your own safety. You need to remain vigilant on your own, but we focused on including sites that take the necessary measures to weed out fake profiles of Christian Singles, protect your confidentiality, and keep you safe while searching for a potential life partner.
Site Features
As a general rule, the features offered by a Christian dating app are pretty similar, such as viewing matches, managing your matches, and messaging prospects. For Christian singles, it is important that these site features are focused on faith, as this is what will make it easiest to find a match that aligns with your own views.
Religion Options
There are many different forms of religion that make up the Christian space. While two people may be Christian, it doesn’t mean that they come from the same denomination or have the same religious beliefs. Therefore, it is important to be able to represent yourself in your profile so you can find the best possible match for you based on your values and ideals. Some sites offer an extensive list of religious preferences, along with non-Christian religions. You may even be asked the roles you play at your big church and how often you attend. The more in-depth the questions, the better off you are at finding a solid match.
Advantages of Online Dating Sites
Even in today’s more modern and tech-driven world, some are still skeptical of using a Christian dating site. However, there are numerous benefits of doing so, especially on Christian-based dating sites. You can meet other Christian singles who share the same values and beliefs as you do.
Sure, you could potentially meet men and women at church or another form of a religious event, but the truth of the matter is that you go to church on Sunday to worship God and not to scout for a potential life partner.
By looking for love online through Christian dating apps or websites, you have the opportunity to meet more people as well as Christian singles beyond your local big church.
Can You Find a Serious Relationship Through a Christian Dating Site?
Serious relationship seekers will find that it is definitely possible to find their Christian soulmate with one of the best Christian dating apps mentioned in this list. In fact, more than 40 percent of Christian dating app users are looking for marriage.
These popular Christian dating sites use extensive algorithms designed to match you with other elite singles who have similarities, including religious beliefs, political affiliations, and hobbies/interests. With common ground like this, it will be easier to engage in conversation with other Christian singles.
Ultimately, the key to finding someone to have a serious relationship with through a Christian dating site is ensuring you are both on the same page from the get-go. Don’t waste your time with someone who doesn’t want kids if you do or has completely different values than you do. For this reason, get the hard stuff out of the way at the beginning.
Is Everyone a Christian on Christian Dating Websites?
Unfortunately, no. There is no hard and fast rule that you must be a Christian in order to join a Christian dating site. The same is true for ‘Christian-focused’ dating websites, although the large majority of members are indeed Christians.
Luckily, when you sign up for a dating site—Christian or otherwise—you have the opportunity to specify your individual faith while completing your profile. By publishing your religious beliefs in your profile, there is a much greater chance of attracting others of similar faith.
If you come across a profile that doesn’t specifically state the person’s religious beliefs, don’t be afraid to ask. It is a common question for potential partners. By knowing what you want in the beginning, you can quickly separate mismatches from matches.
How to Find the Best Christian Dating Website
The thing with dating is that it is personal. What may be defined as a good experience for you may be a bad one for someone else. The same is true with dating websites. However, to help you choose the Christian dating site or app that is best for you as an individual, here are a few tips to consider.
#1: Use the Free Trial
If the company offers a free trial, don’t overlook it. Many will jump the gun and pay for a membership, but why not test the waters first before you shell money out? Sign up for the free Christian dating trial and explore the website. Take note of the number of active Christian singles there are, and explore the quality of the matches that the site sends you. This will help you determine whether you want to move forward with that site or find a different one.
#2: Compare Costs
Online Christian dating websites are available at various prices. Most will provide you with a discount if you sign up for a long-term subscription. These deals can indeed be attractive, but before you make such a commitment, make sure that the dating site is one that you feel you can benefit from in the long run.
#3: Check Feedback
Feedback is a very important aspect of finding the proper dating website for you. Read the reviews, feedback, and success stories. This will help you determine the legitimacy of the website and identify whether it has a good track record. If a company is going to claim that they are the best, then they will have the information to back up that claim—so look for it!
#4: User Verification
To maximize your safety while dating online, opt for Christian dating apps and websites that use a verification process to validate all members that sign up with the platform. You don’t want to assume you are talking to your Prince Charming and then find out that you are being catfished by someone in another country.
#5: Dating Pool
Ultimately, the larger the dating pool is on a website, the better odds you have of finding your true match. However, you also need to consider the quality of these members. If a website has a large pool of Christian singles and most of them don’t meet your personal requirements for a partner, then you will be wasting your time. So, make sure to compare the number and quality of users before jumping in.
What Are Some Challenges of Dating Online?
While we are definitely all for dating online, there are certain challenges that you may face. The key to being successful in dating online as a single Christian is to understand all aspects of the process—good and bad—so you can be fully prepared as you move forward looking for the love of your life.
Dating Online Isn’t a Magic or Overnight Solution
As much as we would like to say it is, simply signing up for an online Christian dating website is not the immediate way to find the person of your dreams. It will take some effort on your part. Yes, these online websites and apps are effective, but they are only effective if you help out. This includes completely filling out your online dating profile, responding to Christian singles who show interest in you, sending out messages to matches, and simply being patient with the entire process.
All Online Singles Aren’t Christians
If you choose to sign up for a mainstream dating app, there will be non-Christians and those who don’t believe in God on the site. If faith is important to you, it’s important that you are willing and able to tell others that you aren’t interested if they don’t share your same views. On a Christian-focused dating app, there is a higher chance of finding other Christian singles that share similar beliefs as you do.
Everyone Is at Different Points in Their Christianity
While this isn’t necessarily one of those dealbreakers that will keep you from moving forward with someone, it is worthy enough to mention. Some people may just be starting their Christian journey, whereas others may be fully committed and have been going to a small or big church for years. Whatever the case may be, you simply need to be prepared for this so you can share where you are in your own walk and express your preferred status of a life partner.
Safety Tips for Dating Online
Regardless of the dating site you are planning on joining, it is important to keep a few safety tips in mind to protect yourself and ensure you are kept safe while searching for the love of your life.
#1: Don’t Include Personal Information
While your profile is meant to be as personal as possible so others can determine whether you are a fit for them, you should never include extra personal and sensitive information. This includes your home address, your employer, etc. Go on a couple of dates with the person and get to know them a little better before sharing sensitive information.
#2: Verify Your Match Is Real
It’s sad to say, but there are a lot of people out there that join dating sites to scam people. To ensure you are talking to a real person and they are who they say they are, consider requesting a video call. If the dating site you’re on doesn’t have this compatibility, consider using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, or another similar program.
#3: Never Give Money
One of the most common scams online is getting someone to send you a gift or money. They usually start with something small, and then suddenly, they’ll be asking you for money. Some people feel obligated to send money and do so. Unfortunately, this is a huge scam. Whether they are just trying to get money out of you or trying to access your personal banking information, this is a common trick on dating websites and apps. Never send gifts or money to anyone!
#4: Watch for Red Flags
Dating online can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. You just need to keep an eye out for any red flags. Watch for anything that just throws your gut off. There are more than enough fish in the sea, despite what you may believe. No matter how great of a reputation an online dating website has, it can attract some bad apples. Just keep your eyes and ears peeled and trust your instincts.
FAQ
How Is a Christian Online Dating Site Different?
The main difference between a general dating site and a Christian one is that the Christian dating site focuses more on faith. A larger number of members are Christians as well. More often than not, anyone you match with will also be a Christian. If they aren’t, then they are open to dating one. Keep in mind that just because someone is a Christian doesn’t mean they have the exact same beliefs as you. This is why it is important to chat and get to know someone and bring faith into the discussion early on.
Are Christian Dating Apps and Websites Safe?
These dating platforms take numerous steps to keep you and your personal information safe. This may include profile verification, encryption methods, and more. In general, these types of websites are known for scammers, fake profiles, etc. To ensure you remain safe, make sure to follow the steps outlined above: never include personal data, verify your match is real with a video chat, never send someone money, and keep an eye out for certain red flags. Between your own vigilance and the website’s verification procedures, you can date with confidence.
Are There Free Christian Dating Websites?
Unfortunately, no. While most of the Christian dating sites out there will offer a trial period or a free basic membership, there are no totally free Christian dating sites; you will need to subscribe in order to take advantage of the full features of the website. There are some mainstream dating websites like Tinder that will allow you to browse profiles for free, but you will be unable to filter matches by religion and other individual and dating preferences.
Do Only Christians Use Online Christian Dating Websites?
Ultimately, no. You can sign up for a dating website regardless of your faith. However, you must be willing to date a Christian. The good news is that the bulk majority of members on Christian dating sites do identify as Christian. In the end, though, it is up to you to ensure that your Christian values, faith, and morals properly align with the matches. Two Christians do not necessarily equal a compatible match.
What Denominations Can Use Christian Dating Websites?
Regardless of your denomination, you are free to use a Christian dating website. Some websites will provide you with the option to specify your individual denomination, while others may request that you rate your level of spirituality. The important thing is that all denominations can use these websites and apps, whether free or paid.
Are There Any Rules to Follow for Christian Online Dating?
Not specifically, but as previously mentioned, there are certain tips to help you get the most of your experience. For instance, face value means nothing online. Therefore, take the time to spark up some conversation and get to know someone before you divulge any personal and sensitive information. If someone asks you for something, never send it and ignore that person. Ultimately, simply watch for red flags and trust your gut.
How Can I Avoid Scammers While Engaging in Online Dating?
Some people aren’t on online dating sites to find their potential life partner. Some just want a one-night stand, and some are out to steal your personal information or money. To determine if a profile may potentially belong to a scammer, make sure to keep an eye out for certain red flags.
For instance, most scammers will have a blank profile picture or a stock photo. Perform a reverse image search to determine where the profile image originated from. In addition, most will outright ask for personal information from you pretty early on. Their goal with this information is to steal something from you and/or find out where you live. Another red flag is when someone wants to meet up too quickly. If someone sends you a suspicious link, don’t click on it. The link may be designed to steal your info.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding fellow Christian men and women, a paid or free Christian dating site is great. Some may be hit and miss, but it is easier to find a potential Christian partner who shares your faith in God. This type of dating service is designed to bring Christians together, encourage a Christian connection, and guide them in the right direction.
If you are interested in finding a partner who shares your religious beliefs and values, consider signing up for one of our top choices for the best Christian dating site. Good luck to you!
