Free dating app for nerds

1. Match

If you're serious about finding a soulmate and have the disposable income, Match is the place to go.

• Basic Membership: Free
• One month: $35.99/month
• Three months: $29.99/month
• Six months: $17.99/month
• 12 months: $15.99/month

Who's online: Match is kind of like baby's first big dating site. The OG player has the most users of any dating site (yup, more than eharmony and Zoosk) totaling about 35 million users in 25 countries. 32% of Match members are millennials, 39% are Gen Xers, and 27% are Boomers.
How it works: Just what you'd expect: Complete an extensive questionnaire about your personality, what values matter to you, and what you're looking for in a partner. This section will allow you to be really choosy, which is nice if you tend to be pretty picky. If not, general settings work too. 
Afterwards, has a 24-hour waiting period for verification before you can start using the service. This is so the dating site isn’t bombarded with fake profiles. But once you’re in you can message, favorite, wink, and talk with other users until you match and start going on dates in the real world. Since membership prices are steep compared to swiping apps, you can pretty much assume that most users are taking it seriously.
Why it's great for geeks: Match offers some of the most sophisticated features, search tools, profile matching, and relationship help of all the ones on this list. If you're looking for someone who's obsessive about basically anything, just type it into the search bar and see who pops up. The page will automatically populate results using the search parameters you identified in your profile settings. 

2. Zoosk

It's low-pressure but has the user base of a Match or eharmony, and striking up a convo is easy.

• One month: $29.99/month
• Three months: $20.00/month
• Six months: $12.50/month

Who's online: 40,000,000 singles worldwide who send about 3 million messages daily (among a lot of dead and fake profiles). A somewhat unsuspecting leader, many Reddit users actually prefer Zoosk to eharmony or Plenty of Fish.
How it works: The dating site uses its Behavioral Matchmaking engine and algorithm to refine matches by the women you’re actually liking and interacting with on the site. If you have a "type," then will pick up on it and try to give you more matches that fit your characteristics in your area. It’s part of their "pick-up-and-go" and "flirty" philosophy when it comes to online dating. The "Yes," "No," or "Maybe" process is similar to swiping through Tinder, except with way less immature bios and a much more broad spectrum of people. 
Regardless of the zombie land of dead-end profiles and somewhat boring design, everyone loves Zoosk because it's so easy to use. You don’t need to spend much time filling out long questionnaires to build your profile. You just sign up with your existing Facebook account and the dating site populates your likes, personality, and photos.
Why it's great for geeks: One of the coolest features on Zoosk is the Mega Flirt function, which is perfect for people who don't feel comfortable starting a conversation out of nowhere. Mega Flirt works by introducing you to a lot of other singles all at once. You get to choose an automated message to break the ice, then Zoosk will send it to other men and women for you. Whoever's interested can respond, so you get an idea of who likes you back without the fear of messaging and being shut down.
If you've seen any news about Zoosk's burrito matching feature, Burrit-Oh, you'll be bummed to find out that it was an April Fool's joke. However, it makes for a great conversation starter and an excuse for a taco date.

3. Gamer Dating

Find your Player 2 on Gamer Dating, the charming (albeit outdated) site where gamers can totally be themselves.

• Basic membership: Free
• Silver Quest (two months): $17.50/month
• Gold Quest (four months): $17.50/month

Who's online: At just over 20,000 monthly visitors, it's probably not the site where you'll have new inbox notifications every time you log in. But hear us out — that small number of people is a really passionate group, and you can skip having to put "gamer" in your bio all together. There is nearly a 50/50 split between male and female users (and you know how hard it is to find a geek site with girls).
How it works: The sign-up process is pretty rigorous for a site so niche, but it's likely one of the ways Gamer Dating has managed to weed out almost all of the fake profiles. (The site's outdated aesthetics do make it appear scammy, but I digress.) Aside from the expected profile picture and physical attributes, you'll be asked to list your favorite games right out of the gate. The wide variety of choices include DOTA 2, PUBG, Zelda, and Uncharted, and you have to choose at least three (that's how they confirm that you're a ~real~ gamer, I guess). Other fields include social hobbies like smoking habits and if you like to party.
Standard members only get six matches per day, but upgrading to a Silver or Gold Quest to get more matches and customization. All memberships come with access to the Gaming Center, where you can read news and blog posts about dating as a gamer.
Why it's great for geeks: Stating the obvious, it's really nice to have a dating site geared specifically toward people who think of gaming as a lifestyle instead of the casual Mario Kart at a party. Instead of having to put that you're a gamer or comb through profiles on traditional apps for a mention of gaming, Gamer Dating skips the normie stuff and essentially acts as a virtual Comic-Con. Automatically being able to see their favorite genres and specific games is an immediate talking point, too. Just make sure they didn't buy that girl's bath water first.
17 gender options, which outdoes nearly every traditional dating site except for maybe OkCupid. It's truly a place for singles to be themselves, and we stan Gamer Dating for this reason alone.

4. OkCupid

This OG dating site recently got a makeover and is home to millions of fun, woke singles.

• A-List Basic/Six-month membership: $14.99
• A-List Basic/Three-month membership: $19.99/month
• A-List Basic/One-month membership: $29.99/month
• A-List Premium/Six-month membership: $19.99/month
• A-List Premium/Three-month membership: $26.99/month
• A-List Premium/One-month membership: $39.99

Who's online: Everyone. Seriously. Part of OkCupid's mission is that everyone is welcome, so this site is a great option for those who identify within the LGBTQ community, or simply those who are looking to be among other open-mind men and women. According to the website, okcupid users send 7.3 million messages per day, with more than 90,000 users online at any given time.
How it works: When you first sign up, the site will prompt you with a series of questions about yourself, including how you identify. (Huge props to OkCupid for their relentless quest to be gender inclusive.) Then come the big questions, like, "is jealously healthy" and "would you consider an open relationship?" As you go through the questions, you can also mark how important a certain attribute is, all so OkCupid can hone in on like-minded individuals. The whole algorithm is really comprehensive, and geeks will appreciate how the whole site's ethos is built around data.
Why it's great for geeks: It's super inclusive, everyone is being themselves, and it's just a beautiful, judgement-free atmosphere. Their slogan is dating deserves better, which we're taking as it wants to nix every archaic cliche that may be stopping geeks from having a good time in the dating world. OkCupid also gets a lot of hype on Reddit for having such a chill environment and mix of people, and you know those geeks don't give out approvals willy-nilly.
Instead of calling yourself out as a geek in your bio, answering related questions will automatically get you a "badge" on your profile. These jazz up your profile with extra info to give potential matches an idea of what you have in common, and could make great conversation starters. Badges include "Game of Thrones" and "nerd," and OkCupid predicts that badge will garner users 20% more conversations. You two can fight over who *actually* deserved the throne, but like, in a flirty way.

5. Elite Singles

Career-focused individuals take an advanced personality test that really analyzes who will complement you.

• Three months: $52.95/month
• Six months: $39.99/month
• One year: $27.95/month

Who's online: College degree holders looking for someone who's also educated and career-oriented. According to their site, Elite Singles helps an average of 2,000 couples find love each month, with the company claiming that a single finds love using the service every eight minutes. That sounds good to us. A majority of its members are said to be educated, relatively affluent, and between the ages of 30 and 55.
How it works:  The site's personality test is ground zero of the matchmaking process. Based on the “Five Factor Model” of personality traits, you'll use a questionnaire to tell what makes you unique. Elite Singles compares your results with those of other members to identify users who complement your personality.
Why it's great for geeks: If your geekiness extends all the way to a full-time career, Elite Singles is where you could find someone in a similar field, or simply someone who understands the 9-5 or going to school for what seems like a million years.
The site suggests 3 to 7 highly suitable matches for you every day, so it's basically like having your own personal fairy godmother matchmaker — and extra handy if you're not really sure what your type is.The company bases its suggestions on a matching process that takes into account your relationship preferences, education, location, and personality profile. For the geeks out there who are more straightforward in their approach to love and who are looking to settle down without settling, this could be the service for you.

6. AdultFriendFinder

If you can get past the fact that it looks like an ad for a deserted strip club, you'll get some serious satisfaction and a confidence boost.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Gold: $39.95
• Three months of Gold: $26.95/month
• 12 months of Gold: $19.95/month

Who's online: A lot of horny people — a lot as in a bigger user base than eharmony. With over 25 million monthly users (that's more than ) as well as live video options, chat rooms, groups for ultra specific kinks, and more, you can probably assume how wild this site can get. But there's such a large and diverse group of potential matches, you're very likely to find someone who's on the same page as you. The part that you wouldn't expect is the fact that they do offer tons of compatibility questions and matchmaking services, because they're that intent on finding you a good lay.
How it works: is our pick for the best hookup site, and that's because it's literally impossible to walk away unsatisfied. It's like a Pornhub that you can actually interact with. 
Regardless of whether you're looking for an in-person hookup or to blow off some steam via sexting or raunchy videos, AFF has everything that your dirty mind can think of and more. Almost nothing is blurred out (no, really, there are lots of unsolicited dick pics), but if you don't mind that the entire thing looks like a sketchy "There are hot singles in your area" ad, you'll be in heaven. (Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder .)
Why it's great for geeks: Getting laid can be a struggle for geeks, even if it's only due to lack of confidence or fear of rejection. There are so many users into so many different things on AFF, it's not likely that you won't find someone who wants to meet up and bone. This isn't the snooty dating site where someone wants you to wine and dine first, and you'll feel like a total hottie when the likes and messages pour in almost instantly.
Another bonus is that is like the dating site version of New York City (AKA it never sleeps). You'll find people who work the regular 9-5, people who work the night shift, and people in other time zones, so it's nearly impossible to log on and not have people to talk to. AdultFriendFinder is like the booty call that's always awake when you text them.

7. Coffee Meets Bagel

Screw endless browsing: CMB focus on in-depth profiles and only sends curated matches.

• Basic membership: Free
• One month: $34.99/month
• Three months: $24.99/month
• Six months: $19.99/month
• 12 months: $14.99/month

Who's online: Singles who want a more curated, in-depth dating experience while staying inside the chill vibe of a hip, minimalistic app. The majority of users are female, and according to Medium, more of the site's users engage daily than eharmony, Match, and Zoosk. It's still a relatively small player in the scheme of things, but the focus on profile depth helps it give bigger competitors like Hinge a run for its money.

How it works: The now-successful Shark Tank bust is one of those rare dating apps that focuses on the woman's experience (like Bumble, but no swiping). Every profile shown to men has already been okay-ed by the women, so the chance of getting unsolicited messages from creepy guys (or the worry of being seen like creepy guy) is significantly diminished.

Each day, men see 21 potential matches and women see five. These matches, called bagels, are curated by the platform's algorithm based on account age, height, religion, ethnicity, and interests. CMB wants you to "spend your time on quality matches instead of swiping endlessly, and you're only talking to people who you know also clicked on you.

Why it's great for geeks: Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are usually full of the same people, and you're surely tired of combing through those people to try to find even a single thing in common quickly becomes a pain. Coffee Meets Bagel does the work for you by sending curated matches, and it won't be anyone outside your network of friends and family on Facebook. The friend-of-a-friend thing may slow down the process, but it's definitely worth not wasting time on randoms or fake profiles.
If there’s a match, will set up both profiles in a private chat and will ask a "personalized icebreaker" question. Pressure to think of something witty to open with is totally minimized, and if the question is corny, at least it's something to bond over.

8. Happn

Rom-com geeks will love how serendipitous Happn is, as it matches you with people you've seen in real life.

• Basic membership: Free
• One month of Premium: $24.99
• Three months of Premium: $15/month
• Six months of Premium: $10/month

Who's online: That crush-who-doesn't-know-they're-your-crush from the subway, probably. Happn is a modern dating app home to 50 million young men and women who secretly want that serendipitous connection. 
How it works: You know that cute girl who always gets the same order at the coffee shop every day, or that handsome dude who always shares the elevator with you? allows users to connect with people you've crossed paths with in real life, if you’re too shy to say hello in real life. It uses your daily routine and location to help you meet someone nearby. Instead of matching with random people, you can match with someone you see on a regular basis who might have a similar schedule and interest.
Why it's great for geeks: Say you had a shared moment sitting next to a woman at a movie theater, but you went on and on about film theory instead of getting her number. If she's on Happn, you may be able to track her down and salvage that missed connection. 
Geeks can be (charmingly) introverted, and that shyness may be hindering you from going after who you want. A lot of the pressure to approach someone first goes away on Happn, and your crush won't know that you liked them unless you liked them back — AKA no fear of rejection. Plus, if you keep seeing the same hottie in the comic book store or Barcade, you already know that they're into the same stuff you are.

9. Hater

Hater's hilarious premise of matching people through mutual dislikes is right in wheelhouse of cynical millennials.

Who's online: Misanthropes looking for someone to complain to/with. Hater is a hilarious concept that started out on Shark Tank (, I might add) that might actually work. Rather than being paired up over shared interests or mutual physical attraction, the app simply matches you with people who hate the same things as you — because the bond over disliking something super specific is way stronger.
How it works: It's a swiping app, so profiles are short and set up to give just enough info to be read in a glance. Profile information is somehow more limited than Tinder, skipping out on stuff like education, jobs and height — so you're really only going off of attraction and hating the same things. The app is aesthetically pleasing and clearly caters toward a younger, hip crowd, and it's only a matter of time before cynical millennials become obsessed with it.
Why it's great for geeks: There's nothing that gets a conversation going more than a mutual dislike, and there's no one more passionate about their interests (and disinterests) than geeks. (All you need to do is mention the Game of Thrones ending or say that Sword Art Online is the best anime ever.)
Hate anything from slow walkers, to Donald Trump, to the phrase "Live. Laugh. Love" — you know, all of the important stuff that keeps a relationship going. Even with a lack of people, the premise is just too good to pass up. If you download it now, you'll be able to say "I was on that five months ago," when everyone else finds out about it.

10. eharmony

If you love gaming but hate playing games, eharmony could find you someone serious — if you can ignore the conservative vibe.

• Basic Membership: Free
• Six months: $59.90/month
• One year: $35.90/month
• Two years: $25.90/month

Who's online: eharmony has more than 20 million members and claims responsibility for some 600,000 marriages. Most users understand that the site is specifically for finding someone to settle down with, so you can be confident that you won't get played. How it works: The service uses your personality profile to pair you with potential matches (after a deathly long series of questions and rated responses, including some heavily religious ones). Then,  Guided Communication helps you get to know someone on the site at your own pace. If it's natural for you to take control of the conversation, you can go with Quick Questions or skip this step entirely and send a custom direct message. However, sending pre-written Quick Questions can be a pretty easy ice breaker. 
Why it's great for geeks: If you're into science, you'll be happy to know that eharmony uses a scientific approach to matching highly compatible people. eharmony has figured out that by asking you a bunch of questions up front, they can then match you with people whose answers are compatible with yours. Their matching algorithm uses what the website calls a 29 Dimensions Model, which seeks to measure compatibility along things like emotional energy, kindness, character, intellect, humor, spirituality, and more.
Unfortunately, the site isn't LGBT friendly. eharmony has a history of being on the conservative side, so liberal geeks may not feel at home here.

11. Cams.com

Not ready to interact IRL? HD streaming and Bluetooth sex toys can help.

• 100 tokens: $12
• 250 tokens: $26
• 500 tokens: $50
• 1,000 tokens: $99

Who's online: 14,000 female, male, and trans models (with new ones added every day) make experimenting outside of your usual "type" easy.
How it works: Sometimes you just don't have the energy to interact IRL at all. Sexting will seem like the next move, but there's a more immersive option. Contrary to popular belief, are obnoxious. From to customization tools to nearly limitless HD video chat, is the site to visit when porn is boring but a real date is too much work.
Why it's great for geeks: If you're introverted in the dating world because you haven't experienced the dating world, Cams.com is a great way to learn some new moves, naturalize your body language, or simply be around someone you're attracted to without the pressure of a date. Despite the fact that there's (obviously) a screen between you and the other person, Cams.com goes above and beyond to ensure that things still get hot and heavy. 
The virtual tension can be cranked up another notch with teledildonics: A fancy word for Bluetooth sex toys that make physical pleasure over distance possible. Order a toy through or , download the app, and let the model control the vibrations almost as if you were there. Technology, but make it sexy.

12. SoulGeek

If Cosplay, Comic-Con, and Crunchy Roll are your love language, you can find a kindred spirit here.

Who's online: People who geek out over sci-fi, horror, fantasy, animation, anime, and comics as well as video gamers, conventions goers, cosplay lovers, and whatever other obsession.
How it works: You create a profile and actively scan member profiles to find someone you may be interested in. Your search scans can be general, or more detailed — there is flexibility here depending on how picky you are. Search for your SoulGeek by keying in a zip code, state, or country, which allows you to find matches anywhere in the world. Once a week, the website will send you an email that spotlights new members you might have missed. For a site created by geeks, it could be way more comprehensive and interest-based — but at least it's another niche option.
Why it's great for geeks: You can search for singles based on the stuff they're into. There are categories like Gameplay, Not Really Geeky But Still Cool, and Sorta Geeky. There is also a section for videos and music where you and others like you can comment and share your favorite media in the hopes that you'll find a shared interest.

13. ALT

Geek in the streets but freak in the streets? Bond over bondage on this BDSM site.

• One month Silver: $19.95
• Three months Silver: $11.95/month
• One year Silver: $8.33/month
• One month Gold: $29.95
• Three months Gold: $19.99/month
• One year Gold: $12.50/month

Who's online: Over 600,000 users who are into way more than vanilla stuff and who are bored of the regular hookup sites.
How it works: A self-proclaimed "BDSM, fetish, and kink site," ALT.com is one of the rare sites that's dedicated to bondage, erotic role play, and a whole lotta leather. Geeks are technically people who obsess over something very specific or give great attention to something in technical detail — no one said that couldn't be bedroom stuff.
Quick sign-up questions about gender, sexual orientation, and whether you're dominant or submissive come first, but the actual questionnaire is pretty lengthy for a site that's only fostering quick connections. However, those with very specific predilections will appreciate this attention to detail. 
Why it's great for geeks: It gives you the chance to find a quick hookup or just meet new people who are into the same stuff you are — without having to worry that you'll be judged. With the ability to interact in private chat networks or create your own blog (aside from the expected live video broadcasts and fetish videos), you're guaranteed to at least come away with some advice or a list of new handcuffs to try.
It's true that most people care more about the hookups they get out of a site than the site's aesthetic itself — but it turns into a problem when the site's design is so messy that it becomes difficult to navigate. ALT is a landfill of profiles, blogs, videos, and the occasional animated porn ad. It really is an impressive wealth of content, but a lack of user-friendliness could be a turnoff for some. 

14. Dating For Muggles

Most Harry Potter fans refuse to date someone who isn't up on their knowledge, so Dating for Muggles is a start.

• Basic Membership: Free
• One month: 29.99/month
• Three months: 13.33/month
• 5-day trial : $1/day

Who's online:
If reading (and re-reading) the entire Harry Potter series, having regular marathons of all the movies, and making plans for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sounds like your perfect date idea, then these are the people for you.
How it works: After setting up an account, which you can do pretty quickly, the site will suggest matches based on your interests. You can do a basic search or input more parameters for more of an advanced query, plus look for members near you.  
Why it's great for geeks: Singles who sign up for Dating For Muggles have a wide variety of interests. You can browse through the directory to find geeky singles who consider themselves: Yoga Muggles, Lawyer Muggles, LGBT Muggles, and Rich Muggles, Cat Lover Muggles, and dozens of other incredibly niche options. The site allows you to pretty much message people instantly and take it from there. Dating For Muggles is part of an online connections dating network, which includes gamer dating sites. If you join, your profile will automatically be shown across other related dating platforms.