Dating before technology sounds like our worst nightmare. Imagine having to go to a bar, getting someone’s number, arriving at the date and then finding out that you have next to nothing in common. Then, if you’re determined to meet someone special, you have to do it all over again as you hope for the best!
In addition to the energy it takes to meet someone organically, there’s no doubt that the pandemic has put a strain on many people’s social life and that includes the dating scene. So Sheltering-in-place and social distancing might have made you very comfortable staying in the quiet of your home and away from the humdrum of loud, packed bars.
Lucky for you, with the popularity of online dating, you can just log in, browse and chat with women before you go on a date. But the question is: what are the best dating apps and sites in Milwaukee? No matter your type or where you live (from Granville to Goldman Park), we have a few worthwhile options you should try. We’ve tested out over 150 dating apps and sites, and we know which ones really work in Milwaukee. So here’s our ultimate list:
#1 - Bumble (Android; iOS) buzzes you into the perfect match
I know; the headline is pretty cheesy. However, don’t let that dissuade you from hopping on Bumble, though. Chances are, you’ve seen their ads somewhere on the internet and there’s a reason for that. Why? Because they blend the ease of use of apps like Tinder with one important feature: women message men first.
You may be wondering why this matters. Well, for starters, it keeps women on the app by helping them avoid unwanted messages from matches. It also tips the scale in your favor by letting you just wait around for a woman to message you. Bumble changes the dynamics of typical dating and that’s why it’s such a hit!
Why we love Bumble for Milwaukee folks:
- It’s one of the best Milwaukee dating apps in terms of user base and site activity
- They offer Bumble Bizz (networking) and Bumble BFF (finding friends)
- Lots of women love the app
Why we don’t love Bumble for Milwaukee folks:
- Only women can message first
- Some features are stuck behind a paywall
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) can't be beaten for long-term relationships
eHarmony is extremely popular here and has an amazing track record of helping Milwaukee locals find long-term partners by using matching algorithms. This app does the best job of matching you up with compatible potential mates that we've seen.
You don't have to scroll for hours. The app does all of the tough work for you. Of course, you might not make a perfect connection outside of the algorithms. But, usually, it works like magic. The toughest part is answering all of the questions. It's important because this is how they match you with other single people. You can build chemistry before you even meet.
If you're serious about finding long-term partners, this is the site for you.
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in Milwaukee:
- The best success rate out there for long-term relationships
- 70% of users find their future spouse within a year
- Makes it pretty easy to form connections
What we don’t like about it:
- It definitely takes more time than most to get started
- Not super popular with those 18-22
#3 - Loosid (Android; iOS) is one of the best Milwaukee dating apps for sober people
Loosid’s tagline is “Sober Shouldn’t Be Somber,” and the company embodies that in every way. Loosid was specifically created for those who have recovered (or are recovering) from addiction and those who’ve just decided to live a sober life.
They offer super helpful features such as “Boozeless Guides,'' which is a directory of places (restaurants, cafes, etc.) that offer no pressure to drink. Additionally, they offer a guide for help centers if you should ever feel the desire to start up again. It’s a perfect place for those trying to stay on the path of sobriety AND find someone to date.
Why Loosid is one of the best Milwaukee dating apps:
- It’s specifically designed for sober people
- So far, over 1.4 MILLION dating connections have been made
- They’re all about community, and you can reach out for help at any moment
What we don’t like:
- The login system can be buggy
- The chat feature can be laggy
#4 - AFF is the easiest way to find a fling
AFF should be your first choice when you're not looking for a relationship but still want some fun in the bedroom. We've tried a lot of different apps for this (most are awful), and only a couple have proven to work over and over. Tinder is great if you're younger, but once you’re older, AFF has shown the best results out of any dating site in Milwaukee we've tried, especially for guys.
One of the things we've really liked about this app is that they do a really good job of helping you find EXACTLY what you're looking for. Everyone on this site is looking for the same thing so you can save a LOT of time that you would waste on other sites. So if you're 25+ and want to take someone home tonight, this is the app for you.
Why you should try AFF:
- They have a massive number of users on their app (over 50 million)
- We’ve seen guys have the best success using it, especially those who aren’t super good looking and didn’t do well on Tinder
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it:
- Many can only access via the web app
- The app is a little dated and not as polished as some others
- Sometimes people are a little TOO upfront with what they want
#5 - Happn (Android; iOS) combines real-world and online dating
Happn is the app that helps you eliminate missed connections. Have you ever walked by someone truly STUNNING on the street and just wished you would’ve grabbed their number? Or maybe it happened in a bar—you glanced over and made eye contact with this amazing person, only to go about your night and never speak to them.
With Happn, those people pop up right on your screen. As long as the other party has the app, when you two come into contact together, you’ll be notified.
Why Happn is one of the best dating apps in Milwaukee:
- You see people who you’ve come into contact with
- There are over 50 million users
- The app has over 1.5 million reviews with a rating of 4/5 stars
Why Happn isn’t the best:
- The payment system can be weird
- The GPS doesn’t always work the best
#6 - Sign up on Zoosk (Android; iOS) for an affordable membership plan
If you’re not entirely sure what you’re looking for in your romantic life, Zoosk is the perfect dating app to start your journey. Zoosk is a dating site for younger singles who want to avoid Tinder but still receive high-quality matches. Their platform boasts 40 million accounts worldwide, as well as over 3 million messages sent daily. The site members feature a healthy mix of singles who are looking for everything under the sun. Some light flirting? You got it. A life partner to start a family with? You can find that too.
Why Zoosk is working in Milwaukee:
- 35 million + singles with accounts
- 3 million messages sent daily
- #1 grossing dating app in the Apple App Store
- Affordable membership plan
What we don’t like about it:
- Ads during the free trial
- Must utilize and understand search features to weed through options
#7 - Raya (iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Milwaukee for influencers
In order to hop on Raya, you’re gonna have to have over 5,000 followers. We’re not going to lead you on and get you all excited about the app and then you find out you don’t fit into this category. If you do though, you’re in luck.
Raya is an awesome app aimed at connecting Instagram influencers—and it’s not just for dating either. The app also offers a professional networking option that proves to be super handy. All-in-all, Raya is by far the best dating app in Milwaukee if you’re an influencer or Instagram famous.
Why Raya is great:
- The user experience is very fluid
- It’s quickly amassing users despite the very niche group it targets
- On top of dating, they offer a professional networking option
Why Raya isn’t that great:
- You MUST have a minimum of 5,000 IG followers to join (250,000+ is optimal)
- You cannot use the app unless you pay a monthly subscription
#8 - Hinge (Android; iOS) is not super-serious, not casual - right in between
Most dating apps have a set demographic: some are for serious dating, and some are for flings. If you’re somewhere in between, Hinge is for you. The app is for singles who aren’t quite sure about what they want, and they’re open to pretty much anything. And we bet you know that a lot of singles are like that.
The great thing about Hinge is that it’s like social media where you can like parts of someone’s profile. Once you do, you already have something to talk about. It beats the typical “Hi!” as an icebreaker, right?
Why Hinge is a great app:
- It’s for the semi-serious dater.
- The user profiles are super interesting
- They’re rated 4.5/5 on the Apple store – and that’s out of 400 000 reviews
Why Hinge isn’t a great app in Milwaukee:
- They definitely have some features behind a paywall
- The algorithm doesn’t always work great
#9 - Christian Mingle is one of the best dating apps in Milwaukee for Christian singles (Android; iOS)
Does your religion play a big part in your personal and social life? If so, Christian Mingle is one of the best dating apps in Milwaukee to find others whose religion is a foundational element in their love life. There’s no need to wait until the third date when it comes to explaining how faith intersects your social life. Every single on Christian Mingle is on the app to find a partner who shares the same outlook when it comes to religion and romance.
Christan mingle profiles offer unique information in profiles, such as marital status, type of Christianity you practice, as well as your Church attendance. To increase chances of finding a match, you can also include the popular dating profile personal details, such as occupation, if you have kids or want kids, and your level of education. Of course, these features only increase the likelihood of meeting someone whose faith and life path are similar to yours.
What makes Christian Mingle one of the best dating apps in Milwaukee:
- Verification system to make sure that profiles are legitimate people
- Easy and pain-free registration process
- Offers daily matches for users
What we don’t like about it:
- Features are simple and not as advanced as other dating apps
- Users who don’t pay for membership cannot send or receive messages to and from other users
#10 - heybaby (iOS) is for single parents
heybaby - whatchu looking for? Someone who wants a family? Then you’ve come to the right place. Users on heybaby are either a parent or someone looking to have kids. So, it’s safe to say, everybody is pretty serious on here; you’re not going to have to deal with any of the BS involved with casual dating. As a single parent, it can be hard to find that special someone. Not everyone understands the delicate balance between having a social life and caring for kids. Thankfully, heybaby makes finding singles on the same boat easier than ever.
Why heybaby is worth trying:
- One of the best dating apps in Milwaukee for single parents
- It has a great design
- It’s quickly growing in popularity
Why heybaby isn’t the best:
- It isn’t on Android
- Some people frequently see the same choices for a match
#11 - Jdate (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Milwaukee
JDate is well, pretty straightforward. It was created with the intent of finding Jewish people dates. It isn’t aimed towards just casual stuff but instead the development of a deep, purposeful connection. With over a million users, you’re not gonna have a tough time finding that special someone.
Why Jdate works:
- It’s specifically for Jewish people
- There are over a million users
- They’ve been around for 20 years and it works
Why Jdate isn’t a great dating site in Milwaukee:
- Their apps don’t work great
- We’ve seen the occasional bot on their site
The Best Dating Sites in Milwaukee for Long-Term Relationships
If you’re a romantic at heart and looking to find your person, there are definitely certain apps that can lead you to something more serious. The fast-paced, swiping, hookup dating world isn’t for everyone and can also lose its appeal quickly. Luckily, we’ve got you covered if you’re ready to settle down with someone you love.
eHarmony may be how you find your life partner
eHarmony is the tried and true app known to foster strong, healthy connections between two individuals who are ready for something a little more sustainable than a quick hookup. The app’s in-depth compatibility quiz and large user base of daters create a high probability you’ll meet someone as serious as finding their soulmate as you are. It does the hard work of sifting through potential matches for you. It works so well that a significant number of married couples met on eHarmony. That's proof that it works!
eHarmony is the perfect tool to lead you to the one you may spend the rest of your life with.
Hinge has a high success rate for uniting serious couples
If you’re tired of constant swiping and seeking actual conversation, Hinge is the app to do so. Their slogan is the “app designed to be deleted” and promises a worthwhile connection.
The best part about Hinge is that member profiles are usually filled out pretty thoroughly, which leads to lots of opportunities for conversation. You can send likes and comment on someone’s photo, or send a message to someone who catches your eye. If you’re ready to settle down and put a ring on it, Hinge is the app for you.
The Best Hookup Sites in Milwaukee
If you’re young and not looking for anything serious, don’t worry, there are still options out there for you! Milwaukee hookup sites are plenty, and you have many to choose from if you’re interested in a flirty fling.
AFF is great for a hot hookup
AFF is an amazing contender as one of Milwaukee's best casual dating sites. AFF is a platform full of singles who are looking for a sexual, physical connection. This site should be your first choice when you're not looking for a relationship but still want some fun in the bedroom. The best part about AFF is the huge user base, which almost guarantees you'll find somebody that’s down for whatever you’re thinking.
So get a sexy selfie posted and you’re on your way! Give their free trial a shot and you just might meet someone tonight!
Tinder is perfect to find hot singles
Tinder is another well-known app that fosters more physical connections. The app design is intuitive for even the most beginner user; All you have to do is swipe right for yes, and left for no. Once you match with someone, you have the option to message them and meet up for an exciting time.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Milwaukee
Love can indeed come with a price tag. More often than not, these apps and sites have membership plans that allow users access to more features, such as unlimited swiping, or the ability to see who matched with you. The payoff can be worth it if you find someone who you get along well with.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to use dating apps for free. Here are some of the most popular free dating apps in Milwaukee:
- Tinder
- Bumble
- Facebook Dating
In terms of userbase, these three options have a ton. But keep in mind that with free dating apps come folks who aren't too serious about finding a date or a hookup. So keep that in mind when using these options.
Using Tinder in Milwaukee
It can be difficult to use Tinder effectively anywhere, let alone in a bigger, overwhelming city. However, if you’re just starting your dating journey in Milwaukee, Tinder might be a safe option to get acclimated to the vibe of dating in ‘Cream City.’
As Tinder is one of the more widely-used apps, you’ll be able to find a lot of options when it comes to potential matches, and also a diverse range of what people are seeking. Singles in Milwaukee don’t just use Tinder as a ground for hooking up—they also utilize swiping to meet someone who they can have a long-lasting connection with.
Tinder might be the perfect tool if you’re new to Milwaukee, new to dating apps, or just looking for lots of opportunities for matches. So what are you waiting for? Start matching today and find yourself some dates!
