Online dating has become increasingly popular over the past few years, especially since the onset of the pandemic. As a result, there are tons of options when it comes to dating sites in Ottawa. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which site to use. If you choose the wrong dating site, you may end up wasting your time in a relationship that is not right for you.
To save you from the guesswork, we’ve done our research on the best dating sites in Ottawa to help you find what you desire. Dating apps are a great asset, as you can meet tons of potential matches in a short period of time - more than you’d ever be able to meet in person, even if you spent every weekend at Babylon or the Mercury Lounge. Whether you are wanting to find love or just a casual hook-up, there is a site tailored to you.
The 5 Best Dating Sites in Ottawa Right Now
When choosing a dating app, it is important to first think of what you are looking to get out of your next relationship. Are you hoping to meet someone to spend your life with? Maybe you’re just looking for something temporary, like a one-night stand. We’ve researched the best dating sites in Ottawa to determine which ones best cater to your relationship goals. You also want to ensure the site gets lots of traction from singles, is easy to use, and prioritizes the same things that you do. We take this into account when rating dating sites in Ottawa. Everything is categorized for you, so you can put your focus on finding your next match!
#1 - eHarmony (Android, iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Ottawa for serious relationships
eHarmony is the best dating app around if you are looking for a long-term, serious relationship. It is one of the longest players in the online dating game, which means its methods are tried and true. There is a reason people try out eHarmony. Its reputation is great, with over 70% of users finding their future spouse within a year of use. With results like that, it’s impossible to argue the success you will find through this site.
The secret to eHarmony’s success is its compatibility assessment. When you sign up, you answer a number of questions about who you are and what you are looking for. This way, you get to skip the people who are not here for the same reasons you are. This helps connect you with a love interest that will actually last. If you are looking for long-lasting love, eHarmony is the site for you.
Why app/site is great
- Prioritizes compatibility
- Tried and true method behind their matches
- Very easy to use after the initial time investment
What we don’t like about it
- Requires you to answer a lot of questions at the start
- Not good if you are looking for a casual dating experience
#2 - Zoosk (Android, iOS) is great if you’re looking for a dating app that is tailored to you
Zoosk combines its massive user base with exceptional filter capabilities to help you narrow down what you’re looking for. Say goodbye to endless swiping, because you will only see those who fit within your set parameters. Filter by things like age, location, smoking status, children, and more to ensure the matches coming across your screen value the same things you do.
While Zoosk allows you to be particular about your matches, it also boasts tons of users. With millions of singles on the site, you don’t have to worry that you’re missing out on connections. This is what makes Zoosk an excellent option if you’re looking for a dating site in Ottawa.
Why app/site is great
- Large user base to ensure lots of connections
- Can narrow down by your specific preferences
- Easy to use app and website
What we don’t like about it
- Free version has some limitations
- Zoosk coins can be expensive
#3 - AFF is one of the best dating sites in Ottawa for finding a fling
Maybe you’re not looking for love right now; maybe you’re simply looking for something more casual. There are tons of other singles on dating sites in Ottawa that are looking for the same type of arrangement! AFF is easily the best dating site if you’re looking for a fling. Everyone on this site is searching for the same thing.
AFF has a massive user base. With over 50 million active members, it is the best dating site to find singles on the hunt for a casual relationship. Your account is quick and easy to set up, allowing you to cut right to the chase and get matching. It won’t be long until you find a fun single to meet up with.
Why app/site is great
- Tailored to those looking for casual dating
- Quick and easy to set up
- Large user base for maximized connections
What we don’t like about it
- Website is a bit dated
- With so many users, you may have to filter through lots of options
#4 - Hinge (Android, iOS) is great for finding a partner you share a lot in common with
Hinge is relatively new to the online dating space, but has made waves because of its unique setup. The dating profile on Hinge incorporates your personality, sense of humor, and interests. Users have to interact directly with your profile, which can help give you an idea of their personality before you even get to chat with them.
There is much more to the profile than just photos, which is what sets Hinge apart from other free dating apps in Ottawa. While the number of likes you can send per day is limited on the free version, messaging is free. Once a match is made, you can freely chat before taking it offline.
Why app/site is great
- Get a sneak peek of their personality before matching
- Can set your preferences to what you are seeking
- Easy-to-use app
What we don’t like about it
- Limited likes with the free version
- Smaller dating pool can lead to recycled match suggestions
#5 - POF (Android, iOS) is for a wide variety of dating preferences
Plenty of Fish (POF) is a long-time player in the online dating space. It started as a website in the early 2000s and quickly gained traction as one of the largest dating platforms available. While it is more geared toward the serious dater, the large number of users makes it easy to find whatever you may be looking for.
The free account has a number of features, however, the site is a bit dated and can be harder to navigate than others. Be sure to indicate upfront what you are looking to gain out of the relationship so that you can ensure you are matching with someone who is looking for the same thing.
Why app/site is great
- The free account has a lot of features
- Quick to set up your account
- Geared toward the long-term relationship, but can find other arrangements
What we don’t like about it
- The website is a bit dated
- Does not have profile verification
The Best Hookup Sites in Ottawa
If you’re just looking for some casual fun, there are dating sites to help you find that. Ottawa is full of other singles looking for the same thing you’re looking for. By using the right type of dating app, you can easily connect with these people.
AFF is the leader in casual dating sites
You can rest assured that others using AFF are looking for a no-strings-attached connection. Whether you want a one-time hookup or a longer-term friends-with-benefits type of arrangement, AFF is the best option for finding it. The site is easy to use, the setup is quick, and it focuses on getting you paired with potential interests right away. The site boasts a massive membership base so you can be sure that you’ll find someone fun to spend your free time with. This makes it one of the best Ottawa hookup sites.
Tinder is another great option for casual dating
While users may be looking for a wide variety of different arrangements if you are upfront about what you’re searching for you can find it on Tinder. Profile setup is quick and easy, letting you get right to swiping. Tinder is one of the best casual dating sites in Ottawa if you are in your 20s, as lots of young people use the app.
The Best Dating Sites in Ottawa for Relationships
If you are searching for a serious long-term relationship, there are many dating sites to choose from. To avoid being let down, you’ll want a site or app that also attracts singles searching for love.
eHarmony is the best dating site in Ottawa if you are looking for love
The compatibility assessment of eHarmony ensures that you are getting the best quality of matches. The setup can take some time, but it's worth it to help you connect with the right people. eHarmony has helped so many find the love of their life. It’s tried and true, having been a leader in online dating since its inception in the early 2000s. It is a wildly popular dating site because it works! Try their match-making technology out for yourself to find your next relationship.
Bumble is another excellent option for finding a relationship
Bumble tends toward singles who are serious about meeting someone to share their life with. It is unique because the woman must make the first move. This can help women feel safer and more secure, which may make this one of the best Ottawa dating apps. Men can be confident that the woman is interested, and women feel more in control of their dating life.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Ottawa
Typically, paying for a dating app is going to be the best way to find the person you are looking for. The paid apps tend to work better and provide you with more features than the free ones. Many paid apps include a free trial to make sure you like the platform before committing. However, if you want to try a free app before taking the plunge, these are the best free dating sites in Ottawa.
- Coffee Meets Bagel
- Match
- Tinder
With so many great apps, there is sure to be one that helps connect you with the one you are searching for. Remember while apps generally work more quickly than trying to meet someone in person, they still can take time to connect you with the right one. Try out different apps and sites until you find the one best suited to you.
