These days, it seems like there are more dating sites and apps out there than dates themselves! It can be daunting to find out the very best dating apps in Pittsburgh. Fortunately, our dating experts have done the heavy lifting for you.
Of course, leaping into the dating pool has become even more overwhelming since the pandemic. It’s no mystery that as COVID restrictions became more extreme, many of us were unable to look for romantic connections, or meet up in person as we used to pre-pandemic.
Dating apps are the perfect segway from a more stagnant social life to meeting someone in person, allowing you to chat and get to know each other virtually before you decide to meet in reality.
After trying out dozens and dozens of dating sites and apps, our team has piled up the best Pittsburgh dating apps and sites to help you find that perfect person. No matter what corner of Pittsburg you come from, the following apps have tallied up the best results. Pittsburgh is a special city, with particular apps working better here than in other areas of Pennsylvania!
Read on to learn a bit more about your new favorite dating apps!
#1 - AFF is the best hookup app in Pittsburgh
AFF is the best hookup app in Pittsburgh right now, especially for guys. Unlike Tinder, you don't have to be super attractive to get attention and it's completely focused on bedroom fun. More and more, Tinder is morphing into a relationship app and less of a hookup app.
AFF is really popular in Pittsburgh and has over 60 million active users. That's a lot of people looking for a little fun. It's also completely focused on getting down to business, so everyone on this site is after the same thing. That means you can skip a lot of the dating steps and get straight to the fun stuff.
If you haven't tried AFF's free trial below, it's worth your time, especially if Tinder hasn't worked out great for you.
Why AFF is great:
- Really popular in Pittsburgh
- Has been the most successful hookup app for men
- Easy to use
Negatives of the app:
- You have to use their website to sign up
- We’re not crazy about the design
- VERY NSFW
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the top dating site for serious relationship seekers
eHarmony has consistently been the best option in Pittsburgh if you really want a long-term relationship with someone you click with. It might be the most popular app out there (you've probably seen the commercials), and their results speak for themselves. 70% of people meet their future spouse within a year on the app, and they're responsible for 75% of all marriages that start online. Those are crazy results!
Though the initial quiz is lengthy, it seems to really help match you up with compatible people. The site is also helpful for helping matches get to know each other with its "Break the Ice" feature filled with interactive games and questions. Those who are hesitant about sending that first message will especially love this feature!
If you haven't checked out their trial yet, you need to!
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in Pittsburgh:
- Highly accurate and compatible matches
- REALLY popular in Pittsburgh
- Extremely high success rates compared to other apps
What we didn’t like about it:
- The sign-up process is lengthy
- You have to follow the process so you can’t influence it much
#3 - One of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh for fun, Christian singles is Christian Mingle (Android; iOS)
Christian Mingle is one of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh for those whose religion and faith is a foundational element of their personal and social life. The app's name indicates its main goal: creating a space for large communities of faith-based dating singles to meet one another. There’s no need to take precautions when it comes to explaining how faith intersects in your social life. All users on Christian Mingle are looking for religion to be a large component of their dating life and partner.
As a nod towards more progressive elements of Christianity, the website also has an option for Gay Christian dating. Christian Mingle is an app that welcomes those who don’t identify as straight to find love and meet people who share their same values.
Christan mingle profiles include important information such as marital status, type of Christianity you practice, as well as your Church attendance. Similar to more traditional dating apps like Hinge or Tinder, you also have the option to include personal details such as occupation, if you have kids or want kids, and your level of education. These features make it more probable to meet someone whose faith and life path aligns with yours.
What makes Christian Mingle one of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh:
- 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
#4 - Zoosk (Android; iOS) is one of the best Pittsburgh dating apps for international users
Zoosk has a large presence in over 80 countries, with over 25 different languages spoken on the app itself. It remains one of the best apps for younger singles looking for a serious relationship. What makes Zoosk stand out is its Behavioral Matchmaking Technology feature. Zoosk will track which profiles you like, message and pass on to tailor the profiles you do see. In this way, its algorithm leads to more accurate matches than other dating apps.
So if you think you're a little too young for eHarmony and a little too serious for AFF, Zoosk might just be the app for you.
Why Zoosk is one of the best dating sites in Pittsburgh:
- Popular in many different countries, making it great for international users
- Verification means less fake profiles or potential scammers
- Good customer service for any potential problems on the app
What we didn’t like about it:
- A free account has limited matches
- Sending messages isn’t free
#5 - Connections on BLK (Android; iOS) are for Black Singles looking for love
Blk is a new app with the goal of creating a space where exclusively Black men and women can meet each other, and fosters a safe environment for minorities to date others. The app includes a strict signup process, which weeds out anyone joining for reasons that are disingenuine or less honest.
BLK works similarly to other dating apps where you swipe to find matches. However, there are two features offered as premium addons: ‘Boost,’ which increases your chances of matching with someone by making you one of the first profiles seen in your location for a thirty-minute time window. The second, ‘Really Like,’ sends notifications to those you like, which they can see right away and can lead to a mutual match.
With a large user base of almost 40,000 members, there’s a high chance that you’ll meet someone who's curious to learn more about you. However, it’s important to know that the general vibe on BLK is mostly people who are looking for serious relationships and deep commitments. This means that it’s more rare to find someone looking for just an erotic or casual encounter.
What we like about BLK:
- The mobile app is free to download
- Monthly memberships aren’t required to swipe and chat with other users
- The app interface and design is easy to navigate
What we’re not so crazy about:
- There’s not as much information featured on profiles
- Having your phone location feature on is necessary to use the app
- Profiles can only include 6 photos
#6 - EME Hive (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh for Asian singles
EME Hive is an exclusive app for Asian users in The U.S. Its main selling point is that women get to use the app for free, while men have a free trial before paying a monthly membership fee. This concept is super helpful for attracting a large female user base.
East Meet East ranks itself as one of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh for Asians and Asian-Americans. However, keep in mind that the typical user is either a college student or young professional, making this app geared more for 20- and 30-somethings. Nevertheless, if you’re Asian and living in Pittsburgh, East meets East is a great option for those looking for potential cultural and ethnic overlap.
Reasons to use East Meet East:
- Great for finding a partner with a similar background
- Completely free for female users
- Better chance of accurate results
- Remains one of the best dating sites in Pittsburgh for Asians
What we didn’t like about it:
- Male users have to pay to access most features
- Quite niche, so not a lot of users
#7 - Raya (iOS) is the ultimate elite app
Raya: Perhaps you've heard your favorite celebrity mention it. This is because the app is solely for exclusive users who must jump through many hoops to become members, attracting celebrities and other elite individuals. Therefore, you need a referral from another user to be considered. The Raya committee will then review your Instagram following and decide if you're influential enough to join the app.
The exclusivity of this app is what attracts its many users. Raya also has tight privacy features that ensure users remain safe on the app, with no information getting leaked. As great as all that sounds, however, not everyone who wants a Raya account gets one.
Why Raya is one of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh:
- Exclusivity means famous individuals populate the app
- The app can also be used for networking
- The profiles on the app have a sleek and organized look
What we didn’t enjoy:
- The application process is long and difficult
- No Android platform, only iOS
#8 - Tinder (Android; iOS) in Pittsburgh is great if you're hot
Tinder: it's the app that everyone is talking about. Though it's popular, is it one of the best Pittsburgh dating apps? If you're looking for a more casual relationship, then yes. Tinder is easy to use, with a simple swipe left or swipe right feature. The sign-up process is also very straightforward: just upload a few photos and you're ready!
Many Tinder users use the app to find a quick date or a casual fling. There's a large variety of men and women to date, though the user base tends to be on the younger side. Some users are looking for something more serious or even just for friendships, though these are harder to find.
Reasons to try Tinder:
- Super quick sign up process
- Easy messaging system
- Great for those who prefer photos
What we didn’t love about Tinder:
- Most matches are based on looks alone
- Higher possibility of fake profiles and scammers
- Harder to find more long-term users here
#9 - Hinge (Andriod; iOS) is perfect for those who prefer communication over swiping
Hinge markets itself as the app meant to be deleted from your phone. It's labeled one of the best dating apps in Pittsburgh due to its emphasis on communication. Users can react or send messages based on what they find on other users’ profiles. And this helps them communicate (unlike the usual “hey baby”).
Signing up for the app is easy, and it’s fun answering questions that will show up on your profile. Questions range from asking about your greatest strength to your biggest pet peeve. Think of it as Tinder but with a LOT more personality.
Why Hinge is great:
- Great for singles who like to read dating app profiles
- Multiple ways to show interest on a profile
- Very popular with the younger crowd
Why it’s not for everyone:
- Can be tedious for those who prefer swiping on photos
- The free version is limited
The Best Dating Sites in Pittsburgh for Long-Term Relationships
After a bout of casual dating and fun hookups, you may be tired of the fast-paced dating culture and ready to settle down.
If this is you, you’re in luck. Dating apps can be perfect for short-term flings, but there’s also a plethora of apps and sites that promote sustainable and committed partnerships for their users. This can be achieved by specific filters and the reputation of the app itself—some are known to attract an older and more serious demographic.
eHarmony is for people who are ready to fall in love
eHarmony is one of those dating apps that’s been around for ages and has a tried and true match-making system. Their user base is nearly an even 50-50 gender split, and profiles are detailed enough to get a sense of someone’s personality and interest. The app also gives you a match percentage, which gives you a hint about how well you might get along with your potential matches.
The site has produced countless marriage and success stories and features a virtual video date option if you're more reluctant to leave your house. It’s also uncommon to find bots and fake profiles, making it, so you’re never investing time into someone who’s there under false pretenses.
You may meet the love of your life on Bumble
Bumble is a popular option for people looking for a serious relationship. The dating app flips the script when it comes to communication and gender roles. In a heterosexual match, it’s the women’s responsibility to make the move and chat their match. If they don’t send a message within 24 hours of matching someone, the match expires. If you're not a patient guy, Bumble might not be for you. But if you're the type who's sick of always sending the first message, give this app a shot.
The Best Hookup Sites in Pittsburgh
Not everyone is ready to settle down and commit to one person for the rest of their life. If you’re in your prime and looking for a casual date or craving more of a physical connection, there are plenty of apps that offer opportunities to find your makeout partner. Below are our key recommendations for the best casual dating sites in Pittsburgh.
Match with a sexy hookup partner on AFF
AFF is the go-to if you’re looking for a sexual connection in Pittsburgh. User’s profiles feature basic personal information, but can also consist of sexy selfies or invitations to hook up. What's so great about AFF is its numbers. For over two decades, AFF has helped adults meet like-minded singles for steamy flings or casual relationships. Everyone on the site knows what it's for, so no need to worry that you might end up meeting someone who turns out to want more than just something casual.
AFF also has a free trial that you can try out before committing to a paid account. Give it a try and you might end up meeting someone for a night of fun!
Find a flirty fling on Tinder
Tinder is the best free hookup site in Pittsburgh, and popular among singles in search of a non-committal, sexy hangout. Tinder is used internationally and boasts almost 7.86 million users. The app provides an opportunity for two people to get to know each other and meet up if they’re so inclined with their intuitive design: Right for yes, left for no. When you match with someone, you have the opportunity to message them and ignite a fun, no-pressure gathering in a beautiful city.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Pittsburgh
Nowadays, there’s a multitude of apps to sort through when it comes to dating. One major factor when deciding between which to choose from is pricing; While almost all apps offer a free trial period, some require monthly payments for access to swiping and different features.
If you’re not ready to spend money just yet, we’ve compiled some free options to use below. So download them, give them a try, and enjoy the beauty of finding love while budgeting if you meet the one! The best free dating sites in Pittsburgh are:
- Hinge
- Plenty of Fish
- Tinder
Just keep in mind that when it comes to dating apps, you almost always get what you pay for. In the case of these apps, many users are only there to give it a try or get some attention. If you're serious about meeting someone online, you can instead try out paid dating apps. That way, you know that everyone on the app is willing to shell out some cash to get results.
