These Are The 5 Best Dating Sites & Apps in Maine that Dating Coaches Loved in 2025

Despite the abundance of dating sites in Maine, there’s still plenty of frustration when it comes to finding women. From too many to choose from, lack of a user base, or just apps that are a bad fit for the state, the struggle to find an app that makes dating simple can be too much.

In the past, simply living in Maine's best cities - like Portland, Old Orchard Beach, and Bangor - nearly guaranteed you’d cross paths with a lovely lady sooner or later. Or, maybe you’re studying at the University of Maine Orono or Bowdoin College and knew that you’d meet a like-minded woman between classes.

Unfortunately, the ease of in-person dating is behind us due to the pandemic and other factors, but there’s hope plenty of hope if you use the top Maine dating sites we’ve tried, tested, and recommend.

Before you read further, let us give you a quick summary of the Maine dating apps that have consistently worked for us:

Site	Our Experience	Our Rating	Free Trial Link
Best For Relationships	Experience Highlights Easily the best option for long-term relationships 75% of all online marriages start here 70% of users meet their spouse within a year In-depth signup and matching process	9	Try eHarmony
Best For Casual Fun	Experience Highlights The best way to meet women for casual relationships Best results for regular guys Over 60 million active members Not good for long-term relationships	9	Try AFF For Free
Great If You're Handsome	Tinder Highlights Great if you're pretty good looking Very popular, especially if you're 18-22 Really focused on photos Becoming more of a dating than hookup app	8	Try Tinder

There are tons of singles using dating sites in Maine

At first glance, Maine might strike you as the northern retirement community (the southern one being Florida). True enough, lots of older people choose to live in Maine because it's a relatively safe and quiet state. But that doesn't mean living in Maine dooms you to being single forever!

With 31.19% of the adult population being single, you have plenty of single people to meet here! There are also more women than men, so if you're looking to date a woman or get into something short, fun, and casual, you shouldn't have any problems meeting them in Maine. In fact, if you use one of the dating apps and sites below, you could be looking at more dates than you know what to do with!

The 5 Best Dating Sites in Maine Right Now

We chose the best dating apps and sites in Maine based on popularity, how easy it is to find a date on each option, and how well its paid and free features work. With these criteria in mind, the following section will help you find the best dating site recommendations for Maine. Best of luck!

#1 - eHarmony (Android, iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Maine for finding relationships

Get access to a 70% chance of getting married in one year with eHarmony, the best choice for dating sites in Maine for long-term dating.

Unlike other dating sites in Maine, eHarmony starts the process with an in-depth and detailed questionnaire, plus there’s a requirement for a paid membership to engage with the app’s user base. If you’re on the fence about paying for a membership, understand that it’s like a “cover fee” that keeps out the riff-raff.

Pros of eHarmony:

Cons of eHarmony:

#2 - Plenty of Fish (Android, iOS) is a great way for singles to chat live

One of the reasons why Plenty of Fish (PoF) is a great dating app is its Live feature. Chat instantly with Maine women on a webcam to start a conversation. Because this is a rare feature in Maine dating sites, those who are ready to engage are certain to succeed on PoF.

Also, Pof is free to use, but it does have a paid membership called “Upgraded Profiles”. For a fee the app lets you add up to 16 pictures, a boost in search rankings, and a feature that lets you see who browsed your profile, plus a lot more.

Why Plenty of Fish is a great dating app in Maine:

What could be improved on Plenty of Fish?

#3 - AFF is the best dating site in Maine to find a fun rendezvous (try it free here)

AFF is the best dating app for Maine men that want to find some fun in the bedroom. And because everyone on AFF is looking for the same thing, you never have to worry about things getting awkward.

With millions of users (60+ million), finding someone that has the same preference for fun as you do won’t be a problem. It also has a convenient search feature that further refines your search criteria (age, location, preferences, and more). AFF offers a free trial, but most men that find success on AFF shell out the cash to really jumpstart their dating life.

Why AFF is the right choice for getting down in Maine:

What could be better on AFF:

#4 - Coffee Meets Bagel (iOS, Android) is the top choice for many singles in the city

Maine’s reputation as Vactionland is well-deserved, even among those who call Maine home. It’s one of the reasons why the state attracts professionals. If that is your target demographic then using CMB is the right call.

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is designed to be different than other dating apps you’ll find today, as it features a Bumble-like experience, daily match updates around 12 noon, and enough discoverability features to find the match near you. Paid memberships put even more features at your disposal, giving users even more parameters to meet the ambitious woman of their dreams.

What makes Coffee Meets Bagel one of the best serious dating sites in Maine:

What’s lacking on Coffee Meets Bagel?

#5 - Tinder (iOS, Android) is still one of the most popular dating apps out there

Tinder may be most people’s first foray into online dating, whether in Maine or any other state. It’s free and full of users, all of whom are looking for either a quick hookup or a more steady relationship.

While Tinder has lots of users even in smaller cities, it does tend to be super fast-paced. People swipe on who they’re attracted to at first glance. This could be a good thing if you’re attractive or if you have great photos. But if you’re more on the average side or if it’s your personality that really shines, you might not get as many matches.

Either way, Tinder is still worth checking out if you want to use a Maine dating app that has lots of users.

Why Tinder works:

Where Tinder is lacking:

The Best Hookup Sites in Maine

Of all the best Maine hookup sites, only AFF and Plenty of Fish actually get results:

AFF was designed for discrete fun

Maine is not the biggest state out there. To protect your reputation and privacy, AFF has a webcam feature that enables you to set expectations beforehand without having to deal with scammers, spammers, and tourists.

PoF has a live chat feature

No matter what type of dating you’re into, sooner or later, you’ll want to talk face-to-face before proceeding further. PoF features a Live feature, where you can chat with matches and available women in your area to woo them - without the endless back-and-forth texting that kills attraction.

How to Find Hookups in London, fast, safe, and with low effort

London is huge and busy, which is good news if you want fast results with minimal small talk. The quickest path to hookups in London is to combine high-intent apps with smart timing and clear messaging. Use one or two casual-leaning apps where Londoners are already active in the evening. Set your distance to a tight two to five kilometres so you are only seeing people who can actually meet tonight. In your bio and opening line, be direct but polite. Say you are up for a quick drink and open to chemistry if it is there. That tone reads confident and cuts through the noise.

Timing matters in London. Engagement spikes after 7 pm on weeknights and from late afternoon on Fridays. If you match earlier in the day, propose a simple plan for later. Suggest a public place near a Tube station so logistics are easy. Think hotel lobby bars, busy cocktail spots, or late-open pubs with standing areas. You want venues with movement and a quick exit, not seated three-course commitments.

Pre-screen with two or three messages, then move to a brief call or a quick selfie exchange. This reduces flakes and sets expectations before you leave home. Keep safety first. Share your plans with a friend, meet in a public location, and arrange your own transport both ways. London is contactless-friendly, so keep payments simple and independent. If vibes are not there, end the drink after 30 minutes with a polite wrap. If energy is good, suggest a venue hop nearby. London rewards clarity and speed, so lead the plan, keep logistics tight, and let the city’s density work for you.

Best places for hookups in London by neighbourhood

London’s size can overwhelm, so anchor your search in a few neighbourhoods where energy, foot traffic, and late hours intersect. In Soho, you get dense nightlife, walkable blocks, and easy venue hopping. Start with a drink on a main street, then pivot to a standing-room cocktail bar if chemistry builds. Shoreditch offers creative crowds and busy late nights. Use bars with music but no cover, which keeps the meetup casual and inexpensive. Camden works for live music and younger crowds. Suggest a pre-show drink nearby to test vibes before deciding on a longer night.

Clapham and Brixton are strong for twenty and thirty-somethings who live nearby. Suggest weeknight meetups near the Tube to reduce long commutes. Canary Wharf is good for after-work drinks with professionals. Propose a quick martini in a lobby or riverside spot, then decide together if the night continues. South Bank has easy walking and multiple bars in sight, perfect for a low-pressure first drink with a quick change of scene if needed. For discretion, hotel bars across central London are a strong play. Staff are used to quick meetups, lighting is flattering, and you can exit smoothly without awkward goodbyes at the door.

Keep logistics simple. Pick landmarks near Tube stations like Oxford Circus, Old Street, Camden Town, Brixton, Canary Wharf, or Waterloo. Always offer two nearby options in your message so the other person can choose. London nights can turn fast. If a venue is packed, pivot to a second choice on the same street. For weekend afternoons, try busy food markets or riverside walks, which can convert into an evening plan if chemistry is there. The goal is proximity, options, and movement. That is how you turn a match into a meetup, then into something more.

London hookup etiquette, scripts, safety, and timing

Londoners value directness, manners, and time awareness. Lead with clear intent and polite framing. Here are simple scripts that convert without sounding pushy.

• Opening line after a match: “Hi, nice to meet you. I am near Oxford Circus later. Up for a quick drink and seeing if we click”
• Follow up with two options: “Can do 7 or 8, you pick. There is a lobby bar at the corner, or a small cocktail spot one minute away. What feels better?”
• Confirm and set expectations: “Let us keep it to one drink and see the vibe. If it works, we can continue. If not, no worries.”
• If you want to tonight: “I have an early start tomorrow, so I am free for a short one this evening near Waterloo. Game if you are.”

Safety is non-negotiable. Meet in public, tell a friend, share your live location, and arrange your own transport both ways. Keep your phone charged and your drink in sight. London’s contactless payments and ride-hailing make exits easy. If you decide to continue, be clear and consensual. Ask direct questions, respect a no immediately, and do not escalate without explicit agreement. Polite honesty builds trust and reduces mixed signals.

Timing tips. Weeknights after 7 pm are efficient and less crowded. Friday late afternoon can work for spontaneous drinks that roll into the evening. Sunday's early evening is underrated. Many people prefer low-pressure meetups before the workweek. If plans slip, reschedule quickly. “Can we move to tomorrow at 7 near Shoreditch High Street?” shows you are still interested and keeps the momentum.

The Best Dating Sites in Maine for Serious Relationships

When it comes to dating, BeyondAges recommends eHarmony as the first choice among all other Maine dating sites, with Match as a distant second. Let’s take a look at why eHarmony and Match are the best dating sites/apps in Maine for finding relationships.

eHarmony is the right app for those who know what they want

Maine has a high standard of living, and eHarmony is the choice for individuals who want to meet their future spouses and settle down in Maine’s beautiful scenery. With an algorithm that truly works, getting quality matches with eHarmony is a guarantee.

Match helps you find matches

Match has been around for quite some time, it’s been providing quality matches since 1995. So, you can bank on the fact that Match knows what it's doing.

The Best Free Dating Sites in Maine

At BeyondAges, we like to tell the truth. And the truth is that you get what you pay for when it comes to the best free dating sites in Maine.

While we all love a freebie, paid memberships put more functionality and better odds at your fingertips. Plus, you gain a competitive edge when you pony up the cash, which is usually around $10/month - $20/month - compare that with the same amount you’d pay as a cover fee for a popular club in town.

Besides the apps we’ve recommended in this article so far, the following are also some of the best free Maine dating apps that we recommend:

Experiment with a variety of dating apps, and you’ll be sure to find the right woman and relationship today!

Navigating the Unique Neighborhood Dynamics of Chicago Dating

One of the first things you realize when dating in Chicago is that your zip code acts as a personality trait. Unlike smaller metros, Chicago is a city of distinct villages, each with its own romantic subculture. If you are looking for a high-energy scene where people are dressed to the nines, River North is your playground. However, if you prefer a more laid-back, "record shop and craft beer" vibe, you’ll find your tribe in Logan Square or Andersonville. The "L" train plays a massive role in your love life, too; many locals joke about "long-distance relationships" being anyone who lives more than two transfers away.

To truly succeed here, you have to be willing to step out of your neighborhood bubble. It’s easy to get stuck in the Loop, but the most authentic connections often happen in the cozy dive bars of Avondale or the lakeside paths of Edgewater. When you are meeting someone new, suggest a spot that shows you actually know the city’s hidden gems. This demonstrates effort and a sense of adventure. If you find yourself struggling to make that initial connection in such a sprawling city, it might be time to improve your social skills so you can strike up a conversation anywhere from a crowded CTA platform to a busy coffee shop in Wicker Park. Chicagoans generally appreciate directness and a good sense of humor, especially when complaining about the unpredictable weather. Being a "local" means embracing the chaos of the city together, which is a fantastic way to meet women in person rather than relying solely on the digital grind of the apps.

Survival Tips for Dating During the Chicago Winter

Any veteran of the Chicago dating scene will tell you that the vibe shifts dramatically when the "Hawk" wind starts blowing off Lake Michigan. The summer months are a blur of street fests, rooftop bars, and beach days at North Avenue, but winter requires a completely different romantic strategy. This is officially "Cuffing Season," where the goal is to find someone to hunker down with until the Thaw. The stakes feel higher when it’s ten degrees below zero, and you have to decide if a potential date is worth de-icing your car or trekking through six inches of slush.

During these months, "cozy" becomes the primary dating metric. You’ll want to build a repertoire of date spots that feature fireplaces, heavy comfort food, and dim lighting. Think of the jazz clubs in Uptown or the intimate wine bars in Lincoln Square. Winter dating in Chicago is actually a great litmus test for a relationship; if you can have a great time sitting in a booth for three hours because it’s too cold to go anywhere else, you’ve likely found a keeper. However, the lack of sun can lead to a bit of a social rut. It is vital to stay active and keep your confidence high even when you’re bundled in layers of wool. If you feel your dating life stalling during the big freeze, take a moment to boost your self-esteem by hitting the gym or engaging in indoor hobbies. Don’t let the winter blues make you cynical. Instead, use the indoor time to fix your dating profile with high-quality photos from the previous summer so you are ready to hit the ground running when the first 60-degree day finally hits, and everyone rushes to the nearest patio.

Mastering the Chicago "Activity Date" Beyond the Dinner Table

Chicago is a city of doers, and the dating scene reflects that. While a nice dinner in the West Loop is a classic move, the top-ranking search results show that Chicagoans are increasingly looking for speed dating, social clubs, and activity-based outings. The city offers an incredible array of non-traditional options that take the pressure off forced conversation. You could spend an afternoon at the Art Institute, take an architecture boat tour, or go "museum hopping" during their after-hours events. For those who want something more active, the Lakefront Trail offers 18 miles of scenic space for a biking or walking date that feels low-pressure and healthy.

The beauty of an activity date in Chicago is that it provides a natural "third party" to talk about, which kills any awkward silences. Whether you are laughing at how bad you both are at a WhirlyBall tournament or debating the merits of deep-dish versus thin-crust at a local tavern, having a shared experience builds a bond faster than a standard interrogation over drinks. If you are naturally introverted, these settings are a godsend because they allow your personality to shine through action. If you feel like your conversations are hitting a dead end, you can learn how to keep a conversation going by focusing on the environment around you. Chicago is full of character and history; use it to your advantage. Remember that the goal is to be the highlight of their week, not just another notification on their phone. By learning how to flirt in a way that feels natural to the setting, you’ll separate yourself from the sea of boring matches and become a memorable part of their Chicago story.

The Best Dating Sites in Pretoria for Singles Right Now

If you’re based in Pretoria and looking for meaningful connections, you’ll quickly find that not every app works the same way in South Africa. While global apps dominate, some platforms perform better in Pretoria because of its younger student population, business professionals, and a diverse mix of locals and expats. Here are the best dating sites in Pretoria to try:

• Tinder remains popular in Pretoria, especially among students at the University of Pretoria and younger professionals downtown. The fast swipe culture makes it easy to meet people quickly.
• Badoo is another strong player in Pretoria, with plenty of active profiles and localized search features that make it simple to connect with people in your area.
• EliteSingles is ideal if you’re looking for Pretoria professionals. The platform caters to career-focused singles who value compatibility and education.
• TrulyAfrican has a large user base across South Africa, making it easier to meet local singles interested in relationships or casual dating.
• Plenty of Fish (PoF) works well if you prefer free features and the ability to connect with singles beyond just swiping.

Pretoria’s dating scene is competitive, but these apps stand out because they’re actively used within the city. Whether you want casual fun in Hatfield or long-term romance in Brooklyn, these dating sites in Pretoria will help you get started.

Hookup Apps vs. Relationship Apps in Pretoria

When it comes to dating in Pretoria, your choice of app depends on your goals. The city has a thriving nightlife and student energy, but also a professional community that’s more focused on long-term relationships. Understanding which apps are casual versus serious can save you time.

• Best hookup apps in Pretoria: Tinder and Badoo are great if you’re looking for fast, casual fun. Their large, active user bases make them ideal for spontaneous connections, and both apps allow location-based searches so you can meet someone nearby on the same night.
• Best relationship apps in Pretoria: eHarmony and EliteSingles are better for singles in Pretoria seeking serious commitment. eHarmony’s compatibility questionnaire helps filter out casual daters, while EliteSingles attracts professionals in fields like law, business, and medicine.
• Balanced apps: Hinge is slowly gaining traction in South Africa, including Pretoria. It’s not as casual as Tinder but still more flexible than eHarmony, which makes it a solid middle ground.

The bottom line: if you want a quick hookup in Pretoria, go with Tinder or Badoo. If you’re aiming for something serious, EliteSingles and eHarmony will save you wasted swipes.

Tips for Success on Pretoria Dating Sites

Even if you’re using the best Pretoria dating apps, success depends on how you approach online dating. Here are practical tips to boost your chances:

1. Use local references in your profile. Mentioning Pretoria landmarks like Menlyn Mall, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, or the Union Buildings shows you’re genuine and sparks conversation.
2. Choose high-quality photos. Bright, clear pictures with Pretoria backdrops (parks, cafes, nightlife spots) make you stand out from generic profiles.
3. Be clear about your intent. If you’re looking for casual dating, say so. If you’re after something serious, apps like eHarmony or EliteSingles are better fits.
4. Stay active. Log in daily, reply quickly, and use premium features where possible to gain visibility in Pretoria’s competitive dating market.
5. Mix online and offline. Don’t just chat endlessly — suggest meeting at safe, public locations like Hazelwood restaurants or Hatfield coffee shops.

By combining the right platform with a smart approach, you’ll maximize your dating results in Pretoria.

Best Dating Sites in Pretoria for Real Results in 2025

Pretoria has a unique mix of students from the University of Pretoria, professionals in Hatfield and Brooklyn, and families around Menlyn and Waterkloof. That blend means the best dating sites in Pretoria are the ones with real daily activity and clear intent. For fast connections, Tinder and Badoo are still the volume leaders. You will find the largest active pools, which is great for weeknight plans near Loftus or a quick coffee at Hazelwood. If you want more filters and a slightly higher intent, Hinge lets you showcase personality with prompts and makes first messages easier. For serious relationships, eHarmony remains the strongest in Pretoria because the compatibility quiz reduces casual browsers and surfaces people who are willing to meet in person. EliteSingles also performs well in Pretoria for career-focused singles who want education and lifestyle filters.

Plenty of Fish deserves a mention for budget-friendly dating in Pretoria. The free tier includes messaging, and the live features help you move a chat into a real plan. TrulyAfrican can help you connect with a wider South African user base if you split time between Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Centurion. The best approach is to choose two apps that fit your goal. Pick Tinder or Badoo for speed, then combine with Hinge or eHarmony for quality. Set a tight distance radius of two to five kilometres around the areas where you can actually meet tonight. Mention a landmark in your bio, such as Menlyn Maine or Lynnwood Bridge. That tiny detail improves match quality and reply rate. If your profile is new, upload three to five clear photos with natural light and one full-length. Update your intent line so people know if you are looking for casual dating or a long-term match. Pretoria rewards clarity and quick follow-through, so send a simple first line and offer two time windows.

Where Singles in Pretoria Actually Meet and How to Turn Matches into Dates

Dating sites in Pretoria work best when logistics are simple. Concentrate your meetups in neighbourhoods that are easy to reach and have multiple venue options on one block. Hatfield is great for student energy and casual coffee meets near campus. Hazelwood and The Club are perfect for a first drink after work, with quiet corners and quick exits. Menlyn Maine draws professionals and has several lobby bars that keep things low-pressure. Brooklyn offers calm wine spots and relaxed patios for weekend afternoons that can extend into the evening if chemistry is there.

Use your dating app messages to make yes the easy answer. After a match, send a polite opener and offer two options. Example, “Nice to meet you, I am near Menlyn this week. Open to a quick coffee tonight or a drink tomorrow.” Confirm that you will keep it to one round and move to a brief call or a quick selfie exchange. That small step reduces flakes and sets expectations. If the venue is packed when you arrive, have a second choice one minute away on the same street. Pretoria is car-friendly, but still aim for places with easy parking and safe lighting so arrivals and exits feel comfortable.

Timing matters. Weeknights after seven are efficient. Thursday is strong because people are fresh and open to a simple plan. Sunday late afternoon is underrated for calm first meets before the week starts. Safety always comes first. Meet in public, let a friend know where you are, and manage your own transport both ways. Bring the same clarity to your profile. Mention a couple of favourite spots, such as Lynnwood or Waterkloof, and add one sentence about what you are looking for. When your bio, message, and plan are consistent, more Pretoria matches convert into real dates.

Free vs Paid Dating Sites in Pretoria and How to Choose

There are many free dating sites in Pretoria, but the right move depends on your goal and how quickly you want to meet. Free tiers on Tinder, Badoo, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish are enough to test the waters and build a starter profile. You can match, message, and gauge activity by area without spending money. If you want to move faster or filter harder, paid upgrades help a lot in Pretoria. Priority likes and profile boosts increase visibility during peak hours, which raises your match volume near busy zones like Menlyn or Hatfield. Advanced filters on EliteSingles and eHarmony save time for serious daters who want education, lifestyle, and intent alignment from the start.

Think about time value. If you only have a few hours each week to date, a small monthly spend to filter out poor fits can be worth it. Use a simple framework. Choose one free app for volume and one paid app for quality. For casual dating, combine Tinder free with a modest boost during evening peak times, then add Badoo premium for extra searches. For relationships, keep Hinge free for discovery and invest in eHarmony or EliteSingles for better matches. Watch your first seven days of activity. If you see good match quality without premium, stay free. If chats stall or your profile sits unseen, upgrade for one month and review results.

Do not ignore basics. Great photos, a clear bio, and fast replies often outperform any subscription. Use Pretoria landmarks and time windows so people know you are real and available. If a chat goes nowhere after a few messages, move on without frustration. The city rewards consistent activity and polite directness. With the right mix of free and paid features, you will feel the apps working for you rather than becoming more digital noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which dating apps work best in Chicago for 2026?

Hinge and Bumble remain dominant for serious relationships, while niche local events are increasingly popular for meeting people offline.

2. How does Chicago's weather affect the dating scene?

Winters often lead to "cuffing season," where singles seek stability, while summer brings a surge in outdoor social events and active dating.

3. Is it better to date within your Chicago neighborhood?

Yes, "neighborhood bias" is real due to traffic. Focusing on your local area (like Logan Square or Lakeview) often leads to more consistent dates.

4. What are the best dating sites in Pretoria for 2026?

Based on local success rates, Tinder, Badoo, and DatingBuzz remain top choices, but niche sites are now leading for those seeking serious relationships.

5. Is online dating in Pretoria safe for men?

Yes, provided you use verified platforms. Our 2026 guide highlights the safest sites with the most rigorous profile verification processes in Gauteng.

6. Which Pretoria dating site has the most users?

Badoo and Tinder currently have the highest volume in Pretoria, but POF is gaining massive traction for regular guys looking for better conversation.

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