Now that the pandemic has changed how people meet and connect, finding singles in person is more difficult than ever. Online dating lets us meet people from home, which is practically a necessity now with all of the pandemic-related changes to our everyday lives. But if you’ve been single for a long time or have recently reentered the scene, online dating can seem daunting. With so many competitors, it can feel like a never-ending quest to find the best dating apps in San Jose.
It doesn’t have to be, though, because we’re here to help sort through the noise. But, even once you discard the scam apps and sites, it still takes effort to find the one that’s best for you. After all, if you’re a student at SJSU, you’re looking for something different than a single parent in Almaden Valley. Luckily, dating options are plentiful, with so many young and outgoing people abandoning SF for us.
After investigating countless apps and sites, we can confidently say these are the best in San Jose. So keep reading, and we guarantee you’ll find at least one that hits the sweet spot for you.
#1 – EME Hive (Android; iOS) helps you connect with Asian singles
In a city as diverse as San Diego, the dating scene can be tough to navigate. This is especially true if you're looking to date someone who understands your culture. For many Asian singles, there's a desire to date someone who also understands Asian customs and beliefs, and this makes it hard to succeed in more general dating apps.
This is where EME Hive comes in to help Asian singles meet each other. No need to swipe through a hundred profiles just to match with one person who understands your culture. EME Hive aims to connect you with singles that you'll have much more in common with.
Why we like EME Hive:
- Ideal for Asians who want to date other Asians
- Super easy to use
- Lots of women use the app
Why it's not the best:
- You don’t need to be Asian to sign up, so there are some profiles there that you might not be into
- The paid membership is pretty expensive
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best dating site in San Jose for serious relationships
While it might seem old-fashioned in the digital age, plenty of online daters are seeking relationships with long-term potential. On eHarmony, it’s not only possible to meet someone who wants a meaningful relationship; it’s the whole point of the site. So if you're tired of dating around and really want to find someone with potential, this is the best dating site in San Jose.
The secret to eHarmony’s matchmaking success (75% of all marriages that start online start with them) is that it's extremely popular in San Jose and it will do a lot of the hard work for you. You've probably seen the commercials or know couples that met using it; it's all over the place.
Unlike most other sites, eHarmony does the hard work of finding matches that actually fit your preferences. As a result, you get a handful of really good matches every day, so you don't have to spend hours scrolling through profiles.
We haven't found a site with users who are more committed to finding quality matches, and we're confident that it's the best app in San Jose right now. So check them out below and see how it goes.
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in San Jose:
- It is perhaps the best dating site in all of California for true and lasting love
- Incredible success rates with 70% of people who use it for a year finding their future spouse
- The site’s algorithm and sign-up process helps weed out people who aren’t serious
- For shy people, eHarmony has an icebreaker function that makes starting a conversation easy
Why it might not be right for you:
- There’s no reason to waste your time if you aren’t after a serious relationship
- It can take a little time to get going – as love can – so it isn’t ideal for the impatient
#3 - Lovoo is perfect for busy San Jose students (Android; iOS)
With over 70 million members and 2 million active daily users, Lovoo is one of the fastest-growing dating apps on the San Jose scene. It’s also super affordable and innovative which draws in a lot of tech-savvy singles under 35.
Signing up on Lovoo is easy and once you’re registered, you can start collecting free credits toward the site’s premium features. The interface is clean and easy-to-use, offering one of the best user experiences of any place we’ve tried. And since the features keep evolving and getting better, Lovoo deserves all the praise it’s been getting.
Nearly 30% of members are between 18 and 25, so it’s the perfect place for busy SJSU students to meet singles on the go. Browsing profiles is fun, and making connections is easy – simply click the heart button when you see a profile you like!
Why Lovoo is worth trying:
- Both the site and app are easy to use
- Over 2 million daily users, many of which are in San Jose, so you have a lot of chances to find someone great
- You can earn free Lovoo credits toward paid features
What we didn’t like:
- The search filters are basic compared to similar sites
- Since profile questions are optional, some profiles are pretty sparse
#4 - AFF is the best hookup app in San Jose
AFF is the best hookup app in San Jose right now, even better than Tinder. If you're one of the many guys who hasn't had much luck on Tinder, you absolutely need to check out their free trial below. We haven't found any other app that works nearly as well for men.
When you combine a ton of local users (and over 50 million total) you're going to find a lot of options. AFF also has a singular focus on being the best hookup site around. It's actually based out of the North Bay, so they know what it takes.
Unlike other hookup apps, we've found AFF to be mostly filled with people who actually want to meet, not the attention divas that seem to plague Tinder. Women really use AFF because they want to meet guys, not just to bolster their ego.
Check them out and see just how much better it is.
Why you should try AFF:
- They have a massive number of users on their app (over 50 million)
- Guys do surprisingly well here; even normal dudes
- Far fewer time wasters
What we don’t like about it:
- Many users can only access via web app
- They have too many ads
#5 - Tastebuds (iOS) plays the music of your heart
Tastebuds is one of our favorite dating apps, simply because the idea is so brilliantly simple. The app is all about meeting people based on your musical tastes. Of course, for a lot of us, there is no greater indication of chemistry than taste in music. It’s frankly so obvious an idea, that we’re surprised it took as long as it did for it to be done.
One cool thing about using Tastebuds in San Jose is that this is a great city for live music. That means you’ll not only match with a potential partner, but you’ll also find someone to go to a show with you. Plus, meeting people with similar tastes is a fantastic way to learn about other great music. So even if you don’t discover true love, you may just find your new favorite band!
Why Tastebuds is worth trying:
- There is no better dating app for music obsessives
- Great for meeting romantic partners and friends
- Talking about music is an easy way to break the ice
What we don’t like about it:
- The designers are still working out some of the kinks in the app
- There isn’t an Android version, yet
#6 - OkCupid (Android; iOS) is a great free dating site
These days, almost all dating sites and apps require you to pay before you get much useful functionality. That’s not the case with OkCupid. As one of the original casual dating sites, OKC has been helping singles connect for years. It’s essentially a catch-all site, so you’ll meet people looking for casual flings and real relationships.
What really sets OKC apart, though, is just how much fun it is. Back in the day, they used to have random quizzes you could fill out to kill the time. These days, the quizzes are gone, but you still answer interesting questions to help you find better matches. It’s an enjoyable user experience and most importantly, it’s free to use.
Why we recommend OkCupid:
- With a wide assortment of users, it’s among the best dating apps in San Jose
- It’s free, so even if you don’t meet someone right away, you’re not losing out
- It’s a site that’s very LGBTQ-friendly and open to varied gender expression
Why it needs some improvement:
- There are a lot of “zombie” profiles from users that have stopped checking in
- It’s been around a long time, so it doesn’t have the hype of something hip and new
#7 – Zoosk is the best app for San Jose’s younger singles (Android; iOS)
It’s easy to see why Zoosk is the #1 dating app on the App Store right now. Tons of San Jose singles use it and with over 35 million members, there are plenty of people to connect with on here.
Since Zoosk has integrated social media features into the app, it feels familiar and intuitive to use for anyone with a few social profiles under their belt. In addition, it’s feature-rich and fun, with a powerful SmartPick matchmaking engine to help you find the best matches.
Most users are between 18 and 24, so it’s ideal for younger singles looking for a serious relationship without resorting to Tinder. Since users can customize their experience, casual dating is also an option here, but most people on the site appear to be looking for something long-term.
Why Zoosk is a great choice:
- Great for younger singles between 18 to 24
- The app’s social media feel makes it fun and intuitive
- With 30 million new downloads each month, there’s no shortage of people to connect with on here
Why you might want to skip it:
- Singles past their mid-20s might not have much luck
- There are quite a few spam accounts and bots to wade through
#8 - Heybaby (iOS) understands single parents
Re-entering the dating scene after becoming a parent can be a difficult task. First, you have to sort through people who don’t want to date a single parent or who don’t like kids. Even if you meet someone who is fine with you having a kid, they might not get your priorities. This is why, if you are a single parent, Heybaby could be the best dating app in San Jose.
Designed specifically for people who have kids – as well as for people who want kids soon – Heybaby is a blast. Really. Too many sites intended for finding genuine relationships can feel clinical, but this app has a sense of whimsy. Want a future with kids in it – either the ones you have now or the ones you’ll have someday? Then download Heybaby and meet like-minded singles.
Why Heybaby is worth a look:
- If you’re a single parent, you can meet other single parents who understand the joys and struggles
- If you don’t have kids yet but want them, it’s a great way to fast-track the process
- All of the users are looking for serious commitments
Why you should look elsewhere:
- If a serious commitment sounds terrifying, this isn’t the app for you
- Currently iOS only, but they say they will be expanding to Android eventually
#9 - Happn (Android; iOS) is popular among San Jose men
Happn was built in the Tinder mold, for sure, but with a nice twist. Remember all those times you’ve been out and made eye contact with someone, only for them to leave too soon. A chance encounter like that could have turned into something meaningful but you missed your window. Well, Happn is here to open that window back up.
The app is built around making connections through proximity. When you cross paths with someone out in public who also uses the app, they’ll appear in your timeline. Keep running into the same hottie but can’t work up the nerve to start up a conversation in public? This app can help. If it sounds intriguing, but you want to know more, read our complete Happn review.
What we like about Happn:
- Allows you to meet people who are close by
- Great for young people who are just looking for casual dating
What we don’t like about it:
- It’s still a pretty new app, so your odds of running into a fellow user aren’t great
- Not the most useful app for meeting someone who is looking for something serious
#10 - BlackPeopleMeet (Android; iOS) is popular among San Jose’s Black population
It’s no secret that most dating sites are aimed at a white audience. Look at the sample profile pictures on almost any site and they’ll be almost exclusively Caucasian. However, the creators of BlackPeopleMeet recognized the benefit of building an online dating space for Black singles. It’s a digital place where people with similar experiences and backgrounds can meet.
For Black locals, BlackPeopleMeet is easily among the best dating sites in San Jose. Despite the city’s size, the Black population is one of the smallest in California. For that reason, this site is an invaluable tool for Black singles to connect and possibly even find love. It’s also an excellent app to have if you travel frequently and want to meet people in other cities.
Why BlackPeopleMeet is worth your time:
- The site is one of the easiest ways for Black people to meet in San Jose
- It offers a refreshing alternative to most dating sites
- Good for meeting people who want either casual or serious relationships
What could use improving:
- While there is an app, users say it’s too buggy and prefer the browser experience
- As with any niche dating site, it has a limited user base, especially in San Jose
The Best Dating Sites in San Jose for Long-Term Relationships
Now that we’re done covering our top picks, we want to give you some specific recommendations in more detail. Since not every dating site is aimed at finding a real, long-term relationship, here are our choices for the best dating apps and sites to help you find a serious relationship:
eHarmony is simply the best for long-term relationships
Yes, we covered eHarmony in detail earlier, but we can’t stress enough how successful eHarmony has been at helping couples find something real. It’s a very popular option among San Jose singles, and with its high matchmaking success rate, it’s easy to see why. Nearly 75% of all marriages that start online met through eHarmony, which is far beyond what any other dating site could boast.
The site’s matchmaking technology does all the work for you by using your profile to figure out what you’re looking for in a relationship. And while the signup process may seem excessive, it really helps in the long run since you won’t have to waste your time with people who just won’t meet your needs.
If you’re a San Jose single looking to find a real, long-term relationship, eHarmony is the best option for you.
Zoosk is all about making a commitment
If you’re a single parent in San Jose looking for a real relationship, Zoosk is worth checking out. The app is designed for younger singles who prefer not to use apps like eHarmony. While lots of singles aged 18-25 are looking for more casual flings, Zoosk is where all the relationship-minded ones go to find romance. So if you're young and not into the whole hookup culture, Zoosk is the app for you.
The Best Hookup Sites in San Jose
Some people are into online dating to find something long-term, while others are more interested in a casual fling. If you’re in the latter group, we have you covered too! Here are the best casual dating sites in San Jose:
AFF is the best hookup site for regular guys to find success
Unlike most other San Jose hookup sites, AFF isn’t all about superficiality. We’ve found that women spend more time reading profiles rather than swiping through photos, so men end up having a lot of success on here. With over 50 million members and tons of local users, you’ll have no issues finding a lot of great matches using AFF.
Since this site is completely centered around casual fun, there isn’t any chance of miscommunication about what other users are looking for. This can save you a lot of wasted time since everyone on the site wants the same thing. In our experience, AFF is by far the best hookup site for men who want to avoid wasting time on Tinder.
Tinder works if you’re super attractive
Tinder may be one of the best free hookup sites in San Jose, but it really only works if you’re one of the best-looking guys in the area. It’s still wildly popular and has tons of users to interact with, but only the top 10% of men on the app get over 80% of the responses from women. So if you’re a regular guy like most of us, you’re better off trying out AFF first.
The Best Free Dating Sites in San Jose
With so many free dating sites to choose from, you might be wondering why you should even bother with a paid site. You’re not alone. Lots of people think they can find love on a free site, then end up getting discouraged when faced with spammy accounts and incompatible matches.
Free sites are fine if you’re new to online dating but once you’re serious about finding a relationship, you should switch to a paid or premium site. With that said, there are a few free apps and sites that get decent results.
Here are our recommendations for the best free dating sites in San Jose:
- OKCupid
- Lovoo
- Tinder
These are the best free sites and apps to use if you absolutely can’t afford to try a paid site right now. Just keep in mind that, when it comes to online dating, you get the value that you pay for! In our experience, paid sites offer a much better experience and even better results.
