Dating is never easy, but it can be especially difficult as you get older. It can also be tricky to know how to enter the dating scene if you’ve been away from it for a while, or you might be a bit more fearful of heartbreak than you once were.

When it comes to the how of meeting people, apps and dating sites exist for just that reason. These days it seems that there’s never been a better time for people over 50 to try online dating. While not for everyone, the variety of dating websites tailored to older adults that have emerged in the past few years, provides more ways to connect with a potential companion than through friends or family members.

So, which apps and sites should you consider if you’re over 50 and single? We did the research for you and there are the top dating sites.

Silver Singles

Silver Singles is an exclusive site for singles over 50 that focuses on long-term relationships, and features an easy-to-use, appealing site and app. This site is navigable even with little computer expertise. The ratio of users is about 41% and 59% for men and women, respectively.  It has a variety of sign-up packages ranging from free to paid versions. The free one gets you started, but to enjoy more features, such as seeing other members’ photos you need to pay.

eHarmony

eHarmony is one of the first sites in the online dating scene. It has a profound profile assessment consisting of a compatibility quiz with 80 questions. These questions even ask what you like or dislike and your communication style. Hence, eHarmony is perfect for anyone who wants to give as much information as possible to get a good match. For those who would prefer to meet online before meeting in person, eHarmony offers a “video date” function.

Elite Singles

Elite Singles Over 50s connects people over 50. Their technology relies on a detailed personality test to recommend between 3-7 compatible and like-minded matches per day. It targets singles who feel education and income should be qualifiers when picking a date.  Their goal is to enable you to engage with eligible, compatible singles who share your goals, values, and aspirations.

SeniorMatch

SeniorMatch is exclusive for singles over 50 and is one of the few sites that caters not only to those looking for a romantic relationship, but also to those seeking to find a friend, a travel mate or just someone to hang out and have fun. It has a simple sign-up process, as you can use your Facebook account. Participants must complete a questionnaire about themselves when they join the platform, to get matches based on different compatibility factors such as interests and hobbies.

OurTime

OurTime is specifically focused on matching older adults (50 plus) who share similar interests. The site offers a free version, but there are plenty of add-on features users can purchase when opting for a paid membership. You can buy “boosts,” to elevate your profile and increase your visibility on the website among potential matches. Paying members can also receive a daily “My Match” email with prospective matches—as well as send “likes” to let others know they’re interested (and see who’s “liked” them in return). SeniorPeopleMeet site has been combined with OurTime.

Bumble

Bumble isn’t only aimed at older users, but it is unique because when members of the opposite sex match, women are required to make the first move, shifting old-fashioned power dynamics and encouraging equality from the start. The site’s philosophy is to encourage integrity, kindness, equality, confidence, and respect during all stages of any relationship — whether online or offline. Bumble’s free version is very robust.

Singles50

Singles50 After signing up, new members complete a personality assessment that’s used to help find potential matches. From there, members can use the website’s messaging options—including a video call function—to find a new companion. The site offers a free version, so you can test it.

Stitch

Stitch is for anyone over 50 who is looking for companionship. This site is different because it’s not primarily focused on romantic relationships, it’s mostly geared towards connecting members as part of a community, get together in groups whether to watch a movie, attend an exhibit or dinner. It helps older adults make new friends and find companions through shared interests and activities.

Not Everyone Finds a Match

There are plenty of other sites out there such as OKCupid, Academic Singles, Christina Mingle, LDS Singles, etc. After all, everyone has their dating goals, so find a site that plays your tune.

Although some try dating sites and apps and get a life-long relationship, others never find a perfect match. It’s important to remember that dating sites and apps work well for some people, but may not foster that deep connection for everyone. If you’re feeling frustrated by your lack of perfect matches, know that you’re not alone!

Older people tend to have very different needs—and interests—than younger singles. For example, some older adults might be looking for a potential mate while others may simply be interested in connecting with a companion with whom they can attend events, go to dinner or spend evenings at the movies.

Finding love online is not easy, regardless of the platform, and there’s no exact right way to do any of it. Whether you decide to go for it or call it quits, testing the online dating waters is at an experience that more and more older adults as jumping into so why not?