5 Best Dating Sites in Madison

By: Michele Baird
Updated: January 31, 2023
Couple dating in Madison

If you search through your app store, you’ll see many dating apps with pretty much the same description; but not all dating apps are created equal. Some are best suited for the sophisticated traveler, while others are best for the wild nightrider.

Whichever is your scene, this list has the best dating sites in Madison for finding singles with similar interests, so ditch the awkward bar and mask and jump into these personal favs.

Top 5 Dating Apps in Madison

Here are my recommended dating sites to help you find that special someone:

1. eHarmony - Best Overall

eHarmony

Since its launch in 2000, eHarmony has been proactive in helping individuals migrate to the online dating scene. eHarmony is successful because it (securely) gathers a bunch of personal data to find singles in your area with similar interests.

Their platform is best overall because although it has the largest number of members, it exclusively shows you singles that match your interest, so you won’t need to venture through a fluff of individuals uncommon to you.

eHarmony is my favorite because it has a large following, so you can find a match in Madison regardless of how experienced you are in the dating scene.

It’s also a personal favorite because of the legitimacy of the platform.

Unlike apps like Tinder, eHarmony is known for serious relationships and marriages. It’s notably best for Christians and seniors because of this large following.

Some features that make eHarmony stellar include its personalization feature, matching algorithm, and extensive member profile. 

2. Elite Singles - Runner Up, Best Overall

EliteSingles.com

There’s an entire community of singles fresh out of University looking to match, and Elite Singles is the best dating app for this community.

First and foremost, the platform offers users the option to verify their account, which is a plus if you’re familiar with the show Catfish.

Additionally, the site is best for recent grads because over 80% of its users are college-educated. So, If you’re looking to finally put down the textbook and pick up your phone, then this app is perfect for meeting singles with higher education or a degree.

On the downside, the platform requires users to purchase a premium membership if they want to reap the benefits of its matching algorithm. Without this membership, you won’t be able to message or view member pictures. However, users have access to unlimited chat, read receipts, photos, and matching with a membership.

Their matching algorithm is similar to eHarmony because it doesn’t show you unnecessary fluff, but it can limit the number of profiles available to your screen.

So, if you’re a recent grad with a little extra change in your pocket Elite Singles is the best dating site for you.

3. Christian Cafe - Best for Faith-Based Dating

Christian Cafe signup page

This site is one of my personal favorites because it’s best suited for religious individuals looking for more out of their Sunday.

I enjoy a site that caters to potential love interests as well as friendships, and this site has always been at the top of my list because they encourage both types of relationships.

On ChristianCafe, singles can test the platform for 7 days free and then upgrade to the premium option, which offers continuous messaging for about $40 a month.

ChristianCafe is a stellar choice for religious singles because it offers a wide array of Christian denominations in one dating site.

One drawback to the site is that it’s exclusively for single Christians, so those looking for an erotic hookup in Madison won’t find luck on this site. However, the site does offer to match based on your preferred faith and denomination.

Additionally, Christian singles looking for profound friendships should check out this dating site because the members are more serious and adamant about messaging back. So, you won’t get left on read!

4. Silver Singles - Best for Senior Dating

Silversingles Online Dating Signup Page

This particular dating site has been committed to helping seniors foster a true connection since its launch in 2002.

SIlverSingles is best for retired and non-retired seniors looking to venture into the dating pool. They have a large following of over 80,000 members worldwide, and it is constantly growing.

The best part about SilverSingles is the preferred selection. You can filter through your options by selecting your preferred gender, race, and religious category.

Users get a lot of freedom with a SilverSingles account. You can set your preferences however you like, and there are no restrictions on homosexual profiles, unlike some sites. Anyone can enjoy all the app has to offer for free.

Additionally, this app is best for mature relationships because the following is a lot older.

5. Catholic Match - Best for Catholic Dating

Catholic Match

If you’re not ready to compromise your Catholic beliefs to cater to someone else’s, then CatholicMatch is the best dating site for you.

Catering to exclusively Catholics, this dating site makes finding a connection seamless and affordable.

One of my favorite features of this site is its exclusivity to Catholics looking to find love within their religion. Other religious dating sites are very open and include all faiths and denominations. For those looking for Catholics exclusively, you’ll want to check out this site.

Another great feature that makes this dating site stellar is its required background checks. The site is very serious about keeping its platform dedicated to Catholic singles, and you can even take a peek at the singles in your area before joining.

There’s little to no commitment, and the platform is affordable for its sizable following.

FAQs

Which dating site has the highest success rate?

For serious relationships with marriage potential, eHarmony has been at the top of the list among experts. Of course, it varies based on member base and other factors; however, eHarmony has been consistently successful since its launch. 

What is the best hookup site in Madison?

The dating scene is more casual for some, so there are plenty of sites for hookups. If Tinder is a bit too freshman year for you, I recommend checking out Adult Friend Finder for a casual hookup in Madison.

What is the best dating site for over 50 or seniors in Madison?

You can find a mature relationship in Madison on dating sites such as SilverSingles. A more all-around dating site for singles over 50 is eHarmony, but you may want to utilize their filters to find over-50 profiles. 

Which dating site is best for serious relationships?

eHarmony has been known for its high success rate, but success goes farther than getting a text back. eHarmony is the best for mature mutuals looking for something serious. It’s no wonder eHarmony is responsible for 2% of marriages in the U.S.

Key Takeaways for Singles in Madison

Madison downtown at dusk on Lake Monona
  • Start by searching for a dating site with lots of members.
  • If you can, start a free trial before committing to any online dating service.
  • Don’t give up too soon! Most singles don’t find suitable matches on their first try, but consistency is key.
  • If you want a certain type of mutual, find the site best suited for that crowd.

Is Madison Good for Singles?

Being in the heart of the state’s capital, Madison offers a variety of different singles looking to find mutuals. 

Madison was recently ranked as the best city for singles because of its friendly atmosphere and inviting dating scene. 

Dating apps in nearby cities:

Most Popular Dating Apps in Milwaukee

Free Dating Sites in Madison

Here’s a list of free and affordable dating sites available to Madison residents. 

Some of the sites on this list aren’t completely free, but they do offer an extensive trial period to try the site without paying.

Here are the free trial links for the most popular dating apps in Madison:

Rank

Site

Free Trial Link

#1

eHarmony

#2

Elite Singles

#3

Christian Cafe

#4

Silver Singles

#5

Catholic Match