For the bold and brainy: Best dating sites for geeks, nerds, and sci-fi buffs in 2024

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Read our full review of Match.

Who it's for:

Match might not be the first place you think of when it comes to geeky dating, but don't write it off just yet. Its diverse user base means you'll find all sorts of people here, including plenty of fellow nerds and geeks. According to the Match website, 19 percent of users are between 18 and 29, 44 percent are between 30 and 40, and 37 percent are 50 or older.

If you're willing to invest a little time and money (yes, Match is a paid site), it could open up a world of possibilities for your love life. After all, your perfect match might not be on a niche dating site but rather hiding in plain sight on the largest dating platform out there.

Why we picked this:

Match might not be free, but sometimes the best things in life (like finding your Player Two) require a little investment. And trust us, this app is worth it. The platform is user-friendly, has a clean interface, and features a lengthy matchmaking questionnaire to help optimize your dating profile and narrow your matches as efficiently as possible.

But what really sets Match apart for geeks is the level of personalization you can bring to your profile. With a massive library of interest tags, you can blast your love for gaming, horror marathons, or the latest VR tech with a massive library. Let everyone know you're a Comic-Con regular, a trivia champ, or someone who values "Intellectual Stimulation" (because who doesn't?).

Plus, Match gives you the chance to really geek out with essay-style answers to prompts about your favorite games, books, movies, and more. The paid features also help filter out those who aren't serious about finding a real connection, and the requirement for at least one clear photo (you can add up to 26) shows that everyone on the platform is willing to put in the effort.

Match's commitment to safety is also a major plus. With 44 spam accounts removed every minute across Match Group apps, you can feel a little better knowing that they’re trying their best to keep things legit.

Who it's for:

Hinge is the ideal dating app for geeky 20 to 30-somethings looking to see where a connection takes them. It's not as serious as eharmony and a little more hip than Match, with on-profile videos, prompts, and a fresh, modern design.

Hinge is a top-three dating app among young people between the ages of 18 and 29 (Tinder and Bumble have more users), according to research from the Pew Research Center. The organization found that approximately one in five young people have used Hinge, and among online dating app users in this demographic, 39 percent used Hinge.

Why we picked this:

Even though Hinge is a part of Match Group, it takes a more personalized approach to dating. With Hinge, you can embrace your geekiness and showcase your interests through the app's profile prompts and on-profile videos. The more you put yourself out there, the higher your chances of finding your lobster (or that special someone).

Because users are encouraged to respond to profile prompts and engage in conversations based on shared interests, Hinge provides a platform where geeks can connect on a deeper level beyond looks. And to prove they’re really serious about helping you find your match, the platform introduced the “Your Turn” feature, limiting the number of unanswered messages you can have in your queue. Once there are eight unanswered messages, the app won't let you match with anyone new until you catch up on your conversations.

While some users have complained that Hinge uses an "attractiveness score," we haven't found any concrete evidence of it within the app itself.

Who it's for:

Ever lock eyes with someone cute at the comic book store or while waiting for your latte, only to wish you had a way to connect beyond that fleeting moment? Happn is the app that turns those missed connections into real-life meet-cutes. It uses your smartphone's location to show you other users you've crossed paths with in real life and gives you a second chance to say "Hello."

Why we picked this:

Rom-com geeks will love how serendipitous happn is, as it matches you with people you've seen in real life. This app is like a real-life dating sim but with even better graphics (because, you know, real people). By using your location to engineer moments of serendipity, Happn turns your daily routine into a potential adventure. From now on, your commute will be filled with potential connections just waiting to be made.

If you're a rom-com geek who believes in the magic of chance encounters, Happn just might be your dream app. It's less about swiping and more about those spark-filled moments when you lock eyes with someone across a crowded room or brush shoulders with them on a busy street.

Happen is a French company, and its American user base is a bit smaller than that of giants like Tinder and Hinge, but it’s been getting more traction among urban dwellers who love the idea of modern meet-cutes (and singles who are tired of seeing the same faces on other apps).

Read our comparison of EliteSingles vs. eharmony.

Who it's for:

EliteSingles is where the intellectuals and deep thinkers hang out. If you're tired of swiping through endless profiles of people who don't get your references or can't appreciate a fine Bordeaux, this might be the place for you.

Designed for those who value intelligence, wit, and genuinely stimulating conversation, EliteSingles is built to help you find other professionals who are just as passionate about their hobbies and interests as you are. Whether you're a scientist, engineer, or just someone who loves to learn and grow, we recommend giving this app a try.

Why we picked this:

With its in-depth, 200-question personality test that assesses important traits like agreeableness, openness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism, EliteSingles takes matchmaking to a whole new level.

EliteSingles knows us analytical geeks appreciate a thorough approach. The in-depth test unlocks your unique personality and nerdy passions, then uses that data to find matches who are genuinely compatible on an intellectual level.

Unlike other apps that rely on endless swiping, EliteSingles simplifies the process by curating a selection of three to five highly compatible matches for you each day. This thoughtful approach saves you time and energy, allowing you to focus on getting to know your matches on a deeper level.

Read our full review of eharmony.

Who it's for:

Think of eharmony as the Gandalf of dating sites — wise, experienced, and dedicated to guiding you on your journey to finding your fellowship (of the ring finger, that is). With over two decades of experience matching singles, eharmony has evolved into a modern platform that still holds true to its core mission: helping people find lasting love.

Just remember, eharmony is all about commitment and serious relationships, so if you're not ready to settle down, you might want to explore other options.

Why we picked this:

eharmony's advanced matching algorithm sets it apart from other dating platforms. With 32 different dimensions of compatibility, it delves deep into your personality traits, values, beliefs, and preferences to ensure highly compatible matches. This meticulous approach increases the likelihood of finding a partner who aligns with your core values and aspirations.

Like most dating apps, eharmony has a space to add interests and hobbies. Though none are specifically nerdy, you can definitely use the extensive profile to share what you're passionate about so you can connect with your fellow nerds looking for a long-term connection.

And if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you'll be happy to know that eharmony has pivoted far from its historically heteronormative approach. In fact, the platform has evolved so much that it's angered quite a few religious groups, including One Million Moms, which even started a petition to have the company remove its same-sex ads from TV.

Read our full review of Tinder Platinum.

Who it’s for:

OK, Tinder might seem out of character for this list, but hear us out. Just because you’re a geek doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, and Tinder delivers when it comes to casual hookups. This app is built for quick matches, flirty banter, and spontaneous adventures.

Most users are younger 20-somethings looking for a casual hookup or short-term fling. If you're after a serious relationship, this probably isn’t the place to find it. Hinge, eharmony, and Match are all better options for that level of commitment.

Why we picked this:

Tinder is the OG swiping app, and we’d really be doing a disservice to the geek community if we didn’t at least mention it. While it’s not a niche dating app for geeks, it does have a massive user base, which means you're more likely to find your people, even if they're spread out.

It’s also super easy to use; just swipe and chat to get things started. The app also has some pretty cool safety features, like “Share My Date,” which lets a trusted friend track your location and activity in real time.

Read our full review of Zoosk.

Who it's for:

Zoosk isn't the trendiest or most visually appealing dating platform, and unfortunately, it doesn't have great features for daters either. That's why we recommend you steer clear of this dating site unless you're really dying to use a dating platform not owned by Match Group. (Zoosk is owned by Spark Networks, which also owns Christin Mingle, Jdate, and EliteSingles.)

Why we don't recommend this:

There are a ton of options out there for dating sites these days, and Zoosk doesn't stand out. It's filled with bot accounts, isn't cheap, and requires paying for most basic features, like messaging. Considering there are free dating sites for serious connections and paid sites that tend to attract more real (literally, not just emotionally) people, we'd say you'd probably do best to take your geeky interests and open heart elsewhere.