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

Who it's for:

Match boasts a diverse user base with plenty of opportunities for everyone. According to their website(opens in a new tab), 19% of users are between 18 and 29, 44% are between 30 and 40, and 37% are 50 or older. This mixed bag of users makes it an excellent starting place for those new to online dating or looking for a broad range of potential matches.

If you're serious about finding a soulmate and have some disposable income, match is the place to go. This online dating community is one of the largest and most reputable matchmaking services online — with millions of active users logging in daily. The platform is user-friendly, has a clean interface, and features a lengthy matchmaking questionnaire to help narrow your matches as efficiently as possible.

Why we picked this:

Match is our top choice for geeks and nerds seeking an alternative to eharmony. This dating platform offers a great balance between serious relationships and casual connections, making it ideal for individuals with specific interests and intellectual pursuits. With its extensive user base and detailed profiles, Match allows you to find like-minded individuals who share your geeky passions, whether it's gaming, science fiction, or niche hobbies. Additionally, Match's in-person events(opens in a new tab) provide opportunities to meet fellow geeks and nerds in real life, fostering a sense of community and connection beyond the digital realm.

Plus, it's easy to use, and creating a profile isn't nearly as hard as you might think: Sign up, answer a few basic questions about your hobbies, interests, etc., and you're ready to get started. Of course, you'll need to upload a profile photo too.

The only caveat is that a few ads are included in the free version of the app. Still, according to Mashable reviewer Leah Stodart, they're not so intrusive that it interferes with the user experience (and they're not the gross, get-off in two seconds ads, either).

Our verdict? Match is a solid option for anyone looking to dip their toes into online dating or find a partner with similar interests.

Read our full review of match.

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who it's for:

EliteSingles is designed to help educated, mentally, and emotionally mature singles find a compatible match. This site isn't for one-night stands or endless swiping. These singles are busy and don't have time for that BS.

Why we picked this:

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

Geeks and nerds, known for their analytical minds and attention to detail, will appreciate the thoroughness of EliteSingles' personality test. By diving deep into your personality traits and preferences, the app ensures that the matches it sends you are genuinely compatible, increasing your chances of finding someone who shares your intellectual interests and passions.

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.

Additionally, EliteSingles attracts a community of ambitious professionals who are driven, career-oriented, and seeking a partner who understands their lifestyle and aspirations. For geeks and nerds who value intelligence, career success, and intellectual conversations, EliteSingles provides a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate their unique qualities.

Read our comparison of EliteSingles vs. eharmony.

Who it's for:

Zoosk may not be the trendiest or most visually appealing dating site, but it's a solid choice for shy individuals, including geeks and nerds, who want to ease themselves into the world of online dating. Its user interface can be clunky and confusing though, so we only recommend it for people who haven't found success with other dating sites in the past.

Why we picked this:

One of Zoosk's strengths is its ability to learn and adapt to your preferences over time. This is particularly beneficial for geeks and nerds who often have unique interests and hobbies. As you engage with the site, Zoosk becomes better at understanding your specific geeky likes, whether it's comic books, video games, or sci-fi movies. It can help match you with potential partners who share your geeky passions, increasing the chances of finding someone who truly gets you.

However, it's important to be cautious while using Zoosk, as there is a notable presence of bots and fake profiles on the platform. Take your time to sift through potential matches and use your geeky knowledge to spot any suspicious profiles.

Read our full review of Zoosk.

Who it's for:

GamerDating is for hardcore gamers searching for a partner who's just as serious about gaming as they are. GamerDating is a charming (albeit slightly outdated) dating site where gamers can find their Player 2. While the interface is outdated, the free version is worth a try for serious gamers.

Why we picked this:

With GamerDating, you can find potential matches based on specific gaming preferences, including the exact types of games and titles you're into. This tailored approach ensures you'll be matched with someone who shares your passion for gaming, making it easier to forge connections and find a new gaming buddy to embark on virtual adventures together.

The registration process is free and straightforward; you can sign up using your Facebook account for added convenience. While you'll be asked to choose three of your favorite games as part of the sign-up process, it's a small investment of time for the potential rewards of finding someone who appreciates your gaming world.

Who it's for:

OkCupid has stepped up and is now one of the most popular dating sites for left-leaning 25 to 35-year-olds looking to find a more profound, meaningful connection.

Whether you're searching for a fellow gamer to conquer virtual worlds with or a comic book enthusiast to attend conventions together, OkCupid offers a welcoming and inclusive space where geeks and nerds can find like-minded partners who appreciate their unique passions.

Why we picked this:

OkCupid is our top choice for those seeking an alternative to Match, and it's particularly well-suited for geeks and nerds who value intellectual compatibility and shared interests.

By allowing users to answer in-depth questions about their hobbies, OkCupid gives you the opportunity to find like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for gaming, science fiction, technology, comics, or any other geeky pursuit. This means you have a higher chance of finding someone who understands your references and embraces and celebrates your geekiness.

Read our full OkCupid review.

Who it's for:

Screw endless browsing: Coffee Meets Bagel focuses on in-depth profiles and only sends curated matches pulled from your friends of friends network on Facebook. This slowed-down style of online dating can be a great breath of fresh air for anyone sick of scrolling and who wants to be sure the people they’re getting to know are actual, you know, real people.

Why we picked this:

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) stands out as the best dating site for those seeking a real relationship, and it's an ideal choice for geeks and nerds who prioritize meaningful connections and long-term compatibility.

CMB's unique approach to online dating sets it apart from other apps. Instead of overwhelming you with countless profiles to swipe through, CMB curates a personalized selection of potential matches for you each day.

For geeks and nerds who often value substance and intellectual compatibility, CMB's focus on quality over quantity is a major advantage. The app takes the pressure off browsing and allows you to invest your time and energy into meaningful conversations with carefully selected matches.

Who it's for:

Rom-com geeks: this one's for you. This platform matches you with people you've seen in real life based on your smartphone’s location tracking. Think of it like meeting your next great love in line at a coffee shop — just without the awkward in-person icebreakers. 

Why we picked this:

For those who've always dreamed of having a meet-cute moment straight out of a romantic comedy, happn brings that fantasy to life. By leveraging your location, happn creates opportunities for spontaneous connections with people you've crossed paths with in your daily life. It's like having your very own rom-com script unfolding right in front of you.

Happn's unique approach to dating is the ideal setup for rom-com geeks who appreciate the allure of unexpected encounters and the potential for a love story to emerge from the most unlikely places. Instead of swiping through endless profiles, happn focuses on those meaningful moments when your eyes meet across a crowded street or cross in a bustling café. It's a thrilling experience reminiscent of the heart-fluttering anticipation felt during those magical movie moments.

Who it's for:

The eharmony brand has been matching singles online for over 20 years — but the platform feels fresh and modern despite being online for a long time. The trusted dating site is ideal for singles finally settling down and finding someone to get serious with. Remember that the guiding ethos of eHarmony is marriage — so if you’re not ready to get that serious, you might want to choose another platform.

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 truly aligns with your core values and aspirations.

One feature that reinforces eharmony's dedication to authenticity is its RelyID verification system. This feature verifies the information provided by members, including their name, city, and age, minimizing the risk of encountering catfishers or dishonest individuals.

By prioritizing compatibility, authenticity, and privacy, eharmony creates a conducive environment for fostering deep connections and building long-lasting relationships. Its focus on quality over quantity makes it an excellent choice for individuals who are serious about finding a committed partner.

Read our full review of eharmony.

Who it's for:

Whether you’re looking for a match who loves the same niche horror films as you do or want someone who will be down to do couples cosplay at the next Comic-Con, SoulGeek allows users to search for their soulmate based on interest and level of geeky. The fairly straightforward platform puts you in the driver's seat and makes it easy to ensure your matches will be fully down for all those gaming sessions or movie nights you value.

Why we picked this:

SoulGeek is completely free and relationship-centered. In the site's FAQ, the creators specifically state that this platform is for people looking for their person or persons (polyamorous relationships welcome!). This inclusivity creates a welcoming environment for individuals to explore and express their relationship preferences without judgment.

Signing up is easy, and you'll receive potential match details and updates via email.

Who it's for:

Looking for a safe platform to explore your kinks and fantasies? ALT lets you indulge in your wildest fetishes with people on the same page. The sex-positive community makes it easy for BDSM-curious folks to meet like-minded people immediately without any judgment or pressure to meet up in real life.

Why we picked this:

Finding kinky partners can be difficult. It's not like you can walk up to someone and ask them if they're into autoerotic asphyxiation (I mean, you can, but it's unlikely you'll find your mate that way).

Finding someone just as sex-positive as you takes research and commitment. That's why ALT is the place to go if you're looking for a kinky night in or out, depending on what you're into. ALT provides a safe and inclusive platform for individuals passionate about BDSM, fetishism, and kink. It eliminates the need for awkward conversations by creating an environment where you can openly express your desires and connect with others with similar interests.

But be cautious: This site has an alarming number of fake profiles.

Who it's for:

Dating for Muggles is certainly a niche dating platform — but it’s worth it for Potterheads who can’t imagine their future partner not knowing their Hogwarts house and rising signs by heart. The magical matchmaking service might not have the same bells and whistles as more modern and mainstream dating services, but it will undoubtedly be your best bet for finding the Hermione to your Ron or the Harry to your Ginny.

Why we picked this:

Dating for Muggles is the dating app for fans of the wizarding world. This platform offers features specifically tailored for Potterheads, creating a welcoming space for Harry Potter enthusiasts and lovers of the magical realm.

Dating for Muggles also allows users to block others, which provides a sense of control and ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. And, with advanced filtering options, members can fine-tune their search criteria to find partners who align with their specific preferences and interests.

Plus, the manual verification of user photos by moderators adds an extra layer of security, helping to reduce the presence of fake accounts and bots on the platform.