People from Cape Town, South Africa, who seek to find love, can use dating sites and apps like OkCupid, Tinder, and Cwed, to mention a few. All of these dating sites were created to help individuals find love. However, you may want to be careful to avoid being scammed.
But just as online dating can foster some comically bad experiences, there are plenty of benefits. Some couples seem so perfectly matched that it’s almost impossible to believe they met on opposite sides of a screen. We have created this list to help you make better decisions on the dating sites and apps to sign up as someone in Cape Town. Let’s take a look at them!
Free Dating Sites In Cape Town
The best dating apps and sites in Cape Town, South Africa, have easy-to-use site or app interface and good testimonials to show for it. However, you should know that some of these platforms may not be free to use.
1. OkCupid
- Active Since: 2004
- Owner: Match Group
- Usage Statistics: 3.5 Million as at 2010
- Sign-up Fee: Free but also offers a range of paid subscription
- Features: Strong algorithm, private messaging
This dating platform is regarded as one of the best in the world. People across the globe appreciate it for its robust algorithm, private messaging features, and the fact that it accommodates a wide range of people with different sexual orientations.
OkCupid is available in Cape Town, South Africa, and is both free and paid for. However, you should know that the free version of the app or website may not offer you the best user experience. So, to get the best experience, you may have to pay.
User Reviews
It is a website and an app as well. On the Playstore, one of the major complaints users have with the app is that you will have to pay to enjoy its basic features. A good number of people also feel that the platform is too expensive. On the Playstore, OkCupid is rated 3.8 out of 5 Stars.
2. MatchMakers
- Active Since: 1986
- Owner: Gregory Scott Smith
- Usage Statistics: N/A
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Private messaging, block feature
Matchmaker is one of the first online dating platforms to be created. Being in existence since 1986 may add to why people trust it. There are several reasons why Matchmakers have made it to our list of best dating sites in Cape Town. One such reason is that you will be required to enter your gender, sexual interest, and age while signing up.
This way, the algorithm will be able to show you people that you may like. Another thing that makes Matchmakers stand out is the private messaging and block feature. It is noteworthy that you can use Matchmakers in different languages, including Afrikaans.
3. Interracial Match
- Active Since: 2001
- Owner: N/A
- Usage Statistics: 166,000
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Meet people from different races
On visiting the official website of Interracial Match, you will be welcomed with testimonials of people who found their soulmates on the platform. That may be enough to convince you to sign up for the site. This platform prides itself as the biggest Interracial dating site.
So, this is the dating site to consider if you are in Cape Town but would like to meet and mingle with people outside South Africa. This platform has existed for over two decades and is helping people find love. You may have to pay a subscription fee to enjoy this site’s benefits.
4. 99Flavours.com
- Active Since: 2012
- Owner: Various Inc
- Usage Statistics: Over 4 million users
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: A variety of singles, couples, and swingers from all over the world.
99flavours.com was established in 2012. The site is tailor-made for people who want the extra factor in online dating. Dating sites tend to follow the same route when signing up for first-time users and 99flavors is no different. It requires basic bio data, including age, height, location, and preference, to be filled into the questionnaire.
There’s a disclaimer here. If you are looking for something more traditional, this site is not for you. But if you want to have a little fun with your love life, this app has some great features that will make it worth the download. It’s tailored especially for swingers, couples looking for extras, or singles looking for couples to play with.
99flavors.com is a dating site designed to be fun, easy, and inclusive. It features a variety of singles, couples, and swingers from all over the world.
User Reviews
Paul Katanga stated that the inclusive nature of the dating app makes it easy to find new partners who are not interested in reviewing every facet of your life.
5. AdultFriendFinder.com
- Active Since: 1995
- Owner: Various Inc.
- Usage Statistics: Over 7 million users, an average of 100k visitors daily
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Live webcams, chat rooms, forums, articles, county listings, personal ads, and photo galleries
Adultfriendfinder.com is owned by Various Inc. and has been active since 1995. This dating site is for adults primarily interested in short-term flings with others.
To sign up on this site, first-time users must create an account either through their existing Facebook accounts or manually imputing a database that includes name, gender, age, height, occupation, and zip code. Afterward, the newcomer will be required to create a username/ID and log-in password.
The site offers a wide variety of features, including live webcams, chat rooms, forums, articles, county listings, personal ads, photo galleries, and more. Adultfriendfinder has grown steadily since and hosts over 7 million members online. The site has an average of 100k visitors daily – the majority of which are members of the male gender.
The site is not all about just hooking up. You can find that here if that is your particular flavor or fetish. But for most members, the site is more geared toward friends with benefits.
User Reviews
Site users have commended the simplicity of the app. Clients say the app enables them to be themselves without worrying about the hassle of commitments.
Free Dating Apps In Cape Town
6. Hey I Like You (HILY)
- Active Since: August 2019
- Owner: Yan Pronin and Alex Pasykov
- Usage Statistics: 12 million users
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: HILY employs machine learning and statistical algorithms
The birth of HILY stems from the owner, Pronin’s background in analytics and statistics. For people in Cape Town, the app does justice to the desire and longing for love and companionship. To sign up on this app after downloading, a new user is required to provide account verification through live photo capture, uploading a photo of an official ID, or social media integration.
HILY employs machine learning and statistical algorithms. It analyzes data such as depth of dialogue, word choice, and mutual likes to identify profiles with a high probability of a match. The app also connects prospective partners based on similar interests instead of geographic location and physical attractiveness.
User Reviews
Mrs. Williams claims that the app’s use of verbal exchanges in taking things further helped her find her ideal man.
7. The League
- Active Since: 2015
- Owner: Amanda Bradford
- Usage Statistics: About 1 million users and over 420,000 on the waiting list
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: The League scans an applicant’s Facebook and LinkedIn profiles to analyze alma maters, degrees, professions, industries, social influence, neighborhood, and age.
The app was conceived in 2014 and eventually launched in 2015. The app creator and founder, Amanda Bradford, created the app because of her disappointing experiences with other online dating apps.
Signing up to this app means its users will connect to their LinkedIn and Facebook profiles and then select their preferences for matches, with criteria including gender, age, height, distance, education, religion, and ethnicity.
Each user is assigned a representative who can answer app-related questions. As with Tinder, users swipe right to indicate interest in a potential match or swipe left to pass. The League shows users only five potential matches per day.
The League uses an applicant’s Facebook and LinkedIn profiles to analyze education level, professions, industries, social influence, neighborhood, and age. Diversity of applicants is also considered. Currently, there are over 420,000 profiles waiting to be selected for inclusion. Paying to become a member allows the user to jump the line.
User Reviews
The app has been previously accused of racism because of its insistence on declaring ethnicity while signing up.
8. Passion.com
- Active Since: 1996
- Owner: Various Inc.
- Usage Statistics: 40 million visitors a month
- Sign-up Fee: Free but also offers a range of paid subscription
- Features: User-friendly interface that allows visitors to browse members by interest, age, and location
This app is best for meeting young and vibrant singles whose desires range from casual hookups to serious, committed relationships. Passion.com began primarily as an app for casual hookups. However, with the increasing traffic on the site, it has since evolved into a place where most people can and have met ‘the one.’
A new user is expected to fill in a whole range of personal bio-data, including age, height, facial profile, etc. The site also allows a period of a free trial. With your free trial, you won’t have complete access to all the dating profiles and pictures other singles and couples load up. You’ll be able to see their basic information and main photo, but that’s it.
Users can choose between a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plan, then start reviewing potential matches that may be compatible with them. The best part about this app is its algorithm, designed to respond to geographical and personal preferences such as religion and sexuality.
It is one of the oldest and most popular dating sites out there, with over 40 million people visiting every month. Its user-friendly interface allows you to browse members by their interests, age, and location. The site also has a mobile app for smartphone compatibility.
User Reviews
Clients on the app have stated that the app allows you to be as open or private as you want. It has proven to be quite fulfilling for Mark, who found his wife on the app. They’ve been married for four and a half years and have two beautiful children.
Some users have complained that it is hard to stand out from the crowd of the site’s massive user database, which exceeds 40 million.
9. Bumble
- Active Since: December 2014
- Owner: Whitney Wolfe Herd
- Usage Statistics: More than 800 million matches as of March 2017, 10 million swipes per month
- Sign up Fee: Free plus paid subscriptions
- Features: Messaging and Video chat. In heterosexual matches, women must make first contact.
Bumble dating app on Playstore has over 10 million users, with a rating of 4.3. A good number of people have nothing but good reviews about the app. However, there are also a few complaints from those who have encountered challenges using the app.
Notwithstanding, if the Bumble mobile app is not working for you, you can also use the site. Aside from finding a romantic partner on this dating site or app, you can also find a good friend using the BFF offer on the site.
It is noteworthy to add that Bumble is mainly seen as a feminist dating platform. This is because, for a heterosexual match, the lady must make the first contact. This was put in place to protect women; however, based on reviews on Playstore, it poses some challenges because some women do not like to make the first contact.
User Reviews
The unique nature of the site with regards to matchmaking makes it a hotbed for many social issues, including homophobia and racism. In 2021, Gerald called it one of the worst sites he’s had the misfortune of coming across.
10. Tinder
- Active Since: September 2012
- Owner: Match Group (Renate Nyborg – CEO)
- Usage Statistics: Over 55 million matches to date; Between 1 billion to 1.6 billion swipes per day
- Sign-up Fee: Free but also offers paid subscription on request
- Features: Swiping Yes or No, Advance Swipe, Super Like, Rewind, and Boost
Tinder is one of the world’s leading dating sites and apps, even more so in Cape Town, South Africa. The mobile app has over 100 Million downloads and is free to use. However, for a better user experience, you may need to pay for a premium package.
Users of the platform applaud it for being very easy to use. However, there are a lot of complaints about how difficult it is to find a match when you don’t subscribe to any of the paid packages.
Some users also complain about how difficult it is to unsubscribe after subscribing for months. There have also been reports that Tinder is used more for hookups than for finding love. This is not peculiar to Tinder; other dating platforms and even social media are also used for hookups.
User Reviews
Mixed reviews have trailed the use of Tinder. Satisfied clients have lauded the casual nature of the app, while some have been thoroughly disappointed with its service delivery.
11. Badoo
- Active Since: 2006
- Owner: Bumble Inc
- Usage Statistics: 22 Million as at 2007
- Sign-up Fee: Free but also offers a paid subscription
- Features: Instant usage, Instant messaging
Badoo is one of the best dating sites to consider if you are seeking to find love or a match in Cape Town and other cities in South Africa like Johannesburg and Pretoria. It has a 4.2-star rating on Playstore, and many users have appreciated the platform’s algorithm, which has helped them find a love match for themselves. However, they also complain about the lack of a search menu.
With more than 100,000 people signing up to Badoo every day, it is almost certain that you would find someone to bond with. Signing up to Badoo is so easy. You can sign up using Facebook, Apple, or your email address.
You can also download the Badoo app instead of using the website. Badoo is both free and paid for. Immediately you sign up, you can find a match almost immediately. However, you have to subscribe to the premium package to be able to use the instant messaging offer.
Christian Dating Sites In Cape Town
There are a lot of controversies surrounding secular dating sites. Christians believe that most dating sites are mainly for hookups, and hookups are against the Christain faith. As such most Christian organizations and individuals have seen the need to create unique Christian dating platforms where Christian men and women can meet each other.
Most Christian dating sites aim not for people to meet and date but rather to help Christians build relationships that would lead to marriage. Here are some of the Christain dating sites that you can access in Cape Town, South Africa:
12. ChristianDating.org
- Active Since: N/A
- Owner: N/A
- Usage Statistics: N/A
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Access to Christians who are from different denominations; Online Christian dating chat room
If you are a Christian and your interest is in finding someone who shares the same belief and love for Jesus, or you are looking for an online app or relationship platform, then this Christian dating app is one that you should consider signing up to. The ChristianDating.org platform is open to Christians irrespective of denomination; you can meet Pentecostals, Baptists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholics, Anglicans, and so on.
The reasons why ChristianDating.org believes that Christians should sign up for their platform include:
- It gives Christians the opportunity to mingle and find long-lasting love
- Christain youths can share Bible verses and messages
- It allows singles to choose the kind of people they would like to
- Access to sharing the love of God with other singles online.
User Reviews
Users have claimed that it affords them the freedom of expressing their religious beliefs without fear of being seen as too pious.
13. Cwed
- Active Since: N/A
- Owner: N/A
- Usage Statistics: N/A
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Assured safety and quality control
It is clearly stated on the Cwed website that the platform is for serious-minded Christians who would like to build a relationship that would result in marriage. The platform does not support hookups or one-night stands, as it is built for Christians. As such, you have some level of safety and quality assurance. This site is also free to use.
14. ChristianCafe.com
- Active Since: N/A
- Owner: N/A
- Usage Statistics: N/A
- Sign-up Fee: It has paid membership but offers a 10-day free trial
Christiancafe.com is a free online dating site for Christians worldwide and around South Africa. The site is not free to use, but there are so many testimonials on the website to convince you to part with your cash for the subscription. Some people met on the site and are married today.
15. Elite Singles
- Active Since: 2009
- Owner: Spark Networks
- Usage Statistics: 2 million active monthly users
- Sign-up Fee: $14.95; paid membership is $44.95 per month
- Features: Large user base with high-end products and sophisticated yet classy platform
Without a doubt, Elite Singles is a product with high-end services geared towards the needs of South Africans looking for people who share similar values and might be interested in long-term romantic involvement.
EliteSingles is viewed primarily as a senior site compared to other dating sites. It is also highly recommended for long-distance relationships. Its user base is large and mainly populated by affluent and educated citizens.
It is also one site that Christian users have found friendly in terms of usage. Signing up to this site requires a basic monthly commitment of $14.95 and $44.95 per month for paid subscribers.
User Reviews
This site has been described as normal, safe, and healthy by users of the site.
Speed Dating In Cape Town
Speed dating allows you to have a short virtual interaction with potential matches before agreeing to meet physically. Here are some platforms that provide such services:
16. LoveAwake.com
- Active Since: N/A
- Owner: N/A
- Usage Statistics: N/A
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Virtual dating
LoveAwake.com is unique because you will be required to enter your name, height, weight, zodiac sign, and location by signing up. This way, people can easily find matches that meet their spec. Before agreeing to meet, you can have a virtual date to decide where you want to take things further with the person.
17. MeetUp
- Active Since: N/A
- Owner: N/A
- Usage Statistics: N/A
- Sign-up Fee: Free
- Features: Virtual dating
MeetUp is a virtual dating site available in Cape Town, South Africa. It allows those seeking love and a relationship to have a virtual date before deciding whether or not they would like to meet in person. Signing into the site is very easy. You can sign up using Facebook, Google, or your email address.
Recap of Dating Sites and Apps In Cape Town
- Adultfriendfinder.com
- 99Flavours.com
- OkCupid
- Match Maker
- Interracial Match
- Hey I Like You (HILY)
- The League
- Passion.com
- Bumble
- Tinder
- Badoo
- ChristianDating.org
- Cwed
- ChristianCafe.com
- Elite Singles
- LoveAwake.com
- MeetUp