Your independent guide to the best dating sites, singles and personal ads sites in the UK.

1) eHarmony: We think that based on their success rate, their superb matching system plus their excellent website, eHarmony tops the dating site charts! After almost 3 years of watching people leave this dating agency as couples, we've decided to give them our highest rating yet... Read the review

2) Match: Not too far behind. The site is easy to use, with lots of features. This is a classic dating site which rises to the top because of its free initial sign up - try the free search and see if there's anyone local you fancy! Read the review

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3) Mate1: Very popular site, with an easy to use interface. Browse local singles.

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4) DatingDirect: With more than 3.5 million singles, you are sure to find someone that you like.

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5) Match Affinity: As with all the serious dating sites, they are more targeted in tone etc. towards singles aged 30+. This means a quality site without gimmicks like webcams and chat.

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6) Parship: Nice dating site, and if you're looking for the possibilty of a romance on the Med as well as the UK, this is the site for you! Indeed there are plenty of people in the UK, including lots of The Independent's readership. Their compatibility testing does work, but in our opinion it's not as good as eHarmony's. If you're looking for professional dating sites, definitely start with Parship and eHarmony.

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7) friends reunited dating: It's true, the Friends Reunited brand is trusted and familiar, which makes this dating site feel safe. Because of this, we feel it's ideal for friendship leading to romantic relationship. You can register, and then do a search for free, so it's worth signing up for that.

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8) SinglesnetVery quick and easy sign up will have you matched with local singles within 30 seconds.

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9) Metrodate Aimed at younger singles, and works well for that demographic. It's definitely worth searching for free and signing up if you find someone local you'd like to meet!

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