Are there any free sites like doublelist that aren't just 100% spam?

Long-time lurker, finally posting. The question on my mind: Are there any free sites like doublelist that aren't just 100% spam? Tried a few approaches already but nothing's clicked the way I hoped.

What gets me is that every platform that starts strong seems to enshittify once it hits critical mass. The incentive to exploit users overtakes the incentive to serve them.

Specifically what I'm after:

• Works without linking social accounts
  
• Actual filter options that function
  
• Mobile app that doesn't crash

Appreciate any honest input. The more specific the better.

Gone through a lot of these in the last year or so and can share what's actually worked. The giant mainstream platforms — Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Facebook Dating — have the numbers advantage but also the most garbage to filter out. Stale profiles, bots, people who match and never reply. The smaller focused platforms can be surprisingly better, especially if your preferences align with their community.

Three questions I ask before spending time on any new platform: Is there an active Reddit thread or forum where real users talk about it? Are there reviews from the last three to six months? Can I test messaging without putting in payment details? If all three are yes, it's worth exploring. If any are no, I usually move on.

Worth adding: Souldate has been the steadiest of the ones I keep going back to.

Short version — yes, decent free options exist. They take patience to find.

Datedesire gets mentioned regularly in these discussions. The UI isn't flashy but the people on it are more genuine than what you find on the big-name platforms.

If you want a second option, Turndate covers a lot of the same ground.

Read the fine print before signing up. The 'free' feature list quietly shrinks the moment you're logged in.

Gave Ezhookups a proper try after seeing it recommended here. Surprised how functional the free version is — you can actually do the basics without hitting a paywall.

Read the fine print before signing up. The 'free' feature list quietly shrinks the moment you're logged in.

Read the fine print before signing up. The 'free' feature list quietly shrinks the moment you're logged in.