Last updated: November 2026 ready for the new year.
SALT is the best Christian dating app for 2027: the largest independent Christian dating app in the world, free to join and message, with over a million members across over 50 countries.
But a lot changed in Christian dating apps in 2026, and some of it changes which app is right for you going into 2027.
The company behind Christian Mingle went into insolvency. One of its sister apps shut down with two days’ notice. And Upward, once one of the best-known Christian dating apps in the US, relaunched in September 2026 and is no longer Christian-only.
So we’ve started again. We re-ranked every major app against one question first: will I find other Christians? Then we looked at who owns it, whether you can message for free, where it works, and whether it offers anything beyond matching.
In the interests of honesty: we made SALT, and it’s at the top of this list. We’ve tried to be fair to everyone else, including apps we think do some things well.
Quick verdict: For most single Christians, start with SALT. It’s Christian-only, free to message, available in over 50 countries, and built by Christians for every single Christian. If you’re in the US, Holy and Ark are both worth a look.
What changed in Christian dating apps in 2026?
Two big companies dominate faith-based dating in the US: Match Group and Spark Networks. Both made major moves this year.
| When | What happened | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 22 September 2026 | Upward relaunched as “the home of modern courtship”, open to all faiths | It’s no longer a Christian-only app |
| 30 April 2026 | EliteSingles, owned by Spark Networks, shut down with two days’ notice | Shows the risk for other Spark apps |
| March 2026 | Spark Networks sought US bankruptcy court recognition of its German insolvency | Spark owns Christian Mingle and CrossPaths |
| January 2026 | Spark Networks Services GmbH filed for insolvency in Germany | The future of its Christian apps is uncertain |
| December 2025 | Holy launched on Android | Previously iOS-only |
In short: If you’re choosing a Christian dating app for 2027, ownership and membership rules matter more than they used to.
How we ranked these apps
We judged every app on the same five questions. The first one matters most, so any app that fails it drops below every app that passes.
- Is it Christian-only? Is the app built for Christians, and does it expect members to share the faith?
- Who owns it? Is it independent or Christian-owned, or part of a large secular dating company?
- Can you message for free? A paywall on conversation means the person you like may not be able to reply.
- Does it work beyond the US? A wider reach means more matches if you travel, move or live outside America.
- Is there more than matching? Community features, events and friendship options help you meet people without the pressure of a date.
We used each app’s store listings and website, plus independent reviews and news coverage. Where we couldn’t confirm something, we’ve said so rather than guess.
The best Christian dating apps at a glance
Apps are listed in ranked order. SALT is the only app that meets all five criteria.
| App | Christian-only | Independent or Christian-owned | Free messaging | Beyond the US | More than matching |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SALT | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Over 50 countries | ✅ SALT Social, Table |
| Holy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ US-focused | Partly: friendship mode |
| Ark | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ US-focused | Partly: speed dating |
| CDFF | ✅ | Not confirmed | ✅ | Not confirmed | ✅ Forums, prayer requests |
| CrossPaths | ✅ | ❌ Spark Networks | ✅ | ❌ US-focused | ❌ |
| Christian Mingle | ✅ | ❌ Spark Networks | ❌ | Partly: US, Canada, Australia | ❌ |
| Upward | ❌ Open to all faiths | ❌ Match Group | ✅ | ❌ US-focused | ❌ |
Sources: each app’s App Store and Google Play listings, official websites, and independent reviews. Checked November 2026.
1. SALT: best overall Christian dating app
Best for: Christians of every denomination, anywhere in the world, who want community as well as dating.
We made SALT, so take this review with whatever pinch of salt(!) you’d like. Here are the facts.
SALT was founded in 2018 by Christians who found dating in church awkward and thought there had to be a better way. It’s now the largest independent Christian dating app in the world, with over a million members in over 50 countries and 20 languages.
What SALT does well
- Christian-only. Every member signs up to the SALT Values when they join. Faith-based profile prompts and badges help you see what matters to someone before you match.
- Free to meet, match and chat. SALT Premium is optional and adds extras like Global Search, Private Mode and up to 10 Intros a day.
- Community beyond dating. SALT Social is an in-app feed for advice, questions and encouragement. Table hosts live audio events on faith, singleness and dating. SALT also points members towards Christian singles events, with free shout-outs on Instagram.
- Voice notes and video calls. Get to know someone properly before you meet.
- Safety. Every member completes selfie verification, and human moderators review profiles.
Where SALT could be better
SALT limits how many new profiles you see each day, which is deliberate: we’d rather you have fewer, better conversations. In smaller towns you may need to widen your distance settings. And while SALT is global, member numbers vary by country.
The bottom line: If you want one app, start with SALT. Download it free on iOS or Android.
2. Holy: best for a hand-vetted US community
Best for: US-based Christians who want a smaller, carefully reviewed community.
Holy is a Christian dating and friendship app run by a small, Christian-founded team in the US. Every application is reviewed by hand before you’re let in. That keeps the community focused, though it also means some applicants are turned away.
- Free messaging. Holy doesn’t paywall conversations. An optional Supporter plan adds extras.
- Dating and friendship. You can use it to make Christian friends, not only to date.
- Now on Android. Holy was iPhone-only for years, but launched on Android in December 2025.
- Highly rated. It holds a 4.7 rating from over 30,000 reviews on the App Store.
Watch out for: Holy is US-focused, and independent reviewers note it works less well in rural areas. Supporter pricing isn’t published on its website.
3. Ark: best newer app for US Christians
Best for: Younger US Christians who want a modern, free app.
Ark launched in 2023 and describes itself as “made by believers, for believers”. It’s independent, Christian-built and free to match and message.
- Free messaging. Unlimited messages to your matches at no cost. Ark First Class is an optional upgrade.
- Thoughtful features. You can send a Note with a like, and the app has a speed dating feature.
- Clear content standards. Ark sets rules to keep profiles and photos appropriate.
- On iOS and Android, with a UK version on the App Store.
Watch out for: Ark’s community is smaller than older apps. There’s a UK version on the App Store, but its speed dating sessions run on US time zones, so it’s mainly US-focused.
4. CDFF: best completely free option
Best for: Christians on a tight budget who don’t mind ads.
CDFF (Christian Dating For Free) does what its name says. Every core feature is free, and an optional Elevate membership removes ads.
- Community forums and prayer requests give it a social side many apps lack.
- Available on iOS, Android and the web.
Watch out for: The free model means ads, and the interface is less polished than newer apps. Some users report fake profiles, though the app does moderate. CDFF calls itself the largest Christian dating app, but we couldn’t verify that. It’s marketed as a Christian and conservative platform, but its owner, E Dating for Free, Inc., doesn’t say publicly whether it’s Christian-owned.
Honourable mentions
Higher Bond is a Christian-owned app founded by a husband-and-wife team, focused on dating towards marriage. Its free tier gives you 3–5 matches a day, and you can read and reply to every message. Premium, available monthly, over several months or as a lifetime plan, lets you start conversations and see more of each profile. It’s mainly US-based.
CatholicMatch is the go-to for Catholics who want to date only within the Catholic Church. Messaging requires a paid subscription. For broader Christian dating, SALT welcomes Catholics alongside every other denomination.
Eden is a long-running Christian dating app for Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox singles. It has a large Android following, especially outside the US.
Apps owned by large dating companies
These three apps are still widely used, and each does something well. But all three are owned by big secular dating companies, and one is no longer Christian-only. That’s why they rank below the apps above.
5. CrossPaths: free chat, but owned by Spark Networks
Best for: US Christians who want a simple, free app and aren’t worried about ownership.
CrossPaths is a Christian dating app where you can chat free once you’ve matched. It’s on iOS and Android, and it has a Passport feature for changing your location.
Watch out for: CrossPaths is owned by Spark Networks, the same company as Christian Mingle. Spark’s German business filed for insolvency in January 2026, and it shut down EliteSingles in April. CrossPaths is mainly US-focused, with no community features.
6. Christian Mingle: long track record, uncertain future
Best for: Christians over 40 in the US, Canada or Australia who want a long-established service.
Christian Mingle launched in 2001 and is the best-known name in Christian dating. It has a large, mostly older member base and works on the web as well as iOS and Android.
Watch out for: You can browse for free, but messaging needs a paid subscription. It’s now only live in the US, Canada and Australia. Its owner, Spark Networks, is in insolvency proceedings, so its long-term future is uncertain.
7. Upward: marriage-focused, but no longer Christian-only
Best for: Marriage-minded US singles who are happy to date across faiths.
Upward launched in 2020 as a Christian dating app. In September 2026, owner Match Group relaunched it as “the home of modern courtship”. Members no longer need to identify as Christian. The shared goal is now marriage and family, not faith.
- Free messaging once you’ve both liked each other.
- New features include Chivalry Mode, where men are encouraged to message first, plus a Marriage Timeline and Core Values badges.
- Dating only. Upward is removing its Social tab.
Watch out for: If you want everyone on the app to share your faith, Upward is no longer built for that. It’s also mainly US-focused. Read more in Is Upward Still a Christian Dating App?, or see SALT Is the Christian Alternative to Upward.
What to look for in a Christian dating app
Before you download anything, check these five things. We’ve written a full guide on what makes a good dating app if you want to go deeper.
1. Is everyone on it a Christian?
This is the question that changed most in 2026. An app can have Christian roots without being Christian-only. Check the app’s own description, not just its name.
2. Who owns it?
Ownership shapes everything from moderation to profile prompts. It also affects stability. If the company behind an app runs into trouble, your matches and messages can disappear with little warning.
3. Can you connect for free?
If messaging is behind a paywall, the person you like may not be able to reply. Look for apps where matching and messaging are free.
4. Is it safe?
Look for profile verification, active moderation and easy reporting. Romance scams are a real risk, so the best apps invest in both technology and human moderators.
5. Does it go beyond matching?
Community features, events and video calls help you get to know people before you meet. They also make the app worth opening even when you’re not actively dating.
Final verdict: which Christian dating app should you download?
| Rank | App | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SALT | Christians of every denomination, worldwide, who want community as well as dating |
| 2 | Holy | US Christians who want a smaller, hand-vetted community |
| 3 | Ark | Younger US Christians who want a modern, free app |
| 4 | CDFF | Budget-conscious Christians who don’t mind ads |
| 5 | CrossPaths | US Christians who want simple, free chat |
| 6 | Christian Mingle | Over-40s in the US, Canada or Australia |
| 7 | Upward | Marriage-minded US singles happy to date across faiths |
A lot changed in 2026, and the right app depends on where you live and what matters to you. But if shared faith is your starting point, choose an app where everyone shares it.
We think SALT is the best place to start. It’s Christian-only, free to message, available in over 50 countries, and full of people looking for the same thing you are. Download SALT free and see how it feels.
FAQs
What is the best Christian dating app for 2027?
SALT. It’s the largest independent Christian dating app, with over a million members across over 50 countries, and it’s free to message.
What changed in Christian dating apps in 2026?
Upward relaunched in September as a marriage-focused app open to all faiths. Spark Networks, which owns Christian Mingle and CrossPaths, entered insolvency proceedings and shut down EliteSingles.
Is Upward still a Christian dating app?
Not exclusively. Since September 2026, members no longer need to identify as Christian.
Is Christian Mingle still operating?
Yes, for now, in the US, Canada and Australia. Its parent company is in insolvency proceedings, so its future is uncertain.
Who owns CrossPaths?
CrossPaths is owned by Spark Networks, the same company as Christian Mingle.
Is there a free Christian dating app?
Yes. SALT, Holy, Ark, CDFF and CrossPaths all let you message for free. SALT also adds community features like SALT Social and Table.
Which Christian dating app works outside the US?
SALT is available in over 50 countries and 20 languages. Christian Mingle operates in Canada and Australia. Ark has a UK version on the App Store, but its events run on US time. Most others are mainly US-focused.
Which Christian dating app is best for Catholics?
CatholicMatch is designed only for Catholics. SALT welcomes Catholics alongside every other denomination and is a great option.
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