The era of cougar dating is here and the proof is in the numbers – 80 to 90% of both men and women are open to dating outside their age range.
While some might be into the fantasy, for others age is just a number.
Women no longer need to limit their dating pool, and men worldwide are looking beyond their generation for saucy affairs. So, which sites do empowered cougars and charismatic cubs flock to?
Start with our list of the best cougar dating sites below.
Best Cougar Dating Sites Reviewed
- Ashley Madison – Best cougar site overall
- Cougar Life – Strictly for cougars
- AdultFriendFinder – Best hookup cougar site
- Elite Singles – Premium site for professionals
- Victoria Milan – Best for attached cougar dating
- eHarmony – For something more serious
- POF (Plenty of Fish) – Best user experience
- Singles50 – Understated cougar site
- Silver Singles – Dating site for older folks
- Bumble – Female-first cougar dating site
1. Ashley Madison – Best Cougar Site Overall
Pros
- Free to use for female members
- Affordable credits for males
- Discreet and anonymous
- Many active members
Cons
- Previous data breach
- Every interaction costs cubs credits
Ashley Madison is a secret portal to the world of affairs, but they have slightly pivoted to become a compelling site for older women looking for attention from younger men.
The site is a trusted brand with an intuitive user interface that helps with easy browsing and connecting – even if you’re not used to social media. Unlike other sites, Ashley Madison is a thriving community where females take up the majority of members.
That’s not even the best part.
Women can use the affair site for free, and their profiles won’t be prompted to spend their money on credits when initiating conversations.
On the other hand, if you’re a man looking to date mature women on AM, you can expect to spend some cash on credits. These help you establish a relationship with other profiles and send and receive messages.
Here’s how the fees tally:
- Basic: $59 for 100 credits
- Classic: $169 for 500 credits
- Elite: $289 for 1,000 credits
Whether you’re looking to date older women, or if you’re a cougar yourself, Ashley Madison is known for its discretion, more details in our Ashley Madison review.
With highly-customizable security settings, and features such as discreet profiles and blurred photos, you can rest assured that no one will be the wiser about your online affairs.
2. Cougar Life – Cougar Dating Site Made Just for Cougars
Pros
- Free messaging for women
- Easy-to-follow credit system
- 100,000 new users each month
- In-depth search feature
Cons
- Can’t block unwanted messages
- Mobile app costs money
Loоking to air out the stigma about relationships between cougars and cubs, Cougar Life sets itself apart from the rest as a dedicated cougar dating website.
Let me explain why.
With a no-holds-barred approach to mature dating, Cougar Life offers a similar interface as Ashley Madison. Easy to navigate, and even easier to sign up for, you won’t find yourself stuck in lengthy onboarding steps.
What’s more, there are additional messaging features (priority messaging or texting) that amplify the experience.
Being a cougar-centric site, the majority of profiles are young men actively looking for the company of lovely older ladies. With additional features like sending “flirts” and gifts, you increase your chances of a zesty hook-up.
What about discretion?
CL has extensive privacy measures set up. Not only can you blur your photos, but you can also choose which members can view your private images – should you choose to upload any.
If you’re a woman, you won’t need to spend credits on messaging, however other features require credits, which you can get for the following plans:
- Basic: 100 credits – $0.30/credit – $29.99
- Classic: 500 credits – $0.20/credit – $99.99
- Elite: 1,000 credits – $0.15/credit – $149.99
On sign-up, you get three extra messages after adding a profile photo, which you can use as a free trial before purchasing credits.
3. AdultFriendFinder – Famous Hookup Site for Cougars
Pros
- Live chats
- Cam-2-cam functionality
- Easy search options
- +8 million users across the site
Cons
- Dated user interface
- Mainly for hookups only
AdultFriendFinder is the granddaddy of naughty online dating sites. With a reported 80 million members, it’s an established hookup site, regardless of your age or sexual preferences.
So, what makes it worth visiting?
With a considerable member base, this one-stop-shop works both as a live chat platform and a dating site. With users flocking to find a quick booty call, you’ll likely find more than your fair share of young men.
Better still, there’s an extensive search option that lets you find matches based on your favorite physical features and preferences in bed.
The free version of AFF allows you to get to know the lay of the land, and publicly interact with other non-paying members, but there’s no guarantee they aren’t bots or fakes. You get limited messaging options and establishing contact one-on-one is near impossible.
Take it a step further instead.
Splurging on a membership with Adult Friend Finder means that you’re connected to real people who might potentially become your new favorites. You can comment and like pictures, send messages to specific people and read any messages from new users.
To join, you can choose one of the following plans:
- 1 month at $39.95/month
- 3 months at $26.95/month or $80.85 in total
- 12 months at $19.95/month or $239.40
We often recommend exploring the free version to the fullest extent, before opting to purchase a membership.
4. Elite Singles – Best Premium Cougar App
Pros
- College-educated members
- Sleek user interface
- Over 13 million subscribers
- Personally tailored matching system
Cons
- Lengthy sign-up process
- Limited free version
On Elite Singles, over 85% of members on the platform have some higher education or other forms of training. If you’re looking for more than just a physical relationship, this is the place to hover.
Let’s get into the details.
In a relatively longer sign-up process you get to answer questions about your preferences and expectations. If you want to find the perfect cub for your cougarish endeavors, then taking the time to articulate what you’re looking for is worth it.
The intuitive, yet a bit dated interface, provides new daily suggestions based on your preferences and questionnaire answers. But if you can’t find a match from the suggestions on your feed, feel free to use the comprehensive search function.
Similar to Tinder’s swipe option, ES has a “have you met” feature that suggests new members that you can match with outside of your preferences.
There’s a catch here, though.
You have to be a paying member to find available singles near you:
- Classic: 1 month for $59.95
- Light: 3 months for $57.95 monthly or $173.85 in total
- Comfort: 6 months at $44.95 or $269.70 in total
Although quite pricier compared to other sites, the commitment is worth the investment after you become part of a thriving community of like-minded people.
5. Victoria Milan – Best Affair Site for Cougar Dating
Pros
- Affordable membership fees
- SSL encrypted for additional security
- +8 million subscribers worldwide
- Panic button feature for discretion
Cons
- No panic button on app
- Limited free user functionality
Victoria Milan, much like Ashley Madison, is a dating site for cougars and cubs who are married and looking for something on the side.
They have a host of interesting features such as a panic button which, when clicked, redirects to a different website in case you are ever caught browsing their site and need a quick exit plan.
Pretty smart, eh?
Additionally, they also offer the option of incognito viewing where your photos are blurred out for added discretion.
Victoria Milan has nearly 9 million users worldwide with most of its subscriber base hailing from North America. There’s an interesting selection of attractive cubs, and both cougar and cub profiles seem to have more substance to them.
While free members have the option of viewing profiles without a membership, both men and women need to be fully paid subscribers to like profiles, see who winks at you and send messages.
Here’s what the membership plans look like:
- Gold: 1 Month at $39.99
- Premium Gold: 3 Months at $59.95/month or $179.85 in total
6. eHarmony – Best Cougar Finder for Long-term Relationships
Pros
- Over 15.5 million subscribers worldwide
- Comprehensive profile layout
- Real people looking for relationships
- Possible to find committed partners
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Lengthy signup process
With such features as a guided communication system, a tailor-made match feature, and a comprehensive search function, chances are high that you’ll find what you’re looking for on eHarmony – so long as what you’re hunting is a stable thing.
Many cougar dating websites lack an impressive search feature, but eHarmony goes above and beyond, adding criteria such as the potential partner’s smoking habits.
What’s not to love about that?
Additionally, users have the option of in-app video chats which helps older women verify a user’s identity, and get to know them better.
Speaking of verification, there’s also an SMS confirmation process which makes things feel safer, however, it’s 100% optional so you’re not obligated to do so.
As an established dating site, eHarmony can help you make your cougar and cub fantasy come to life, and you can even find a kinky match to sync to your fave fetishes.
For the less exciting part – payment. Here’s the breakdown:
- Light: $65.90/month for 6 months
- Plus: $45.90/month for 12 months
- Extra: $35.90/month for 24 months
7. Plenty of Fish (POF) – Well-Designed Free Cougar Dating App
Pros
- Average member age is +35
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Over 150 million registered users
Cons
-
Spam accounts and fakes
Plenty of Fish is a well-established dating site popular with younger women, however, more and more cougar sightings have been reported and they’re becoming a welcome new fixture in POF’s books.
The carefree, yet sophisticated charm of POF caters to anyone looking for a spark, a fling, long-term love, or a soul mate at the ready.
Heaven made reality, right?
POF is an exceptionally well-designed site that focuses on members’ conversations, rather than mindless swiping on hot photos. Not only is the site’s design instinctive, but it’s totally easy to navigate.
The free version, although limited, still offers a plethora of features such as: adding members to a favorites list, viewing profiles, getting matches, and joining forums. As a free member, you can message other profiles, too, which isn’t typical for many dating websites today.
If you opt to pay for POF’s services, you can choose from the following premium pricing options:
- $21.40/mo for 3 months
- $16.05/mo for 6 months
- $10.70/mo for 12 months
With a premium service, you get access to every user’s “extended profile”, an ad-free experience, see who views you and increased profile availability.
8. Singles50 – Best Cougar Site for Mature Cubs
Pros
- Almost no reports of fake profiles
- Detailed search function
- Great compatibility matching
- Powerful security with Norton encryption
Cons
- Only 1 million subscribers worldwide
- Not for the younger cubs
Mature women might find that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by many of the cougar dating apps out there. Singles50 is dedicated to finding the perfect match for singles over 40.
While it is first and foremost a site for mature singles looking for a match in their “golden years”, there are many younger people in their 40s looking for an older woman.
Who says a cub needs to be in his 20s after all?
The site comes with convenient features such as a video call feature, and compatibility assessment meters which narrow down the list of potential partners. This offers insightful information based on a personality questionnaire done at sign-up.
The only setback is that it’s not a well-moderated site, so you’ll likely run into bots and bogus profiles during your Singles50 journey. In addition, you get a limited free version of the site, which only covers the personality test and one initial message.
To access unlimited messaging, read received messages, and view photos, you need to dish out the cash for a membership:
- 1 Month at $59.99
- 3 Months at $39.99 monthly
- 6 Months at $19.99 monthly
9. Silver Singles – Best Cougar Dating Site for Older Cougars
Pros
- Excellent 24/7 customer service
- Mature dating site
- Mobile app available
- Very few reported fake profiles
Cons
- Niche market means fewer members
- Signup process can be exhausting
While Silver Singles is another niche dating site aimed specifically at users over 50, the fact that it’s also open to younger partners makes it an ideal stomping ground for cougars and cubs alike.
There’s an extensive character and personality test involved in the signup process that helps SilverSingles’ proprietary algorithm match you up with people daily.
It’s free to sign up, but you can only send smiles to your potential matches as you will need to be a paid member to enjoy any of the other benefits.
But how does it set itself apart from the competition?
One of their great features is a professional profiler who will create an intricate profile for you for $99. It’s a cool, unique option as not everyone knows how to put themselves out there or put together the most engaging profile.
Let’s face it, this matters on a dating website.
Additionally, there are also professional coaches on standby who are willing to walk you through your Silver Singles journey and give you dating advice and general coaching to help make things a success.
So how much does Silver Singles cost?
- Light: $17.95 a month for 3 months
- Classic: $9.95 a month for 6 months
- Comfort $8.95 a month for a 12-month membership
10. Bumble – Best Females First Cougar Dating Site
Pros
- Extensive free version
- Exceptional user interface
- 100 million users worldwide
- Female-friendly
Cons
- Few fake profiles
- Men can’t send the first message
Bumble is to online dating what Tesla is to the automotive industry. It’s not a reinvention of the wheel, it’s just a sexier version of the same kind of wheel.
The site is very straightforward to navigate and on top of being a hookup-oriented dating site, a lot of women have used it to find long-term relationships.
There’s a simple, yet effective verification process that takes less than 30 seconds. Users need to send a live camera photo which is a little intimidating, but it ensures that no bots find themselves on the platform.
Better still, this verification process helps keep users safe and their happenings private.
Bumble likes to market itself as female-friendly, meaning women have to send the first message after you have matched with a profile and we like the forward-thinking of this feature.
No more unwanted spam but then again, no more potential nice surprises, either.
If you find it hard to match with potential suitors, consider upgrading your membership to open up features like matching without swiping, profile spotlight, and re-matching with expired connections.
Here’s how the prices fare:
- 1 month is $39.99
- 3 months for $76.99
- Lifetime membership for $229.99
Tips and Tricks for using The Best Cougar Dating Sites
Cougars
Cougars on the top hookup sites are usually mature women over 40 years old, but the term doesn’t apply exclusively to females in this age range only. Put simply, a cougar can be any woman who dates a much younger man.
This means women in their late 30’s can be considered cougars, too!
The term is also reserved for a woman who has an impressive sexual appetite, and who has embraced her inner needs and desires. Cougars are often praised for knowing what they want, and for going out there to find it irrespective of what society has to say.
Fortunately, society is becoming more accepting of the cougar/cub relationship and there is little scrutiny, thanks to the likes of Demi Moore and Sharon Stone.
Cubs
Like the cougar, cubs aren’t necessarily defined by age, but by the fact that they prefer women who are quite a bit older and more mature than they are. While many cubs are usually in their 20s to 30s, there are also plenty of older cubs looking for women in their more mature years.
Cubs are synonymous with men understanding and appreciating a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to take charge and go for it. Usually, the cougar emulates a certain level of success and power, while cubs are typically more modest. Not always, though.
One trait both cubs and cougars share is a taste for a little erotic adventure.
How does online dating for cougars work?
There’s no hard and fast rule to cougar and cub dating.
As with traditional dating, open communication is key, as well as knowing what you’re personally looking for. The happy medium is that most cougars and cubs are looking for more than a hookup and less than a long-term marriage.
Here are a few things to consider before pursuing a cougar-cub relationship:
- Communicate needs and wants – No one likes playing guessing games, so in order not to waste anyone’s time, determine whether you’re looking for a long-term relationship or a short, steamy fling. This goes for bedroom sexploits and anything outside of the bedroom, too.
- Skip the labels – Calling older women cougars makes them sound like one-dimensional succubi, so make sure to avoid using the term exclusively in front of your potential date.
- Mind the gap – Don’t emphasize the age difference. Women looking to date younger men are well aware of what they’re doing and there’s no point in ruining a good time by constantly talking about it.
- Follow through – There’s no point in promising to rock someone’s world if you’re not going to fulfill those desires. Avoid playing around with mature women, since it’s likely going to backfire and you’ll end up alone.
- Act your age – If Mrs. Robinson wanted a seriously mature man she would’ve found one – so don’t go about pretending to be someone that you’re not, and have fun being yourself around your older lady.
Top Cougar Sites and Apps FAQs
Is there a dating site for cougars?
Yes, there’s a dating site for cougars called Cougar Life. It’s one of the top dating sites on the internet since it caters specifically to older women looking for a relationship with men younger than them.
However, despite Cougar Life being the only cougar-specific site, there are still a lot of online dating websites out there that offer the same features, just for a broader audience.
Examples include Ashley Madison, AdultFriendFinder, Silver Singles, and more.
What cougar dating sites have the most users?
The cougar dating sites that have the most users are sites like Ashley Madison, Cougar Life, and Adult Friend Finder. Although they’re marketed as hookup and affair apps for the general public, you’ll likely find a long-lasting relationship with an older woman, if you want it.
Other major dating sites like eHarmony and Plenty Of Fish also have a substantial amount of mature ladies looking for some fun with a young stud.
How do I get a cougar?
You get a cougar the same way you would go about regular dating. This can be done in person or on online dating sites that cater to older singles like Cougar Life, Singles50, or SilverSingles.
If you opt to go the traditional offline dating route, please consider that being your true self will get you the highest chances when in pursuit of a mature female.
In addition to this, making a mental note about the preferred age gap will help you navigate toward your potential partner easily. This helps you determine which bars or locals to frequent when looking for a cougar partner.
Are there any free cougar dating sites?
Yes, there are plenty of free cougar dating sites to choose from.
One example is Bumble, a female-friendly dating site with a similar interface to Tinder, which stores an extensive free version.
Unlike most sites that have users pay to message their matches, women on Ashley Madison won’t have to pay a cent to talk to their younger crushes.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that many online dating sites can double up as cougar sites, you just have to adjust your search preferences or input appropriate answers in any signup questionnaires.
The Best Cougar Dating Sites in Conclusion
An older woman dating a younger man is no longer the gossip-worthy scandal that it used to be. Whether it’s a quick fling or a serious relationship, mature women can get their sexy fix in no time – with cougar sites.
While Ashley Madison stands as a clear winner, there are plenty of cougar dating sites with similar features to AM, such as Cougar Life and Plenty Of Fish.
If you’re looking for a more discerning experience, consider Elite Singles or eHarmony for a compelling connection.
Either way, it’s always important to remember that online dating should always be done safely and responsibly. Considering what you want from a cougar and cub relationship, be it a hookup or a date, can help you immensely when choosing the best cougar sites for you.
Related reading: Best adult sites like Omegle