Aquarius Compatibility: Which Sign Is the Best Match?

Aquarius is the eccentric of the zodiac. They buck convention, have quirky interests, and enjoy having a wide variety of friends that are up for analytical conversations and down for heated political debates.

But who are these nonconformists compatible with? We'll answer all of your questions about Aquarians' compatibility with the other signs of the zodiac by:

• Describing the core traits of the Aquarius star sign
• Explaining the character traits that make an Aquarius' best match and worst match
• Ranking Aquarius compatible signs from most to least compatible
• Offering three key takeaways for Aquarians in love.

Let's take a closer look at which signs make good partners, friends, and companions for Aquarians.

Aquarians are air signs that are full of energy. They're best known for being opinionated and full of ideas.

Aquarius Core Traits

Aquarius (born January 21-February 19) is ruled by the planet Uranus, which is known for bringing disruption and change. The Aquarians of the zodiac mirror this chaotic energy: they're unconventional, individualistic, introspective, and idealistic. Aquarians love to see and be seen and, as an Air sign, they are usually in the middle of things and making waves.

Symbolized by the Water Bearer, an Aquarius ebbs and flows through life in search of new people and experiences. Aquarians are best known for knowing everyone. Aquarians effortlessly connect with people from all walks of life, and they usually view these connections as rich opportunities to gain a new perspective on life or a chance to help someone in need. An Aquarius' ability to create relationships with people, along with their natural curiosity, sometimes means they're considered eccentric.

An Aquarius is also opinionated and analytical. Combine their many first-hand experiences with their near-compulsive consumption of art and literature, and you've got a person with lots of opinions and ideas. When an Aquarius takes a position on something they've learned about, they're happy to talk about it...and they won't sugarcoat it, either.

If Aquarius isn't at their best, they can be stubborn and difficult. Sometimes this means they outright refuse to consider other perspectives, and they can worry that being contradicted means their credibility is being attacked. This refusal to see reason can make Aquarians very difficult to communicate with.

Aquarians also have a tendency to resist others' attempts to get to know them on a deeper level, which means intimacy can be the most challenging aspect of a relationship with an Aquarian. For those attracted to a rebel with a heart for the downtrodden and the mind of a visionary, putting in the work to break down Aquarius's walls can be well worth the effort.

There's so much more to learn about Aquarians, so make sure you check out our complete guide to this zodiac sign!

Here are the traits that an Aquarius should be on the lookout for in a great partner or friend.

What Makes a Good Match for Aquarius?

There are a few traits that Aquarius compatible signs (and people!) are likely to possess. We'll describe these five traits and why they match up well with Aquarius' personality type below.

Trait 1: Hospitality

Aquarians want to be friends with people who are as hospitable as they are. A good partner for Aquarius will have to be able to share and stay open-minded--Aquarius doesn't discriminate about who's allowed entry into their home and heart.

Aquarians are often surrounded by tons of acquaintances (or "best friends," as an Aquarius might say), and they're generous with their time, affection, and even money. So if you want to have a close relationship with an Aquarius, you'll need to accept and support that part of their personality, too.

Trait 2: A Good Sense of Humor

An Aquarius loves to keep things lighthearted. Their partners have to be able to see the humor in life and resist the urge to take themselves too seriously. An Aquarius doesn't have the time or patience for a stick in the mud!

For an Aquarius, a good sense of humor is also a sign of cleverness--another trait that this star sign finds attractive. Since Aquarians tend to be a bit kooky, feeling a genuine connection with Aquarius's sense of humor is a good indicator that you're vibing at the same intellectual frequency.

Trait 3: Eclectic Interests

Aquarians are funky. As notorious nomads, they are constantly in search of new ways of seeing the world. A friend or partner who seeks out and appreciates the unfamiliar will be instantly attractive to an Aquarius. Sharing similar eclectic interests with an Aquarius will help you forge a strong connection, and it also means you'll never get bored with each other!

Trait 4: Complexity

Aquarius likes a challenge, even in love. When paired with a partner who is intellectually and emotionally complex, Aquarius will feel compelled to unravel their partner's mysteries. Relentlessly analytical Aquarius delights in cracking codes and solving puzzles, so a romantic interest who bears layers of complexity will keep Aquarius intrigued.

There are lines here, of course. For instance, Aquarians don't like it when people reject their curiosity or "close up" when Aquarians try to better understand them. But in general, this star sign wants to be around complicated people whose interests, careers, and curiosity mean they're full of surprises.

Trait 5: Independence

Being independent is also crucial if you want to hang with an Aquarius. Highly independent themselves, Aquarians resist being tied down by a partner's social or moral inhibitions. Aquarius has no time for coddling, either: a partner who doesn't want to go out but doesn't like to be left home alone will make Aquarius feel suffocated.

Give Aquarius a partner who doesn't mind going on their own adventures or chasing their passions (like social justice or rare coin collecting), and they'll be over the moon.

If you have these traits, your relationship with an Aquarius might feel like being in a boxing ring.

What Makes a Bad Match for Aquarius?

Because Aquarians are so unique and unusual, they can be pretty picky about their partners. Here are five traits that are big turn-offs for an Aquarius.

Trait 1: Snobbishness

An Aquarius isn't picky about who they're friends with. Social status and appearances don't matter to an Aquarius, so a partner who turns their nose up at others will strike Aquarius as cruel and judgmental.

In fact, any form of snobbishness is a turn-off for this star sign. Open-mindedness and acceptance win the day with Aquarius. Romantic interests who show resistance to either won't last long in Aquarius's sprawling, eclectic circle of friends.

Trait 2: Stoicism

Even though Aquarians are the social butterflies of the zodiac, they struggle to show their emotions and share their innermost feelings with people--even family members and longtime friends.

Because of that, they don't do well when they're in intimate relationships with other people who also play their cards close to the vest. An Aquarius needs open, honest, vulnerable people in their lives so they can be their best selves. If not, an Aquarius' relationships remain superficial and lack the depth they need to be happy.

The big thing to remember? An Aquarius needs to be with someone who can go deep and coax them to go deeper as well.

Trait 3: Nosiness

While Aquarius often needs hand holding when it comes to emotional intimacy, they draw the line at invasiveness or nosiness. A partner who is constantly butting into an Aquarius' business--interrogating them on where they've been, who they're hanging with, or when they're coming home--will irritate independent, free-spirited Aquarius.

A nosy partner will likely be met with a cold response from this star sign. An Aquarius won't understand why their friends and partners want to know so much about what they're doing and where they've been. (Remember how we said Aquarians were independent? We meant it!)

Ultimately, nosiness is a sign of a lack of trust to Aquarians. If you're in a friendship or relationship with an Aquarius, you'll need to give them a long leash.

Trait 4: Inflexibility

Most morals are up for debate with Aquarius. They're happy to debate every value, principle, and belief! That's why a partner who blindly follows a strict set of morals or rules won't jive with Aquarius.

In Aquarius's eyes, there's always the possibility of a more equalizing, inclusive, just way. The possibility of growing and evolving in one's moral framework is crucial for Aquarius compatibility. If you're a traditionalist or are stuck in your ways, then an Aquarius isn't a good partner for you.

Trait 5: Possessiveness

Obsessing, nitpicking, clinging, handwringing: all of these are behaviors that will have an Aquarius running for the hills. All forms of possessiveness are a turn off to an Aquarius, who needs plenty of room to roam free in any kind of relationship.

That's not to say that Aquarians are unfaithful or not loyal. That's not true! But an Aquarian needs room to breathe, whether that's time hanging out with new friends without you or going on the occasional solo adventure to recharge.

While it may be tempting to react to an Aquarius' tendency to wander by tightening your grip, resist that urge: the more freedom you give an Aquarius, the more loyal they're like to feel.

Who Are Aquarius Compatible With? A Complete Chart

What is Aquarius compatible with in terms of physical passion, communication, friendship and overall compatibility? The table below gives you the full rundown:

We'll give you the rundown on Aquarius compatibility for each of these partnerships next.

These signs tend to be curious and intellectual, which makes them great matches for Aquarians.

High Aquarius Compatibility: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius

Aquarius' most compatible signs are fellow Air signs Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius.

Aquarius and Aquarius

When two Aquarians pair up, they make fast friends. Having so many shared traits gives them plenty of interests to bond over. A couple of Aquarians will have plenty to talk about and will bond over their passion for social justice--a shared interest that may propel this couple into activism and other humanitarian efforts side by side.

Where this match up gets tough is in the intimacy department. It can be easy for two Aquarians to try to hide the elephant in the room (their emotions) with passionate discussions about every issue but their own. It will take hard work and mutual commitment to bulldoze through the barriers in this relationship, but if both Aquarians are willing to, the relationship they'll find on the other side will be one built on solid ground.

Aquarius and Gemini

Gemini and Aquarius are two Air signs whose carefree spirits and merry natures create a strong initial attraction. These two will have plenty to talk about as they're both interested in a wide range of cultural topics, and they both love to analyze the world around them. Where this couple goes, conversation definitely follows.

Where this pair might struggle is when the honeymoon phase of the relationship fades. Whether Gemini and Aquarius will be able to survive the relationship's pivot to the real-and-raw will depend on their willingness to be totally truthful, even when it hurts.

Aquarius and Libra

Another pair of Air signs, Libra and Aquarius make a playful match who both delight in a room filled with hundreds of their "closest friends." They're both adventurous, and their wandering spirits are excellent compliments! This pair is also slow to anger and generally able to keep things lighthearted. A healthy relationship between an Aquarius and a Libra is filled with laughter and fun.

When things do get a bit rocky, it probably has something to do with intimacy. Libra is naturally more passionate than aloof Aquarius, so these two will have to set aside their tendency to tiptoe around emotions. Instead, they need to hash out their wants and needs openly and honestly. If they do, then they're set for a life of happiness!

Aquarius and Sagittarius

Sagittarius and Aquarius share a lust for life that sparks an instant attraction. Both signs are comfortable with letting the other maintain their independence, and they appreciate not having to fight for their freedom in the relationship. Because Sagittarius and Aquarius are willing to be open with one another, they'll find their lives are filled with curiosity and wonder.

But the dark side of this anything-goes arrangement is that both Sag and Aquarius are commitment phobic. You'll often see this pair in very long-term relationships, but they hesitate to put a label on anything. This can come from a fear of the mundane, not from an inability to love on another! If Sagittarians and Aquarians understand that their unwillingness to commit comes from a deep respect for the other person's independence, then their relationship will thrive.

In order for Aquarians to get along with Aries, Leos, Virgos, and Scorpios, they'll have to find balance and compromise.

Medium Aquarius Compatibility: Aries, Leo, Virgo, and Scorpio

The medium Aquarius compatible signs are Aries, Leo, Virgo, and Scorpio. These four star signs possess some traits that are a good match for Aquarius...but they'll have to be mindful that other aspects of their personalities don't cause rifts in their friendship or relationship.

Aquarius and Aries

Aries and Aquarius have a similar sense of humor, knack for witty banter, and independent nature. Aries' fiery personality is a good match for Aquarius' own love of wit and debate. These two signs love to passionately defend their ideas, so don't be surprised if every conversation turns into a good natured back-and-forth!

These star signs vibe more as partners-in-crime than long term lovers, though. Aquarius won't know how to respond to Aries' occasional brooding, and Aries won't respond positively to Aquarius' attempts to logic Aries' bad moods away. Aries' over-the-top shows of affection may overwhelm Aquarius as well, since they're more guarded in their affection. For this pairing to work out beyond a superficial connection, both signs will have to pursue similar interests and commit to understanding and meeting each other's emotional needs.

Aquarius and Leo

Aquarius and Leo are opposite signs, with Leo seeking to be the center of attention and Aquarius often giving attention to everyone equally. But because this couple loves people (and loves to be around people), they can actually have a great relationship! Both will embrace the others' friends, and having a home filled with people they love will bring both Leo and Aquarius tons of joy.

But these signs have to be careful that in being around people, they aren't neglecting each other. Leo is susceptible to jealousy and may initiate petty fights in response to Aquarius's breezy, unconcerned attitude toward their relationship. If Leo overdoes it in the affection department, Aquarius will step back, causing emotional outbursts from Leo. A Leo-Aquarius pairing works best if they can learn to share the spotlight and keep their tempers in check.

Aquarius and Virgo

An Aquarius-Virgo couple shares a passion for helping others. These partners and friends often meet through volunteer projects or activism! Because they have huge hearts, they can make excellent partners for one another as they help each other fight for social justice, equality, and fairness.

On the other hand, these star signs possess totally different energies. Virgo is more serious and grounded than wandering, carefree Aquarius. Virgo will have to resist urges to nitpick at an Aquarius' sometimes sloppy ways and make an effort to show interest in an Aquarius' long list of friends.

However, Virgo can teach Aquarius a thing or two about responsibility, and Aquarius can help Virgo lighten up. If these two can channel their energies into a shared project (with Virgo handling the minutiae and Aquarius taking on the big picture, of course), they have a strong chance of balancing each other's weaknesses and forming a strong bond.

Aquarius and Scorpio

At first glance, a Scorpio-Aquarius couple may seem fairly odd, with Scorpio's somewhat dark, alluring personality standing in contrast to class-clown Aquarius. But it's exactly that dark and mysterious personality that an Aquarius can't resist! They love to unravel puzzles, and an Aquarius can't resist trying to understand a Scorpio's broodiness.

There are some things to watch out for in this pairing, though. Scorpio can be a bit austere and controlling and may bristle at Aquarius' social wanderlust. Likewise, an Aquarius will have to make some concessions as well, since Scorpios tend to be a bit more possessive and inflexible. What makes this pairing work is the mutual feeling that the other partner is endlessly complex. Under these circumstances, an Aquarius-Scorpio couple won't tire of each other easily.

When an Aquarius is in a relationship with one of these signs, they may spend more time fighting than getting along.

Low Aquarius Compatibility: Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, and Capricorn

Four star signs are known for having low Aquarius compatibility. These signs are Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, and Capricorn.

Aquarius and Pisces

Pisces and Aquarius have a heart for the people, but short of a shared dedication to serving others, this match is mostly trouble. Pisces is more emotionally complex than Aquarius is willing to accommodate, and Aquarians' chilly, impassive demeanor can make Pisces feel insecure. The born-to-be-free Air sign will only put in so much work to keep an emotional, sometimes possessive Pisces happy. In the end, these opposites may be better apart.

Aquarius and Taurus

Taurus and Aquarius are destined for conflict: Taurus is notoriously old-fashioned, conventional, and strong willed...and Aquarius is the infamous free-thinker of the zodiac.

An Aquarius will find Taurus' obsession with staying home tedious, and Taurus will turn up their nose at Aquarius's bohemian lifestyle. The more Aquarius resists Taurus' efforts to get them to settle down, the more possessive Taurus will become. Together, these two will end up pushing the other away.

Aquarius and Cancer

Cancer and Aquarius give and receive love in different ways, which can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Cancer is highly nurturing and physically affectionate, which an Aquarius will find gushy and invasive. If an Aquarius tries to pull away, a Cancer will take it personally. Cancer's hurt feelings will be exacerbated by Aquarius's inability to offer verbal expressions of love and affection.

When this pairing works, it's because Cancer is able to empathize with Aquarius's natural disposition, and Aquarius is willing to put forth the effort to speak Cancer's love language. Without these compromises, a Cancer-Aquarius couple will struggle to make it through.

Aquarius and Capricorn

Capricorn and Aquarius are the well-known opposites of the zodiac: Cap is the traditionalist, and Aquarius is the rebel. Whereas Capricorn's values and principles are firmly rooted in history, Aquarius is looking toward the horizon, determined to carve out new ways of living.

With drastically different dispositions toward morality, physical intimacy (Capricorn runs hot, while Aquarius tends to run cold, and social relationships, Aquarius and Capricorn can't find much common ground.

The Big Takeaway for an Aquarius

Let's sum up what all this compatibility analysis means for Aquarians in relationships. There are three main takeaways that Aquarians can keep in mind when looking for love.

#1: Your Sign Is a Suggestion

Don't worry that your relationship with a supposedly incompatible sign is destined to fail. Your sign is just a way to understand your personality, but it isn't the only part of who you are! Instead, use what you've learned about some of the typical Aquarian traits to keep yourself in check when you feel yourself resisting intimacy or concealing your true self.

#2: Be Patient

Remember that patience is a virtue! An Aquarius' wandering spirit and large social circle can mean that you move on too fast. Star signs that tend toward the more conventional can make great friends and partners...if you give them a chance. Staying open-minded and being willing to grow with a partner is sometimes the right path.

#3: Embrace Adventure

Aquarians love adventure, so don't be afraid to think of your relationships as an adventurous journey! This will help you navigate the ups and downs that come from being connected to others.

What's Next?

Curious about compatibility information for other signs? We've written up similar analyses for Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, and many more!

If you're new to astrology, be sure to check out our primer. It will help you get a handle on the whole "zodiac" thing!

We also have in-depth guides to each sign of the zodiac on our blog. Why not check out our articles on Libras, Geminis, and Sagittarians?

If you're into personality tests, make sure you take a career test, too. These can help you pick your extracurricular activities, future major, and even your future job!