Loving oneself is what the zodiac’s lion does best. Big head much? Au contraire. Attention-seeking and prideful as they may be, once in love, these fire signs are fiercely loyal, passionate and will keep you on your toes with all their antics (dramatic or otherwise). But who will they share all that gusto with? Our lion friends know that theirs is the greatest love of all (yep, Whitney Houston was a Leo) and they may be wondering who their best partner would be. So, here’s our definitive Leo compatibility ranking, from worst to best.
Leo Compatibility: The Best and Worst Zodiac Partner for Leos, Ranked
Water and fire signs? Not so much
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Published Sep 6, 2023
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What Are the Leo Personality Traits?
Their reputation for being drama queens may precede them, but Leos can't be reduced to tantrums and shenanigans. Like their fellow fire signs of Aries and Sagittarius, Leos want to bring light to everyone around them. They're one of the most generous signs in the zodiac and are very protective and territorial over their inner circle. Though they may come off as prideful and self-righteous, these lions actually have big hearts and may put up a wall until they know you're trustworthy.
That said, they're staunch approval-seekers and revel in any and all the praise and appreciation that may come their way. Catch these lions showing up to a casual brunch dressed to the nines, at a fancy spa getting the latest skin clarifying facial or chilling at home in a lux loungewear set, just because. It's the best of the best or nothing at all for our beloved Leos—especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
What Is Leo Like in Relationships?
When it comes to platonic relationships, Leos want loyalty. Says astrologer Jaime Wright, “They’re looking for pals they can trust in return. Leo is the life of your house party, delighting the crowd with their stand-up comedy-level storytelling and effortless dance moves. But the loyal sign is also by your side cleaning up cocktail glasses and confetti after the guests have said their goodbyes.”
In romantic partnerships, Leo wants a loyal companion (of course), but they also—considering they're fire signs—want something to fuel the fire. Wright explains: “Leo loves the passion of a reunion so you often see them connecting with lovers long distance or in a slow burn romance that builds slowly over time.” A stage-five clinger a Leo needs not. On the contrary, the best for Leo is someone who’s open to creating some distance in the name of sexual tension might just be a keeper.
The Best and Worst Zodiac Partners for Leo, Ranked
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12. Leo and Scorpio
Compatibility score: 1/12
- Scorpio modality: fixed
- Scorpio element: water
- Scorpio’s ruling planet: Mars
Scorpio is far from being Leo’s best match. These are the two ultimate power signs of the zodiac, representing the tension between wanting to be loved vs. wanting to be feared. Leos want to be the center of attention (they are ruled by the sun, after all), and Scorpios are the exact opposite. While a Leo will linger after a party talking to the stragglers, the jealous Scorpio will be staring daggers at whomever the Leo is flirting with, memorizing their face for the inevitable internet stalking research that will follow. Scorpios need to know they are the only person their partner really cares about impressing, and that’s a tall order for a Leo—you can be Leo’s No. 1, but they’ll always want to impress numbers two through 100.
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11. Leo and Pisces
Compatibility score: 2/12
- Pisces modality: mutable
- Pisces element: water
- Pisces’s ruling planet: Jupiter
Pisces are highly sensitive, with intuition that attunes them to the world and vibratory patterns we mere non-Piscean mortals can’t see (no surprise if they identify as empaths). Leos, meanwhile, are very much rooted in reality and they're looking for someone to share it with. This can make Leo compatibility...tough. Picture the two of them, on the couch, after a long night of dreamy, half-conscious conversation. Leo is like, “This has been great, can we go outside now?” And Pisces is like, “Outside is a state of mind.” That’s a lot for a Leo to process.
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10. Leo and Cancer
Compatibility score: 3/12
- Cancer modality: cardinal
- Cancer element: water
- Cancer’s ruling planet: the moon
While Cancers appreciate a strong, dominant personality—especially one as dashing and charming as Leo—they need layers upon layers of emotional depth to feel like they can really trust a partner. Leos mean what they say and say what they mean, sometimes without the additional sensitivity check that a Cancer needs. They might start in a romantic place, but for these two to get past the honeymoon phase, it won't be as much about what they say but the tone.
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9. Leo and Taurus
Compatibility score: 4/12
- Taurus modality: fixed
- Taurus element: earth
- Taurus’s ruling planet: Venus
Bulls and lions share two great loves: luxury and being pampered. How does that fare these in two in terms of Leo compatibility? while Leos like nice things as a means to court attention, Taureans are in it for the pleasure itself. They are quite private, especially in relationships, while Leos wear their hearts on their sleeves. And therein lies the rub: These two like the same things, but Leo’s oversharing will usually clash with the possessive nature of Taurus. The way a Taurus sees it, when they find happiness, there’s no reason to spill those trade secrets to the rest of the world. Meanwhile, a Leo struts with the confidence that even if they overshare, the world can’t copy an original, even if it tries. They are both kind of right, which makes it hard to reconcile this one...
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8. Leo and Capricorn
Compatibility score: 5/12
- Capricorn modality: cardinal
- Capricorn element: earth
- Capricorn’s ruling planet: Saturn
Capricorns and Leos are both ambitious signs. But Leo is all, “If I stay true to myself, good things will fall into place,” and Capricorn is like, “Yeah, but we need a spreadsheet, five-year projections and you need to zip up that fly.” It really comes down to a conflict of managerial style: Leos are kings and Capricorns are presidents. But if Capricorns can remember that sometimes working hard means playing hard, and if a Leo can appreciate the work ethic it takes to enjoy the accolades they rightfully deserve, these two alphas can come together.
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7. Leo and Virgo
Compatibility score: 6/12
- Virgo modality: mutable
- Virgo element: earth
- Virgo’s ruling planet: Mercury
Virgos may tend to be more introverted than the zodiac’s lion, but as perfectionists, they will go the extra mile to show their partners how devoted they are. Meanwhile, Leos love being proud of their significant others (after all, they are a reflection of their own good taste), and while Virgos can be shy about self-promotion, Leos will shout to the heavens about how accomplished and brilliant and perfect and beautiful and supportive they are (and so on). Sure, Virgos may act all embarrassed by this flattery, but if they know it’s sincere, they secretly love it.
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6. Leo and Aquarius
Compatibility score: 7/12
- Aquarius modality: fixed
- Aquarius element: air
- Aquarius’s ruling planet: Saturn
While Aquarius can be a little coolheaded for the effusive Leo, what they share is their passion for ideas. Both Aquarians and Leos are quite opinionated, thankyouverymuch, and they tend to enjoy a spirited exchange of ideas—especially when it comes to politics. The danger is when they both know they are right (um, always), the battle of the egos can be epic. Luckily, Aquarians tend not to take things too personally, which will help them navigate their personal politics while they get on the same page about their actual politics. If they can do this, they will never run out of things to talk about—or stand for.
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5. Leo and Libra
Compatibility score: 8/12
- Libra modality: cardinal
- Libra element: air
- Libra ruling planet: Venus
The glue that binds a Libra and a Leo together is good taste, honey. Together, their love language is the finer things in life. That’s not just about spending a lot of money; it’s about indulging their natural appreciation for art, beauty and luxury. Whether it’s taking a cooking class together or nerding out about knowing every lyric in Hamilton, there’s no corner of culture these two won’t devour together. And while Libras have a reputation for being indecisive (they can’t choose between the ravioli and the grilled salmon), Leos are happy to step up and steer the ship. (They know you really want the ravioli.)
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4. Leo and Leo
Compatibility score: 9/12
- Leo modality: fixed
- Leo element: fire
- Leo’s ruling planet: the sun
Leos get Leos. In fact, sometimes they are the only ones who truly understand how much love they have to give. This is a pair that will bring out each other's true selves. After all, a Leo is constantly striving to get to know the real you, the one behind the beautifully curated Instagram selfies (no “Gatsbying” here, people). These two will push each other to embrace who they are, not just who they think they should be. But there will be a lot of selfies, too—they are Leos.
3. Leo and Aries
Compatibility score: 10/12
- Aries modality: cardinal
- Aries element: fire
- Aries’s ruling planet: Mars
They’re a headstrong duo, but they’re usually on the same wavelength. As fire signs, Aries and Leo both favor grand displays of affection, and they respect the other’s go-getter approach to romance. Don’t expect 72 hours of vague texting before a second date is on the calendar or any “orbiting” with no real ending. Aries move fast when they like someone, and let’s just say Leos are not turned on by subtlety....
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2. Leo and Sagittarius
Compatibility score: 11/12
- Sagittarius modality: mutable
- Sagittarius element: fire
- Sagittarius’s ruling planet: Jupiter
The physical chemistry between Sagittarius and Leo is off-the-charts hot, making this fire sign one of Leo's best matches. These two are like golden retrievers: lots of energy and kinetic love. That means tickle fights in the park (everyone else can roll their eyes, but it’s fun), riding horses (Sagittarius is the centaur, after all), boxing lessons, hot yoga and, um, lots of sex, natch. When they eventually catch their breath, this couple shares a sense of optimism and an appreciation for good conversation. And that’s lucky because Sagittarians happen to love to talk.
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1. Leo and Gemini
Compatibility score: 12/12
- Gemini modality: mutable
- Gemini element: air
- Gemini’s ruling planet: Mercury
This is a bit of a bold pick, since zodiac compatibility is usually determined by element first (fire signs are always No. 1 for other fire signs, and so on). But do not sleep on the magic of the combination of air sign Gemini and fire sign Leo, which maybe just be the single best match for Leo in the zodiac. Geminis are adorable, flirty and intelligent. Plus, they don’t mind letting their partners take the lead. A Leo’s natural charisma and energy can hold the flighty twin’s gaze. These two are young at heart and adventurous, so expect dates that range from exploring an abandoned amusement park to a night at the Met.
