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New to online dating or not happy with the dating site you’ve been using? With a growing number of online dating sites — and more and more people finding significant others online — it’s hard to know where to start.
We’re here to help you unravel the mystery of online dating websites. We’ve done a lot of research comparing some of the most popular sites, so you don’t have to waste your time; instead, spend it on your ultimate goal — finding your best match.
Article Overview
- Statistics
- Best Dating Sites
- Comparison Table
- Unranked Dating Site Reviews
- Online Dating Tips
- Possible Proposal?
Online Dating Statistics
When we first started researching dating sites, we thought, there can’t be that many variations to online dating. Well, we were proven wrong. That’s refreshing considering everyone has a different approach and mindset to meeting someone special, and online dating is on the rise.
According to a Statista April 2017 survey, 19% of Americans were currently using dating sites or apps (learn about more online dating statistics). There’s a dating site out there that meets almost every individual’s desire, whether it’s finding the love of your life or a casual friendship that could turn into something more.
What Are The Best Dating Sites?
With so many large-scale and smaller niche dating sites, it’s hard to pin down the best. After extensive online dating reviews research, we’ve nailed down our top picks based on site features, communication channels, privacy options, member diversity, ease of use, pricing and more.
Match.com Review
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Our #1 choice for Best Dating Site is Match.com. In fact, the founders of this website (Exploring Life’s Mysteries) met on Match.com back in 2002! With more than 21.5 million active members, 50 countries, 15 languages and over 2 decades of experience, it’s no surprise that Match.com leads the pack as the most popular (and trusted) dating site.
The sheer number of participants might make you think you have a better chance of finding someone on Match.com. They also offer some of the most sophisticated features, profile matching, search tools and communication avenues available.
Their live chat option is an excellent way to connect casually with other members with no strings attached. Although other sites are trying to set themselves apart, Match.com is still hard to beat as the best overall and diverse place to meet someone.
Key Features
Match.com is the most intuitive, feature-rich dating site we reviewed. Here are some features that set them apart from the rest.
- My Connections feature organizes all your communications
- You can include testimonials from friends, family or exes in your profile
- ProfilePro helps create your profile (added fee)
- Personality test designed by their partner site Chemistry.com
- Self-search or have Match.com search for you
- Private Mode allows you to search and view profiles privately and make your profile visible only to the people you choose (additional fee)
- Set “deal breakers” to help narrow your search
- International dating with several different languages available
- “Match Events” section lists member events in larger cities
- “Boost” to push your profile to the top of searches (additional fee)
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing
Match offers a 7-day free trial (credit card required).
Standard Plans
- $35.99 for 1 month
- $29.99/month; 3-month subscription
- $17.99/month; 6-month subscription
- $15.99/month; 12-month subscription
Premium Plans
Premium Plans include email read notification, one profile review each year and monthly boost.
- $33.99/month; 3-month subscription
- $19.99/month; 6-month subscription
- $16.49/month; 12-month subscription
Coupon
Zoosk Review
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Zoosk is one of the largest dating sites online, boasting more than 40 million profiles around the world. Don’t let its massive size deter you. Zoosk has a very personalized feel to it.
It’s a fun, easy-to-use site that gives you a lot of impressive features. One feature we find interesting is its Behavioral Matchmaking engine that continually analyzes your actions on their site to further drill down to a better match.
Key Features
Although not as well-known as the other big names, Zoosk comes packed with features that are fun and interactive.
- Most members are under 45 years old
- SmartPick feature picks a scientifically chosen match for you every 24 hours
- You can purchase Zoosk virtual coins to send members special virtual gifts or priority messages, get notified when your message gets delivered some other features
- Behavioral Matchmaking keeps tabs on your site behavior to help you get a closer match — and you can see their analysis through their Insights tool
- Carousel feature has rotating members, and you can simply choose yes, maybe or no
- Offers international dating with several different language options
- Award-winning mobile app
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing
- $29.99 for 1 month
- $19.99/month; 3-month subscription
- $12.49/month; 6-month subscription
- $8.33/month; 12-month subscription
Coupon
PlentyOfFish Review
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With free online dating options and great features, PlentyOfFish (POF) has grown to be one of the largest dating sites online. That’s only one reason we’ve chosen POF as our third Best Dating Site. One of its best features is its Chemistry Predictor, an insightful test that delves into the kind of person you are.
The site evolves with you, tracking who you view and tweaking who it suggests for you. POF’s website could use a facelift, but it’s fairly easy to navigate, and there are a lot of fun things to do and ways to communicate with potential matches.
Key Features
Plenty of Fish doesn’t offer quite as many features as our top two picks, but what you get for free is pretty darn impressive.
- The largest free dating site in the world
- Chemistry Predictor test measures characteristics like easygoingness, self-control, family orientation, self-confidence, and openness to match you with compatible personality traits.
- Meet Me! feature searches for compatible matches in your geographic area
- Easy-to-use, intuitive interface
- Upgraded plan, which isn’t necessary for a lot of folks, is still an attractive price
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing
Basic Plan: includes all the sites basic features, including communication with members.
- FREE
Upgraded Plan: includes the ability to unlock every member’s extended profile, show up first on Meet Me!, see if your emails were read or deleted and more.
- $19.35/month; 2-month subscription
- $12.75/month; 4-month subscription
- $9.99/month; 8-month subscription
Coupon
Best Dating Sites Comparison Table
See our Best Dating Websites Comparison table to get a side-by-side, easy-to-compare view of all the dating sites we’ve reviewed. Our table includes search and communication features, pricing, privacy and more to help you find the dating site that’s right for you.
| Winner: Match | Runner Up: Zoosk | 3rd Place: PlentyOfFish | Chemistry | eHarmony | OKCupid | |
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| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
| Read Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Subscription Cost for 3 Months | $21.99/month | $19.98/month | Basic: Free Upgrade: $12.90/month | $8.99/month | $59.95/month | Basic: Free A-List: $14.95/month |
| Subscription Cost for 12 Months | $17.99/month | $12.49/month | Basic: Free Upgrade: $6.78/month | $6.49/month | $18.95/month | Basic: Free A-List: $9.95/month |
| Browse Before Joining |  | | | | | |
| Match Based on Profiles | | | | | | |
| Compatibility Test | | | | | | |
| Profile Checklist | | | | | | |
| Open-Ended Questions | | | | | | |
| Activity Status | | | | | ||
| Who's Viewed | | | | | | Paid Version |
| Search by Profile Criteria | | | | | ||
| Keyword Search | | Paid Version | ||||
| Search by Photos | | | | |||
| Relationship Search Options | | | | |||
| Match Ratings | | | | | | |
| Winks and Flirts | | | | | ||
| Text Alerts if You Get Messaged | | | ||||
| Instant Messaging | | | | | | |
| Site Facilitates In-Person Meetings | | | ||||
| Privacy Settings | | | | | | |
| Mobile Apps | | | | | | |
| Read Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
| Winner: Match | Runner Up: Zoosk | 3rd Place: PlentyOfFish | Chemistry | eHarmony | OkCupid |
Other Best Online Dating Sites Reviews
Although these other dating sites didn’t make our top three picks, each has a unique approach. All are worth considering, depending of course, on how you want to find a match online and what is the most used network in your local area.
Chemistry | eHarmony | OkCupid
Chemistry Review
Built by the makers of Match.com, Chemistry.com’s approach to online dating is combining both compatibility and chemistry to create better matches scientifically. The mastermind of this approach is Dr. Helen Fisher, a world-renowned human behavior expert, who has developed a unique personality test based on her years of research.
The personality test is the best thing going for this site. The problem with Chemistry is two-fold. It’s a lot smaller than many other sites, so the dating pool is limited. The site also lacks many search filters and other features that you get on most dating sites. However, this may be a good starting site if you’re new to internet dating and feel overwhelmed by the large sites.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing
- $13.99 for 1 month
- $8.99/month; 3-month subscription
- $6.49/month; 6-month subscription
eHarmony Review
You’re likely familiar with eHarmony from their TV ads featuring founder Dr. Neil Warren. Dr. Warren has been a marriage psychologist for 35 years and has written numerous books on relationships. Has his expertise translated well into the online dating world? It’s hard to tell. eHarmony isn’t right for everyone.
Their niche is for lasting, meaningful relationships; their approach is scientific and a bit boring; and they do most of the match work for you. The major feature missing? — and this is pretty major in our book — you can’t conduct your own search.
So, you have to put your faith (and money) in their hands. Still, eHarmony has more than 20 million members (and claims 600,000 marriages and counting), so they must be doing something right!
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing
- $59.95/month; 1-month subscription
- $39.95/month; 6-month subscription
- $18.95/month; 12-month subscription
eHarmony Coupon
OkCupid Review
Match.com-owned OkCupid is one of a handful of free (and reputable) dating sites. OkCupid has a good profile and match system, and you can search for matches based on location, age and relationship expectations.
This is a fun, quirky dating site that has a lot of opportunities for members to interact and participate, not only with potential matches but also with the site community as a whole.
Ok Cupid tends to attract more creative, educated types. They claim they’re the “fastest-growing online dating site,” so perhaps in the future, they’ll give the big players a run for their money.
Pros | Cons |
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Pricing
Basic Plan: offers all the basic features you’ll need to connect with matches.
- FREE
A-List Plan: gives you advanced search options, message filters, ad-free website, the ability to store up to 5,000 messages, browse profiles invisibly, see who likes you, and Incognito Mode, which allows you to hand-pick who sees you on the site.
- $19.95 for 1 month
- $14.95/month; 3-month subscription
- $9.95/month; 6-month subscription
A-List Premium Plan: includes daily profile boost, increased attractiveness, message priority plus all the A-List features.
- $34.90 for 1 month
- $29.90/month; 3-month subscription
- $24.90/month; 6-month subscription
Playing It Safe: Online Dating Tips
Many of these safety tips might seem pretty obvious, but it’s a good idea to keep them in mind, so you don’t get swept up in the moment of a new match.
- Don’t give out too much personal information, like your address, home phone number or last name (until you’ve met at least once).
- Don’t friend a potential date on Facebook or follow them on Instagram. (Again, protect your privacy!)
- Google your potential dates to verify as much as you can before you meet. (Is that really his photo?)
- If someone you’re chatting with asks you for money — HUGE red flag. Time to move on.
- Drive yourself (or have a friend drive you) and meet in a public place for the first date.
- Tell a friend where and when you’re meeting. Better yet, have someone on standby in case you need to get out of a precarious situation.
- Stay sober, so your judgment isn’t impaired.
- Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t seem right, don’t just blow it off. Your intuition usually knows best.
Check out the video below to see what advice Zoosk’s dating and relationship expert has for online dating.
Happily Ever After…
If your online dating ends up a fairy tale, you might want to think about popping the question. Luckily we’ve reviewed the best online engagement rings and explained the best time to propose.
Did Cupid’s arrow land in the right place for you through an online dating site? Or not? Share your stories below.
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I have written a lot of reviews for different companies. I was on zoosk where i met a beautiful lady and things were going well at first, we got acquainted. I had no idea i was being catfished until the signs were too vivid, i had to take action. I did a deep background search and it turned out that the lady wasnt who she said she was, i was ready to do anything for this woman already but thanks to rootgatehacks for their monitoring software, deep investigation, penetration testing and so on. You can google them for more information
They are all mainly own by IAC same scam. almost 30 years ago some like match were great but now, they are each and every dating sites are rotten to the core to steal your hard earned money with improper use of of your credit/debit/cards and 99.8 percent of false profiles to make you depart with your money. I have yet to find one honest dating site after decades of use.
“Compensation does not affect rankings.”
I call BS
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately our industry does have a shady reputation due to a number of bad actors (ie. our competition). We’re trying to change this, and in the process earn the loyalty and trust of our readership, by creating a clear divide between our research process and our affiliate (financial) relationships. You can read details in our review process. Any link with which we have a financial relationship has a (/go/merchantname/) in the URL and a link title ending in “(Affiliate),” visible when you hover over the link. You’ll note that quite a few of our reviews don’t have the #1 position as an affiliate, and some aren’t monetized at all. But independent research doesn’t come cheap, nor does quality writing, and we need to earn a living somehow (you’ll notice we don’t splatter our pages with annoying and intrusive ads). I’m happy to answer any other questions you have.
Dating apps comparison video and why you should choose Friends Match Me, totally free dating app
I disagree with this article on Zoosk. I think it is a horrible site. Yes, you can communicate w/ online chat but if you look at a profile it sometimes sends smiley faces and other emoticons to profiles you just looked at but didn’t intend to send anything. I have created searches that I saved and I get men that are 40+ miles from me even though my searches are for a 20 mile radius. It waste users time when it comes to searches and deleting those profiles you have viewed and pass on. You can’t delete them in batches you have to do them individually which is ridiculous. I also hate…absolutely hate the “carosel” feature. Save your money and don’t bother with this one unless u have aaaa lot of xtra time to waste.
I will say I like the profile building but many men don’t tell you enough about what they are looking for which is another point of contention if u are seriously looking for a mate.
POF is a sexual hook up site. I found that the majority of men are married and like others are only looking for sex.
Match Number one?? I don’t think so. And since Match has been buying up other dating sites…they will soon control all of them. Match won’t even let me register with my Email address, and it has the same problems as all the sites, tons of fake profiles. Also you NEVER EVER get your free 6 months…they always have an excuse that it is your fault.
Yes, Match just bought POF, they bought out Singles Net several years ago.
I haven’t been fortunate enough of finding my miss right in person, so decided to try online dating again. I’m 30 and a mature full time student whom is building on my personal training qualifications and now doing a joint honors degree in Health Exercise Science and Nutrition. I used to like very slim females, however I am pleased to say I am now open to curvy women, and if anything they are now my number one type. Just found athletic girls to be full of themselves, and that has put me off them big time. The matter is I am extremely sporty, in great shape, good looking and have a great personality to go with it. Like what are they looking for. Furthermore, I still go for looks as it’s the first thing we are attracted to. Saying that, I don’t see going for curvier girls more of an upgrade, mainly because having abs is nothing without a kind loving heart, but having a decent personality with a great sense of humor is completely attractive and sexy in every way.
Thanks Andy for the shout out to curvy women, from one appreciative curvy woman. Good luck in your search for someone special!
Found out recently that match owns Tinder. Interestingly Tinder seems to have saved Match from the pending doom of falling shareprices they found themselves in back in 2012. Who would have thought a sex hookup app would save the worlds “apparently” largest dating site from going bust! This blog is missing some major players in the industry, like…Hinge, GiggaDate and Bumble.
I thought Bumble was like Tinder and primarily a “hook up” site not for those actually seeking more?
Hey there, thanks for reading. We have not covered newer dating “apps” yet (just traditional online dating websites) but will look into this topic and update our article (or write a new one) to compare. Thanks for sharing!
So pissed off at Match – what a SCAM!! I registered for 6 months…used it for about 4 months and stopped (dating someone steady – not met there…but that’s ok). Problem is I forgot about them – and then they charged me for another six months. They REFUSE to refund as they have a no refund policy whatsoever. I am being pre-billed for 6 months I have no intention of using at all! Tried a credit card dispute but don’t think it will work because I am told that these are the “terms and conditions” I took when I signed up. No refunds. This is just begging for a class action lawsuit!!! So not right. People need to BEWARE of Match.
Anyone reading this site don’t use OurTime for 50 and over. Waste of time, lots of fake profiles and much younger people.
Kathy, thanks for your tip and sharing your experience and good luck finding a mate!