Reviews of dating websites

In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity of online dating. While it may have once been considered the modern equivalent to placing a personal ad in the newspaper, now it seems like almost every single person under 50 has an online dating profile. Many senior citizens are even joining in, and some people actually maintain memberships with more than one dating site. It’s no wonder the largest dating sites boast millions of members. Online dating is a fun and easy way to meet potential partners without having to leave your home, so it fits with almost anyone’s lifestyle and schedule.

If you want to take advantage of the convenience of online dating, first you need to do a little research. Most dating sites have similar features and work in a similar way; first, you upload a profile and pictures, and then you can send and receive messages via email, instant messaging, chat and so forth. However, different dating sites are geared toward different experiences, and some are even designed to appeal to a particular demographic of people. Not only that, but the prices can range from completely free to 60 dollars per month or more. Doing your research ahead of time can save you a lot of effort in the long run, because you can choose the site that is best for you before committing your time and money to your search for love.

We’ve done some of the work for you, so that you can narrow down your options much more quickly. Below you will find reviews of some of the most popular online dating sites. While new sites seem to pop up every day, these are the sites which have been around the longest and therefore have the best reputations. After you’ve read some reviews you will have a better idea of which dating sites might fit your needs – as well as which ones you should avoid completely. Choosing the right site is the first, and possibly most important, decision you will make in online dating. After you’ve chosen the right site, get some advice on how to create an alluring profile, and you will be well on your way to online dating success.

Match.com

Match is one of the oldest and largest online dating sites around. The numbers alone are impressive; Match claims to have 20 million members, so it’s almost inconceivable that you won’t find someone on this site.

Match seems to have a slightly higher proportion of male members, and this may have something to do with the matching process. While Match does send its members a list of suggested matches every day (usually about five of them), its members are free to do their own searches and email anyone they choose. This is in stark contrast to other dating sites which only allow you to communicate with matches based on similar interests and chemistry test results. Since men tend to be visual when it comes to attraction, at least initially, an attractive woman would most likely fare very well on this site which seems somewhat dominated by men.

Match allows anyone to sign up and create a profile. Then you can browse local users and see if the site appeals to you before signing up for a membership. You cannot, however, email or contact other members without purchasing a membership, and the prices can be a bit steep for some people. The best option is to go ahead and sign up for six months, which gives you the lowest monthly price. It’s unrealistic to think you will find true love in only a month or two, anyway. Also, Match offers a six-month guarantee. If after six months you have not found your soul mate, you will receive an additional six months free. Be sure to read the fine print and follow instructions carefully. It’s not hard to do, but you will only receive your free six months if you have met all requirements.
Match offers all the bells and whistles most have come to expect from the best dating sites. There are apps for smart phones and tablet computers, and the site has a chat feature so that you can circumvent the lengthy email process if you’d like. Some services, such as confidential phone calls, are only available to those who upgrade to a more expensive membership. Rest assured, however, that a basic membership comes with everything you need to be successful.

Match is best for those who prefer to search for a date themselves, with little guidance from a computerized matchmaking system. There are search features for everything you can imagine, from height and body type to religion and occupation. If you have a take-charge attitude toward your dating life, and are not easily overwhelmed by too many options, then Match might be the site for you.

Eharmony

Eharmony could be regarded as the premier site for finding long-term relationship success. The site is not only geared toward finding a relationship partner, but toward finding a partner with whom you have a high chance of long-term compatibility. This is because Eharmony’s matching system is the most thorough on the market, and couples are matched according to personal characteristics which years of research have identified as keys to compatibility and happiness. Eharmony appeals to those who are seeking a long-term relationship or marriage, and is somewhat more popular among women due to its emphasis on bringing couples together who are ready for a commitment.

When you sign up for Eharmony, you will be asked to fill out a lengthy survey. It is important to take your time, take this seriously, and be as honest as possible, because this is how you will be matched with other members. Unlike other dating sites, you will not run a search and choose your own dates. Eharmony will present you with your best matches. These will be people whose answers on the survey were similar to yours, and therefore should be the most compatible with you. After you and your matches mutually accept one another, you will begin the guided communication process in which you each ask one another a list of predetermined questions as well as establishing your “must haves” and your “can’t stands”. This quite different from other online dating sites, which basically force you to fend for yourself. The guided communication seems a bit corny, but it is a great way to find out if someone meets your criteria without the awkwardness of asking blunt and overly personal questions.

The good thing about this matching system is that it can conceivably save you a lot of wasted time and heartache in the long run. Often we date based on physical attraction which fizzles after a few weeks or months, and then we are left to start all over again. Couples who date based on mutual compatibility find much greater long-term success.

The downside is, of course, that none of this will work if other members have lied while filling out their profiles. Generally those who are willing to cough up Eharmony’s higher-than-average membership fees are those who take the dating game a bit more seriously. However, lying and exaggerations do occur (whether on purpose or due to wishful thinking) and this can interfere with everyone’s chemistry matching results. One online dater reported, for example, that she listed physical attraction as “very important” on her survey – yet she was repeatedly matched with only members whom she found very unattractive. Qualities such as those are hard to quantify on a computerized test, and many members may over- or underestimate their attractiveness to the opposite sex.

Eharmony’s higher membership fees may cause a bit of hesitation for some; it should be considered that you will probably spend less time overall on this site, since the point is to match you with someone who eventually takes you off the dating market. Other sites may get you more dates, but you will have to keep coming back to the site over and over again as those relationships fizzle. So even though Eharmony’s fees are a bit higher than other sites, it may be worth it in the long run. This is definitely the right dating site for those who prefer quality over quantity.

Adult Friend Finder

One of the most important decisions in online dating is to choose the correct site to match your interests and needs. This is where Adult Friend Finder can cut out a lot of the runaround for you. If you want to pursue online dating mostly for the purpose of finding a sex partner (or several partners), then why bother with sites geared toward relationships? Make no mistake; the other dating sites are only going to frustrate you, because they are filled with people who want to date and find a relationship. If quick and easy sex is what you’re looking for, then Adult Friend Finder is the place for you.

The great thing about this site is that you can list your exact needs and desires, and be as specific as you want (as long as it’s legal). This will be the best,and most direct, way to find partners who suit you. For example, a man who enjoys cross-dressing may have endured humiliation and frustration in the past when he was unable to find a partner who accepted and even enjoyed that side of his sexuality. With Adult Friend Finder, he could actually find a woman who matches with his sexual tastes, and he could share this side of himself with her. The same can be said of almost any fetish; while it’s often difficult in the regular dating world to find a partner who shares your tastes, Adult Friend Finder helps you discover just such a person. Simply check off the boxes next to the sexual activities you enjoy or would like to try, and you’re on your way.

For those worried about safety or privacy, you can conceal your identity on Adult Friend Finder, and only upload photos which you feel do not identify you. You can be as open or as anonymous as you wish. Of course, at some point you will have to reveal yourself, but you can do this when the time is right for you.

The only true drawback to this site is the number of fake or scammer profiles involved. The site does not have a very accurate way of screening for these, so you will need to be on guard for suspicious behavior. If you’ve been online dating for a while, you may not have any trouble at all with this. For those who are new to the online dating scene, you may want to read some advice on how to spot fake profiles and avoid them. As you become more comfortable it will be easy to tell these profiles apart from the real ones. Just remember to never give anyone money, don’t give out personal information online, and meet somewhere public and safe the first meeting. Don’t get so exited about the prospect of easy sex that you forget to use good judgment.

Chemistry.com

The creators of Match.com came up with the idea for Chemistry.com as a way to appeal to daters who dislike the “feeding frenzy” feel of sites like Match, which offer open searching, and who prefer to be presented only with reliable matches based on science. With Chemistry, however, matching is not based only on long-term compatibility, but also on that elusive concept we call “chemistry”. This saves it from being quite so stodgy and boring (as some people have accused Eharmony of being). You will get the benefits of computerized matching, but in a more fun environment.

Can chemistry really be determined by asking daters a series of (often slightly bizarre) questions? The makers of Chemistry.com seem to think so. When you sign up for the site, you will be asked some of the usual, expected compatibility questions. You will also be asked some questions that seem a little random and odd, such as rating pictures of people based on attractiveness and choosing photos of “romantic” destinations. The idea is to match you with other singles based on what sparks your passion or appeals to your idea of fun. You’re asked a lot of questions about physical attraction, too, so it’s safe to say that will be more of a factor in matching than on other sites which match based on personality only. It sounds interesting, but the only way to know if it works for you is to try it. The survey process is a bit time-consuming, but at least it’s fun to do.

When you sign up for Chemistry, you can take advantage of a two week trial period. This gives you plenty of time to explore the site, learn how it works, and decide if it is ultimately the right one for you. This is a great feature for first-time online daters, or for those who are hesitant about committing to the membership fees. This also gives you a chance to discover whether there are enough members in your area, as that is occasionally a problem for some daters in more remote areas. As for the fees, they run about the same as Match and other mid-priced dating sites. There are probably some cheaper sites out there, but it’s doubtful whether they offer all the unique benefits of Chemistry.

Get It On

Some people want to try online dating because they are searching for love and a long-term commitment. Others are hoping to find someone sexually compatible for a fling, and nothing more. If you fall more into the second category, then a site like Get It On is probably more your speed. Everyone on this site is looking for the same type of arrangement, so there will be no misunderstandings about your intentions. For men in particular, who are tired of spending all their cash on dates that don’t lead to a hook-up, this type of site can be really convenient because it saves you a lot of time and money looking for a sex partner.

Get It On helps you take charge of your online experience by allowing you to search for and find those with similar tastes in the bedroom. Like all dating sites, you will first upload a few photos and a brief description. Unlike other dating sites, there is probably no need to go into great detail about your hobbies and interests. Your description can briefly outline your likes and dislikes in the bedroom, or describe a particular type of sexual encounter you seek. This is the site for those who like to post revealing, provocative photos – since the whole point is to find a sex partner, these types of pictures won’t be frowned upon like they are on other sites. After all, you wouldn’t buy a car until you’ve looked it over thoroughly!

After you have created your profile, you’re ready to search the site for someone who appeals to you. The search function is easy to use and will help you find exactly the type of experience you’re hoping for. Depending upon your level of comfort, you may want to email a few times at first, or you may both choose to go straight to video chat or a face-to-face meeting.

Anyone can set up a profile and browse Get It On for free, but only paying members can send and receive messages. This way you can get a feel for the site and see if it has members in your area, before giving up your hard-earned money. The monthly fee is reasonable, especially when you consider the convenience the site offers in helping you get around the whole dating process and get down to business. Men should keep in mind that in many areas, there may be a shortage of women on the site, since women tend to focus more on finding relationships. The site may work best for those with access to large cities, where there are more available singles.

Perfect Match

Quite a few singles have grown frustrated with the sleazy feel of free sites, and the culture of quick and easy sex that often accompanies them. Women, in particular, often feel annoyed with the constant offers for hookups when they have clearly stated on their dating profiles that they are seeking love. For those who are seeking a long-term relationship and true compatibility with a dating partner, a site like Perfect Match will be a better fit.

The great thing about Perfect Match is that it utilizes the Duet Compatibility System to help you find someone who is a great match for you. Everyone who signs up for Perfect Match has to complete a survey in the beginning of the sign-up process. Since people who are looking for sex only will be reluctant to put in that much work, those using this site can feel fairly confident that their dating partners will be those with the same goals and attitudes toward finding love. Once you have completed the survey, a list of compatible matches will be generated for you. This is all based on scientific research into what makes two people truly right for one another, so it takes some of the guesswork out of the process by presenting you with singles in your area who would make the best dating partners for you.

You are not trapped by the matching system, however. If for whatever reason none of your matches really appeal to you, you can also search the site based on criteria you choose. Some people really do believe that opposites attract, and are not looking for someone exactly like them. Perfect Match is versatile in that it allows you to search on your own, so you are not limited to your list of matches. Be aware that the Duet Compatibility System is based on thirty years of scientific research – defy it if you want, but you may encounter some fireworks!

This site is best geared toward those who enjoy taking their time to get to know someone. Since there is no chat or instant message feature, women will not have to endure being bombarded with messages every time they log on. By only allowing members to email one another, the site encourages you to choose your words carefully and put in genuine effort to get to know one another. Some daters may find this approach too slow or old-fashioned, but many will enjoy getting to know others who have attention spans similar to their own. Once you’re ready to chat in real time, you can always exchange yahoo or google usernames, and begin to become acquainted off the site.

Christian Mingle

For many different reasons, some singles prefer to join a dating site that is geared toward members of their own religion. Usually this is because the mainstream sites don’t contain many members who share the same beliefs, and some who even lie about it. When your religious beliefs are important to you, you generally want to find a mate who feels the same way. A site like Christian Mingle can help you avoid wasting your time with all the wrong type of people, and puts you on the fast track to finding someone who is truly a compatible match.

Christian Mingle works pretty much the same as any other dating site, with of course the exception that only Christians (generally those who are serious enough about religion to join a niche dating site) will be using the site. Once you’ve signed up, you won’t have to worry about running a special search based on religion, or remembering to ask each person who emails you about their religious views. Since Christian Mingle is a paid site, you can feel fairly safe in knowing your matches are unlikely to be lying about their religion, like many do on free sites.

Aside from the fact that you all share pretty much the same beliefs, Christian Mingle works in a similar fashion to other dating sites. You will first create a profile with pictures and a description. Naturally, shirtless or revealing photos are not too common on this site, and descriptions which talk about values and goals will be more prevalent. Once you have created your profile, you can search for members who appeal to you based on whatever other criteria are important.

Niche dating sites, such as this one, always have fewer members than the larger mainstream sites. Remember, though, that while the membership may be smaller, these are all people who are compatible with you on one of the most important areas of your life. When you consider how many members of the larger sites are not compatible, then using a smaller site won’t seem so limiting. The membership fee on Christian Mingle is very reasonable, and is definitely worth it to make dating more convenient and less frustrating for you.

Date.com

If you’re looking for a dating site that has been around practically since online dating began, then Date.com might be right for you. They’ve been in business since 1997, so they’re one of the oldest dating sites around and therefore have the experience to help you succeed in the online dating world. The site has over 8 million members, and mostly appeals to those under 40 years old. If you want to see if there are enough members in your area before joining and paying the membership fee, then you can create a free profile and browse the site before having to whip out that credit card.

Date.com is great for those who want to put in serious effort to find someone, as the site keeps you involved even when you’re not logged into your account. Once you join, you can download a free toolbar that will keep you updated as your browse the internet. Whenever you have a new email or chat request, the toolbar will notify you – so there are fewer missed opportunities or issues with bad timing. The toolbar is not required, though, so if you’d rather have a more laid-back experience and only check emails when you feel like it, you can certainly do that as well.

This site will help you find other singles in two ways. First, you can choose from your list of matches, which are presented to you based on mutual chemistry. Or, if you prefer to find your own dates, the site also has a search feature so that you are not limited to only the matches chosen by the site.

Date.com really appeals to women, so if you’re a man you might like to know that women outnumber men on this site. This is probably due to the fact that Date places a strong emphasis on matching its members with those who are truly compatible. When you first sign up, you will have to complete a questionnaire which will be used to match you with those who have the most potential for a long-term relationship. While the survey can feel a bit lengthy, it’s not so bad when you consider that it may save you the trouble of dating people who are not at all compatible. Still, this type of site is best suited for those who are seeking a relationship, so keep that in mind before signing up.

Single Parent Meet

Single parents have an especially difficult time in the dating world. Often what happens on mainstream dating sites is that you will keep meeting people without children, and they either won’t understand your schedule limitations, or they will be reluctant to date someone with children for financial reasons. You may also prefer dating other single parents because their experiences and viewpoints will be more similar to yours. While there are certainly single parents on mainstream dating sites, a niche site might be better if you have a strong preference for dating others with situations similar to yours. It will also cut down on the number of unwanted advances by people who aren’t serious about family life.

Single Parent Meet is the best site for those who want to find other single parents in their area (or a long-distance friend, for that matter). This is the largest online community for single parents, with about half a million new members joining every year. If you want to check out the site first before paying a membership fee, you can sign up and create a profile for free. This helps you get a feel for the site and its members without incurring yet another expense for yourself. If the site feels right for you, then you can pay the fee (which is very reasonable) and begin sending and receiving messages with other members.

While anyone can join, Single Parent Meet is best for those who place a strong emphasis on family life and wish to find others who feel the same. Since this is less likely to be a hookup site, you can hold back on the racy photos and instead share those of yourself and your kids (only if you feel comfortable, and don’t give details that will tell anyone where your kids go to school). In your profile you may want to mention all of the activities you enjoy doing together as a family, since the goal is to find someone who will be a good fit for all of you. You can also mention your kids’ ages if it’s important to find someone whose children are of similar age.

A single parent’s budget can be tight, so the membership fee may be off-putting. It is lower than many dating sites, though, and is probably worth it when you consider the convenience. In the long run you might save yourself a lot of time by only dating those with a similar lifestyle and goals.

Zoosk

Zoosk started out as a Facebook dating application, but has quickly grown into an enormous dating site with over 50 million members (who are called Zooskers, by the way). The sheer number of members makes this site both appealing and daunting. Normally having a lot of options is great, although you may feel overwhelmed. This is especially true if you live in a larger city, as you may receive dozens of messages every day.

It’s free to create a profile on Zoosk, but only paying members can send messages. One thing that is different about Zoosk, however, is that non-paying members can actually reply if a premium member sends them a message. This can remove a lot of the frustration commonly encountered on dating sites that allow profiles; often emails are sent that are never returned because the member has not paid their dues. If you join Zoosk, consider upgrading to a premium account so that this is never a problem for you. Another great thing about Zoosk is that pretty much all of the profiles contain pictures, so this is great for those who won’t consider dating someone who doesn’t upload a photo.

Zoosk comes with apps for smart phones, Facebook, and Myspace, or you can just use the website itself. All of these options keep you involved and connected in whatever way is easiest for you, making Zoosk one of the most convenient sites with the most involved, active members. You can access Zoosk from anywhere you go, so you never miss a message or an opportunity. The heavy emphasis on technology makes Zoosk especially appealing to the college crowd, as well as twenty- and thirty-somethings. Older daters often find it a bit overwhelming and too fast-paced.

Possibly the only drawback to Zoosk is that there is no matching program. Combined with the enormous membership, this can make it difficult to find those who are truly compatible for a long-term relationship. The ease of use and low membership fees more than make up for this small inconvenience, however. For those who prefer to take charge of their own dating experience, the lack of a matching system won’t even be missed.