In-depth, Independent Research
Interested in trying online dating? We certainly were. Yes, we signed up for each of the sites you see here, with the mission of helping our readers find the right online dating site for them—and the truth is, we found that online dating sites are pretty fun. We looked at the features, user base, and pricing at each site. In addition we had two people, male and female, create profiles and write their own reviews for our "He Said/She Said" recommendations. These reviews offer a more personal take on the matches and the matchmaking process. So, check out our comparisons and reviews, and find out which site earned the "Lady's Choice" and "Guy's Choice" award. If you have more questions about online dating sites, their features, and online safety, check out our informative FAQ.
Online Dating
Updated 02-07-2012
| Service Name: | Cost/Month: | Relationship Type: | User Base*: | Matching Method: | Features: | Bottom Line: |
 | $26.65/month See All Discounts | Relationship Seekers | 14+ million singles; 44% male / 56% female | Automated matching based on personality test; no searching | Guided communication; email & IM; winks & nudges; see who's viewed you; Block Users | Intuitive matching system based on complementary personality types, best for those seeking committed relationships |
 | $13.59/month See All Discounts | Casual & Serious Daters | 20+ million singles; 49% male / 51% female | Search by age & location; custom search; keyword search | Open communication; email & IM; winks & flirts; see who's viewed you; Text Alerts; Block Users | Large and active group of users, intelligent matching system based largely on similar tastes and interests |
 | $16.56/mo See All Discounts | Relationship Seekers | 20+ million singles; 43% male / 57% female | Automated matching based on personality test; no searching | Guided communication; email & IM; Block Users | Emphasis on guidance and deep connections, larger users base seeking committed relationships, some people are not accepted |
 | Free standard membership; $12.49/mo for 6-month subscription See All Discounts | Casual & Serious Daters | 17+ million singles | Zoosk's Scientific Matchmaking Service sends you matches to anonymously vote up or down | Create profile; browse profiles; send winks; contact matches; read messages; send gifts | Fun and playful; great social features; premium features somewhat available without a subscription |
| Service Name: | Cost/Month: | Relationship Type: | User Base*: | Matching Method: | Features: | Bottom Line: |  | $24.98/month See All Discounts | Relationship Seekers | 11 million singles; 45% male / 55% female | Matches suggested based on personality test; search by age & location; custom search; keyword search | Open communication; email & IM; winks & flirts | Designed for those seeking committed relationships, combines elements of matching and searching, personality test is less informative |
 | Gold: $11.99 Silver: $10.99 | Casual & Serious Daters | 1.5+ million singles; 53% male/ 47% female | Search filter called "Cupid"; Myers-Briggs personality testing; astrological compatibility | Chatting, blogging, instant messaging, voice messaging, email; extensive profile information; point system | Customizable experience, overwhelming & frustrating interface, best for people with flexible relationship goals and a lot of time on their hands |
 | 100% free for all new members and signups in the U.S. See All Discounts | Casual daters | 2 million singles; 60% male / 40% female | Search by age & location; custom search | Open communication; email & IM; "virtual dating"; speed dating | Emphasis on flirting and chatting, good for casual dating, slightly more explicit content, interface cluttered with ads |
 | $9.99/month See All Discounts | Casual Daters | 2 million singles; 57% males / 43% female | Matches occasionally suggested based on profile; search by age & location; custom search; keyword search | Open communication; email & IM; ice breakers; virtual gifts; see who's viewed you; chat rooms; audio & video messaging | Very basic service with instant messaging and chat rooms, best for casual dating, identical to Matchmaker.com |
| Service Name: | Cost/Month: | Relationship Type: | User Base*: | Matching Method: | Features: | Bottom Line: |  | 12-Month: $15.95 6-Month: $26.95 | Casual Daters | 1.7+ million singles; more males than females | Private Matchmaker, but more focused on searching/chatting | Site focused on five-minute chats; video chat and multiple chat windows; browsing and searching functions | Constant stream of speed dates, matchmaking "system" yields poor results, nonstop harassment to subscribe |
*Quantcast Data used for male/female ratio and accurate as of April, 2010
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