Online Dating Reviews & Prices

Match.com Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

[Editor's Note: For a limited time, Match.com is offering NextAdvisor.com readers an exclusive 7-day free trial. To take advantage of this promotion, simply click any Match.com link on NextAdvisor.com.]

Match.com is one of the most popular online dating services, with a large and diverse pool of potential matches. If you want to peruse hundreds of possible matches or search for someone with a specific set of characteristics, Match.com should be your first stop.

It's free to create a profile on Match.com, and the process is relatively quick and easy. You'll answer basic questions about yourself and your desired partner by selecting from checklists and drop-down menus, with occasional chances to elaborate in your own words. The only required long answer is a minimum 200 word description of yourself and your ideal match. Finally, you'll upload a primary photo and, even before you've subscribed, you'll have the option of adding up to 25 additional photos.

If you have difficulty with the written portion of your profile, or if your profile doesn't attract as much attention as you'd like, Match.com offers a service called ProfilePro. For $39.99, a dedicated expert will review your information and offer advice to help you make the most of your Match.com experience, and a professional writer will help craft a profile that makes the best possible impression.

Match.com's matching system is fairly simplistic, suggesting five potential dates each day based on a few shared interests or preferences. The search function, though, is Match.com's most impressive feature. You can do a quick search for same or opposite sex matches by age and location, or search based on the preferences you indicated in your profile, or you can do a custom search, which allows you to fine-tune your criteria. Or you can search for a word or phrase, if you're looking for someone with a particular hobby or trait.

Once you've found a profile that seems promising, you can indicate your interest by sending a free wink. If you want to send an email or instant message, you'll need to subscribe to Match.com. Paying members can send messages to nonpaying members, but nonpaying members are not able to respond or even see who sent the message. Since Match.com does not distinguish between active members with paid subscriptions and those who are unable to send or view messages, this can be problematic and frustrating for members who send messages that may never be seen by the recipient. In our opinion, this is the most significant flaw in Match.com's service.

If you do choose to subscribe, you'll be able to communicate with other members via email, instant message, or phone, without having to reveal any of your personal contact information. You'll also be able to see who's been viewing your profile, who's saved you to their favorites, and who found you interesting when your profile was suggested as a potential match. Plus, you'll have access to tools to help manage and track your connections.

New users who sign up for a six month subscription are eligible for the Match.com Guarantee, which offers an additional six months free if you don't find someone special during the first six months. In order to take advantage of this guarantee, users must create a truthful profile that includes a primary photo, and keep it visible for the duration of the first six months. Users must also communicate with new matches throughout the first six months, sending emails through Match.com to at least five different members each month. In order to receive the additional six months free, you must go to the 6-Month Guarantee Progress page within your Match.com account during the last week of your initial six month subscription, and confirm your eligibility.

Match.com provides more potential matches than any other online dating service, along with plenty of resources to help you find the person you're searching for. If you know what you want, whether it's a conservative Christian who loves riding horses and can't wait to have kids, a vegan liberal who speaks three languages, or the most attractive person in your zip code, Match.com is a great place to look.

Chemistry.com Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

[Editor's Note: Chemistry.com is offering NextAdvisor.com readers an exclusive free 14 day trial. To take advantage of this promotion, simply click any Chemistry.com link on NextAdvisor.com.]

Chemistry.com was created by Match.com to cater to users who are seeking a committed relationship with a highly compatible partner. Like eHarmony, Chemistry.com suggests matches based on a detailed personality test. Unlike eHarmony, Chemistry.com goes beyond matching similar personality types to insightful analysis of how different personalities are likely to compliment one another. This type of online dating service is not for everyone, but it is very well designed to serve those who are truly serious about finding a soul mate.

Creating a free profile on Chemistry.com requires a bit more time and effort than most online dating services, since you will be taking a personality test in addition to providing basic information about yourself and your desired partner. The personality test includes puzzles and questions that may seem strange or irrelevant, but the result is a fairly insightful analysis of your major and minor personality types, as well as the personality types with whom you're likely to be compatible, and dating tips specifically tailored to your personality. As with Match.com, you'll also write a minimum 200 word description of yourself and your ideal match, upload a primary photo and have the option to add up to 25 additional photos.

Unlike most online dating services, Chemistry.com does not allow you to search or browse though potential matches. Instead, you will only be able to view profiles that are suggested by Chemistry.com's matchmaking system. This means that the matching criteria you indicate in your profile are especially important, since these preferences, along with the results of your personality test, will be used to help select your suggested matches. It also means that Chemistry.com offers more privacy than most online dating services, since your profile is only visible to those whom the system has identified as a compatible match.

You'll receive up to five new matches each day, and you'll be able to review each suggested match's profile, photos, a graphic highlighting your common interests, and a brief prediction of how your personality types would be likely to click. You can discard the match if it doesn't seem promising, decide later if you aren't sure, or, if you are a Chemistry.com subscriber, you can choose to start getting to know your suggested match. If you choose to discard a match, you'll be asked to give a reason so that the system can provide more accurate matches in the future. You must review and categorize your matches in order to continue receiving new suggested matches. Meanwhile, your profile will be suggested as a potential match for other Chemistry.com members, who may indicate interest in getting to know you. Suggested matches aren't sent simultaneously, which reduces visible rejection and increases opportunities for potential matches. Although you are able to review suggested matches for free, you will only be able to review the profiles of members who have indicated interest in you once you have subscribed. This can pose a problem for subscribing members, who have no way of knowing whether the profiles that interest them belong to nonpaying members who will be unable to respond or even review the subscribing member's profile.

When you decide you'd like to get to know a suggested match, you'll begin Chemistry.com's four-stage communication process. During the first step, both you and your match will rank different criteria that often come up during relationships, such as neatness, feelings on family life, or pets, and review each other's answers to see if there is enough compatibility to move on to the next stage. During the second step, you'll each choose two pre-written questions for the other to answer, and then you'll review those answers. Once you have completed the first two steps, you can communicate through Chemistry.com's secure email system without revealing your personal contact information. If all goes well, Chemistry.com will facilitate a casual meeting at a public, mutually convenient location, so that you can gauge the level of chemistry between you and your match. These steps are designed to make the process easy and comfortable for both you and your match, but some users may find it excessively time-consuming.

Those who are eager to view or meet as many potential matches as possible are likely to find Chemistry.com frustrating. But for those who are patient and dedicated, Chemistry.com could be the perfect place to find true love.

Yahoo! Personals Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

[Editor's Note: For a limited time, Yahoo! Personals is offering NextAdvisor.com readers an exclusive 7-day free trial. To take advantage of this promotion, simply click any Yahoo! Personals link on NextAdvisor.com.]

Yahoo! Personals is simple and straightforward, with all the standard features one would expect to find in an online dating service, and a large user base. If you're curious about online dating, Yahoo! Personals makes it easy to get started.

You can search Yahoo! Personals without creating a profile, which allows you to quickly get a sense of the available matches, but also means that once you do create a profile, it's visible to anyone on the Internet. If you are eager to put yourself out there, this might not be a problem. In fact, you can even choose to make your profile visible on Yahoo!'s partner websites, in addition to Yahoo! Personals. But if you're concerned about privacy, you may feel uncomfortably exposed on Yahoo! Personals, although there is an option to make your profile entirely invisible unless you initiate contact.

If you don't already have a Yahoo! email address, you'll have to create one before signing up for Yahoo! Personals. Filling out your profile requires a fairly minimal amount of effort. You'll provide basic information about your appearance, lifestyle, home life, and personality, and answer the same questions regarding what you want in a match. This allows you to be as specific or open in your criteria as you'd like. You have the option to select up to three pre-written questions for potential matches to answer, in order to make it easier to initiate a conversation. You'll also write a brief personal statement describing yourself and your ideal match, and upload up to ten photos.

If you have difficulty writing your personal statement, selecting photos, or coming up with a catchy headline, Yahoo! Personals provides a profile description assistant, as well as a very helpful section devoted to free profile advice.

Yahoo! Personals can email you potential matches based on the preferences you indicate in your profile, but the emphasis here is on searching, not a sophisticated matchmaking system. Search results will be automatically generated based on the criteria in your profile, but you can also create custom searches, and even save multiple searches based on different preference combinations. Although there is not an option to search by keyword, the search engine is quite flexible and easy to use. You can sort search results by overall fit, age, or distance, or you can sort profiles from newest to oldest, or so that the members who are currently online appear first, or to view profiles with the most recent activity. Yahoo! Personals also allows you to see who's viewed your profile, even if you aren't a paying member.

Once a particular profile catches your eye, you can send a free icebreaker with one of several pre-written messages, such as, "Your profile made me smile," or "If you email me, I'll definitely respond." Or, if you are a subscribing member, you can send an email. If you are not a subscribing member, you can still receive and read messages, view the sender's photo and profile, and respond with a free, pre-written quick reply to indicate your interest or politely decline. Your personals mailbox can sort incoming messages based on whether or not the sender fits your basic criteria, which makes it easier to keep track of and follow up with potential matches.

Yahoo! Personals is a fun and easy way to browse and meet other singles. You may have to spend some time weeding through potential matches, and experiment with different search criteria, but if you're willing to make the effort, Yahoo! Personals provides the tools and the user base to meet any number of interesting people.

eHarmony Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

[Editor's Note: eHarmony.com is featuring "free communication weekend" 3/18 - 3/21. During this time users can communicate with their matches for free. eHarmony.com is also offering NextAdvisor visitors 20% off a 6-month subscription with coupon code "CJPROMOAAA" bringing the cost down to $11.98 per month for 6 months. Just click on the NextAdvisor link and enter the coupon code when prompted.]

eHarmony caters to users who are looking for a serious relationship based on a deep and meaningful connection. Like Chemistry.com, eHarmony suggests matches based on a detailed personality test, but with a greater emphasis on shared values and similar backgrounds. Because this service was designed to serve a specific type of user, some will find that it does not serve their needs at all, while others will be sure to appreciate this uniquely detailed and insightful approach to online dating.

You'll have to be willing to dedicate a fair amount of time and effort to complete eHarmony's free personality test, but if you do, you'll be rewarded with an extensive and nuanced analysis of your personality, based on agreeableness, openness, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and extraversion. Unlike other online dating services, eHarmony declines to match about 20% of potential users, based on the results of this personality test. The results of your personality test will not be revealed to potential matches unless you choose to do so. Instead, your profile will include a primary photo and up to 11 additional photos, as well as short answers to several questions about your personality, interests, and lifestyle. If you have difficulty with this written portion of your profile, eHarmony offers a profile advising service. For $99.95, professional writers will work with you to craft thorough answers that showcase your personality. eHarmony also offers an optional service called RelyID, which, for $5.95 a year, will verify and authenticate your name, city, and age, in order to reassure potential matches that you are indeed who you say you are.

eHarmony, like Chemistry.com, does not allow users to search or browse through potential matches. Instead, you will only be able to view profiles that are suggested by eHarmony's matchmaking system. This means that the matching criteria you indicate in your profile are especially important, since these preferences, along with the results of your personality test, will be used to help select your suggested matches. You can always tweak your matching criteria in order to expand, limit, or change the types of matches that eHarmony provides. Since your profile is only visible to those whom the system has identified as a compatible match, eHarmony is more private than most online dating services.

You'll be able to review your suggested matches' profiles prior to subscribing, but you will not be able to view their photos or communicate, aside from sending a pre-written icebreaker message. eHarmony does offer occasional free communication weekends, to allow nonpaying members to contact or respond to suggested matches. Outside of these weekends, though, nonpaying members will not be able to respond to communication requests, which may be frustrating for subscribing members who cannot determine whether a particular profile belongs to a paying or nonpaying member. Once you have subscribed to eHarmony and are interested in communicating with a suggested match, you can choose to begin a four-stage communication process or skip directly to email. The guided communication process is designed to facilitate the process of getting to know one another, but some may find it too drawn-out. During the first step, you'll both choose five multiple choice questions for the other to answer. During the second, you'll each share ten qualities that you must have in a partner, and ten that you can't stand. During the third step, you'll both answer three open-ended questions that reveal more about your inner thoughts, feelings, and values. The fourth step is email sent through eHarmony, which does not require you to reveal your personal contact information. You can also move directly to email at any point during the guided communication process.

eHarmony has also created an entire website dedicated solely to dating and relationship advice, with a strong emphasis on self-assessment and self-awareness. This advice section includes a wealth of thoughtful and informative content as well as forums where you can discuss dating and relationships with other eHarmony members.

If you want to browse through many potential matches, or are looking for a casual date, eHarmony is probably not for you. But if you want a more guided online dating experience and are ready to make a commitment based on shared perspectives and values, eHarmony can help make that happen.

PerfectMatch.com Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

PerfectMatch.com is similar to Chemistry.com and eHarmony, in that it relies on a lengthy personality test in order to generate matches based on compatibility. While some members may find PerfectMatch.com's Duet Total Compatibility System effective, many will be disappointed by the website's limitations and the number of inactive members.

To create a free PerfectMatch.com profile, you'll provide basic information about yourself by answering multiple choice questions or selecting from checklists or drop-down menus, and you'll answer true or false questions about your core values, your attitude toward love and money, and your relationship tendencies. You'll write a brief personal statement and answer several short questions in your own words, and then upload up to three photos if you are a nonpaying member or eight photos if you're a subscriber. Finally, you'll take the Duet Compatibility Test, which consists of more true or false questions designed to measure your "romantic impulsivity," "personal energy," "outlook," and "predictability." The questions tend to be fairly specific and detailed, making them difficult to answer with a simple true or false. Your Duet Analysis uses one set of four letters to predict personality types that will be similar to yours, and another set of four letters to predict personality types that will compliment yours. These letter codes resemble those generated by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, but their interpretations are less nuanced and more difficult to comprehend.

Because PerfectMatch.com profiles consist almost entirely of answers to multiple choice or true or false questions, they tend to be rather formulaic, which makes them less engaging than those on other dating websites. On the main profile page, your picture is very small, and your personal statement and short answers are inexplicably buried at the bottom of the page and hidden by default. Since the "In My Words" portion of the profile is deemphasized, many users do not fill this section out at all, which makes it difficult to get any sense of a potential match as an individual. Many PerfectMatch.com users also fail to post a single photo.

You'll receive suggested matches based on the results of your Duet Compatibility Test. PerfectMatch.com provides fewer matches than Chemistry.com or eHarmony, but once you subscribe, you'll also be able to search for matches on your own. You can do a quick search by age and location, a compatibility search based on the various factors measured by the Duet Compatibility Test, a custom search for particular traits, or a keyword search. These tools are not quite as sophisticated or easy to use as those provided by Match.com. For example, the keyword search does not allow you to select for age or location, which makes it fairly useless to most users.

Once you have subscribed to PerfectMatch.com, you can indicate interest in another member by sending an icebreaker consisting of up to four pre-written written questions to find out more about your potential match and initiate conversation. As your exchange progresses, you'll be able to choose from a second set of pre-written icebreaker questions that are more personal, before you move on to email. PerfectMatch.com tracks and stores your icebreakers and responses in one place, to help you gauge the potential of many matches at once. If you prefer, you can skip past the icebreaker questions and go directly to email communication.

Like eHarmony, PerfectMatch.com includes a section dedicated to dating and relationship advice, but the advice is somewhat simplistic and generic. This section is unlikely to be particularly informative to most users, but those with less dating experience may find it helpful.

PerfectMatch.com stands out by combining an in-depth personality test with a decent array of search features. For those who wish to take advantage of a matching system designed to predict compatibility as well as basic browsing tools, this may be the best of both worlds. For those who want more matches to choose from, or who are unwilling to rely so extensively on the Duet Analysis when evaluating potential matches, one of the higher ranked dating services might be a better choice.

Lavalife Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

[Editor's Note: For a limited time, Lavalife is offering NextAdvisor.com readers an exclusive 7-day free trial. To take advantage of this promotion, simply click any Lavalife link on NextAdvisor.com.]

Lavalife cultivates a more playful atmosphere than most online dating services. If you want a committed relationship, you're better off looking elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for something more casual, you could have a lot of fun flirting and chatting with other singles on Lavalife.

There are three distinct communities within Lavalife, for dating, relationships, and intimate encounters, and you can maintain a profile within any or all of these communities. Creating a profile is quick and easy. You can use the same basic profile for all three communities, with a few extra questions specifically pertaining to each section. Lavalife profiles are less informative than those on other online dating services, since there is less emphasis on finding a uniquely compatible match. You can upload one profile picture for each profile, plus up to 30 additional photos and another ten "backstage" photos, which will only be visible if you grant a particular user a "backstage pass." You can also upload up to six videos. If you only want to participate in one or two of the three Lavalife communities, you should take care to ensure that you haven't accidentally posted your basic profile information in all three, or you may receive unwanted attention from members with different agendas than yours.

Searches are confined to a single section of the site at one time. You can do a quick search by age and location, with the option to select for users who are currently online and profiles that include at least one photo. Or you can do custom searches with more specific criteria, and save those searches for future reference. You can save profiles that interest you to a "hotlist," for future reference. Instead of allowing same or opposite sex searches on a single website, Lavalife hosts Manline for gay singles and Womanline for lesbian singles.

To indicate interest, you can send a free smile, along with a pre-written message selected from an extensive list of options. If you are a Lavalife subscriber, you can send an email or an instant message. And even if you are not a subscriber, you can respond to emails and instant messages for free. It is not possible to turn off the instant message function, which can become disruptive if you are attempting to browse for potential matches. Lavalife also hosts one hour online parties five times each day, where members flirt and chat in real time. Depending on your area, you may be able to participate in speed dating events, which are held at 9 PM every evening, where members can chat with up to ten local singles in a half hour. There is an additional fee to participate in a speed dating event, but new members can participate in one free speed date within the first week of membership.

Lavalife includes an advice section, with articles about dating, relationships, and sex, as well as horoscopes and other resources. While some of this content may be informative, the primary focus is entertainment.

The Lavalife interface is a bit cluttered and difficult to navigate, and displays ads, even to paying members. Since Lavalife also has fewer members than the higher rated dating services, it is unlikely to be the most efficient option for finding potential matches in your area. But if you enjoy chatting online, and are more interested in casual dating or intimate encounters than serious relationships, you're likely to enjoy the virtual party at Lavalife.

Date.com Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

Date.com is a fairly standard online dating service, with very basic matching and searching functions as well as instant messaging and chat rooms. Date.com acquired Matchmaker in 2006, and the two websites are now essentially identical, although Date.com is slightly cheaper. If you create a Date.com profile, it will also be visible on Matchmaker, and vice versa.

It's easy to get started on Date.com, but fully completing your profile is a somewhat convoluted process. You'll be prompted to answer a few questions about yourself by selecting from drop-down menus, and to upload a primary photo and up to nine additional photos, and then given the option to write a headline and brief personal statement. In order to find and complete the other sections of your profile, though, you'll need to click around a bit without much guidance or prompting. For this reason, many users have incomplete profiles that are less informative in determining interest. Be sure to find and complete the section in which you indicate your preferences for your desired partner, as this portion is easy to miss.

Date.com will occasionally suggest matches based on a few of the preferences in your profile. When a match is suggested, both parties receive an introductory message from Date.com, encouraging you both to view each other's profiles. However, these suggestions are offered very rarely, and will not necessarily match all of the criteria you have indicated. The search functions are more effective, allowing you to conduct a basic search based on age and location. You can tailor your basic search by including a keyword, excluding profiles without photographs from search results, or specifying members who are currently online, new members, or members who are having a birthday that day. Or you can conduct an advanced search based on more specific criteria, such as body type, horoscope, Chinese horoscope, ethnicity, or income. Paid subscribers and users who have uploaded photos are ranked higher in search results, which is a nice feature that makes it easier to find someone who appeals to you and is likely to respond to a message.

If someone catches your eye, you can save his or her profile to your favorites, show interest, or, if you are a paying member, you can send an email or an instant message. Showing interest on Date.com means sending a message that says, "I am interested in you," rather than a wink or smile, or selecting from a list of pre-written icebreakers. You can also purchase a virtual gift, such as a picture of a flower, heart, stuffed animal, or beverage. Most gifts are $1.00 each, but some cost as much as $9.00. Even if you are not a subscriber, you can see who has viewed your profile or saved your profile as a favorite, and you can respond to instant messages sent by paying members. Subscribers also have access to chat rooms, as well as audio and video messaging.

Date.com offers a surprisingly thorough advice section, which includes thoughtful and well-written articles discussing various relationship issues. You'll also find success stories from users who found love on Date.com, dating and relationship advice columns for straight women, straight men, and gays and lesbians, basic tips on safety, online flirting, and dating, and an astrology section.

Date.com offers an adequate array of features for those who want to search for potential dates in their area, but with a smaller user base than comparable services and a somewhat clunky interface. If you are particularly interested in voice and video chat, or virtual gifts, Date.com may be the best option for you, but otherwise, you may be better off using a similar service with a larger user base, such as Match.com or Yahoo! Personals.

Matchmaker Review: Online DatingGo to Site | Back to Chart

Matchmaker is a fairly standard online dating service, with very basic matching and searching functions as well as instant messaging and chat rooms. Date.com acquired Matchmaker in 2006, and the two websites are now essentially identical, although Matchmaker is slightly more expensive. If you create a Matchmaker profile, it will also be visible on Date.com, and vice versa.

It's easy to get started on Matchmaker, but fully completing your profile is a somewhat convoluted process. You'll be prompted to answer a few questions about yourself by selecting from drop-down menus, and to upload a primary photo and up to nine additional photos, and then given the option to write a headline and brief personal statement. In order to find and complete the other sections of your profile, though, you'll need to click around a bit without much guidance or prompting. For this reason, many users have incomplete profiles that are less informative in determining interest. Be sure to find and complete the section in which you indicate your preferences for your desired partner, as this portion is easy to miss.

Matchmaker will occasionally suggest matches based on a few of the preferences in your profile. When a match is suggested, both parties receive an introductory message from Matchmaker, encouraging you both to view each other's profiles. However, these suggestions are offered very rarely, and will not necessarily match all of the criteria you have indicated. The search functions are more effective, allowing you to conduct a basic search based on age and location. You can tailor your basic search by including a keyword, excluding profiles without photographs from search results,or specifying members who are currently online, new members, or members who are having a birthday that day. Or you can conduct an advanced search based on more specific criteria, such as body type, horoscope, Chinese horoscope, ethnicity, or income. Paid subscribers and users who have uploaded photos are ranked higher in search results, which is a nice feature that makes it easier to find someone who appeals to you and is likely to respond to a message.

If someone catches your eye, you can save his or her profile to your favorites, show interest, or, if you are a paying member, you can send an email or an instant message. Showing interest on Matchmaker means sending a message that says, "I am interested in you," rather than a wink or smile, or selecting from a list of pre-written icebreakers. You can also purchase a virtual gift, such as a picture of a flower, heart, stuffed animal, or beverage. Most gifts are $1.00 each, but some cost as much as $9.00. Even if you are not a subscriber, you can see who has viewed your profile or saved your profile as a favorite, and you can respond to instant messages sent by paying members. Subscribers also have access to chat rooms, as well as audio and video messaging.

Matchmaker's advice section redirects to Date Info, Date.com's surprisingly thorough webzine, which includes thoughtful and well-written articles discussing various relationship issues. You'll also find success stories from users who found love on Date.com, dating and relationship advice columns for straight women, straight men, and gays and lesbians, basic tips on safety, online flirting, and dating, and an astrology section.

Matchmaker offers an adequate array of features for those who want to search for potential dates in their area, but with a smaller user base than comparable services and a somewhat clunky interface. If you are particularly interested in voice and video chat, or virtual gifts, Matchmaker may be the best option for you, but otherwise, you may be better off using a similar service with a larger user base, such as Match.com or Yahoo! Personals.