Commit to the Right Dating Site: 4 Questions to Guide the Decision
1 - What Type of Relationship Are You Looking For?
Before deciding which dating site or free dating sites to sign up for, consider your desired outcome. Whether you’re looking to meet interesting people, start dating again after a heartbreak or searching for that person to start a family with, dating sites aren’t a “one size fits all” deal. Luckily, with many sites offering free sign up, you can get to know various sites before making a commitment.
Eharmony, for example, is best suited for daters seeking a serious relationship. Signing up involves a questionnaire, but the result is quality matches with the potential for long-term commitment.
Another site offering great results for people looking for a serious relationship is EliteSingles, which helps daters find true companionship, love, and romance.
No matter what type of relationship you’re looking for, there’s a dating site—or multiple sites—to meet your needs.
2 - Do You Prefer Being Matched or Searching Independently?
Personal preferences matter with online dating or choosing paid versus free dating sites—just as they do with offline dating. Some singles want to search through profiles before deciding who to chat with, while other people feel more comfortable being set up. Luckily, the world of online dating has answers for both.
Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match:
One of the major benefits of using a dating site is the ability to filter potential matches according to the values and characteristics that matter most to you. This immediate screening saves time and energy by ruling out users who aren’t compatible.
The search:
Another benefit of online dating is the options. Dating sites bring together enormous numbers of singles, who may have otherwise never met. Using the search filters gives singles the freedom to explore their options based on specific preferences.
SilverSingles offers extensive search filters and sorting functionality. Basic filters include parameters such as gender, age, and location, along with more specific fields such as background, interests, and lifestyle.
3 - Which Features Matter Most?
While dating sites all provide singles with the same essential service—a platform to meet new people and find a potential partner—each site or free dating site does it differently.
Differentiating features include online chat or video chat, safety features like photo verification, and dating games. Choose a dating site that offers the features which are most important to you or deciding you want a free dating site with less features, but you don't always need to compromise for a free dating site. Free trial periods give another alternative.
Free trial periods allow you the flexibility to get to know dating sites without the initial financial commitment. As you begin your online dating journey, explore the features available on different sites. Use the comparison chart above, expert reviews, and relevant articles to guide your decision.
4 - How Much Will it Cost Me?
Many of the top dating sites offer free sign up or a free trial period. However, to unlock all features and communication tools, you’ll need to subscribe. As with most things, you get what you pay for so keep that in mind with free dating sites.
We believe that joining a dating site is a smart investment. If you put yourself out there, you won’t need to subscribe for long. After all, it’s worth it — this is your future and happiness at stake.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Trusted site with millions of users
- Pricing - As low as $19.99
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 25-55
Trusted site with millions of usersRead Match ReviewMatch - Best for finding a variety of relationship styles
Match is one of the most popular online dating platforms out there, with millions of users in over 60 countries. This site is a fantastic choice for those seeking serious relationships because profiles include many prompts to learn about users' personalities, lifestyles, and interests.
After creating a profile on Match, you'll get access to limited free functionality. However, you need to become a paying member to send messages. Plus, you'll need to devote time to this app by uploading photos, writing a detailed bio, and answering a lot of questions.
Users seem very happy with Match's customer service, particularly the expert dating coaches who are available to all paying members.
Why we chose Match: Match has an inclusive user base, which allows its users to identify as various genders and sexual orientations and connect with a lot of different people. In addition, social media and phone verification keep fake users to a minimum.
Our experience: We enjoyed taking advantage of the features that make Match stand out from other dating apps and sites, such as read receipts on messages and unlimited video chatting.
Match Pros & Cons
PROS
Experienced, well-trusted dating siteHigh-percentage of success storiesAllows up to 26 profile photosCONS
30-minute sign-up processMore traditional than other sites - 2A science-based approach to love
- Pricing - As low as $29.95
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 30-50
A science-based approach to loveRead eharmony Revieweharmony - Best dating site and app overall
eharmony is for daters ready to find love and looking for others who are on the same page. With detailed questionnaires and profiles, compatibility scores, and icebreaker questions, it's easy to match with a potential long-term partner and initiate contact.
On top of that, the site screens users to make sure none of them are on criminal registries—something that'll be reassuring to those concerned about getting pulled into an online dating scam
eharmony requires you to spend a significant amount of time creating a profile. Its detailed questionnaire stretches out the sign-up process but allows the site to find truly compatible matches and keeps out people who aren't serious about exploring meaningful connections.
Why we chose eharmony: Its patented algorithms consider several factors, from personality traits to daily living habits, making it a fantastic choice to find long-term relationships. It's been around since the year 2000 and has matched over 2 million people, refining its processes along the way.
Our experience: We found it helpful to be able to specify things like your faith and morals so you can find a match on all levels: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. When we browsed profiles, both on mobile and desktop, we really felt like we got to know the other members, even before we started talking to them.
eharmony Pros & Cons
PROS
Detailed compatibility quizzesHelpful conversation startersSecureCall safety featureCONS
Users can’t search for matchesQuizzes demand time and thought - 3Stir is a dating app for single parents.
- Pricing - From $16.99 a month
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 20s-40s
Stir is a dating app for single parents.Read Stir ReviewStir - Best for single parents
Stir is mainly for single parents and people open to dating someone with kids. With features like "matchPhone", which supports texting and calling, there are plenty of ways to connect on Stir.
The "Stir Time" function helps users coordinate their schedules, so they can meet up when they're away from their kids. Users can also set up video chats with other members to screen them before meeting in person, which helps them protect themselves and their children.
A free plan gives you access to view and like profiles, and potentially get a message after lots of browsing. However, if you'd like to communicate with other members, you'll need a paid membership.
Why we chose Stir: This app creates a space where single parents, who are often misunderstood, assumed to be too busy, or judged for the fact that their previous relationships didn't work out, can connect with each other. The app also ensures that single parents don't waste their free time wading through a bunch of profiles of people who consider children to be a deal breaker.
Our experience: Stir is made by the same company as Match, so its profiles are also very inclusive. But the sign-up process is less intense, which we think is ideal for busy parents. We also liked that the specific profile prompts let us share things that we felt were important, such as our drinking habits.
Stir Pros & Cons
PROS
Specific dating pool (parents and people who want kids)Inclusive for people of different genders and sexualitiesStrong safety and security guidelinesCONS
Number of overall users is unclearExpensive subscription and upgrade prices
