The Match.com dating site has been around since 1995 and has proven over time that they are one of the movers and shakers of the online dating market. There are not many dating sites that we can point to that are just as good at creating meaningful, long-lasting relationships as they are at setting up compatible matches for casual dates.
And that is exactly what Match.com does! They connect singles who have some common ground or a compatible connection between them. This can potentially lead to a good casual date or relationship. It could even be the beginning of a true love story for the ages! It all depends on what the user is looking for!
Is Match a good dating site? Check out our 2023
Match.com review to find out!
About Match.com
Match.com was founded in 1995 and is one of the elder statesmen of the online dating industry. What they do best is found right in their name. They are regular pros at matching up compatible singles. And the results could go either way! There are plenty of serious relationships that come from this site, but they have seen their fair share of casual relationships and casual dating setups too!
Fast Facts on Match
Over the past 25 years, Match has grown to have a steady user base of over 8 million premium subscribers (4 million of those being from the US), and they currently boast 3 million daily logins. Learn a bit more about Match.com with some of our best fast facts on the dating site as a whole!
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
Site Name | Match.com |
Key Info | • Year Founded: 1995 |
Membership Cost | • 6-Month Premium: $24.99/month |
Free Trial Offer | |
Sign Up Time | 5-10 minute process |
Rating Match.com
The idea behind our Match.com review is plain and simple. There are five major categories of this dating site that we examined. We came up with individual scores for each of these categories. To come up with our overall rating for the Match dating site, we took an average of the five categories.
Keep in mind that our rating is completely subjective, and they are based on how we felt this dating site performed in each respective category. For some more color on how Match.com is as a dating site overall, you can check out reviews from real Match users!
Overall Rating (4.0/5)
Our Match.com review has revealed that this dating site is excellent in just about every major category! What can we say? The site is really easy to use, the sign-up process is quick, there are a lot of good features that members can enjoy as they scout out different singles, and there is a huge dating pool of awesome candidates to pick from!
Cost (4.0/5)
There are six great membership plans available at Match.com that cover customers for 3, 6, or 12 months and they are all really affordable when compared to other online dating sites or matchmaking services. Pricing begins at $18.99 per month! Customers can even get a break on their monthly rate when they purchase the longer subscription packages!
Features (4.0/5)
Match.com comes equipped with a wide range of useful features to make the process of finding singles for serious or casual relationships that much easier! Standard plans have features like unlimited messaging, sending unlimited likes, and seeing who has viewed your profile. When you upgrade to premium memberships, you can get read receipt notifications, unlimited rewinds, and monthly boosts that allow you to rate higher in the overall search results!
Usability (4.0/5)
The interface of the Match website and app are both extremely user-friendly, and they come with an intuitive design for the convenience of the user! The sign-up process is brief, and the overall design really does not leave the user wondering how to use the site or the app. Everything is laid out in an organized manner, making it easy to find daily matches, view profiles, and use the messaging systems.
Quality Matches (4.0/5)
The entire goal of Match.com is to create good matches between online singles. Although their personality quizzing and compatibility questionnaires are brief, we found that they do a surprisingly decent job of pairing up compatible singles! There are enough quality matches where Match.com has equally produced a high volume of both serious and casual relationships!
Active Users (4.0/5)
When it comes to having access to a large dating pool of well-qualified candidates, Match.com is one of the best dating sites out there that simply cannot be matched! They have around 8 million users worldwide, with 4 million of them being in the US alone. This means that you will have a big list of potential singles to choose from!
While we rated Match.com relatively high overall in each category, there are some things about the dating site that we did not find so appealing, things that could be changed in the future to make the site that much better for its users.
Match Pros and Cons
We promised you some honest and unbiased Match dating reviews, and we are going to deliver! Here are some of the tops pros and cons that you are going to encounter as you use this dating site in 2023. We are going to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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How to Sign Up at Match
As we mentioned earlier, one of the greatest things about Match.com is how little time it takes to create a new account. If you have read this Match.com review and you feel like this is the best dating site for your needs, by all means, create a profile and get started right away!
In fact, we will include this step-by-step guide for your convenience to help you get set up at Match in that estimated 5 to 10-minute range of time!
Step #1: Visit the Match.com Homepage
Begin by going to the Match dating site’s homepage. Right in the middle of the screen is a box that you cannot miss. It is here that you will enter if you are a “man seeking woman,” “woman seeking man,” “man seeking man,” or “woman seeking woman.”
You will also need to select your desired age range and include your ZIP code. Match does a lot of its matchmaking magic by finding singles that are close to your location!
Step #3: Give Some Information About Yourself
The third segment of signing up at Match is going to involve you sharing a bit more about yourself with the site. Here are the questions that you will come across during this time.
- What is your height?
- What is your body type?
- What is your relationship status?
- Do you have kids?
- Do you want kids?
- What is your education?
- Do you smoke or drink?
- What is your ethnicity?
- What is your religion?
- What interests you?
Step #4: Describe Your Ideal Partner
This step is a little different. The focus shifts toward you describing what you are looking for in a partner. Everything is going to be contained on this one page. Each of the subject tabs that you click on will take you to another screen where you will answer the question.
Once it is done, you will navigate back to this main screen, and you can continue on down the line with the next subject. Once you are completely finished, you can hit “Continue.”
Step #5: Icebreakers Questions
The next step involves you picking out three icebreaker questions to include on your profile. Anyone will be able to see these, including free trial users or paying members. There are a ton of topics that Match.com provides that you can scroll through when you click on “Choose a topic.”
Icebreakers can be a great way to generate interest in your profile, so choose them wisely! Once you have completed the icebreaker questions, you can click “Continue” to move to the next step.
Step #6: Add Some Photos
In order to drive more traffic to your profile, you will want to upload several photos of yourself to your Match profile! You are required to upload at least one to get things rolling, but you can add up to six! You can upload right from the files on your computer or add photos from Facebook.
As they say right there on the screen, you are 50 times more likely to receive more messages and likes if you have several photos for other singles to view! Once you have uploaded your photos, hit “Continue” to get to the next step.
Step #7: Upgrade to a Membership
Before you can see your new profile and begin finding singles at Match, you have the chance to apply for membership. It is not required for you to proceed to the homepage. You can always skip this step and begin using the site for free (and you can always apply for membership at a later date).
Here is where you can learn what all comes with a Match membership and decide if that is the best course of action for you!
Step #8: Meet Other Singles
Well, there it is! You are all done with signing up at Match.com! Now you can begin seeing what singles might be available for you to meet! If at any point you do want to sign up for a new membership, you can click that white Subscribe button at the top right-hand corner of the home screen.
Match.com Cost Summary
Something we really liked about Match.com was that they offer six membership plans, whereas a lot of other dating sites only offer three to four. These are divided into three premium plans and three standard plans. Each set covers a timespan of either 3, 6, or 12 months and the pricing is going to differ based on the length of the plan.
The big difference between the premium and the standard plans is going to be the features that you can enjoy during your time at Match. The premium plans are going to offer a lot more useful benefits to the customers.
Let’s take a look at each!
Standard Plans
- Send unlimited messages
- Send unlimited likes
- See profile views
- Message “Top Picks”
- View likes
- Send unlimited messages
- Send unlimited likes
- See profile views
- Message “Top Picks”
- View likes
- Send unlimited messages
- Send unlimited likes
- See profile views
- Message “Top Picks”
- View likes
Premium Plans
- Standard Plan Features
- Read receipts
- Monthly boosts
- Unlimited rewinds
- “Super Likes” every week
- Standard Plan Features
- Read receipts
- Monthly boosts
- Unlimited rewinds
- “Super Likes” every week
- Standard Plan Features
- Read receipts
- Monthly boosts
- Unlimited rewinds
- “Super Likes” every week
As you can see, it might be well worth your time and money to go with a premium plan as they allow you to enjoy profile boosts, know when other singles have read your messages, get weekly “super likes,” and enjoy unlimited rewinds!
Another way that you can enjoy some savings when choosing a membership is to look at the monthly cost rate for each plan. You will notice that the longer plans have better cost-per-month figures than the shorter plans do! While you will pay more for a longer plan, you will be paying less per month. It is definitely something to consider!
Match.com Free Trial
In doing our Match review for this year, one of the weaker points of this dating site we found was its free trial offer. It does not take long to get set up with the free trial, and you do get to create a Match profile on the house, but the free trial is so limiting in what it allows its users to do on the site.
Below is a list of all the things you can do with your free trial account at Match and some of the main features and functions that you will be missing out on without a membership. As you can see, there is not a whole lot you can really do at Match.com if you are not a paying member of the site.
Free Services
- Register a Match account
- Create your Match profile
- View other members’ profiles
- Send likes to other members
- Play matchmaking games
- Receive “Singled Out” matches
Paid Services
- Instant messaging with other members
- Sending unlimited messages
- MatchPhone (private phone line for texting and calling)
- Daily Matches or “Top Picks”
- Incognito mode for browsing
- Read notifications on messages
- See which singles have viewed your profile
Something about Match that we did not really care about is that their customers cannot get a refund if they are dissatisfied with their membership. We are not sure why it is set up this way, and we hope that they can change their policy as soon as possible on that front.
The reason we bring this up is that you might want to strongly consider using the free trial membership at Match just to see what the dating site has to offer and what kind of singles you could potentially meet. Even if the free trial is really limited, it might be worth your time to try it out so you can see what Match is all about, helping you never to be in a position trying to request a refund.
Is Match.com Worth It?
Match.com is going to be worth the time and money for some people, and for others, it might not be the most ideal choice as far as a matchmaking service goes. Here are some simple ways that you can find out if Match is worth it. Here are four excellent reasons to make Match your dating site and four reasons to pass it up!
4 Great Reasons That Match Is Worth It!
#1: You Are Open to Possibilities
The more research that we have done on the Match dating site and the more Match reviews we read from other writers, we find out more and more that Match.com is a dating site that is designed for a crowd of users that are open to new possibilities! If you are unsure if you want something casual or something serious, Match might be a dating site that is totally worth your time and money! They do not really lean one way or another but simply create matches based on compatibility and personality. The user can then decide what kind of relationship they want to pursue from there!
#2: You like a Wide Range of Great Features
Match.com might be worth it for you if you enjoy a wide range of features and capabilities! As a paying member, you can enjoy unlimited messaging, use incognito mode while you browse through the catalog of singles, be able to see which singles have viewed your profile, and get read notifications on the messages you have sent!
#3: You Do Not Want to Deal With Fake Profiles
As is the case with any dating site, there is a chance that you are going to run into some fake profiles or spam accounts when you use Match. And with Match the problem is going to seem a lot bigger because they deal with such a high volume of users.
There are also a lot of legitimate singles that you will run across that are free trial users and thus cannot respond to any of your messages. If weeding through a bunch of illegitimate and free trial accounts is not up your alley, then Match might not be a dating site that is worth your time and energy.
#4: You Do Not Want a Lengthy Sign-up Process
The sign-up process at Match is only going to take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete. If you are someone who does not like to invest a whole lot of time in creating a new profile, Match.com might be the perfect dating site for you! Sites like eHarmony have sign-up processes that might take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how thorough you want to be. Match’s new account creation clocks in at a short, manageable timeframe.
4 Reasons Why Match.com is Not Worth It
#1: You Are Looking For Something Strictly Casual or Serious
If you fall on either end of the spectrum (you are dead set on a serious relationship or you want to date around in a casual manner), Match is going to disappoint you sooner or later. Match is a dating site that is for the open-minded single who is all right about finding love or just finding a date for the weekend. If you fall too far one way or the other, Match might not always come through with the results you are looking for.
For serious commitments only, we recommend eHarmony, and for casual encounters and dating, we recommend Zoosk.
#2: You Want to Know a Lot about Matches before You Message Them
That five to ten-minute sign-up process is indicative of the speed at which the Match dating site operates. And they do not really give you much information to go off of with the singles they recommend and or the daily matches that they churn out. They simply see that there is some rough potential for compatibility and steer you in that direction.
A dating site like eHarmony is going to provide you with a detailed breakdown of why you matched with this single and that single. Match does no such thing. If you want to know a lot about the singles you are being recommended ahead of time, that is not really going to happen with Match.
#3: You Do Not Want to Deal With Fake Profiles
As is the case with any dating site, there is a chance that you are going to run into some fake profiles or spam accounts when you use Match. And with Match the problem is going to seem a lot bigger because they deal with such a high volume of users.
There are also a lot of legitimate singles that you will run across that are free trial users and thus cannot respond to any of your messages. If weeding through a bunch of illegitimate and free trial accounts is not up your alley, then Match might not be a dating site that is worth your time and energy.
#4: You Want to See Super-Detailed User Profiles
With the speed that Match operates at, you are not going to find elaborate, thorough user profiles with a ton of details and information. Let’s be real. You answered the new account questions in five to ten minutes. You are not going to get user profiles that delve into anything that is super involved or serious. The profiles are going to be rather minimal and stripped down compared to a lot of other dating sites. If you are expecting something different, Match might not be worth it for you.
Match.com Reviews from Real Users
Our Match.com dating site review can only tell you so much about how the site works, the sign-up process, the membership pricing, and the free trial opportunities. You can get a much deeper, well-rounded perspective of Match as a whole once you begin digging into some feedback from people who have actually used its services!
We are going to save you a trip to SiteJabber, Reddit, or Trustpilot, and we are going to bring you some user feedback right here! They always say that experience is one of the greatest teachers, and we hope that by including this user feedback, we can teach you a bit more about what Match.com is all about!
Match.com Alternatives
Because they cover such a wide range of different users and are just as good at setting up serious relationships as they do casual ones, you would think that Match.com would be the perfect dating site for just about anyone out there!
But we know that there is a chance that this matchmaking service might not be the best fit for your needs and your purposes. Here are some excellent alternative dating sites to Match.com!
#1: eHarmony – Best For Finding Compatibility and Lifelong Commitment
As Match.com brings singles together through compatibility testing, eHarmony does the same thing but next level! This is a dating site where testing gets deep into scientific laws of attraction and psychological principles surrounding compatibility. eHarmony is a service strictly for serious relationships. It’s a perfect alternative to Match if you want a committed and long-term relationship.
#2: Elite Singles –
Best for Finding Singles in Professional Fields
Elite Singles is a great dating site for finding singles who are highly educated and who have professional careers. Elite Singles is a more niche dating site compared to Match.com, which casts a wider net. It is, nonetheless, a great alternative to Match as they take an interest in personality quizzing that is going to lead to serious relationships and commitments!
#3: Zoosk –
Best For Finding Singles Who Want Casual Relationships
Match.com is well-adept at establishing just as many casual relationships and dates as they do serious ones! For all those out there who are looking for casual dating, friendships, or relationships, a good alternative to Match is Zoosk. This dating site has its primary focus on getting singles together with a more casual focus in mind!
#4: The League –
Best for Finding Singles With High Standards
Like Match.com, The League offers its users a shot at a serious, long-term relationship. But like Elite Singles, this dating site caters heavily to the crowd who is looking for singles who are professional, highly educated, and have higher standards than most! This is another great niche dating site that serves as a terrific alternative to Match.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Match.com
We realize that we can only answer so many questions that users might have throughout this Match.com review. If we haven’t hit on exactly what you were looking for please let us know through our contact page. Also, we have listed several answers to the most commonly asked questions that we receive from our readers about Match.com below.
Is Match.com a Good Dating Site?
We feel that Match.com is a good dating site if you are someone who is up for anything! This is because Match has had really good success with matching up singles for both casual and serious relationships. There is really no heavy lean toward one type of relationship or another. If you use Match.com, you have a 50/50 chance of finding something serious and committed or finding someone to go out with on Saturday night. Match.com is a dating site that is full of possibilities!
How Does Match Work?
Match.com uses a matching algorithm that helps to match singles based on personal compatibility. They take users’ interests, beliefs, and priorities and match them with other users who are like-minded or share the same type of values.
As mentioned before, Match leaves it up to the couple if they want to make things more serious or go the more casual route. Match works in the sense that they successfully pinpoint compatible matches, but it is ultimately up to the singles where to take it from there!
Can I Use Match.com for Free?
There is a free trial available at Match.com, but it is going to be extremely limiting as far as the functions and features go. The only two things that you can do with a free trial run are to view profiles and photos, send likes, and play some matchmaking games. You are much better off going with a paid membership!
How Much Is Match.com?
There are six ways to get a membership at Match.com, so the cost is going to vary depending on the plan. If you choose from the premium plans, you can do three months for $104.97 at $34.99/month, six months for $149.94 at $24.99/month, or 12 months for $239.88 at $19.99/month.
There are also three standard plans that will include fewer features but will ultimately be cheaper. These are 3 months for $95.97 at $31.99/month, 6 months for $137.94 at $22.99/month, and 12 months for $227.88 at $18.99/month.
Can I Block or Hide Unwanted Matches?
There is a way to block matches that do not meet your criteria. In order to do this, you need to upgrade to “Select” where you will have a filter installed to your account that will weed out certain contacts that are less-than-ideal for you!
How Safe Is Match.com?
Match.com is one of the oldest and most trusted dating sites out there. They have been around since 1995 and have learned over the years how to treat their customers well.
We dug around in their history and found no evidence of the site misusing or mishandling sensitive information shared by customers. We have not seen instances where this information was sold off to a third party or shared with other users at the site. In fact, the site uses an encrypted connection to ensure that all personal or financial information is kept safe and secure!
Are There Refunds if I Do Not like My Match Account?
As of 2022, there are no refunds issued at Match.com for dissatisfied customers. It is important to create a free trial account in order to see if the site is worth the time and money. Although the free trial is limiting, it is the best way to scope things out and decide if Match is the right dating site for your needs!
Are There Any Payment Plans for Match Membership?
Yes, you can take advantage of payment plans for your membership or subscription at Match.com. You can break up your payment into a 4-part installment. You pay one installment the day that you begin your membership, and then you can pay the remaining three every two weeks following. If you choose to do a payment plan instead of paying in one lump sum, your membership will still be set to auto-renew once it has come to its end.
On Average, How Old Are the Singles on the Match Dating Site?
The average online user at Match.com is going to be between 35 and 45.
Can I Look for Singles without Paying for a Membership?
The only things you can do as a free trial member is send “likes” to other singles and view profiles and photos. That is it. You cannot even send messages as a trial member, which will severely limit your success! In order to proactively seek out singles, you need to pay for a membership plan.