- Less restrictive than eHarmony.com
- Accurate compatibility tests
- Periodic free access
- Long registration process
- Can't search profiles
- Contacting matches requires subscription
- Limited dating pool
Chemistry.com, a spin-off from Match.com, models its in-depth compatibility matching style after eHarmony.com (*Est. $60 per month). However, reviews say that it is less expensive and has a less restrictive membership policy. Chemistry.com starts with a detailed personality test to find out who you are and what you hope to find in a partner. You can't search the site -- you must wait for the site to send you matches, and you must subscribe to contact people (or wait for the periodic "free communication weekend"). When you find a match, Chemistry.com guides you through a multi-step communication process. Users, however, report that matches don't always meet their criteria or turn out to be inactive profiles, and the dating pool "dries out" quickly in many geographical areas.
NextAdvisor.com provides input from both male and female editors. DatingSitesReviews.com gives a good overview of features, pros and cons. About.com's dating guide Bonny Albo does a good job of discussing Chemistry.com's features but doesn't offer a comprehensive evaluation. More than 75 people at eDateReview.com give a mostly negative idea of what it's like to use the service for an extended period of time.
Our Sources
1. NextAdvisor.com
Chemistry.com gets the Lady's Choice award from NextAdvisor.com's female editor for the compatibility test that picked up on hidden interests and characteristics. The male editor feels the matching criteria are too simplistic. The review admits that the matching process demands patience, but it's definitely a serious site for serious people.
Review: Chemistry.com Review: Online Dating, Editors of NextAdvisor.com
2. Dating Sites Reviews.com
Editors and users of DatingSitesReviews.com give yearly awards to outstanding dating sites in various categories. Though Chemistry.com has never won one, editors in this review praise the compatibility test, which is interesting and clear. They think the test is pretty long, however, and they're not happy that users can't search profiles themselves.
Review: Chemistry Review, Editors of DatingSitesReviews.com
3. About.com
About.com's dating guide Bonny Albo focuses on Chemistry.com's compatibility test. She thinks it takes a unique approach with matching being done by personality types. She also likes the way the system encourages feedback from people who've actually met to help the company improve it. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Chemistry.com Review, Bonny Albo
4. eDate Review
Feedback at eDateReview.com is typical of user reviews in this industry -- that is, negative. Although some users admit people on Chemistry.com appear more serious and of a higher quality than on less expensive sites, many report getting a flood of matches once they've unsubscribed, as if attempting to lure them back.
Review: Reviews of Chemistry.com, Contributors to eDateReview.com
Online Dating Runners Up:
4 picks including: eDate Review, Dating Sites Reviews.com…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks including: About.com, eDate Review…
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