Online Dating Review

Online dating: Comparing the top sites

Online dating has an appeal that has spread internationally and given rise to many specialty websites that cater to certain types of relationships, ethnicities, religions, age groups, geographic areas and interests. The ability to weed out people who aren't compatible and to get to know someone from a safe distance before a face-to-face encounter has spurred millions of people to turn to online dating. Although many people have met through dating websites and later married, others report frustration and disappointment from the experience. It seems that finding a perfect match online requires the same social skills, caution, honesty and perseverance as traditional dating. 

Although some dating websites are free, the majority charge a fee for a subscription period of one month to a year. Most popular dating websites allow members to search for suitable matches and some make suggestions based on your profile information. Matchmaking websites take a scientific approach by hiring notable consultants to create compatibility or personality questionnaires. Filling one of these out in its entirety is a condition to creating a profile. Typically the pairing up is done for you, though some matchmaking sites allow users to search profiles for themselves as well. Generally, matchmaking websites are considered the better route for singles looking for a long-term relationship, although many report success with serious relationships using one of the many popular dating sites that don't try to be matchmakers.

Only a couple of consumer publications offer reviews of online dating sites. ConsumerReports.org has a brief article from February 2010 that recommends four dating sites and four "speed dating" sites (companies that set up events where singles can screen each other in brief face-to-face meetings). Subscription-based British consumer magazine Which? gives more information than ConsumerReports.org, but it hasn't been updated since February 2009 and only covers U.K. and international dating sites.

We found the most useful reviews at NextAdvisor.com, a consumer information website that had a male and female editor test eight dating services. Each review provides useful information on strengths and weaknesses. DatingSitesReviews.com and About.com's online dating expert, Bonny Albo, review many dating websites and give some useful, though brief, input on some of the good and bad points.

Reputability is a problem when it comes to reviews of online dating sites. We found many domain names with "dating" and "reviews" that come up as top hits in Google that are affiliate driven; that means the sites don't actually review the services but simply describe them, and get compensated for sending traffic to dating sites. The most useful reviews don't just summarize features but also discuss pros and cons based on actually using the site.

Another thing to keep in mind when reading dating site reviews is the gender of the reviewer (if known). We found that the perspective on what makes a good dating site changes; women reviewers tend to stress safety and reputability of users on a dating site. Male reviewers seem more concerned with getting a large pool of potential mates and having a good selection of features. A few reviews, like those on NextAdvisor.com and PC World magazine, are based on input from both a male and a female editor, which is helpful for seeing both perspectives on some of these services.

Although we consulted some user review sites, negative reviews far outweigh positive reviews when it comes to online dating sites. Many harp on the problems of online dating in general such as dishonest profiles, demanding people, scammers and people who deceive potential mates about their level of seriousness. Some complain about the services inflating subscriber numbers, making people who sign up think they'll have plenty of choices when most of the users are actually inactive.

One constant complaint about specific dating site policies is the automatic billing procedure. Some sites automatically renew a subscription a day or two before the date the subscription is supposed to end, and once you're billed, it's difficult to impossible to get a refund. Another recurring complaint is that many sites send members suggestions of potential mates who are either non-paying members or no longer visit the site, and this includes matchmaking sites like eHarmony.com and Chemistry.com. Even more concerning are sites that don't act on valid complaints against active users. According to users, online dating sites are reluctant to remove profiles of members who, for instance, lie about their marital status or otherwise behave dishonestly, even when presented with proof.