Match.com Review

NOTE: On September 25, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed suit against Match Group, Inc., alleging that the company has engaged in unfair and deceptive practices to induce people to subscribe—and to stay subscribed—to their dating services. The company has denied the allegations and claims that the FTC has misrepresented its internal communications and relied on cherry-picked data. We will update this note when the case has been resolved.

Started in 1995, Match.com has become one of the largest and most recognized names in online dating services. The company’s online dating services is now available in 24 countries and territories and is currently hosted in 15 languages. Match.com gives you instant access to millions of member profiles by simply signing up with a free account. Match.com also provides premium features or paid services for enhancing searches and additional tools for communicating and personalizing user experience.  

Account Creation

Just like most online dating sites today, your search starts by creating a free account at the site. You then go through a series of basic questions to create a simple profile.

• Birthday
• Country
• Email
• Username and password

Signup time

• A few minutes

Account activation

• Seconds

Confirm activation through email

• No

Privacy control

• Visible to all
• Visible to selected (optional upgrade)
• Invisible

Search Features

Basic Searches

Basic search functionality allows you to view search matching profiles easily. Results include profiles within a specified location, age range and activity history.

• Daily matches
• Quick match
• Show only profiles within an area
• Activity history (show those who were recently online)
• Display profiles within an age range
• Sexual preference
• Display only profiles with photos
• Mutual/ reverse matches

Advanced Search Features

Match.com comes with a variety of detailed search fields that helps you refine your search.

• Appearance
• Interests
• Background/ Values
• Lifestyle
• Keyword
• Username

Mutual – results based on your search preference

Reverse Match – results based on another member’s preference that match your profile

Communities – partner brands, organizations and associations you could add to your profile

Interface

Compare to other online matching sites, we can’t help but feel that the layout seems outdated. Navigating the site could also be troublesome for first time users since a lot of the search functions can be found under drop down menus.

Plans and Pricing

• 12 months $7.99
• 6 months $9.99
• 3 months $12.99

*** Automatic renewals – subscriptions will remain for the same subscription period unless cancelled.

With your premium subscription you get:

• Contact other singles
• Connect faster with IM
• Send and receive email messages
• Respond to email messages
• Remove members from view
• See who’s viewed you
• One click search type
• Receive singled out matches

Messaging Options

• Email
• Online chat
• Site messaging

Notifications

• Text alerts for winks and messages
• Email notification

Online Dating at Match.com

Being one of the pioneers and most recognized names in online dating services has its benefits. And one of the advantages is the huge number of profiles stored at the site. This gives you the best possibility of finding a match. Unlike the other top online dating sites however, searches are pretty rudimentary. Which places much of the responsibility of finding a match in your hands. Interesting features include games which help break the ice. The service is also available as an app giving instant access to its members. A solid performer that makes finding a match quick and easy.