A pioneer among online dating sites, Match debuted in 1995, and since then, many other online dating sites have emerged, followed by the introduction of dating apps in the late aughts. In fact, three in 10 U.S. adults say they’ve used an online dating site or app, according to a 2020 survey conducted by Pew Research Center. Of those users, 57% say their experience with these platforms has been very or somewhat positive. And for people looking for companionship and love, online dating sites like Match may offer a helpful conduit to connect with prospective partners. Continue reading for a comprehensive review of Match and the features it offers.
Our Summary Verdict
Match is a global online dating platform designed to bring singles together in the hopes of finding the type of relationship they’re seeking, according to the company. Match offers users an online platform, Match, as well as an accompanying app.
While this service has been around since the ’90s, it has since evolved with features like more inclusive profile options, a user-friendly app and more sophisticated matching algorithms.
Key Features
- Demographics: According to Match’s website, 19% of Match members are between the ages of 18 and 29, 44% are between 30 and 49 and 37% are 50 and up. Eight in 10 members have attended college or have a college degree, and 59% are single parents, according to the company.
- Safety: Match recently bolstered its safety features by partnering with Garbo, a background check service that helps users screen dates before in-person meetups.
- Add-on features: Users can boost their Match subscription with several add-on features including Reply for Free, Private Mode, Email Read Notification and matchPhone—a feature that allows users to call and text matches using a Match-generated number without revealing their actual phone number.
Match – Best Dating Site Review 2024.
Launched in 1995, Match is owned by Match Group, a tech company that houses a global portfolio of brands, eight of which are the world’s biggest dating brands, according to the company: Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, Match, Plenty of Fish, OurTime, Meetic and Pairs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy set-up: It takes just a few minutes to create a profile and add basic preferences. Users can come back later to respond to additional prompts in order to share more information about themselves. The option to attend in-person events: Events include hikes, speed dating, food tours and even days-long travel experiences. Discounts for these events are available to premium subscribers. The right to cancel: Users have the ability to cancel their subscription, which immediately hides their profile from other users. | No guarantee of finding the right match: Just like other online dating services, Match cannot guarantee how many active users will be in a given area or that every user will find the right person. Profiles may be limited: Match doesn’t require users to complete profiles in full in order to use its service. For that reason, users may not learn much about potential matches unless they reach out directly. The software can be buggy: Many users report glitches on the website and app. |
Match.com at a Glance
- Intended use: Match is designed to help users connect with other singles based on the criteria they’re looking for.
- Cost: Match offers free, standard (from $21.84 per month) and premium (from $23.11 per month) plans.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: The Match Group is not a BBB-accredited company and has a 1.04 out of 5 star rating on the site based on 191 customer reviews.
What Experts Say
Research suggests that romantic relationships play an important role in our overall well-being. And when it comes to mental health, online dating platforms have several advantages and disadvantages, says Nakpangi Thomas, a licensed professional counselor and clinical traumatologist in Michigan.
Above all else, Most of the dating and relationship experts advises Match users to protect their privacy. Do not post identifying information and if someone asks for money, report them immediately for your safety.
