Sign-up Process

Signing up for Match.com will take about 15 minutes to 30 minutes, so be prepared to spend a bit of time on your account registration and creation when you decide to join. Signing up is not difficult, despite the time length, because the website will guide you through the process with a step-by-step guide along the way. Once you have created your free account and decided on how you want to meet matches (either locally according to zip code or through a broader area) then you’ll need to take the official Match.com processing questionnaire. This questionnaire will help the website’s algorithm determine who you match with once you start using the service.

The first half of the sign-up questionnaire includes details such as what hair color and eye color you like; religious beliefs, education levels or even ethnicities you prefer; whether or not they have kids or want kids, and so on. At most stages of this questionnaire, you can mark most of the details as being “dealbreakers,” which means that you won’t be matched with people who don’t fit these specific preferences. For example, if you definitely want to match with someone who wants kids, you can mark it as a dealbreaker and you won’t be matched with anyone who specifically does not want kids. The second half of the sign-up questionnaire will let you fill in details about yourself, including both physical attributes, educational background, health, and more.

Once you’re finished with the questionnaires, you need to upload a personal profile photo and then submit your account. All profiles must be approved by Match.com’s moderation team before you can begin to use the website. Before your account is approved, you won’t be able to properly use the site, even if you have a paid membership.

Features

Match.com has a range of great features, including: its unique matchmaking algorithm that makes finding compatible matches much easier; multiple ways to interact with other users, including chat functions, inbox messages, winks, comments and more; new matches delivered to your account every day; reward system in place for active users, who will match more often and be more visible on the site than inactive users; very extensive filtering system that lets you filter out potential matches with great discretion, including by characteristics such as hobbies or even restaurants, and more.

There are two membership tiers: free and paid. Free accounts cannot access most of the site’s features except for limited search and winking functions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique algorithm is not found on any other online dating sites and provides compatible matches at the click of a bottom.
• Ability to search and filter for matches based on a wide range of characteristics makes finding matches that meet specific criteria not just possible, but easy as well.
• Active user base that means you’ll find active matches in no time at all.
• Active administration team which routinely adds new features for users every year.

Cons

• Membership prices can be costly.
• Profile approval means you can’t use the website right away, even if you pay for a membership.

Privacy

Profiles do use your real name and showcase your photo to all accounts, including free basic accounts. However, because all profiles must be approved by the website’s team, there is an added layer of vetting that cuts down on the amount of people signing up in an attempt to scam you.

Ease of Use

Both the Match.com website and the app are easy to use and navigate, whether it’s your first time using an online dating site or you’re an experienced pro. The registration process can take some time, but once you get passed the 15-30 minute sign-up experience and have your profile approved, you’ll be able to zip around the site or app with ease.

Subscription Prices

Editor’s Verdict

Match.com is one of the largest, most active and most unique online dating websites out there today. It is easy to use, comes with a plethora of features, and has a unique matchmaking algorithm that ensures you’ll find compatible people without having to lift a finger. Overall, it is a great option for anyone interested in online dating, no matter their preferences.