Match.com Reviews (2024): Is It Worth Using?

In the world of online dating, Match has been a trailblazer from the very start, often considered the original dating site. Established in 1995, well before the era of Tinder and smartphone dating apps, Match has continuously evolved alongside the online dating landscape. Offering both an intuitive website and mobile app, Match provides users with unique features and in-depth profiles, all aimed at facilitating meaningful connections.

Things to know

• Quality: Match provides a user-friendly website and mobile app equipped with distinctive features and detailed profiles to foster meaningful connections. With over 75 million users currently, its popularity continues to soar.
• Success rate: Match proudly showcases numerous tales of couples finding lasting relationships, and even tying the knot. However, success rates can fluctuate based on individual preferences, location, and engagement levels on the platform.
• Pros and cons: Match offers advanced features such as detailed profiles and tailored recommendations, enhancing the chances of finding compatible matches. Yet, the paid version might deter some users, and free members may encounter restricted interaction capabilities.

What is Match.com?

In the early 1990s, entrepreneur Gary Kremen launched Match.com in San Francisco as a digital alternative to traditional classified personal ads, drawing inspiration from his own struggles with finding a partner through newspaper ads. Since then, the online dating platform has witnessed exponential growth and now operates under Match Group, INC., alongside other renowned dating services like Tinder, OKCupid, and Hinge.

With over 39 million users, Match.com predominantly caters to individuals aged 30 to 49. However, the site's fastest-growing demographic is reportedly the 50+ age group, with 59% of users being single parents seeking companionship. Additionally, according to a 2019 report by PC Mag, Match.com reigns as the most popular dating app in 17 states across the U.S.

These statistics align closely with Match's mission to differentiate itself from an industry characterized by superficial interactions and detached behaviors. In my personal experience with the app, I've noticed a departure from hookup culture, with fewer crude or casual opening messages compared to platforms like Tinder. Profiles on Match.com tend to be more detailed, suggesting that users are seeking more substantial connections beyond the quick swipes typical of other apps. In essence, Match.com encourages a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to online dating, prioritizing genuine connections over fleeting encounters.

How to use Match.com

Creating your profile on Match is a simple and direct process, although dedicating some time to complete it thoroughly pays off in the quality of your matches. You're presented with various prompts to assist in describing yourself, covering aspects like your physique, pet ownership, views on cannabis, and exercise habits. Additionally, you'll craft a brief summary and respond to three "topics," which are either questions or prompts (e.g., "My most memorable scar story…").

Moreover, you have the opportunity to list your interests, including your advocacies and creative hobbies such as knitting or car restoration. Finally, you can outline your preferences in a partner, specifying criteria like whether you prefer someone without children. And yes, you're allowed to upload up to 26 photos—quite a generous allowance.

How Match.com helps you sort partners

Remaining true to its roots, the website presents various methods for connecting with others. The mobile app shares similarities with Tinder, allowing users to "like" profiles and mutually match or pass. You can utilize the search tool with filters like age or distance to browse, or simply await incoming likes. Match additionally enables searches based on interests, appearance, marital status, education, lifestyle, and more, streamlining the process by avoiding deal-breakers.

What sets it apart are the reverse and mutual matching functions: Reverse matching displays those seeking individuals like you, while mutual matching shows potential partners fitting your criteria. A sidebar titled "You're their type" showcases users seeking matches akin to your profile. These features are free, a definite plus.

Managing matches and conversations is effortless across both the app and site. However, the free version limits messaging to one person daily. Nonetheless, users can engage in video chats through Vibe Check to deepen connections. Another standout feature is Match's provision of free one-on-one calls with dating experts for profile enhancement and better experiences.

Match.com pros & cons

Pros:

• Numerous features and filters
• Customized match suggestions
• Comprehensive profiles
• Abundance of photos
• Individual sessions with dating specialists

Cons:

• Costly for premium app features such as read receipts
• Fewer active users compared to certain dating apps
• Time-intensive setup process

How much does Match.com cost?

Match provides a variety of subscription packages to select from. The Standard Plan, available for a one-year subscription, is priced at $19 per month, offering the most affordable monthly rate. Alternatively, you can opt for a single month at $46, although opting for multiple months in bulk yields greater savings per month.

You have the option to buy a subscription for up to a year in advance and can also upgrade your package anytime. Additionally, there are extra features available for purchase, such as read receipts and "who's viewed me."

Cancellation policy

Regrettably, purchases cannot be refunded. However, the terms of use note that "you may cancel your subscription, without penalty or obligation, at any time prior to midnight of the third business day following the date you subscribed."

Is Match.com worth it?

The free version of Match, in my view, doesn't offer much value, but the paid version might be worth considering for those willing to invest. On the free version, my experience was fairly average. You're limited in features and functionalities without payment, whereas apps like Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder allow more free messaging capabilities. With the paid version, I found myself able to use the app more freely, browse a larger pool of users, and actually engage in conversations.

Around half of my matches responded positively to my messages, showing friendliness and enthusiasm for chatting—though there weren't as many options as I'd hoped, considering I was swiping in both Hawaii and Los Angeles. Based on my experience and discussions with others, many matches tend to be less responsive. Therefore, depending on your location, the dating process on Match may be slower, but it could be worth it for those invested in expanding their dating options.

However, there's a counterpoint to consider. Chloe Ballatore, a dating expert and owner of Chloe's Consciousness Training, notes that Match's subscription model and cost can deter people from using it. While Match consistently ranks in the top three dating apps, it's often behind Bumble and Hinge in user preference. Match saw increased popularity during the pandemic when in-person meetings were limited, but as social interactions resume, many find the cost of Match not justified compared to other options.

What real users say:

• "I've had better success with Match than any other platform; the requirement to pay for communication acts as a barrier that filters out many unreliable individuals. Your mileage may vary, especially if you're not in a major city." —Soylent_G, Reddit
• "I've given it a shot a few times. Considering the cost, I feel it falls short compared to Bumble/Hinge." —Fordo88, Reddit
• "I recently joined Match hoping to find a meaningful relationship, as it seems like other apps are more focused on casual interactions. While Match has its merits, it's not my top choice. It does have a reputation for attracting users looking for more than just casual encounters. One downside is the paywall for potential matches who might not be considered top picks. It's still early for me, and I haven't met anyone from Match yet." —Cody, 26
• "I joined a few days ago because a friend recommended it. I've used Tinder and Bumble before, and they all seem similar to me." —Jordan, 30
• "My experience with Match was positive overall, although it was three years ago. I noticed quite a few inactive profiles and used the search feature sorted by activity date to engage with active users instead of relying on swiping. Some users seemed to use the 'block' feature to hide profiles if they weren't interested, which I found helpful in managing my matches." —excellent_adventure_, Reddit
• "Match has been successful for me. I received nearly 100 messages within 24 hours of signing up (seems like fresh meat?). While I didn't read all of them, the conversations I did start were with polite gentlemen. The person I've been dating for the past 6 months was someone I met on Match, and things are going well." —FinalBlackberry, Reddit
• "I had a customer service call with Bailey, who also acted as a dating coach. She was incredibly helpful and encouraging, offering great advice on updating my profile and improving my online messaging approach." —Nadia099, App Store
• "A friend recommended Match to me, so I subscribed. However, I haven't had any substantial conversations or connections despite being on it for a few months." —Kawai, 32

The takeaway

Match can be a solid choice if you're dissatisfied with the limitations of free apps, but be prepared to invest financially. Those who prefer having access to a complete profile before matching will appreciate Match as they seek a meaningful connection.