Match Review

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Written by dating expert Jennifer Carter.
Last updated: February 19, 2021
Page Contents

Dating and relationships can be hard. Finding the love of your life can feel like you are searching for a needle in a haystack. Match is a dating website that is known all over the world as being one of the best places to find long-lasting love. What makes Match so successful is that it provides you with multiple opportunities to communicate with others who have the same interests and relationship goals as yourself. With a wide variety of membership options, sponsored local events, and a positive global reputation, Match is a dating website that you can trust.

This Match review will provide you with everything you need to know to help you navigate the site so that you can meet your forever date!

pros
  • Thousands of singles use Match
  • Easy sign-up process
  • Affordable premium membership options
  • Vibrant, user-friendly website
  • Offers a profile boost add-on and video chat feature
  • Hosts local events and vacation experiences for singles to meet in person
cons
  • So many membership and add-on options can be a bit overwhelming
  • Lengthy photo approval process
  • Limited communication without paid membership

Member Information

When using the Match website to conduct your search, you will have access to a great deal of information about a member without having to have a paid membership. The information that is available on the website is substantial and even more becomes open to you with a paid membership plan.

Member Information match-review

When you first visit the website, you will be prompted to identify your age, zip code, and the type of partner you are seeking. It is in your best interest to be honest when answering these questions as it will impact how the software matches you up with potential mates. Once you have answered a few questions, you will be prompted to create a profile.

create a profile match-review

The profile creation process happens along with the sign-up process.

Sign Up Process

Rating
4.5/5

Whether or not you have a Match coupon, the sign-up process is the same. Be prepared to answer a variety of questions about yourself, some of which may take you by surprise. When I signed up, I was surprised to be asked about alcohol use and my current smoking status. While these characteristics may be important to some, it never crossed my mind to consider them when finding a mate. These questions prompted me to think about my values and preferences for choosing a mate who enjoys alcohol or smoking tobacco.

sign-up process match-review

Creating your profile is easy and does not take much time compared to other dating websites. You will be asked the typical demographic information such as your name, age, height, and weight. You will also be prompted to provide your education level and whether or not you want to have children. There is an opportunity to disclose your marital status, if you already have children, and whether or not they live at home. Answering these questions up front will allow you the opportunity to meet someone who is compatible with your lifestyle.

After the demographic information section is complete, you will then be asked to identify some of your interests. While you are answering questions to complete your profile, the Match software algorithms are diligently working to link you with others who fit your interests. These potential interests show up at the bottom of your screen. The more interests you select, the better your selection of potential mates becomes.

selection of potential mates becomes

After you have identified your areas of interest, you will be offered the opportunity to choose a topic and write about it. If you see a question that you are not keen on answering, do not worry as there are a plethora of question options. Simply click on ‘choose a topic’ and you will be provided with a library of potential questions. Answering a question will help break the ice and provide additional information in your profile.

information in your profile match-review

Once you have created a profile, you will be given the opportunity to upload up to five photographs. It is important to note that when you upload photos, Match has a lengthy approval process which can take several business days before your photograph is published.

Contacting People

Rating
3.0/5

There are a variety of ways to connect with another member. You can send a “like” message to someone for free, which alerts the person that you are interested in them. However, if you want to send a conversational message, you will need to invest in a premium membership plan before you are able to do so.

So, how does Match work if you don’t have a paid membership? It is difficult to access the full Match site and all its functions without investing in the paid features.

Contacting people pretty much requires a paid membership in order to be successful.

Profile

Rating
4.0/5

Match prides themselves on stringent policies and operates with strict safety measures in place. One of the ways that Match prohibits fake accounts or bots from infesting their dating site is by requiring that all new members receive a verification via text message before they can create an account. Even after you have verified that you are a real person by entering the number you received via text message, you may still have to go through additional verifications. This will require you to call into customer service and answer a variety of questions to ensure that you are a real person who is genuinely looking for love online.

Profile match-review

So, how do I contact Match by phone? Unlike most dating websites, Match provides a customer service help line. This help line is established to provide great customer service, answer questions, and take reports of unacceptable conduct.

Mobile App

Rating
4.0/5

The Match app is available for both iOS and Android. It is important to note that the Match dating app basically looks the same no matter which platform that you choose to use. The Match app offers you the flexibility of searching, connecting, and discovering potential mates from your smartphone. This is especially useful if you do not own a computer or you travel a lot and only have access to your phone.

The Match app

Unlike many other dating websites, the Match dating app is also available on the Apple Watch. This is super convenient as it allows you to interact with potential love interests while you are on the go. How is it different from interacting with the Match app on your phone? The Apple Watch is much more discrete which means that you can see if you have a new match while you are in an important business meeting or even if you are out on a bad date. When you have access to the Match dating app on your phone and Apple Watch, you don’t have to worry about missing an opportunity to connect with the love of your life!

Match dating app on your phone

The Match app is available for Android devices and actually ranks higher in satisfaction on the Android platform. Many users tout that they enjoy the ability to view “read receipts” after sending a message. However, it is important to note that on the Match app, the only way to view such a receipt is if the person responds to the message. Otherwise, the message disappears, and you are not able to see if it was read or not.

Match app

Another great feature of the Match dating app is that it allows you to answer questions that are considered “conversation starters.” This is ideal as it helps to break the ice.

The reason we did not give the Match app 5 stars is because some members have complained that it is impossible to delete their account from the app. After significant research, we identified that it is possible to hide your Match profile on the Match dating app, however, it can be difficult. To hide your Match account via iOS, you will need to launch the Match app, click on the menu button located in the top left, select settings. Once in settings, look for ‘profile visibility.’ From there, you can click to hide your profile. It is not possible to delete your account in its entirety from the Match dating app at this time.

Membership Options

Rating
5.0/5

Many ask the question, “is Match free?” While Match does have a free version, it is limited in functionality and doesn’t offer much as it doesn’t allow you to communicate with anyone.

Is there a Match free trial? From time to time, Match does offer a free trial or other promotions, however, these promotional offers are intermittent and not predictable. But the good news is before investing in a paid membership, you can experience the Match 3 day trial for free. This trial consists of 72 consecutive hours allowing you the opportunity to message people of interest.

If Match does anything well, it is offering a plethora of membership perks to paid members. So, how much does Match cost? After the trial period expires, you will need to purchase a premium plan to continue messaging or reading messages from people. Keep reading our Match review for important details about the cost and feature comparison between plans.

Investing in a premium membership is a smart idea and is backed by Match’s satisfaction guarantee. This guarantee promises that if you do not find a significant match within your initial 6 month paid membership period, you will be granted an additional 6 months for free. It is important to note that there is fine print that should be read in order to take advantage of this guarantee.

Membership Options match-review

Out of all the dating websites available, Match has the best features. The premium membership includes the ability to see who has an interest in you and provides unlimited messaging. Read receipts allow you to identify if someone got your message and you will also be provided with top picks on a daily basis.

The premium membership

The most popular membership plan is the 6-month premium plan as it offers the most features for over 50% off the regular price. If you want to save a few dollars a month, you can consider the standard plan, however, it is important to note that you will not receive all the features that are included in the premium plan.

standard plan match-review

Match also offers unique add-on features such as “boost” which will make your profile more visible for an hour at a time for a small fee. You can purchase “boosts” in small increments or one at a time.

Boosting your profile

The boost feature guarantees that you will enjoy a significant increase in profile views. The best time to boost your profile is during busy periods, also known as ‘Rush Hour’ on the site. Boosting your profile to the top of one’s list during ‘Rush Hour’ is a great way to put yourself out there and land a date!

Boosting your profile to the top

Vibe Check-Video Chat

The ‘Vibe Check-Video Chat’ feature is unique to the Match.com. This feature can be accessed from both the Match dating app and the website. The only stipulation in being able to Vibe Check with another member is that both members need to have acknowledged the ‘terms and conditions’ of this feature.

Vibe Check is a great option for those who think they are compatible with another member but may not be ready to meet in person. The Vibe Check feature allows you to have a face to face conversation over a mobile device as long as both members have liked each other’s profiles and messages have been sent back and forth.

It is important to note that even if you have conversed with another member and you have liked their profile, you still have the ability to deny a Vibe Check invitation. You also do not have to worry about receiving ‘Vibe Check’ conversation requests from random people as you will need to opt into the conversation before it can take place.

Match Events

When comparing the Match dating app to any other online dating service, Match has many more opportunities to connect with others. From time to time Match will offer hosted events in cities all over the world. These opportunities are private events that allow Match members to gather in one location and meet in person. This provides a fun and safe way for singles to meet in real life and enjoy a night out on the town. These events have been so successful that Match has extended them to other countries and included vacation options! Members receive discounted offers on Match events which is another great perk to investing in a premium subscription.

The Bottom Line

While the premium membership is costly, the Match dating app is considered the gold standard of all dating websites. Whether you are using the Match app or the website, there are a plethora of ways to make your profile stand out from the crowd. Match plans exclusive events for their members to meet in person and they offer live video call capability for all paid members who opt in to receiving video calls. Match is inclusive, available worldwide, and is the #1 trusted source of finding true love on the internet…

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to find a Match promo code?

Finding a Match promo code doesn’t need to be hard. The best way to find a Match promo code is to conduct a quick Google web search. Doing so will bring up a variety of Match coupon options that you can try. One helpful tip in finding a Match promo code is to include the year in which you are searching. The reason for this is that a Match promo code can still be listed online even after it is expired.

How does Match vs eHarmony compare?

The sign-up process is lengthy on eHarmony, but this is because their compatibility profile match software is considered to be the best for providing you with detailed information about other members. Both eHarmony and Match have a great reputation for linking singles up with others, resulting in long-term commitments and lasting relationships. When comparing eHarmony vs Match, the biggest difference is that the compatibility test offered by eHarmony takes about 20 minutes to complete and connects you with like-minded individuals, whereas Match takes a few minutes and also links you to those who are compatible.

How does Zoosk vs Match compare?

The biggest difference between Zoosk vs Match is that the conversations tend to be more substantial on Match. Zoosk will match you with compatible singles, but the ability to send lengthy messages to one another isn’t really there. The Zoosk messaging system operates more like instant messenger, whereas, Match messaging takes the form of an email and goes to a member’s inbox. It is also important to note that Match attracts more serious members who are seeking a serious, long-term, committed relationship.

Which is considered better? OKcupid vs Match?

Comparing OKcupid vs Match is quite simple as they are both owned by the same parent company. Both websites offer much success in finding a compatible love interest which is why they are so popular. The main difference in comparing OKcupid vs Match is the membership fees. OKcupid has less fees, however the site is not monitored for bots and fake accounts in the same way that Match is monitored. OKcupid and Match are both considered dating sites to try if you are interested in finding a love interest. However, if you are searching for a serious, permanent relationship, Match is your best bet. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”

Is Match.com for gays?

Yes, Match com is inclusive and is gay friendly. While Match for the gay community is most active in larger cities, you can still have success if you live in a small town or rural area.

What is the Match 3-day trial?

The Match 3-day trial provides you with an opportunity to try out Match.com for free for 72 consecutive hours. You will have access to all the features that you would enjoy with a paid membership. It is important to note that in order to enjoy the Match 3-day trial, you will need to enter a credit card that can be charged for a subscription should you fail to cancel your membership before the expiration of your Match 3-day trial.

How to delete a Match account

When deleting your profile from the Match app, you will have the most success by accessing the website. Once on the website, you will need to access ‘My Account Settings’ which is located in the top right corner of the website. Click on ‘Manage Membership’ and you will be able to cancel your membership. It is important to note that once you cancel your membership, your information will still be retained; however, it will become hidden. To reinstate your Match account, you will need to sign in and reactivate your membership. It is important to note that in order to be able to delete your Match account, you will need to turn off the auto-subscribe function. Otherwise, you will continue to be charged membership fees.

How do I contact Match by phone?

Match.com can be contacted on 1-800-926-2824