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Zoosk

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LAST UPDATED: December 17th, 2023

Zoosk has over 40 million members worldwide, with more than 3 million messages sent per day. Unlike other dating apps and sites, Zoosk users can utilize their algorithm to find matches, or browse by preference. Users are evenly split between males and females, providing you a great chance of finding your true love. There is a free version of Zoosk available, and members can use this service easily on their mobile device by downloading Zoosk from the mobile app store. It is also available via Amazon and Facebook Apps.

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Attention: Zoosk reviews reveal subpar customer service and other concerns.

Positive Zoosk reviews (below) state that the online dating site is easy to use, reasonably secure, and a great way to meet locals in the area. However, the majority of user reviews reveal that customers aren't happy with the number of out-of-date profiles, fake accounts, and scammers on Zoosk. Other reported issues include subpar customer service and difficulty canceling a premium membership or deleting Zoosk accounts. 

Keep reading to learn more about Zoosk pros and cons or read feedback from real users. 

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The Good

  • Easy Profile Set Up
  • Match and Search Features
  • Dating Insights and Advice
  • Zoosk Couples

Easy Profile Set Up   

Signing up for Zoosk doesn't take quite as long as some other online dating sites with in-depth personality questionnaires, like eHarmony, EliteSingles, and Match.com. Either an email address or a Facebook account is required to register online. If you sign up with Facebook, you can easily upload a profile picture from your account. You can create a Zoosk profile in about 10 minutes (depending on how much information you give). 

The site asks for basic information such as height, gender, body type, children, education, religion, a few pictures, and other information to help members get better matches. There’s an option to add a 1,500 character story to your profile. You can also describe your perfect match or ideal date in 1,500 characters each.

Each Zoosk member can input their interests and go into detail on what their ideal date would be. Each user has the option to verify their Zoosk profile with their social media, either a Twitter or Facebook account. You can also use photo verification or verify your account with a cell phone number. This helps to improve  your reputation on Zoosk. 

The Zoosk mobile app also makes it easy to update any information and find potential matches. The dating app is available to download Zoosk in the app store for iOS devices Android devices.

Match and Search Features

Zoosk gives you plenty of options for interacting and matching with other users. Unlike many dating websites that it competes with, Zoosk's dating platform lets a person experience both major types of online dating in one service: scientific matchmaking based on an algorithm and location pairing for nearby matches. Zoosk members can also connect by searching for profiles using advanced filters, chatting with users online, and sorting profiles on carousel. 

Scientific Matching 

Zoosk has a premium feature called SmartPick, which evaluates your compatibility with other Zooskers. It uses Behavioral Matchmaking technology to learn from which profiles you like or pass on to streamline your match suggestions in the future. It also offers a survey to help you get more compatible matches. You will find your match suggestions in the SmartPick feature. 

Location Pairing 

This section lets users search through local singles, with lots of search filter options, including a geo radius of 3 to 100 miles. You can even save search parameters for easy access later. 

Filtered Searches

Users can search for matches with Zoosk’s advanced filters. Narrow down your search by height, gender, body type, children, smoking habits, education, religion. If you find a potential match, let them know you are interested by sending them a like, smile, or message.

Real-Time Interactions 

The “Online Now” feature allows you to chat with other users who are currently on the app. You don’t have to wait and wonder if someone will log back on and view your message. With the “Online Now” feature, you know you are connecting with an active user. 

Carousel Sorting 

The carousel feature is similar to the Tinder matching system. Users quickly determine their interest in another Zoosk member based on condensed profiles. You can select yes, no, or maybe on each profile. If you both get a mutual yes, you can start messaging one another. This is also one of the features that helps determine the SmartPick matches. 

Dating Insights and Advice

Zoosk's blog is filled with hundreds of articles about online dating. Members can read through the articles to get dating advice, learn how to stay safe while online dating, learn how to send and respond to messages, and find the latest dating studies. There are even articles about marriage and ways to make a long-term relationship last.

Zoosk Couples

Zoosk has an entire success story page showing off the men and women who have used Zoosk and found love. The site shares the stories of couples who are currently in a long-term, serious relationship, married, or happily in love because of Zoosk.

While this isn't a dealbreaker for whether people should sign up for the site, it is nice to see couples who have braved the online dating world and found love.

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The Bad

  • Consumer Complaints
  • Limited Virtual Dating Options
  • Pay to Message, Chat, and Use Other Features
  • Coin Costs and Limitations
  • Automatic Renewal
  • No Refunds
  • Does Not Attempt to Verify Information
  • No Customer Support Hotline

Consumer Complaints

Out of more than 80 BestCompany reviews collected, the average Zoosk review rating is less than 1.5 stars out of five.

What are the biggest complaints that people have about this online dating service and app?

  • Fake profile issues — Many people feel that Zoosk is littered with fake profiles and online scammers.
  • User experience — The dating site is mentioned several times as overly difficult to navigate.
  • Customer service — Several reviews report that Zoosk customer support is subpar at best.
  • Bait and switch messages — Many report that the platform is regularly sending bogus messages to get non-paying Zoosk free members to sign up for a paid membership.

Additional common complaints include how difficult it is to delete your Zoosk account or cancel a premium membership and the excessive push for basic account members to make in-app purchases.

Limited Virtual Dating Options

Zoosk does not partner with a video chat service. Competing online dating sites have a feature that allows you to set up a virtual date. This is a disadvantage for long-distance relationships or socially distanced dates.

Pay to Message, Chat, and Use Other Features

Customers looking to sign up for a Zoosk subscription can pay per month or choose between three-month or six-month subscription options. You will also need to pay an additional one-time activation fee when you upgrade to a paid Zoosk membership. 

Online daters will have to sign up for one of Zoosk's monthly subscriptions to message, chat, see who's viewed them, and see Connections from SmartPick and Carousel.

While free members can see full profiles of other members in Online Now and Search, there isn't much more that you can do on Zoosk for free. The Zoosk free trial is merely for those looking to see how the site works and if it's right for them.

If you want to message anyone on the Zoosk app, you will need to become a premium member.

Coin Costs and Limitations

Like most online dating platforms, Zoosk offers subscription plans and online currency purchases. Zoosk cost is comparable to other online paid dating platforms. 

Coins can be purchased by both free members and paid subscribers. Zoosk coins can be used for a variety of features on the platform, including the following:

  • Boost — Zoosk highlights your dating profile in search results, inbox messages, and other users' Carousel.
  • Unlock Carousel Matches — Unlock another member's profile, suggested to connect with users that have expressed interest in you. 
  • Buy Virtual Gifts — To show interest in another person and differentiate yourself from the crowd, you can use 10 to 100 coins to buy them a virtual gift. Gifts are basically cute little graphics of things like hearts, a gem, lips, a cupcake, a bouquet of flowers, and more.
  • Delivery Confirmations (for paid subscribers only) — Also known in the dating app world as “read receipts,” this option will let you know when another person has opened your chat message
  • Go Invisible — Pay to browse and view member profiles for 30 minutes without being shown in their Views list

Coins can't be used to chat, send, or read messages. You still have to be a paid subscriber to access messaging and chat features. While the coin feature provides users with unique upgrade options, this style of payment can end up adding a lot of frustration on the user side. Even after you upgrade, you will receive notifications to buy coins which could end up costing you a lot more than you originally budgeted. 

Automatic Renewal

Zoosk members should know that subscriptions will automatically renew unless the account is canceled before the end of the premium subscription term. This is typical of an online dating subscription but can catch users off guard if they are not anticipating the charge. 

No Refunds

In its Terms of Service, this dating website mentions that all charges are nonrefundable and there are no refunds or credits for any partially used Paid Services (including partially used subscription periods) and Zoosk coin balances.

Does Not Attempt to Verify Information

While users have a slew of Verification options to list their profile as verified, they should also be aware that Zoosk currently does not routinely screen registered users, inquire into the background of its users, attempt to verify information provided by its users or conduct criminal screenings of its users.

This isn't unique. It's pretty common in the online dating industry.

No Customer Support Hotline

If you need help with something, there are only a few options outside of help articles and video tutorials. You can contact customer support through an on-site email form. A customer service hotline is not offered on-site. Additionally, live chat is not a contact option on this platform.

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The Bottom Line

People looking for a generic dating site with plenty of users can consider Zoosk as an option. Zoosk is a recognized name, and there are quite a few people who have found success using the site. Setting up a profile is easy and there are some good blog posts on how to navigate the world of online dating.

However, a significant number of consumer reviews reveal some issues with the service that daters might find troublesome. Many customers have a problem with the fact that the site only allows those with paid memberships to use any features. Other online dating sites usually have one or two free features for non-paying members, but Zoosk pretty much requires members to pay to message, chat, or anything else. Once purchasing a subscription, many members felt that it wasn't worth their time and money, as they thought there was a substantial number of scammers and fake profiles.

Overall, we recommend online daters find out more about Zoosk before signing up for a paid subscription and scroll down to read online reviews.

Have you tried out Zoosk in search of your perfect match? How did it go? Would you recommend this dating service to a friend? Let us know about your experience with a quick review below.

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Star Rating

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1.7

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288 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

3%

4 grade

3%

3 grade

3%

2 grade

9%

1 grade

83%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Virginia Mosley Duncan, BC

I am an older woman, who looks about 10 yrs younger than my actual age so it is difficult find a man who fulfils my needs. I attract younger men who like my looks and I get about 15 t0 20 men looking at my profile every day, but most of them are still viewing me for several days, but not contacting me. I have been on this site for three plus years, and have had several actual contacts with nice guys. They are nice, but not for me. I am a fussy lady! I like this site, but will be leaving, soon because I haven't found my mate. I have tried many sites over the last 5 years, but no luck with Mr. Right. I have read the criticisms of the people who are critical of this site, and wonder if they know how to use a computer! I have not had any problem with it. It is easy to use, and easy to pay and cancel my membership! It's the one site I've stayed with because of the number of nice men.

1 year ago

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Tammy Pajakowski Grosse Pointe, MI

In November 2020, I was about to delete the app, because I was looking for a partner and true love. I had never met anyone in person because most of the men that I did respond to turned out to be inappropriate, requesting nude pics etc. The day that I went to delete my profile, I decided to scroll through one last time. I received a message from a man that just looked genuine and kind! After reading his message, I had a really good feeling about him so we talked for about a week before I met him in person. It turns out that he actually was a very kind man, looking for the same things in life that I was looking for. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we were truly soulmates! We got engaged in June 2021 and just got married on July 16, 2022.

1 year ago

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Mr. D TN

Why Five Stars...this is my second post as you may have noticed. I just got an email from Customer Service that they are refunding my charge. That was the right thing to do! But, I would have rather met "Joy" the one I was interested in.

9 months ago Edited June 21, 2023

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Amber Glasgow, GLG

Love it! I like to get updates on who sent me a message and who is viewing me. Personally, this is helpful. I also met my BF at Zoosk, and it is still a great experience so far. :) However, since it is not free, I hope the communication of customer service can be more active.

2 years ago Edited November 17, 2021

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Toni Montuori

zoOSK is a great place to meet ppl. The service in competitively priced, set up and navigation thru pages is smooth and easy. They have a wide base of clients and are well known. I’ve used zoOSK multiple times over the years without complaint and I would use them again.

2 years ago

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Kim Eagle, ID

I had to give them 5 stars because I found the love of my life from this site. We are still together since that first blind date January 2014. While everyone may not find their match this way, i had to share how this site has brought me more true love and joy than than ive ever felt in all my 45 years of life. Thank you thank you thank you.

6 years ago

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Kymberlee Yack Orem, UT

i've been using zoosk for awhile now and it is so fun! i love that it's been super safe and reliable so far, because online dating can be a little scary. but i totally trust these guys, i've had really good matches so far!

5 years ago

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Hailey Nilson Salt Lake City, UT

Zoosk is awesome! The site is simple and easy to uses. You always get thorough bios of the people you're interested in, and the quality of people I've met through the site is amazing.

5 years ago