Best Online Dating Sites

Generic vs. niche sites

If you're asking yourself, "Should I sign up for a generic dating site or a niche site?" the answer may be both.

Generic dating sites are designed to attract a wide range of people. They may contain a personality test or a questionnaire for members to fill out to give a general idea of what a person is like and some of their interests. There are people looking for long-term relationships, short-term relationships, casual hookups, and even friendship. Members have the opportunity to meet millions of people from around the world and each one could be a potential match.

It's common for people to go to generic sites like Match.com and eharmony because they have been tested and deemed more trustworthy. Most generic sites have an extensive, transparent privacy policy explaining how and when your data will be used.

However, going through thousands of profiles can be overwhelming. When there are too many choices, people tend to second guess their choices, leading to doubt and discontent. Some people may pass on potential dates if they are constantly looking for something better.

While filling out personality tests and the "About Me" section is generally useful in helping people get to know each other, some things are left out. It's almost impossible to put thoughts, opinions, and every personal detail into a small profile box. A potential date may see that you like hiking, but if you don't put rock climbing as well, they might pass on your profile.

Niche dating sites are for daters looking to find others with common interests, lifestyles, or beliefs due to their religious, cultural, or lifestyle choices. When signing up for a niche dating site, most people are under the impression that others on the site want similar things. This means they will have to spend less time filtering out irrelevant profiles and can spend more time connecting with like-minded people. A niche site is tailored to specific people and their interests. For example, a religious dating site (like Christian Connection) is more likely to have specific denominations of churches rather than just a generic umbrella term.

Niche sites will have fewer profiles and members, so you may run into the same profiles over and over.

Free profiles and paid subscriptions

Most online dating sites and apps allow anybody to sign up and offer a basic plan or a trial version for free. Depending on the site, a basic plan might only include looking at profiles, but not being able to send messages. Other plans allow members to post on discussion boards; however they limit how often you can post.

Members who are willing to pay and subscribe have access to additional features and services that are likely to increase the chances of meeting compatible potential matches. Plans vary in prices and can cost anywhere between $8 per month and $60 per month. Some companies offer month-to-month, 3-month, 6-month, and annual plans.

Many paid subscriptions are on auto renewal; if you don’t cancel your membership, the company will assume you are continuing your membership and charge you for re-enrolling in the plan. And while members may cancel their subscription at any time, most online dating sites don’t issue refunds for the remaining portion of the membership.

Background screening

Most sites don’t conduct criminal background checks or screenings on members. Members are fully responsible for any losses or damages whether direct or indirect. Members who decide to meet in-person are responsible to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. Several online dating sites provide “Dating Safety Tips” which explain how members can protect themselves from a hacker or scammer. If a profile is reported for inappropriate activity or some other reason, companies do have the right to conduct criminal background checks/screenings at any time.