Match Review: Scam or Real Dates?

Match is an online dating service that connects singles with other singles for long-lasting relationships and love. Match has been providing its services since 1993, but officially it got underway in 1995. The initial subscribers to the service were given a free lifetime membership. Since its inception, the Match website has grown to be one of the most reputable dating platforms worldwide, with its membership increasing each day.

Match is so confident about their services that they offer users a guarantee. If you stay on the site for six months without finding what you are looking for, they promise to provide you with an extra six-month membership free of charge. They also allege that their services have resulted in more marriages and long-lasting relationships than any other dating platform.

The Match website features can help you meet new friends, find the love of your life, and meet new mates. It also incorporates security protocols to protect its users from external attacks. But, if you want to know whether all this is true, please read through this detailed Match review.

Membership Structure

The Match website boasts of a membership of over 20 million registered users spread across the globe. A considerable number of them are located in the USA. Match also claims that the service has up to eight million premium account holders. Members on the site are also very active, and most reply quickly to messages. Furthermore, you’ll have a huge number of potential matches as there are usually more than three million users logged in every day.

The gender distribution on the site is almost proportional. There are slightly more men than women on the platform. On the site, you’ll also come across users from all age groups. If you are in a relationship, Match might not be for you as it does not serve individuals who are already committed to other relationships. The users on the platform are divorced or single.

Even though the service is mainly for heterosexuals, Match.com’s data suggests that there are almost two million users from the LGBTQ community.

Match Reviews by Real Users

There are several Match reviews by real users online. Even though not all are positive, the majority are satisfied with the services offered on the platform. This is one review by a user on Google Play Store:

Kay Bee

August 24, 2020

“A few women on here that aren’t serious about dating, which I hoped would not be the case with a paid service, but there are many other issues. First and foremost, the search feature doesn’t work. I set it to show me women within a mile, just to see the pool close to me, and it continues to show me matches far away, as far as another state! Terrible. Also, it doesn’t show when women lose their premium access and the ability to message back smh.”

Website Design and Navigation

The Match website uses a simple yet effective design. According to Match reviews on usability, most users find the interface easy to use. Also, you’ll feel in control as you use the site. For instance, it does not force you to accept the profile suggestions. You can like or skip as per your preferences. Furthermore, you can filter the results further using the filters available on the platform.

The developers also considered limitations. The interface cannot overwhelm users even if they are not familiar with the site. The site’s color-coding is perfect because the background and the text use properly contrasting colors making the texts easy to read for users of all ages. It is easy to locate different sections on each page as the site uses a very straightforward layout. You’ll also love the aesthetic integrity of the site, which balances beauty and functionality well.

Navigating the Match website is a walk in the park. You’ll encounter menus that grant you quick access to essential services on the site. Moreover, the menus are strategically located to make them visible and easily accessible. The menus are also clutter-free and only contain enough menu items. As for icons used on the site, they’re all familiar. The designers did not try to reinvent the wheel; they used the familiar icons used in all other websites. This design approach makes the site easy to learn and use.

When you make mistakes as you use the site, it will not condemn you. Instead, the site has an effective error handling system that lets you know what you’ve done wrong and what you ought to do. As if that is not enough, the service has a customer support team at hand to help you whenever you get stuck.

Registration Process and Login Information

Registering an account on Match is a five-finger exercise that takes less than 10 minutes. The site requires you to fill in the following details:

• Provide your email address. The site does not verify your email address.
• Come up with a strong password.
• Select your date of birth.
• Reveal your country.
• State your gender.
• Specify your sexual preferences.

Once you’re done filling in the details above, Match will take you to the online profile builder. This is the platform’s functionality that takes you through a bit-by-bit procedure to help you fill in your profile page with all the essential information. The information includes your physical attributes, relationship status and preferences, and your character traits.

You need also write a short depiction of yourself in the “About Me” section. You only have a maximum of 100 characters; make fair use of it, don’t fluff. It is advisable to use adjectives that best describe who you are in this section. After that, you should upload a profile photo to make your profile more appealing to other users. Although the Match website does not verify profile photos, it encourages users to upload presentable pictures. It would help if you considered that users on Match are looking for someone who could be their spouse, so present yourself as one. Follow these tips when selecting a photo to upload:

• The photo should have a bright background.
• It would help if you were alone in the photo.
• The photo should also be one showing you do what you like to do.
• Don’t share nudes or photos with children.
• The photos you upload should also be recent. Don’t share pictures that were taken a long time ago.

Online dating is a game of perception. Therefore, pictures will go a long way in helping you find what you’re seeking. Unlike dating sites that target a particular audience, Match is more generalized, and it would help if you completely filled in your profile. Take some time to ensure that your page reflects your personality and clearly states your interests.

Profile pages on the Match website are very comprehensive. All the details you provide during registration will be displayed on your page. When you visit another user’s page, the site shows you their compatibility in percentage. Just in case you don’t like the profile you’re reading, Match also provides you three extra profiles bearing similar attributes to the one you’re reading.

You’ll hardly come across fake profiles and bots as basic messaging is restricted to paying users only. Don’t share your private contact details like physical address, phone numbers, or emails on your profile to remain safe.

Communication Features

The Match website utilizes basic contacting features. Click on the “Matches” tab to open the list of probable matches. Then, peruse this list free of charge. If you are not into a user, press “Skip,” but if you are interested in them, press the “Like” button.

Whenever you press the “Like” button, the profile’s owner gets a notification from Match. The user will also appear in the record of profiles you like. If the other user likes you back, it’s a match! However, if you don’t like the members presented, you can perform your custom search using the “Discover” functionality.

Click on the “Discover” tab to access this functionality. With this feature, you’ll get access to widespread filtering options. You can sort out undesirable profiles using gender, age, or location. You can also search for users with specific character traits and lifestyle choices. For instance, you can filter out users who smoke or drink alcohol. Match website also lets you search using a keyword. Only users with that keyword on their pages will appear in the search results when you type in a keyword. If a search criterion works best for you and you would love to use it later, you can save it.

Once you find someone that interests you, it’s time to reach out. The Match website only allows users with a paid account to send messages. So, if you really like someone, you’ll have to be willing to spend. Payment plans are explained in detail later in this review.

Apart from messaging, Match also avails to its premium users the “MatchPhone” feature. It will come in handy when you wish to make a voice call to other users. The “MatchMe” feature makes your profile appear first on the listing of suggested members on another user’s search results. You can only appear on a user’s suggestions if you are well-matched with them.

Distinctive Features

Match has unique features accessible from the site and mobile application. But there is a catch! You must have a paid Match account to access these services.

• Boost – According to Match reviews, this is a favorite feature among many users. The functionality is an add-on that enables your page to appear at the top among suggestions on other users’ matches and discoveries for up to one whole hour.
• Reverse Matches – Sometimes, you might not be finding the individual your heart desires from your compatible matches. When that happens, you can try the “Reverse Matches” option. This feature offers an alternative view by presenting members with whom you have nothing in common.
• Likes – As soon as you like other users’ profiles on Match, your actions are recorded. You’ll find a record of all the members you liked on the Match website in the “Likes” tab. If you’d love to know users that “Like” you, upgrade your account category to a paid account.
• MatchPhone – This distinctive feature allows you to make voice calls on the platform. When you select this service, Match operators will create a link for you to talk to the other user securely. The communication will be through an unidentified number to keep your contacts safe.
• MatchMe – If you would like to appear at the top of other users’ search results and possible match suggestions, you’ll need this feature. You must be on a paid account to access it.
• Match Dating Guarantee – The Match website offers users an assurance that if they don’t meet their perfect match in the first six months, they’ll receive a further six–month subscription free of charge. However, to be eligible for this offer, you must have subscribed to a membership plan of not less than six months.
• Date Check-In – This feature ensures that you’re safe when you go out on your first date. With this feature, you’re allowed to nominate three designated contacts that will be contacted in case of an emergency. When you go on your date, the contacts will get details of the date like time, location, and the name of the person you’ll be meeting. While on the date, Match will send you a message enquiring whether you are feeling unsafe. If your answer is “Yes,” your emergency contacts will immediately receive an SOS message.
• Vibe Check – You can communicate with other users more personally using Vibe Check. This is an in-app video functionality that allows you to make video calls to other users. You can only make a video call to users you’ve matched with and have had a conversation with before. The user you’re calling must accept your video call invitation for the call to start.

What about mobile applications?

Users can download the Match app for free on their Android and iOS devices. It has minimal storage requirements, so it will not affect your phone storage. You can access all the services available on the Match website from the app. However, according to Match reviews online, many users find the app easier-to-use than the website.

Navigating the app is more user-friendly, so you can effortlessly use it. The interface is clutter-free and uses conventional icons for essential services like messaging. Even though it is available for free when downloading, you must pay to access premium services.

What are the costs of using Match Dating Services?

Once you register, the platform lets you access free services. However, you cannot achieve much with an unpaid account. If you choose to upgrade to a premium account, select between premium plans and standard plans. A standard plan will grant you access to the essential services, while a premium plan will unlock the platform’s more exclusive functionalities.

Free Features

These are the things you can do with a free account:

• Sign up and make a user profile.
• Like other users’ profiles.
• Use the Discovery feature to look through member profiles.
• Play the MatchMaking game.
• Get compatible matches.
• Scan through other users’ pages.

Services you must pay to access

Once you upgrade to a paid account, Match will grant you access to the following features:

• Send messages to other users, including using the Instant Messenger.
• Know who checked out your profile.
• Get notifications when others have read your messages.
• Get featured in daily matches.
• Use the MatchPhone functionality.
• Browse the site incognito.

Here are the payment plans:

Premium Plans

Duration	Costs	Total
3 Months	14.99 USD / Month	44.97 USD
6 Months	11.49 USD / Month	68.94 USD
12 Months	8.99 USD / Month	107.88 USD

Standard plans

Duration	Costs	Total
3 Months	12.99 USD / Month	38.97 USD
6 Months	9.99 USD / Month	59.94 USD
12 Months	7.99 USD / Month	95.88 USD

Mobile Premium

Duration	Costs
1 Month	44.99 USD
3 Months	119.97 USD
6 Months	149.94 USD

6-Month standard account on mobile costs 137.97 USD.

Boost

Credits	Costs	Total
1 Credit	0.99 USD / Credit	0.99 USD
5 Credits	0.80 USD / Credit	4.00 USD
10 Credits	0.60 USD / Credit	6.00 USD

Payment methods supported on Match

Make payments for your selected plan using your Credit Card or PayPal account. When your subscription ends, Match automatically renews it. The site allows you to cancel your subscription whenever you like. However, when you cancel your subscription, you still have access to your existing one until it comes to an end.

Does the Site Protect its users?

The site has put in place specific protocols to keep users on the platform safe. For instance, limiting essential communication to only premium users has helped keep scammers away from the site. When you read any Match review touching on the platform’s security, most believe that the site does not have scammers.

It commits to protecting user information from illegal access, modification, obliteration, or leaking. The site moderators also usually examine the activities on the site for any weaknesses and attacks. They also use firewalls and antivirus software to prevent users from being attacked by malicious code when they log in or download the app.

Regardless of the site’s security measures, it still encourages users to remain vigilant. There is always one or two scammers that slip through the safety net. It empowers users with the ability to block other users with improper behavior. It also encourages users to report such users for further action from the site administrators.

When you go out on a date with someone you met on the platform, Match follows up with a text to ensure you’re safe. If you feel any danger, it alerts your emergency contacts immediately with details of your date. However, it would help if you exercised precaution when meeting someone for the first time. Here are some tips:

• Don’t invite them into your home on the first date.
• Don’t agree to a meeting if you are not ready.
• Choose a public place like a restaurant where you’ll not be alone with your date.
• Come with a friend just in case.

Apart from that, read other users’ Match reviews to learn from their experiences on the platform. Beware of users who seem too perfect as they may defraud you.

Bottom Line

Match dating has established itself as one of the leading dating platforms in the world. More than 20 years of experience make them better placed to understand the dynamics of online dating. This is evident from their unique features and well thought out membership plans. With more than 20 million users to select from, you’ll not miss your match for sure. So, if you feel it’s time you settled down with your soulmate, then register an account on the Match website and start the journey to find your spouse.