The most common online dating service: Match

These guys are everywhere. Match is the exclusive dating service on MSN, Aol, and a billion other sites. They also advertise heavily, both online and off, so they are "the" dating site in the minds of many netizens.

If you've ever searched an online personals database, chances are, it was Match. By being out in front of so many "eyeballs", they have gained a huge number of profiles, which enables them to present users (you) with the most choices possible when it comes to eligible singles.

But the advantages end right there. Match is still using the older, personals search method to connect singles, which is definitely not as effective as the matchmaking systems used by better dating sites such as Udate, Kiss, or even FriendFinder.

However, you can set-up a profile quite easily, which allows you to use a more advanced two-way matching function, as well as having new profiles e-mailed to you.

Match also offers some extras not found at other dating sites, such group trips for singles, cruises, and other special events. These sound good, but are more of a gimmick than anything else.

The one great extra feature you'll find is the MatchScene page, with fresh content geared towards new users who need some help getting started. Just look for the "MatchScene" tab on top right corner of every page.

Also, clicking on the "MatchInfo" tab right next to it brings up the site map, which will help you navigate all the content and search pages.


Click here to quickly search Match personals, although we'd recommend that you set-up a profile which will allow you to dig little deeper.


Stats and facts:

Total users: 6 million
Percent active: 20%
Total profiles with photos: 1 million
Number of new daily users: 12,000
Private email: yes
Private chat: yes
Site speed: fast
Ease of use: easy search



Read our reviews of the best dating services.