Match.com vs OkCupid
In a modern world, with the hectic schedule and a high-speed rhythm of life, online dating becomes more and more relevant. More people choose to join dating sites over traditional dating approaches.
According to a Pew Research Institute 2015 survey, 15% of Americans have used dating sites or apps — up from 11% in 2013. These platforms are designed to meet your needs: whether to find the partner for a long-lasting relationship, a future spouse or just the person, with whom you can hang out with.
Feature | Match.com | OkCupid.com |
---|---|---|
Subscription price for 3 months | $19.99/month | Basic: Free A-list $14.95/month A-List Premium $29.90/month |
Subscription price for 6 months | $17.99/month | Basic: Free A-list $9.95/month A-list Premium $24.90/month |
Browse before joining | + | + |
Compatibility test | + | |
Personality test | + | |
Match based on profiles | + | + |
Profile checklist | + | + |
Open-ended questions | + | + |
Activity Status | + | + |
Who’s viewed | + | Paid version |
Search by profile criteria | + | + |
Search by photos | + | + |
Keyword search | + | Paid version |
Relationship search options | + | |
Winks | + | |
Match ratings | + | + |
Text alerts | + | |
Instant messages | + | + |
Organizes live meetings | + | + |
Mobile app | + | + |
Privacy settings | + | + |
Large user base | + | |
Daily matches | + | |
Live chat | + | + |
Customer service by phone and email | + | |
Creative questionnaire | + |
Dating platforms offer a huge range of benefits. First and foremost, they are fast, easy, and convenient. All you have to do is to join the website, create and edit your profile and start browsing the singles. This option is perfect for busy people or for those, who don’t like traditional methods of dating.
Secondly, online dating is a win-win option for shy people as it offers more a relaxed atmosphere. You have time to consider the profile thoroughly and take your time before writing or replying the messages. In the long run, you are likely to find the match without traveling out of your comfort zone. On top of that, online dating implies text conversations and phone calls before the meeting in a real life. So, you have time to feel comfortable with the person and to get to know him or her better.
Also, you meet more people online. In the real life, the circle of your friends is restricted due to the place of residence, place of work, hobbies, and interests. But the dating website allows you to meet people you would be unlikely to encounter in your ordinary life. Thus, it will increase your chances to find a potential partner.
When it comes to online dating, there are websites, which are on everybody’s lips: Match.com and OkCupid.com. These sites operate in more than 24 countries and are available in more than eight languages.
So, if you are to choose between these two platforms, consider the major features of each website and the benefits they provide. Here is the detailed comparison of these two platforms.
1. General Information
Both websites are owned by the media and internet company InterActiveCorp (IAC) and both of them have apps. Match.com is one of the oldest dating sites as it has started its activity in 1995. The website is targeted at the mature people, who want to build a long-lasting and serious relationship.
As for OkCupid, it was launched in 2004 and the audience of the website is young people, who are looking for carefree meetups. However, the platform may be used for the search of the serious relationship.
2. Availability
Match.com is available in 25 countries and in more than eight different languages. As for OkCupid.com, it is also available in many countries, including Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South Africa. Besides, it is also available in many languages.
3. Features – Match.com vs OkCupid.com 1:0
Both websites give many ways in order to be engaged in communication. But in the meantime, they are different. Thus, on Match.com you receive daily matches, based on your preferences and search criteria. Besides, the Match offers a plethora of features, which you may consider while choosing the potential partner. You may select the age, weight, height, the color of the eyes and ethnicity. Also, the Match offers many options such as Favorites, Message, Like or Wink. The system will send a notification after one of these actions. Besides, the option to browse privately and to boost your profile is also available.
Considering OkCupid, it is also functional. You may edit your profile and update search filters by answering open-ended questions. You are welcome to view other profiles, like them, send messages. Besides, you see the activity status and the list of people, who have viewed your profile. The paid version features the ability to turn on the “incognito” mode and to boost the profile. On top of that, the site is known for its superior privacy settings.
Bottom Line:
Match.com offers more features, which engage people in the dating process.
4. Sign-Up Process – Match.com vs OkCupid.com 2:0
The signing up is easy to complete on both websites. To sign in, you should provide information about yourself: the birth date, the country of residence, your email. Also, you should pick your username, select your gender and the gender of the person you are looking for: the man, woman or both.
Here, the further process becomes different. OkCupid offers a typical registration and provides access to all functions. Thus, after the initial phase, you can move into the bio section: you describe yourself and answer a couple of random questions to get matched with other people. Then, you can like other people’s profiles to help the site to identify your type. Then, you can upload pictures and later you are welcome to use it.
As for Match.com, it gathers much information about you and the registration takes from 15 up to 30 minutes to complete. You’ll have to complete a detailed questionnaire about yourself (starting from appearance, interests, lifestyle, up to religious beliefs) the age range and the qualities you are looking for in another person. Then, before you begin using the site, the profile should be approved. Usually, it takes up to 24 hours.
Bottom Line:
Thus, Match.com provides a more complicated registration process than OkCupid, and the major drawback is the profile should be approved.
5. Pricing – Match.com vs OkCupid.com 2:1
Technically, Match.com and OkCupid.com may be used for free, but the OkCupid’s free version is more functional. Match.com features the trial membership, but it doesn’t offer the complete range of features. To be exact, you can view daily matches, browse and like profiles, and add some profiles to your favorites. However, the free version doesn’t allow you to see who viewed, liked, or favorited your profile. Besides, the major drawback is that you can’t send messages first, only reply the messages of the people, who have paid for a subscription.
If you choose the paid account, the Match allows you a flexible payment system – you may pay month by month. Here is the subscription pricing:
- A single month’s subscription costs $35.99 per month.
- A three-month subscription costs $19.99 per month.
- A six-month subscription costs $17.99 per month.
- A year’s subscription costs $15.99 per month.
Besides, there are some “add-ons” which you can choose. For instance, the guarantee that anyone can reply to your emails will cost $9.99 per month, the control who sees your profile will cost $9.99 per month. The receiving of notifications when your emails are read will cost $4.99 per month. If you want to stand out in the search results and be introduced to new members, will cost $4.99 per month. On top of that, if you want to talk and text without sharing your number, you will pay $3.99 per month for this.
Moving to OkCupid.com, it offers you a majority of functions for free (with ads). The free version allows you to post pictures, view other profiles, like them and send messages to other users. However, there are two subscription plans, which give you a wider range of functions. A-list gives you ad-free experience, more search options, provides the ability to see who liked your profile and check whether the message was read or not. Besides, you can visit the profiles invisibly. The A-list plan looks as follows:
- A one-month subscription will cost $19.95.
- A three-month subscription will cost $14.95 per month.
- A six-month subscription will cost $9.95 per month.
Also, OkCupid features the A-List Premium. It gives the opportunity to boost your profile and you’ll be seen by many users, which will increase your chances to find the partner. Besides, you can see more attractive matches and your messages will go to the top of everyone’s mailbox.
The A-List Premium costs as follows:
- A one-month subscription costs $34.90.
- A three-month subscription costs $29.90.
- A six-month subscription costs $24.90.
Bottom Line:
Thus, OkCupid offers a wider range of functionality in the free version and a more affordable pricing for monthly subscriptions.
6. Quality Of Matches – Match vs OkCupid 3:2
Match.com is focused on helping you to find the long-term relationship. Match allows you to browse the entire site and the entire database is available. It gives you freedom and it has a unique pair matching because the site takes into account the information, submitted in your profile and your behavior on the site. For instance, if you stated that you look for the tall blonde, but browse through the results, offering you short brunettes, the site will show you the results, based on these factors.
As for OkCupid, it features more interesting profile prompts and the results of the search take into account the Question section, which may incorporate even silly questions. It gives enough information, which can be very useful when it comes to political or ethical issues.
Bottom Line:
Depending on the aim, both sites give you quality matches.
7. Using The Service – Match vs OkCupid 4:2
Match.com and OkCupid.com are pretty functional. You can browse the profiles, “like” them, see who “liked” you, send messages and add to favorites. However, each platform has its own distinctive features.
OkCupid offers you to answer revealing questions. The more questions you answer, the more accurate the matches will be. Some people say that questions may be too silly, but actually, they help you with the search.
The process of browsing profiles is easy as you can adjust the search by using the filters. For instance, you may choose the height, language, religion, ethnicity, vices, and the type of the relationship you are looking for. The messaging operates the instant messenger.
As for crafting the profile, it may require some time. You can upload your pictures and fill sections about yourself. However, there are no drop-down menus for selecting popular hobbies. The section “You should message me if” helps you draw a clear picture of what you are looking for. For instance, you should message me if you liked my profile and looking for a serious relationship.
As for Match.com, browsing the profiles and messaging work in the same way like in OkCupid. Your search is based on the mutual match, which is based on your preferences. Besides, you may use the reverse search, it is based on the other person is looking for. Also, there is one helpful function. You may search via communities. So, you may find people, who share the same interests and hobbies.
On top of that, Match.com suggests you Daily Matches. Every day Match.com selects profiles, based on their and your preferences. Every day you receive different matches, so it’s a great reason to come back to the site every day.
Bottom Line:
Match.com gives you more opportunities to find the match by offering different types of searches and Daily Matches.
8. Aesthetics & Interface – Match vs OkCupid 4:3
Match.com offers you a standardized dating site interface. It offers daily matches, the custom search (gives the list of people from your region and who is online), the reverse search (allows you to browse profiles of people, who are looking for the person with your qualities). Also, the website features “mutual matching.” It means that you can find the person, who has written the same in the “About Me” section. The site layout is intuitive and that is why it is easy to use. The profile suggests the necessary information: the online status, the full bio, the qualities he or she is looking for. Also, there is the button to add the profile to the favorites.
As for the OkCupid, it helps you to present the information in a more cohesive way. Eventually, the presented information looks more interesting than if you were using Match.com. The basic details are located to the right of the text and you can fill in information in certain blanks. The information about the desire to have or not to have children, the presence or absence of pets, vices is revealed in a cleaner and more cohesive way than on Match.com
Bottom Line:
OkCupid presents information in a more cohesive way and some people find its interface more appealing. However, the Match has a more functional interface.
Conclusion
If you are to choose between the Match and the OkCupid, think about your relationship goal, and then consider the advantages each site provides. Here is the comparison table you may consider.
Thus, Match.com is a more mature and serious relationship-focused dating platform. The subscription for Match.com may be pricey, so it is the indicator of those people, who are serious about their search and want to establish a real connection. The platform has Match.com Guarantee, which means that if you don’t find the match within 6 months, you’ll get another 6 months free. The major drawbacks are that the registration and a varied search with the plethora of options may be too time-consuming.
As for its counterpart, Okсupid.com, it may attract fewer marriage-oriented people than the Match. The underlying reasons for it are a casual and open interface and a free service. If you don’t know what relationship you want – either casual or committed, use this platform. The dating pool is just as good as you’ll find anywhere else on the Internet. The paid version offers many additional tools, which make searching and messaging more effective. Eventually, you spend less time on search and get better results. The major flaws are that the database is not as rich as Match.com has and a free service attracts many scammers, so you should be careful about your search.
All in all, if you want a reliable platform with many options for communication and unlimited matches to discover, Match.com is your best bet. If you want to have fun, meet new and creative people and you are not sure about the type of the relationship you want to build, Okсupid.com is your ultimate choice.
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