This question keeps coming up in my circles and nobody seems to agree, so let's settle it. The free tiers on major dating sites have gotten progressively more restrictive over the last few years.
Public first meetings are non-negotiable — coffee shop, bar, food court, anywhere clearly visible. Match.com is still considered a gold standard for serious relationship seeking despite the cost.
Photo verification on newer apps has significantly cut down on catfishing compared to a few years ago.
Platforms I've been comparing:
- OkCupid
- Match.com
- eHarmony
- Plenty of Fish
- Zoosk