Best Online Dating Sites � Comparing Free vs. Paid Subscription Sites

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Being divorced for several years, I have tried my hand at online dating, experimenting with a number of different sites, and I know from experience that for someone new to the process, it can be rather intimidating and confusing.

You might be wondering which site is best for you, and if you should bother paying for a membership or not. To help answer that question, keep the following in mind: Free sites are geared toward casual daters, while paid sites tend to be for people looking for a serious relationship. Of course, it’s not always that simple, and there are exceptions. But the key to finding the right site (or sites) for you depends on what type of relationship you’re in search of.

Free Online Dating Sites

If you’re just dipping your toes back into the dating pool, free sites can be a great place to start. You may even find that online dating isn’t right for you � if that’s the case, all the better to find out without investing much into the process.

Free sites generally offer more flexibility for different types of relationships, including casual hookups and same-sex relationships. In fact, they’re not even exclusively for dating, as OkCupid allows you to be married or in a relationship but looking for friends. Free sites may also work better for individuals who are separated, but not yet divorced (or separated with no immediate intention to divorce).

1. PlentyofFish

• Specify Relationship Type . One of the best features of PlentyofFish is that it allows you to specify exactly which type of relationship you’re looking for, from a hookup, to friends, to casual dating, to a long-term relationship, to marriage. The site matches you up based on a variety of factors, such as location, interests, and even your browsing history � this means that if you input that you are looking for someone in his or her 40s, but are browsing people in their 20s, both will show up as matches for you.
• Personality Test. PlentyofFish also offers a personality test to better match you with others. You are asked to describe your personality in one word or phrase, such as �homebody,� �coffee snob,� �techie,� or �foodie,� and you can search for matches by personality type.
• Browse Anonymously. When browsing profiles, many users choose to set their profile to �anonymous,� which has proven to be a popular site feature. Browsing is further customizable by utilizing basic search or advanced search (which narrows your parameters), searching by username, or by searching for those looking for the same type of relationship as you.
• Free Chat and Emailsmunication with other users on PlentyofFish is incredibly simple � you can chat for free, as well as send and receive emails. You can even set the parameters for who can email you. For example, you can choose an age and geographic range, specify that they must not be married, are nonsmokers, and so on.
• Users Can Rate Your Picture. You may see this as a benefit or a drawback. However, a higher rating allows you to be viewed more often and more positively by other members. It goes without saying that you want the picture you post to be one of your best.

While technically a free site, PlentyofFish offers you the option to purchase a membership upgrade. This allows you to find out who’s viewed your profile, find out if your messages were read or deleted, browse ad-free, send unlimited gifts, and increase your profile’s traffic. Upgrading costs $ for three months, $ for six months, or $ for one year.