MatchMaker Review
Our Overall Score: 82%
Powered by Date.com, MatchMaker is a site devoted to helping people "Find Someone Special Today". MatchMaker has the distinction of being one of the earliest pioneers of online dating which should mean that it’s got the process down pat. That's why it's surprising that the search functionality is so limited as compared with other up-and-coming dating sites, as is the profile creation process, with no personality tests and far less room for expressing individuality. Click here to learn more!
On the other hand, the upshot of this is that you may get more matches (ruling out far fewer prospects) and therefore have more chances to get to know a fellow member one-on-one (be it via email, IM, chat, or otherwise). Also frustrating to newcomers considering joining Matchmaker is that there is absolutely no browsing of the site, the profiles, photos, or features without at least signing up for a Free Membership. MatchMaker includes subsidiary sites Gay.MatchMaker.com and Lesbian. MatchMaker.com (making membership a bit difficult for bisexuals). The site is also affiliated with what is likely the most in-depth dating e-zine on the web, date.info: "The Webzine of Date.com
Relationship Types
Heterosexual
Homosexual - automatically redirected after signup to Gay.MatchMaker.com or Lesbian.Matchmaker.com, depending of course on your gender
Bisexual - must create separate profiles for M/F match and same sex match
Marriage
Serious
Casual
Friends
Regions
Global site serving countries around the world with particular emphasis in the U.S. and Canada.
Free Trial Membership?
Yes!
Features included in free membership:
post a profile
browse and search other users' profiles and photos
show interest in other users
receive emails from paid members
Features not included with free membership:
Chat
Instant Messaging
Top ranking in search results and all the other great advanced features of the site
Cost
$29.95 for one month
$59.95 for three months
$89.95 for six months
$119.95 for a year
Number of Members
Over 2 million members (50% male, 50% female)
Safety / Screening Process of Members
Although there is no screening of members at MatchMaker.com, all personal information is encrypted by Thawte before travelling across the internet.
Search Functionality / Options
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Browse by state (U.S.) or province (Canada)
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Browse by popular world cities
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Quick Search - age range, proximity
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Advanced Search - can include factors like interests and physical attributes
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One-Click Matches - automated results based on your profile
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Keyword Search
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Narrow search results
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Browse who's "Online Now" and sort the results for even easier browsing
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Custom Search with MatchMarkers - set up custom searches and from then on any profile you view will have an icon beside it indicated which (if any) of your saved searches the profile matches
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Browse Featured Members
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Browse New Members
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Browse who has a Birthday this week
Organization / Ease of Use
MatchMaker is one of the models by which other dating sites have designed themselves, so usability on the site should be familiar to anyone who's ever browsed another dating site before.
Every (relevant) link on the site is accessible from your Home Page and your Profile page.
One unique feature MatchMaker offers that it's surprising other sites haven't yet duplicated, is the Notes to Self feature, whereby, you can leave yourself comments, reminders, etc. alongside specific member profiles, helping you keep track of your thoughts and interactions on all the various and sundry people you browse and meet.
Member Interactivity
- Private, anonymous, web-based email
- "Show Interest" - sends your profile to another user
- Chat in the chat rooms
- Instant Messaging
- Audio/Video Messaging
- HotList - for savings and easily referring back to favorite member profiles
- Voice Greetings
- Notes to Self - unique feature that's rather like leaving yourself a post-it note on top of a person's profile
- Make your profile Invisible - so people can't tell that you're currently online
- Block members - a useful feature made less attractive by notifying the members you're blocking that you're blocking them (kind of defeating the purpose)
- Date Mobile - use features of the site via your cell phone, smartphone, or wireless-enabled PDA
Refund Policy
