Mainstream

Match review

The original paid dating site, built for serious relationships.

  • PriceFrom $19.99/mo
  • Free versionLimited
  • AppiPhone and Android

Our verdict

Match has been running since 1995, and most of its active members pay, so people on it tend to be looking for something real. It costs more than the apps, especially if you pay month to month.

At a glance

Best forAdults 30+ who want a committed relationship
One month$44.99
Lowest priceFrom $19.99/mo · Standard plan; the lowest price is on a 12-month plan.
Free versionMake a profile, browse, send likes and message your daily Top Picks. Reading and replying to most messages needs a paid plan.
AppiPhone and Android
OwnerMatch Group
Founded1995

Pros and cons

What we like

  • Members are mostly 30+ and relationship-minded
  • Big member base in most US cities
  • Longer plans cut the price by more than half

What to watch for

  • You can't do much without paying
  • Month-to-month price is high
  • Add-ons like Private Mode cost extra

How Match scores

  • Real, active members (30%) 8.5
  • Safety and privacy (25%) 7.5
  • Value (20%) 6.5
  • Matching and features (15%) 7.5
  • Ease of use (10%) 8.0

How we score

Features

  • Daily Top Picks
  • Standard and Premium tiers
  • Private Mode add-on
  • MatchPhone forwarding number
  • Date Check-In

Safety and privacy

  • MatchPhone keeps your real number private
  • Date Check-In to tell a friend where you are
  • Paid membership keeps out many scammers

Ready to try Match?

From $19.99/mo. You can make a profile free and upgrade later.

Visit Match

Alternatives to Match

Hinge

The prompt-based app "designed to be deleted."

Very goodout of 10 Score 8.4 out of 10, Very good
Price
From about $17/mo
Free version
Yes, usable

Best for Daters in their 20s and 30s who want a relationship, not endless swiping

Bumble

Swipe app with some of the strongest safety tools.

Very goodout of 10 Score 8.3 out of 10, Very good
Price
From about $9/mo
Free version
Yes, usable

Best for Women who want more control over who contacts them

HER

Dating and community for queer women and non-binary people.

Goodout of 10 Score 7.9 out of 10, Good
Price
From about $8/mo
Free version
Yes, usable

Best for Lesbian, bi and queer women and non-binary people

Questions people ask

How much does Match cost?

Match costs $44.99 for one month, or from $19.99/mo on a longer plan. Standard plan; the lowest price is on a 12-month plan. Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change, so confirm at checkout.

Is Match free?

Make a profile, browse, send likes and message your daily Top Picks. Reading and replying to most messages needs a paid plan. To actually talk to people you'll need to pay.

Is Match safe?

Match's safety features include: MatchPhone keeps your real number private; Date Check-In to tell a friend where you are; Paid membership keeps out many scammers. It scores 7.5 out of 10 for safety and privacy in our ratings.

Who is Match best for?

Adults 30+ who want a committed relationship. The safest default for anyone over 30 who wants a relationship and is willing to pay for a more serious crowd.

Sources

Match7.7/10 · From $19.99/mo
Visit Match