Scoring system
How we score dating sites
Every dating site or app we review gets an overall score out of 5. The score is based on five criteria and is given by our editorial team.
5 criteria, one overall score
We review each service against the same criteria. Click a criterion to see what we look at.
Example: Tinder
4.4 / 5
The 5 criteria in detail
Here is what we look at for each criterion.
1. User-friendliness
Finding your way around should be easy. We look at how intuitive the platform is, how simple its features are to use and whether the layout and design help rather than get in the way. It should be quick to sign up, create a profile and get to the good bit.
We also consider clear terms, how easy it is to manage your account and whether the service works on the devices people actually use.
- Getting started
- Navigation
- Layout and design
2. Features
A dating service can be simple or offer many tools to help people connect. Having a lot of features is not enough for a good score: they need to make the experience better and help you find a match, not simply fill a page.
- Tools for connecting
- Real usefulness
- Free or paid
3. Activity
We look at how many members a service has and how active they appear to be. A large membership means little if few people take part. We also consider where members are, because a service concentrated in certain parts of the UK may not suit someone living elsewhere.
- Number of members
- Active members
- Spread across the UK
4. Seriousness
We take the purpose of each service into account. Some aim at lasting relationships and others at something more casual, so a casual platform does not automatically get a low score. What matters is whether people are genuine about what they are looking for.
- What members want
- Depth of profiles
- Clear purpose
5. Price
Most sites and apps ask for a premium subscription to unlock every feature. A low price does not guarantee a good score: we look at what you get for your money, whether there are affordable options and how clear the payment terms are.
- Value for money
- Subscription length
- What is free
Why you can check our work
We are open about partnerships
We explain how we score services and say openly that we have commercial partnerships with many of those we cover. How we rank dating sites
Scores and partnerships
The order of our comparisons can take these partnerships into account, and the score is always shown next to each service.
Help us improve
The market moves quickly and a new price can pass us by. If you spot something wrong, let us know. It is one of the best ways of keeping our content accurate.
Always check before you pay
Prices, features and terms change. Before you subscribe, check the terms on the provider’s own site: those are the ones that apply.
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