eHarmony was a trailblazer in the online dating industry when it launched nearly two decades ago. Today, in the era of dating apps, the platform has evolved to stay relevant.
Unlike Tinder, eHarmony employs a completely different strategy. It emphasizes gathering detailed data to create meaningful connections that are likely to lead to long-term relationships. This involves a strong focus on specifics, such as in-depth questionnaires and comprehensive profiles, which can take up to 25 minutes to complete.
While some might find this process tedious, others view it as a worthwhile investment of time and effort to connect with a partner who has real potential—especially when considering the positive impact relationships can have on your overall well-being!
Advantages
- Comprehensive profile details
- Personality assessments provide in-depth insights about potential matches
- View compatibility ratings for every match
- User-friendly website interface
- Option to check who has viewed your profile and who you’ve viewed
Disadvantages
- Limited gender and sexual identity options (only “man” or “woman” for self and preferences)
- Lengthy setup process
- Many profiles lack detailed information
- Reports of a smaller active user base
- Minimal features available with a free membership
Clinical Psychologist Neil Clark Warren’s Vision
In 2003, clinical psychologist Neil Clark Warren, Ph.D., founded eHarmony, just before social media gained prominence thanks to a Harvard dropout’s creation of Facebook. The platform quickly became a favorite for those seeking romantic connections through its unique “Compatibility Matching System,” which involves users completing an extensive quiz to see how their results match with others.
Unlike Tinder, the site aims to distinguish itself by focusing on fostering serious relationships, boasting that over 2 million people have “found love” through its services.
The site encourages, and sometimes even requires, users to complete a comprehensive profile, fostering a level of depth that is often missing in the more simplistic swiping apps (although not everyone chooses to do so).
It’s important to note that the paid membership is the only one worth considering—the free version is far less impressive in comparison.
Getting Started with eHarmony
Make sure you have some free time when you begin setting up your eHarmony profile, as the process will take a while. New users need to complete a compatibility quiz consisting of 80 questions covering various topics, including personality type, communication style, and more.
The questions range from inquiries like “Is it important that your belongings are organized properly?” to choosing between two images to determine which one you like better (similar to a Rorschach inkblot test).
If you choose to pay for a membership, you’ll receive a personality report based on the quiz you took, along with personalized relationship advice.
Once you finish the compatibility quiz, you can create your profile, which took us at least 20 minutes. You can select from a wide array of icons that represent your lifestyle, hobbies, and interests (e.g., art, music, etc.), sports, travel preferences, and more.
Features and Functionality of eHarmony
Like other dating apps, eHarmony also encourages you to upload photos. Don’t expect to skip this detailed process, as the free version requires you to complete enough of your profile before you can message others or view their profiles.
Once you’ve filled out your profile, the website becomes easy to navigate, allowing you to search for matches based on your preferences. When viewing someone’s profile, you’ll see a compatibility score that shows how your results align with theirs.
It’s worth noting that there’s a big difference between the free and paid versions, especially when it comes to viewing other users’ profiles. To see a match’s photos and send messages, you need to upgrade to a premium membership.
eHarmony Subscription Costs
The price of eHarmony varies depending on factors like your location and where you are in the sign-up process. On average, you can expect to pay between $12 and $60 per month.
eHarmony subscriptions are available in 6-month, 12-month, or 24-month bundles. The longer your commitment, the lower the monthly cost.
The six-month Premium Light membership is priced at $24 per month, which is a discounted rate (regularly priced at $60 per month). This totals $144 for the six months, making it the most affordable option.
The 24-month Premium Extra membership costs $12 per month (regularly $30 per month), totaling $288.
Is eHarmony Worth It?
eHarmony could be a good choice if you’re ready to invest financially in finding a serious relationship, especially if other dating apps haven’t been effective for you. The platform is focused on long-term connections, making it ideal for those seeking stable relationships.
If you prefer to get to know other users better before starting a conversation, this platform’s format might appeal to you. Unlike many other sites, eHarmony emphasizes compatibility matching, allowing you to choose potential partners more carefully.
Why eHarmony is a Top Choice for Serious Relationships
After trying several dating sites, we’ve found that eHarmony stands out as one of our top recommendations for individuals seeking a serious relationship. The company even claims to be behind 4% of marriages in the U.S., as noted by couples’ therapist Kyle Zrenchik, Ph.D., LMFT, ACS.
We believe this success can be attributed to the thorough sign-up process, which helps filter out those not interested in a committed relationship.
Is eHarmony Right for You?
If you’re looking for serious, long-term relationships and find apps like Tinder or Bumble too superficial, eHarmony can be a great alternative — but be prepared for a higher cost and more time spent searching.
What sets eHarmony apart from sites like Plenty of Fish and Match is its strong focus on compatibility. This approach reduces uncertainty and the time spent finding a suitable partner, as the app carefully matches users based on shared traits and values.
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