eHarmony was a trailblazer in the online dating industry when it launched nearly two decades ago. Today, in the era of dating apps, the service continues to evolve to keep up with daters’ needs.
Unlike Tinder, this platform takes a different approach. It focuses on collecting detailed information to create meaningful connections that could lead to lasting relationships. This involves an emphasis on depth, such as in-depth questionnaires and detailed profiles, which can take up to 25 minutes to fill out.
Some might find what this tedious, while others see it as a worthwhile effort to connect with a partner who holds real potential—especially when you think about the positive impact a strong connection can have on people’s 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 seen your profile and who you’ve checked out.
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 a Harvard dropout’s creation of Facebook changed the world. The site quickly became a favorite for those seeking romantic bonds through its unique “Compatibility Matching System,” which involves an extensive process to see how people match with others based on their responses.
Unlike what Tinder, the dating site distinguishes itself by focusing on nurturing long-term relationships, proudly stating that over 2 million people have “found love” through it. The site prompts, and sometimes forces, members to put thought into a detailed disclosure, fostering a level of care that is often missing in the more casual swiping apps (although not everyone chooses to commit to this).
It’s worth noting that the paid membership is the only one worth considering—the free version feels far less impressive in comparison.
Getting Started with eHarmony
Make sure you have some free time when you start setting up your profile, as it will require some effort. New people need to go through a compatibility quiz with 80 questions covering topics like what personality type and communication approach.
The questions range from ones like “Do you care if your belongings are organized properly?” to picking between two images to decide which one you like better (similar to an inkblot test).
If you choose what to pay for a membership, you’ll receive a personality report from the quiz you answered, along with tailored relationship advice.
Once you finish the compatibility quiz, you can create your profile, what requires at least 20 minutes. You can choose from a variety of icons that reflect your hobbies and interests (e.g., art, music, etc.), sports, travel preferences, and more, allowing people to get to know you better.
Features and Functionality of eHarmony
Like other dating apps, this platform also encourages you to share photos. Don’t expect to skip this detailed step, as the free version requires you to complete what sufficient portion of your profile before you can message people or view their profiles.
Once you’ve filled out your profile, the website becomes easy to navigate, allowing you to find matches based on your preferences. When looking at someone’s profile, you’ll see a compatibility score that indicates what how well your results align with theirs, helping people assess potential connections.
It’s important to highlight that there’s a significant difference between the free and paid versions, particularly when it comes to accessing other users’ dating profiles. To see a match’s photos and send messages to people, you need to upgrade to a premium membership.
eHarmony Subscription Costs
The price of this platform 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.
Subscriptions are offered in 6-month, 12-month, or 24-month packages. The longer the commitment, the more affordable the monthly cost for those selecting extended plans.
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 centered around building long-term bonds, making it perfect for individuals looking for stable, lasting connections.
If you prefer to get to know other users better before starting a dating 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 testing various dating platforms, we’ve found that this service stands out as one of our top recommendations for those looking for 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 seeking serious, long-term connections and find apps like Tinder or Bumble too shallow, eHarmony can be a great alternative — but be ready for a higher cost and more time invested in the search.
What distinguishes this platform from sites like Plenty of Fish and Match is its strong emphasis on compatibility, ensuring a more accurate profile match. 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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