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With so many dating apps on our phones — most of which are free or nearly so — traditional dating websites can feel outdated and overpriced.
But if I asked whether you’d be willing to spend £25.99 to meet the love of your life, what would you say? Okay, maybe not your soulmate, but what about a few genuinely great dates, or even a year-long relationship?
Personally, I’m so tired of answering, ‘So, how have the apps been treating you?’ over a lukewarm pint that I’d happily pay that price, which, coincidentally, is what a month of eHarmony costs on their six-month plan.
eHarmony remains one of the most prominent names in online dating, thanks to its psychology-based compatibility framework. It attracts serious daters, the kind who aren’t just idly swiping, from all walks of life.
Instead of relying on proximity or a shared fondness for ‘pubs,’ eHarmony aims to match you with people who could actually become your partner in crime. They claim that every 14 minutes, someone finds love on eHarmony, so let’s see if I’m that lucky.
eHarmony
Rating: 4 stars
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Price: Free basic membership available, but premium plans are required for full access. Premium Light: £25.99/mo for a 6-month membership. Premium Plus: £13.90/mo for a 12-month membership. Premium Extra is £9.90/mo for a 24-month membership.
Paid subscription options: With eharmony’s Premium membership options, members unlock unlimited messaging, full photo access, enhanced search tools, and the ability to see who has viewed your profile.
Number of users globally: Tens of millions of users globally and over 4.5 million in the UK.
Age range: You must be 18 years or older to join eHarmony, and there’s no limit.
Inclusivity: Three gender options (male, female, and non-binary) with the ability to select multiple genders as your dating preference. Less emphasis on ethnicity and appearance.
Reasons to use:
- Super inclusive, you can choose from multiple gender identities and select more than one gender as your sexual preference.
- Explains why someone has been matched with you, highlighting traits like personality compatibility or conflict-resolution style.
- eHarmony’s signature personality test provides compatibility scores and curated matches based on deeper data, not just location.
- Attracts users genuinely seeking long-term relationships and marriage, rather than casual dating or hookups.
Reasons to avoid:
- The questions don’t address basic partner preferences like age or height, that has to be filled in later. Finding the filters is also a confusing process.
- A paid subscription is required to send customised messages and access matches’ full profiles.
- The lengthy personality survey and detailed profile setup may put some users off.
- While the focus on deep compatibility is a strength, it can also lead to fewer matches compared to swipe-based apps, which some may find discouraging.
Our Verdict
eHarmony stands out for its inclusivity, in-depth personality questionnaire, and thoughtful match explanations, making it ideal for those seeking serious, long-term relationships. While the process is time-consuming and the free version is limited, the site’s focus on compatibility over swiping offers a more intentional dating experience, though its higher cost and smaller queer match pool may not suit everyone.
How we test
Our writers dive deep into every dating app they review by creating real profiles, filling out every prompt, and seeing who (and what) they attract. They test the full experience, from messaging features and match quality to what you actually get for those premium fees. We approach each app with equal parts curiosity and critique, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you download. Learn more about how we test dating sites.
Why trust us
Fleurine is a seasoned dating and relationships writer whose work has explored the highs, lows, and downright bizarre sides of modern love for outlets including Glamour, Betches, Dazed, and HuffPost. She’s been in her fair share of long-term relationships, situationships, and summer flings, and she’s no stranger to a first date (or fifty).
What is eHarmony?
eHarmony is a relationship-focused dating site that uses an in-depth personality questionnaire to match users based on compatibility rather than swipes. It caters to singles seeking long-term relationships, offering curated matches and detailed reasoning for each connection. With inclusive gender options and a focus on values and personality, it appeals to those ready to invest time and effort into finding a meaningful partnership.
eHarmony review
Immediately, eHarmony got in my bisexual good graces by the inclusivity offered. They offered gender options of woman, man, and non-binary, and you could indicate any of these as your preferred gender. But a step further: you could indicate multiple genders. This is a definite step up from EliteSingles, where I could only show interest in one of two genders.
eHarmony is certainly the most thorough dating site I’ve used in my tenure. The questionnaire takes a while to fill in—pour yourself a big cuppa first—but approaches all aspects of your identity and what you’re looking for. In fact, it’s helpful to fill it out just to force yourself to really consider what you’re looking for in a partner. It even asked why I’m single and what I consider a successful relationship, beyond love. However, I was a bit disheartened to complete this long, long questionnaire and then be faced with the prospect of filling in my entire profile, which was empty. That was definitely disheartening.
Onto my matches, there were quite a few, including three ones they particularly thought I would like. I appreciated that a reasoning was given for each match, and it wasn’t just that we both enjoy hiking or listening to Taylor Swift; it covered conflict resolution styles, values, and the deeper stuff. However, I decided not to match with one of them (sorry, John Doe!), only to find them pop up in my matches again. Was it due to a lack of other matches or their paid subscription muscling its way in? No clue.
Something that drew my attention is that you can see how many other people have liked a user, with numbers entering the hundreds. This felt more like Instagram than online dating. On one hand, I appreciated the social desirability of it, but it also felt a little off-putting to the experience.
You’re somewhat limited on the basic package, as you can’t view photos or initiate conversations, so it’s definitely worth investing if you plan to use eHarmony.
How does it compare to similar products?
Despite indicating interest in men, women, and non-binary users, I only received one female match out of more than a dozen. Queer daters may find better success on platforms like Feeld, BiCupid, or OkCupid.
eHarmony has a larger user base than EliteSingles, but members come from a wider range of professions — including several students in their late twenties — so it’s worth considering what matters most to you. The age range tends to skew older, making it ideal for those in their early thirties through to their fifties or sixties — because love has no age limit. If you’re in your early twenties, however, you might want to stick with more classic apps like Hinge, Bumble, or Tinder, even if you’re serious about finding something lasting.
Unlike swipe apps, you have more time to look through your matches and compare them, rather than making a split-second decision.
How does it rate online?
On Trustpilot, eHarmony has a modest 2.8-star rating. However, most of the negative reviews stem from subscription issues, unexpected renewals, and difficulties cancelling memberships, with several users also frustrated by unhelpful customer support. When it comes to what actually matters, aka finding compatible matches and forming long-term relationships, the feedback is far more positive, with many users praising eHarmony’s success rate.
FAQs
What is the average age of people on eharmony?
A significant portion of eHarmony users fall within the 30–49 age range, making it particularly popular among professionals and those ready for something serious. While there are younger and older members as well, the platform generally attracts individuals who have moved past the casual dating phase and are seeking lasting connections.
Is eharmony better than Tinder?
It really depends on what you’re looking for, but if your goal is to date with intention and find a long-term partner, you’ll likely have better luck on eHarmony than Tinder. The time and cost involved naturally filter out those seeking something casual, who are far more at home on Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble.
How much does eharmony cost?
eHarmony does not offer a single fixed price, but instead provides different tiers of eHarmony Premium memberships, with costs varying by subscription length and potentially other factors. Prices for Premium can range from around £13.90 per month for a 12-month plan to potentially higher monthly rates for shorter commitments, such as six-month plans costing closer to £25.99 per month. A free Basic membership is also available, offering limited access to features, but it requires an upgrade to Premium for full functionality, including unlimited messaging and access to all features.
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