eHarmony vs OkCupid: The Ultimate Guide on the Best Dating Site
The First Impression
eHarmony vs OkCupid is an interesting comparison. The two have been in the online dating scene for a while. However, eHarmony went live earlier in 2000, while OkCupid was launched in 2004. Users on eHarmony are looking for more serious relationships, while those on OkCupid are interested in various types of relationships, including hookups and new friends.
When you join eHarmony, you should be ready to meet users who want to settle down in a serious relationship. You should also be willing to pay a premium to access the best of what the site has to offer. On the other hand, on OkCupid, you can access core functions with a free account, and the environment is easygoing as you can flirt around with girls and make new friends.
So, which one between the two dating sites is the right one for your dating needs? Find out by going through this review in its entirety. In the end, you will have all the details to make an informed choice.
Functional Differences: eHarmony Features vs OkCupid Features
While eHarmony and OkCupid are all popular dating sites, they offer different online dating features. It is crucial to note that eHarmony seems to control you as the site offers a guided dating experience. As a result, users have non-existent control over who to talk to. The only control you have is the answers you provide in the questionnaire.
The site does not offer anything new per se, but it has all the essential communication features. Most of the functionalities you will find on the site are present on other dating sites.
On the other hand, OkCupid is a functional dating platform, but it does not have sophisticated features to brag about. The site does not focus much on romance and connections. You are free to search for hookups, friends, or any other options you are interested in at that moment. The site also has several unique features to make your dating experience more immersive.
Therefore, when it comes to functionality, OkCupid is a more functional site because the members are in control of searching for their perfect matches. eHarmony only requires users to fill in the personality survey and takes over the process.
Biggest Advantages
| eHarmony | OkCupid |
|---|---|
Excellent privacy and security features. The profile building process is thorough. It does not have in-app transactions. It offers video dating. Its matches are more accurate. |
Members can use core features for free. The user profiles are detailed. It has inclusive gender and sexual identities. It offers users flexibility while searching for matches. It has a massive user base. |
Biggest Shortcomings
| eHarmony | OkCupid |
|---|---|
The premium services are relatively expensive. Basic features are reserved for premium members. The sign-up process can be overwhelming. Users’ browsing is very controlled. It does not offer a variety of communication features. |
Its search function has flaws. It interrupts free users with many ads. It does not have video chat functionality. It has many fake profiles and scammers. Free members cannot see who liked them. |
Interface Differences: Which Is More User-Friendly?
The visual impact of a dating site is essential. Users don’t like a dating site with an overdone interface as it can be overwhelming to use. They tend to prefer simple, attractive, and functional interfaces.
eHarmony uses a minimal layout with a few visual enchantments. When you first visit the site, you will get the impression of an old conventional website. If aesthetics drive you more, you might skip the site if you don’t know how good it is at offering dating services. The designers of eHarmony focused more on the layout and functionality as opposed to aesthetics.
Similarly, OkCupid’s website design is also basic. The site design is straightforward, and the interface has cartoons and robots in the registration phase. You will encounter robot comments as you interact with the site. While the site cannot be regarded as horrible, it still is uninspiring.
Who Has Better Design/Overall Aesthetics?
eHarmony’s interface has a superior layout, while OkCupid’s basic design makes it easy to use. Therefore, in matters of the interface, the two sites are not so different. No dating site really stands out from the other, so it is a tie.
Availability
| eHarmony | OkCupid | |
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Available | Available |
| iOS | Available | Available |
| Web/Desktop version | Available | Available |
| Countries | Over 200 countries | Over 100 countries |
eHarmony User Base: Demography and Popularity
eHarmony and OkCupid are both dating sites of international repute. They both had a humble beginning and later expanded into popular international dating services. eHarmony is available in more than 200 countries and is particularly well-liked in western countries. On the other hand, OkCupid is accessible in slightly over 100 countries. It is not licensed to operate in the US, but it is accessible in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In this regard, eHarmony wins the popularity contest. This can be confirmed by the site’s user base as well. OkCupid has a membership of around 10 million members, while eHarmony boasts up to 29 million members. Moreover, there are more active members on eHarmony than on OkCupid. Data from both online dating operators indicate OkCupid registers a million logins weekly while eHarmony records 16 million logins every week.
On both sites, the majority of the members are aged between 25 and 34 years. This fact shows that the sites must be good at what they do to be able to attract a youthful user base despite having simple interfaces. The only difference is that the members of eHarmony are looking for serious relationships, while those on OkCupid are interested in different kinds of relationships. It is also critical to note that all singles on eHarmony are straight, while those on OkCupid are of different sexual orientations.
Men and Women Proportion
On eHarmony, you will find that the ratio of men to women is almost equal. However, there are slightly more men than women on the site. According to the website, men are more than women by 6%. Moreover, the majority of both genders are aged between 25 and 34 years.
On the flip side, there are more male members than female members on the site, and the difference is quite big. According to the site, 65% of its members are male, while 35% are female. Moreover, the majority of both genders also fall in the 25 to 34 age brackets.
Profile Details and Settings
eHarmony’s user profiles are very detailed. The site allows users to update or change their profiles whenever they feel like it. Also, you must upgrade to a premium account if you want to view other users’ profile photos. eHarmony boasts of providing its members very accurate matches, and that can be attributed to profile quality.
Your eHarmony profile contains the information you provided on the questionnaires. Besides that, your profile also includes:
- Photos.
- An “About Me” section.
- Details on your preferences.
- The compatibility level of visitors in various areas of your life.
The majority of members on the site have filled in all the details on their profiles. When you visit other users’ profiles, the site shows your compatibility level. The compatibility tab guides you on whether your personality and thoughts about relationships would match.
On OkCupid, user profiles have a photo gallery followed by your profile summary, which you will write. The majority of the users don’t have detailed “About Me” sections; they have written a few lines because this section is mandatory. The profiles also require users to answer a few questions about their matches. You will choose the questions you are comfortable answering.
For example, you can provide details about personal preferences, relationships, and religion.
The profiles also show the percentage of compatibility between you and the user profile you visit. Therefore, the more details you provide, the more accurate your matches will be.
When you compare user profiles on the two sites, it is apparent that eHarmony has better user profiles than OkCupid. The profiles on eHarmony are more detailed, and this helps users to get more accurate matches.
eHarmony vs OkCupid: Searching and Matching System Differences
Your main goal when you join an online dating platform is to find your perfect match, right? On eHarmony, the site is committed to doing the heavy lifting for you thanks to its accurate matching formula. The website will provide you with daily match suggestions based on your profile details. You can also get matches outside the usual compatible ones to widen your options.
Besides that, the site also allows you to refine your proposed matches using age and location (for premium members). Suppose you don’t find someone you like from a day’s match suggestions; you have to wait until the next day for fresh proposals.
On the other hand, OkCupid uses the Tinder-Esque swiping to browse through profiles. For all the profiles you visit, the site offers a percentage of how you match based on the details you provided on your profile. The system is effective as it allows you only to engage users with similar interests.
Unlike eHarmony, OkCupid does not limit your searches to daily match suggestions. You can expand or narrow your search using the search functionality. The last search options you use will be available the next time you want to search.
When you compare the two dating services, OkCupid seems to have a better searching functionality than eHarmony. However, eHarmony’s matches are more accurate than OkCupid’s. Moreover, you are unlikely to be overwhelmed by options on eHarmony as it restricts the singles you can deliberate on every day.
Chances to Find Serious Relationship
You are more likely to find a serious relationship on eHarmony than on OkCupid. This is because most members of eHarmony are looking for serious relationships. Moreover, the site’s matching and general functionality are designed to help users find long-term relationships.
Chances to Find Casual Relationship
While you can also find serious relationships on OkCupid, it is ideal for users searching for casual relationships. Many of the users on the platform are looking for casual relationships. Moreover, the site allows users to filter their searches using relationships type as a parameter.
User Safety and Fake Profiles
Both sites implement the industry-recommended security features. Based on their privacy policies, the sites use SSL encryption software to help keep user data safe. They also use firewalls and antivirus software to prevent their systems from malicious programs.
Besides that, the sites also allow their users to block and report users portraying unbecoming behavior. However, eHarmony has more superior security features like strictly scrutinizing new users before approving their profiles. It also reserves most of its functionalities for paid users to keep away jokers and scammers.
In this regard, eHarmony has fewer fake profiles. On the other hand, OkCupid tends to have more fake profiles because its core features are available for free. This attracts scammers to set up accounts and defraud other members.
User Verification Process
On eHarmony, you can use the SMS Verified feature to increase the credibility of your profile. This feature uses your phone number with an associated area code within the country you have signed up from. Furthermore, the site asks for your phone number and sends you a verification code via SMS. Enter this code on the site, and your profile is verified. OkCupid also uses SMS verification to verify user profiles.
Moderation Process: Reporting Fakes and Scam
Both sites also allow their users to report and block users breaking the site’s code of conduct. For instance, when a user asks you for money or violates any set rules, you are allowed to block them. When you block a user, they cannot see your profile and can’t communicate with you. Both sites also have moderators who receive these complaints and act accordingly.
Pricing and Upgrades
eHarmony and OkCupid both allow their users to access services for free and upgrade to a premium account to access more services. But, as mentioned earlier, OkCupid gives its free members more benefits than eHarmony. Here are the premium service costs for the two:
eHarmony
| Duration | Costs / Month | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Months | 9.98 USD | 59.90 USD |
| 12 Months | 2.99 USD | 35.90 USD |
| 24 Months | 1.08 USD | 25.90 USD |
OkCupid
A-List Basic Account
| Duration | Costs / Month | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Months | 7.95 USD | 7.95 USD |
| 3 Months | 6.35 USD | 19.05 USD |
| 6 Months | 3.95 USD | 23.70 USD |
A-List Premium Subscription
| Duration | Costs / Month | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Months | 24.90 USD | 24.90 USD |
| 3 Months | 22.90 USD | 68.70 USD |
| 6 Months | 19.90 USD | 119.40 USD |
Premium Features
| eHarmony | OkCupid |
|---|---|
You can see who visited your profile. It allows you to see who has added you as their favorites. You can send unlimited messages. Users can browse incognito. You can get matches outside your preferences. |
You can see users that like you. Users get notified when their message is read. Ad-free browsing. You can access advanced search filters. You get an auto boost daily. You get message priority. |
Free Version: Features Available
| eHarmony | OkCupid |
|---|---|
You can sign up and create a profile. You can send users that interest you winks. You can view other users’ profiles. The site lets you send five site-generated questions. You can add other users to your list of favorites. The site lets you browse matches outside your matches. |
You can sign up. Users can send messages. You can search for matches. You can keep track of users you like. You can access basic search filters. The site allows you to browse members profiles. Free account holders can also take part in Double Take. |
Final Verdict: The Prize Goes to eHarmony
Based on the findings of this eHarmony vs OkCupid review, eHarmony comes out on top. But, it is also essential to acknowledge that OkCupid is also an excellent dating platform. eHarmony has a bigger user base and offers its users better value for money. Moreover, its verification process and membership plans make it difficult for scammers to join the site. Therefore, if you are looking for a life partner, create your eHarmony account today.
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