eharmony vs. Match: How The Top Dating Apps Compare, Based On Reviews & Experts

The original hubs of online dating, eharmony and Match use advanced algorithms based on in-depth quizzes and profiles to determine partner compatibility—and both have a reputation as the best dating apps for serious relationships.

But which of these dating sites reigns supreme in 2024? We reached out to dating experts and sites' spokespeople to get the full rundown on each, and we exhaustively tested both apps to help you determine which is the right option for you.

Clear out an afternoon to give yourself time to set up your eharmony profile.

While it's lengthy, the site tries to make the involved process fun and informative as you work through a thought-provoking compatibility quiz to learn more about your boundaries, attitudes toward relationships, how you react to everyday scenarios, communication styles, and more.

When you set up your bio on your page, take it as an opportunity to showcase yourself and what you're all about since you'll have plenty of room.

Match doesn't require as heavy of a lift to set up your profile—although you shouldn't skimp on the details if you want to get right to the matches.

As soon as you log on, you have the opportunity to fill out basic prompts to help filter out the wrong matches and filter in the right people.

You can set your geographic preferences, body type, relationship aspirations, exercise habits, and alcohol/smoking habits.

You also type out your interests and bio to summarize what you're all about, though the site makes it easy with built-in topics so you're not staring at a blinking cursor on a blank page.

Our verdict: Match

"When it comes to cost considerations, eharmony has a more extensive process of matching than Match, which in theory will connect users with more aligned matches," says Alyssa Dineen, a dating expert, author of The Art of Online Dating, and founder of Style My Profile.

"However, in most areas, Match is more widely used and therefore would have a better selection of potential dates, making it theoretically more worth the cost."

"As with all dating apps, the usage varies geographically, including usage by age," she tells mbg. "For example, within major cities, neither eharmony nor Match is widely used for people under 60. Even outside of metropolitan areas, in my experience, Match is more popular than eharmony."

Our verdict: eharmony

Ruiz and Phillips both recommend eharmony as the preferred dating site for people over 50, especially if you're looking for a serious relationship or to get hitched.

They agree the dating app is better dedicated to finding long-term partners, whereas Match can also feature people interested in casual dating.

If you're new to dating and want to try out free options before moving toward a paid model, apps like Bumble may be a great option to start with.

If you're interested in exploring polyamory or LGBTQ+ relationships, eharmony and Match may not hold a candle to apps like Bumble, OkCupid, and Hinge.

"Even though eharmony now has gay and lesbian users, it's not that inclusive of the whole of the LGBTQ community. This is partly because eharmony was originally started as a more 'traditional' pro-marriage dating site, founded by a Christian, and it's still very much thought of in that way," Dineen explains.

Although it's never been easier to be single and find matches, the trap of technology and having too many choices can also pose its own unique set of problems: Why is it so hard to get a conversation going? Why are first dates so freakin' awkward? And perhaps most pressingly, does the other person want to hook up or date seriously?

It's already tough putting yourself out there, and uncertain intentions and ambiguous expectations make it harder to swipe and keep the momentum going. To optimize success, it's important to recognize that, for every dating app out there, there's a different approach and demographic to lean into.

Some apps, such as Tinder and Feeld, lean into casual sex—so it's easier to form casual connections there. Other apps, such as Hinge, eharmony, and Match, are known for interesting profile prompts and a curated feed of high-compatibility matches—and this latter category generally translates to more serious daters.

eharmony won't be for you if you want to swipe and go, while Match probably won't be your speed if you don't want to commit to putting in the time and effort to search for your matches. Times have changed, but eharmony and Match have been able to keep up with contemporary dating and connecting people with like-minded singles to nurture enduring relationships.