A significant distinguishing factor between dating sites eHarmony and Match is that eHarmony is designed specifically to match single men and women for long-term relationships, while Match is open to casual, short-term, and long-term relationships, as well as to LGBT profiles. eHarmony does not support LGBT profiles.
Moreover, eHarmony does not allow members to browse for matches or communicate directly with each other. The site uses member preferences and an elaborate compatibility questionnaire to match candidates and only allows communication between profiles that match. Match is more like a social website; it does have its own search algorithm and suggestions, but it also allows members to browse through profiles and contact other members.
Contents: Match vs eHarmony
- 1 Membership
- 1.1 Profiles
- 1.2 Communication restrictions
- 2 Matching Algorithm
- 3 Price and Operating Model
- 3.1 eHarmony Pricing
- 3.2 Match
- 4 Dating Categories Available
- 5 Statistics
Membership
To join, users must fill out a comprehensive questionnaire. eHarmony conducts all searches for its members � users don’t have the option of searching or browsing profiles themselves. Members communicate through the website. eHarmony generates matches based on a compatibility test and profile criteria that members fill out. The site sends email alerts when new matches are found.
Members on Match are looking for dates, hook-ups and long-term relationships. Match leaves the search up to the individual members. New users create a profile and enter search criteria. The site matches them to other members based on these criteria. However, members also have the option of conducting searches on their own based on search filters. For communication, members may “wink” at others, email or IM.
Profiles
eHarmony profiles include basics, such as age, height, hair color, eye color, body type and ethnicity. Profiles also include relationship history, whether the member has children, whether they smoke or drink and their location. Members may add up to 12 photos. Members also answer questions to show their personality, choose must-have values and choose activities and interests. eHarmony profiles also include information from their “29 Dimensions of Compatibility Test.” While the main site is not open to the LGBT population, eHarmony refers them to a companion site, Compatible Partners.
Match is open to the LGBT community. Match profiles include basics, such as age, height, hair color, eye color, body type and ethnicity. Profiles also include sexual orientation, relationship status, whether the member has children, whether they smoke or drink, and their location. Members write an open-ended essay about themselves and their match. Profiles may include interests, exercise habits, hobbies, political views, education, faith, background values, and whether the member has or even likes pets. Users may add up to 26 photos and even import photos from Facebook.
Communication restrictions
While it is free for new users on eHarmony to view their matches, they must sign up for one of the paid plans to initiate contact wtih other members. Members have the potential to decline a match, meaning all contact stops.
Match also offers free viewing of matches, but new users must sign up for a paid plan to email or IM other members. They may “wink” at members, but even paying members may not contact them until they’ve signed up for a membership. Like eHarmony, Match allows members to block other members from contacting them.
Matching Algorithm
eHarmony uses what it calls “29 dimensions of compatibility” based on a compatibility test. The algorithm looks at core traits such as emotional temperament, go to this site social style, cognitive mode and physicality. It also looks at vital attributes such as relationship skills, values and beliefs and key experiences. eHarmony makes matches based on this compatibility test and profile criteria members fill out. The site sends email alerts when new matches are found.