Many aren’t sure which to sign up for when it comes down to two popular dating platforms—eHarmony vs. Plenty of Fish.
I’ve explored these dating sites and what they have to offer. As a result, I've found that only one of these platforms is worth checking out and paying for its services.
At a Glance
- Both eHarmony and Plenty of Fish (POF) are free to join dating websites, but they aren’t the same. POF is more for casual dating, while eHarmony attracts more serious people.
- eHarmony has a more extensive questionnaire for users to fill out when signing up, while Plenty of Fish only has a basic questionnaire.
- eHarmony uses a compatibility matching system to connect users, while Plenty of Fish relies on a user's stated preferences to make matches.
- eHarmony has been rated the top trusted dating website over POF, especially considering that POF has issues with bots and people who lie about their identity, called catfish.
- While there are issues with POF, it does have its advantages over eHarmony. However, eHarmony also makes its case against POF as a better site with its features and experience.
Keep reading to uncover everything about eHarmony vs. POF.
Comparison
This section will discuss the comparisons between eHarmony and POF and which has the better features.
1. Live Video Streaming
If you’re on social media, you will notice many platforms having “live streaming.” For example, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook allow you to stream live, where people can watch and send messages.
Plenty of Fish has a live streaming feature which is peculiar for a dating website. However, it shows that POF is more casual with this social network feature.
On the other hand, eHarmony does not provide this feature. Unless you are looking for this feature, you may not find live streaming helpful.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you may opt for the platform with live streaming. If you are interested in making multiple connections for networking as opposed to a date, POF may have the upper hand.
Although, the live video feature offers virtual speed dating and blind dates, which can make your experience more thrilling.
Since you do not have to pay for this feature on POF, this gives the platform an edge. Users can send gifts to live streamers which boosts their member status and makes them eligible for cash rewards via Live credits.
2. Video Chatting
Dating has many hurdles, and one of them is being “catfished.” With the pandemic, many dating sites have opted for video chatting to comply with social distancing. Also, it’s a great way to see if you are compatible with someone before meeting them in person, saving you lots of time.
POF offers one-on-one private video chats through their “Live!” video streaming feature.
eHarmony offers video chatting when you land on someone’s profile with a premium membership.
Both video chatting features are helpful, but eHarmony has the edge as it’s more personal. You also are not persuaded to buy credits that come with POF’s “Live!” platform.
3. Questionnaire
Dating sites ask questions to compare with others to find potential matches.
POF requires you to fill out a profile and asks a few questions, but it isn’t extensive.
eHarmony is known for its Compatibility Quiz, which asks about 100 questions before you can browse matches. They ask you about your goals, habits, lifestyle, and what you look for in a partner. After completion, you are given a unique compatible score, used to find potential matches.
When you land on someone’s profile, you will see their score, personality, and more produced from the quiz and how it matches with you—making eHarmony a clear winner with questionnaires.
4. Messaging
Communication is part of finding out if someone’s a potential match, making messaging a critical feature.
POF offers unlimited messaging when you sign up for free. To view if the message has been read or deleted, you must pay with tokens. If you want your message to appear at the top of someone’s inbox for 29 days, you must also pay with tokens.
eHarmony has limited messaging with their free sign-up. However, you can message people unlimitedly with a premium membership.
5. Premium Memberships
Dating sites have premium memberships and virtual currencies to unlock features to get the most out of their platforms.
POF offers a subscription, tokens, and Live credits. POF offers the following:
POF premium memberships allow others to see who viewed their profile, who liked them, 16 photos, username change, and new users in the area, called “First Look.”
eHarmony offers the following memberships:
eHarmony premium memberships allow unlimited messaging, unlimited photos, unlimited matches, video dating, viewed you, detailed personality profile, and dedicated customer service. Read more about eHarmony membership and pricing details on this page.
While eHarmony is known for its high-end prices, POF also comes with various expenses besides its premium memberships, which add up. eHarmony does not offer a virtual currency or anything other than their membership, giving them an edge over POF.
6. Matches
To meet someone, you must match with them based on your location and interests.
POF allows you to view matches through their “Meet Me” feature, where you can swipe through potential partners. The Nearby feature will enable you to see people as close as 1 mile to you.
After you complete eHarmony’s compatible survey, you are given matches. However, you need a membership to see all of their photos. For some, this may be a nuisance, while others see this as a great security feature.
Since eHarmony is more restrictive, POF has the edge as users can view more users daily.
eHarmony vs. POF: The Winner
Between eHarmony and POF, eHarmony provides a simple platform for serious dating, making it a better dating website.
If you want more networking connections in your area or casual dating, POF may be a better option. However, those who are more private and want a serious relationship should consider eHarmony.
Consider joining eHarmony today for the optimal dating experience!
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