Dating websites such as eHarmony and OkCupid are rising in popularity, but which one is right for you?
OkCupid and eHarmony are different from each other, as one is for more casual relationships, while eHarmony is for serious, long-term relationships.
Read on to find out more about eHarmony vs OkCupid, their features, and which may be the best option for you.
Key Points:
- 70% of eHarmony users seek a long-term relationship, while only 30% of OkCupid users are looking for something serious.
- eHarmony's matching system is based on a 29-dimension compatibility quiz, while OkCupid's matching system is based on a series of questions called the "Match Percentage."
- eHarmony requires users to fill out a lengthy questionnaire before signing up, while OkCupid takes less time to signup.
- 90% of eHarmony users are college-educated, while only 60% of OkCupid users have a college degree.
- eHarmony has a higher success rate for marriages than OkCupid, but eHarmony is a bit more expensive than OkCupid.
OkCupid vs eHarmony: Detailed Comparison
This section will discuss the differences between OkCupid and eHarmony and which dating website comes out on top.
1. User Base
Identifying who uses these platforms the most can help you determine which is right for you, such as different age groups.
OkCupid is most popular with younger users, with the 18 to 29 age group being the most active. The 30 to 44 age group is the next most active, with other age groups making up a smaller portion of the user base. Interestingly, seniors are more active on the site than Gen Xers.
While there is not enough data, one small survey suggests there are more males than females on OkCupid.
eHarmony, on the other hand, is most prevalent amongst the 30 to 44 age group, with 18 to 29 behind them. Seniors are the 3rd most active on eHarmony.
eHarmony has 51% females and 49% males, as it is the only website currently that has more females than males. You can read our detailed eHarmony.com review here.
Regarding the active user base, eHarmony wins, as there is an age group for everyone to find a partner.
2. Matches
Dating apps use different methods to determine matches, such as questionnaires or surveys. Personality questionnaires help you decide whether you’re compatible with someone, saving you time and effort in the long run.
OkCupid dating site has endless survey questions for you to answer, which you rate by importance. For example, they will ask, “Do you like the taste of beer?” You can respond yes or no. Then, you rate that question’s importance to you from Least to Most Important.
If someone answers the question, it will show up in your match results and be added to the score. If the question was “Not Important” to you, it would not factor into your match score, but you can still see their response.
OkCupid has hundreds of questions you can answer, but they are not very in-depth. Most of them ask about today’s politics, activism, and some personal questions regarding sex life. At times the questions are deep, but most do not provide any substance. As a result, the match results may be skewed.
You can view matches based on your score and location. There is a “Nearby” option to see who is close to you by one mile or more.
Users can also “Browse Matches” and swipe left if they don’t like someone or swipe right if they do, similar to Tinder. You will view a snippet of their profile, their match score, and some demographics. The matches are based on location.
eHarmony is notorious for its lengthy Compatibility Quiz that asks extensive questions about you and what you want in a partner. It involves your lifestyle, goals, and what you expect from a long-term partner.
After, eHarmony gives you a curated list of potential matches without having to browse endlessly.
The Compatibility Score will show up on a person’s profile when you view them on eHarmony, helping you gain insight.
Overall, eHarmony wins this category.
3. Demographic Search
Depending on your interests, a person’s demographics, such as their education, ethnicity, occupation, zodiac sign, and others, may impact your compatibility with that person.
OkCupid allows you to put your height, education, ethnicity, lifestyle habits, and much more on your profile. You can also browse through based on your preferences to narrow down your search results. Users may search for other singles based on their demographics for free.
eHarmony has been known for its details, as they also allow countless demographics on the website. Once you are a paid member, you can have defined searches based on your chosen demographics.
One aspect that separates OkCupid and eHarmony is its choices for gender and orientation. OkCupid allows users to define themselves as non-binary, trans, genderfluid, and many others.
eHarmony allows you to define yourself as straight, gay, or lesbian. Older age groups are more likely to be satisfied with these labels, while younger age groups may want more choices.
Because OkCupid allows users to view demographics and search for free, they win in this category.
4. Video Chatting
Video chat allows users to determine if someone is a genuine person and if they are compatible.
OkCupid does not currently offer video chatting despite being on Apple and Android smartphones.
eHarmony allows connecting with a video call with its paid membership. You can make an audio call if you are not comfortable with the video.
eHarmony is the clear winner because it allows users to communicate effectively in the modern age and increases safety with this feature.
5. Interface and Functionality
The interface can enhance a user experience and make it easy for them to find dates.
OkCupid can be accessed via website or app on Android or Apple devices. The website is user-friendly, although the interface has many elements.
Users will see many matches based on location, score, and view the “Double Take” section, which allows you to click left or right to accept or reject.
Once you click a profile, you see everything plainly on the website, making it easy to read, especially profiles with lengthy bios.
The OkCupid app is also easy to use, but it is evident that people’s profiles are being squeezed to fit the display size of smartphones.
eHarmony, over the years, has undergone various interface changes to keep up with modern times, as the first eHarmony site was created in 2000. The website is user-friendly, with everything on display, from demographics, bios and compatibility scores.
The app is also easy to use and has additional features such as video calls, which OkCupid does not.
eHarmony wins regarding interface and functionality, as it’s a smaller learning curve and easy to navigate.
6. Security
The security of dating websites is critical, as many people create fake profiles online, endangering others. Also, protection against harassment can also increase your safety on the platform.
OkCupid allows you to sign up with Facebook, which acts as a form of identity verification, including a phone number. However, this is not enough, as the website has profiles that are empty or with bizarre photos, meaning people are lurking.
eHarmony, on the other hand, blurs people’s other photos if they are not paid members. Many people enjoy this privacy feature, as only serious users may see verified photos.
Both services allow you to block and report harassment.
eHarmony wins in the security category because they have fewer fake profiles and better verification methods than OkCupid.
7. Premium Memberships
Paying for a dating service means getting perks and features that wouldn’t come with a free version and also indicates you’re serious about dating.
OkCupid has the following memberships:
OkCupid follows a tier-based system.
A-List Basic includes advanced search filters, allowing users to search by body type, attractiveness, and others. You can send unlimited likes, view read message receipts, and have no ads.
A-List Premium involves everything from A-List Basic, but you receive a daily boost to have your profile seen more in other matches. Your messages will be prioritized in others’ inboxes.
Incognito Mode enables you to hide your profile from others unless you like or message them. You can turn it on or off anytime.
You can pay for a “Boost” without paying for a membership. A boost allows your profile to be at the top of people’s search results, meaning there will be more engagement. The pricing for Boost includes:
eHarmony has three options for its membership:
They do not follow a tier-based system. All three receive the same benefits, with the only difference being the price. You can learn more about eHarmony membership prices here.
eHarmony wins the premium membership category as it’s simple and has more value.
8. Profiles
A profile enables you to read about a person and what they’re looking for, saving you time when looking for potential partners.
OkCupid’s profiles can be very extensive, as you have an “About Me” section and can answer questions along the way. For example, after discussing yourself, you can answer questions such as “What Most People Notice About Me,” and at the end, state why people should message you.
OkCupid allows you to modify which questions you can have on your profile to answer. Because of this, there are many lengthy OkCupid profiles, enabling others to express themselves. However, more is not necessarily better, as walls of text can be a turn-off for some.
On OkCupid’s interface, you will see their demographics, including a zodiac sign, orientation, height, habits, and more. The beginning of the profile also has the match results based on the survey questions you answered.
eHarmony has a similar format, although they encourage you to write an About Me and what you’re looking for, and nothing else. Your results based on your compatibility results will show how well you match up with the person.
The winner for profiles is eHarmony because their compatibility results and shorter bios give a better insight into a person. OkCupid has surveys, but lower quality questions, which may show false compatibility results.
9. Messaging and Communication
Messaging and communication are essential to finding out if a person is compatible with you.
OkCupid allows unlimited messages for free. If you want to see read receipts, you must pay.
If you want to show someone you’re interested in before messaging them, you can “Like” them. Then, once someone likes you back, they appear in your “Matched” category.
eHarmony allows users to send Smiles, Greetings and engage in Ice Breaking on their free platform. However, messaging is limited, and you must have a paid membership to send unlimited messaging.
Because messaging is free on OkCupid, they are the winner in this category.
10. Searching
The search function on dating sites can help you find what you’re looking for instead of waiting for an algorithm to give you a match.
OkCupid allows extensive search based on many variables, such as ethnicity, gender, orientation, and location. After you search, you will receive a “Special Blend” that highlights many users based on your chosen search attribute mixed with different match scores and locations.
A unique feature of OkCupid is that you can define a search based on a survey question. For instance, if the question “Is climate change important?” is critical for you and you answer yes, you can search for others who also answered yes.
You can also search based on what you want in a partner, such as casual dating, long-term relationships, or friendship.
eHarmony’s search function also allows users to define demographics and locations. However, it’s more simple and requires a paid membership to search.
OkCupid allows a free search of various attributes, making them the winner in this section.
eHarmony vs OkCupid: The Winner
I believe that everyone has a soulmate out there somewhere, and that by using the right matchmaking service, you can be matched with someone who shares your interests and values.
Couples who meet on eHarmony are more likely to stay together longer than those who meet offline. This is because when you share common interests and values with someone, you have a stronger foundation for a lasting relationship.
Overall, the best platform is eHarmony because of its success in helping others find the love of their life.
If you want a serious relationship, eHarmony is right for you. However, if you want something casual or to find friends with similar interests, consider joining OkCupid.
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