Picking and Choosing

There are so many online dating sites out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Many online dating experts recommend trying a large site first, because they contain lots of options. Once you’ve gotten comfortable there, you may want to switch to a niche site or post a profile on elsewhere to increase your chances of meeting someone. There are tons of options, but here are some to get you started:

Match.com: Perhaps the most well-known online dating service, Match.com features advice from Dr. Phil and a six-month guarantee. If you don’t find someone special through the site after six months, they’ll give you six months free.
Eharmony.com: You have probably seen commercials for eHarmony and its countless marriages. This site matches you up with people based on 29 dimensions of compatibility. Be prepared to take a long quiz when you join.
Jdate.com: The largest site for Jewish singles, Jdate features online matchmaking, success stories, vacations, parties, speed dating and more.
Lavalife.com: Lavlife offers three categories to choose from: Dating, Relationship or Intimate, allowing you to move toward your desired level of commitment.
Perfectmatch.com: PerfectMatch includes a Duet Total Compatibility System that looks at the whole you to match you up with an ideal mate. Tips from relationship expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz also are available.
Matchmaker.com: One of the oldest and most established online dating sites, Matchmaker.com claims to have have produced thousands of successful matches.

Many of the sites offer free trial memberships or limited features you can try for free, so you can sample the site before paying and committing to it.