OKCupid

OK Cupid has been around for ages, but is still growing by leaps and bounds. They have about 3-million active users, and this ranks them one of the top dating sites in the world. Compared to others choices like POF the modern layout and wealth of features you'll find at OkCupid are the likely reasons for its growing popularity.

Joining the site

The site remains free for all users. Creating a profile is quick and easy and will gain you access to the majority of features. An optional upgrade, to A-List status, is available and this grants certain extra privileges in addition to those enjoyed by basic users. You can join up either on the website or using their Google or iTunes app.

It's also possible to purchase a membership upgrade, as a gift, for any other member on the site.

The site lists personal profiles for single, gay and bi individuals from all over the United States and many other countries. Each profile has a description of what they are looking for, who they are, what interests they have and the ability to post pictures. You can search by location, or you can pick a hotlist of the most active and newest members from around the country. The panel on the left will suggest profiles "you might like" according to your settings.

Services and features

OKCupid is a technology-rich site. The range of options and features can be a little overwhelming at first. Nevertheless, most features are easy to get the hang of once tried. The layout is a little unconventional. Searches are made by selecting the "Matches button". Here, two alternative searches can be found, namely "Match Search", and "Quick Match".

Quick Match

Choosing Quick Match lets the site's matchmaking system select members who might be a good choice for you. This option will display photos one-after-another. You can rate, save or skip to the next photo. For those who have low-speed internet connections, QuickMatch can actually become SlowMatch since the detailed graphics in the photo gallery can take a long-time to display.

Match Search

This is the site's all-in-one search system. Here you can choose the profiles you want quickly using the drop downs at the top of the page. The first lets you choose gender and sexual preference, the next age range, and the third lets you specify their location. Initially, the search will show members within 25 miles of your home town. To change this, just type the name of a city or town in the "Nearââ,¬Â¦" box and you'll be shown people living near your chosen location.

MatchSearch provides a number other ways to really narrow your search down to every last detail. The advanced option let's you choose physical attributes of your match such as eye-color and height as well as who they are looking for.

Items highlighted in red are only available to paying members. Saving searches is also available to paying members.

To get the most out of the matchmaking tools, it's necessary to have a complete profile. In case your profile is a little "thin" in some areas, you'll be prompted at various times to "improve you matches". This will enable you to add more specific information about yourself, and the type of person you're looking for.

Treasure Tests and the Toy Bin

OkCupid offers several online games and test that are there for enjoyment as well as learning. MyBestFace is a unique tool that lets you discover your ideal photograph.

To take part, you'll need to upload several photos of yourself and also rate other people's photos. The final report will show you how different user-groups rated your different photos and collectively which they thought was the best one.

There are also numerous personality and dating persona tests for you to take and examine of other users.

Concluding

OkCupid is one of the most feature-rich sites available and this is even more remarkable when you consider the site is free. It is more popular with the younger crowd and will appeal to those who enjoy the latest gadgets and gizmos.