I Tried eharmony vs. Match: How The Top Dating Apps Compare

The original hubs of online dating, eharmony and Match use advanced algorithms based on in-depth quizzes and profiles to determine partner compatibility—and both have a reputation as the best dating apps for serious relationships.

But which of these dating sites reigns supreme in 2024? I then downloaded both apps to see how their UX, algorithm, sign-up process, and database compared. As part of my testing process, I then spoke with dating experts to get their professional takes on eharmony and Match.

Ahead of writing this comparison, I downloaded and test both eharmony and Match and tested each for at least one week. [You can read my full review of eHarmony and my full review of Match.]

When writing this comparison, my goal was to better understand the value of each app, as well as the best person to download each option. To help give you context for my verdict, I broke down how each app works and its key features, along with collecting tester feedback for each app.

Our verdict: eharmony. Your experience will vary drastically by location, age, and relationship goals. Both apps have people who can't stop raving about them—and both have unhappy users.

Our verdict: Match

"When it comes to cost considerations, eharmony has a more extensive process of matching than Match, which in theory will connect users with more aligned matches," says Alyssa Dineen, a dating expert, author of The Art of Online Dating, and founder of Style My Profile.

"However, in most areas, Match is more widely used and therefore would have a better selection of potential dates, making it theoretically more worth the cost."

"As with all dating apps, the usage varies geographically, including usage by age," she tells mbg. "For example, within major cities, neither eharmony nor Match is widely used for people under 60. Even outside of metropolitan areas, in my experience, Match is more popular than eharmony."

Our verdict: eharmony

Ruiz and Phillips both recommend eharmony as the preferred dating site for people over 50, especially if you're looking for a serious relationship or to get hitched.

They agree the dating app is better dedicated to finding long-term partners, whereas Match can also feature people interested in casual dating.

If you're new to dating and want to try out free options before moving toward a paid model, apps like Bumble may be a great option to start with.

If you're interested in exploring polyamory or LGBTQ+ relationships, eharmony and Match may not hold a candle to apps like Bumble, OkCupid, and Hinge.

"Even though eharmony now has gay and lesbian users, it's not that inclusive of the whole of the LGBTQ community. This is partly because eharmony was originally started as a more 'traditional' pro-marriage dating site, founded by a Christian, and it's still very much thought of in that way," Dineen explains.

Although it's never been easier to be single and find matches, the trap of technology and having too many choices can also pose its own unique set of problems: Why is it so hard to get a conversation going? Why are first dates so freakin' awkward? And perhaps most pressingly, does the other person want to hook up or date seriously?

It's already tough putting yourself out there, and uncertain intentions and ambiguous expectations make it harder to swipe and keep the momentum going. To optimize success, it's important to recognize that, for every dating app out there, there's a different approach and demographic to lean into.

Some apps, such as Tinder and Feeld, lean into casual sex—so it's easier to form casual connections there. Other apps, such as Hinge, eharmony, and Match, are known for interesting profile prompts and a curated feed of high-compatibility matches—and this latter category generally translates to more serious daters.