How we tested
Finding the right dating site or app can be daunting, especially for those in the 40+ age group. That’s why we’ve gone the extra mile to test and evaluate each platform featured in this roundup thoroughly.
We signed up, created profiles, and used each app for a while to get a real feel for the user experience. We paid attention to everything from sign-up to overall functionality and ease of use.
We also assessed the authenticity of user profiles and the quality of matches generated. We carefully examined privacy settings, data security measures, and any potential red flags like fake accounts or bots. We want to make sure you’re safe and have a positive experience on whatever platform you choose.
And, of course, we considered inclusivity and diversity. We evaluated how well each app catered to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, and we only recommend platforms that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Apps we tested that didn’t make the cut
OurTime
OurTime, unfortunately, falls into the category of dating sites we recommend steering clear of. While it caters to the 50+ age group and promises an easy setup process, several factors led us to include it in the “sites to avoid” section.
OurTime lacks advanced matchmaking features and carefully calculated algorithms for finding meaningful connections. This means the site relies heavily on surface-level criteria without delving deeper into compatibility factors. Dormant accounts and bothersome bots are an ongoing issue on OurTime too. It can be disheartening and frustrating to encounter these obstacles while searching for genuine connections.
Zoosk
Zoosk hasn’t been updated since its launch in 2007, so if you’re seeking cutting-edge features, you may want to consider other options.
Rather than a personality or compatibility quiz, Zoosk relies on your activity to determine who to match you with. For example, if you message someone you’re interested in, the site will use that information to show you similar profiles moving forward.
While there is a free version of the service, it’s basically useless. In the free version, you can only view members’ pictures, send winks and hearts (similar to Facebook pokes), and access the carousel feature to discover new people. You’ll need to fork up some cash to unlock other features, like chatting with your connections, connecting with profile viewers, and initiating conversations with Zoosk picks. (If you message someone who doesn’t have a paid subscription, they won’t be able to message you back without paying. We’re not joking when we say the free version is useless.)
Maybe it was once a good place to meet people, but when it comes to online dating, there are definitely better and more updated options out there.
Read our full review of Zoosk.
