This page explains how we research, test and compare dating services. We update it when our methods change.
What we look at
Every review and comparison covers the same core areas, so services can be compared fairly:
- Who the service is designed for, including age profile and relationship intent
- UK availability and how many active members there appear to be in the UK
- Sign-up process and profile quality
- How matching works (compatibility questionnaire, browsing or both)
- Messaging rules: what you can and can’t do for free
- Free versus paid features
- Current UK pricing for each membership length
- Cancellation and auto-renewal terms
- Privacy, identity verification and fake-profile controls
- The app and website experience
- Customer support
Evidence labels
Each article shows labels under the headline so you know what it is based on:
- Tested personally: we created an account and used the service ourselves.
- Panel-tested: members of our UK dating panel used the service and reported back.
- Expert-reviewed: a relevant professional (for example a relationship counsellor) reviewed the guidance.
- Based on user surveys: findings come from our own surveys, with sample sizes stated.
- Researched: based on published information, pricing pages and reputable sources, without hands-on testing.
We only use a label when it’s true. If we haven’t tested something, we say so.
Testing records
For hands-on reviews we record the date tested, the account type (free or paid), the plan checked and the device used. Reviews show a “Last tested” date.
Pricing
Dating services change prices often and frequently run promotions. We record the standard UK prices shown to a new member on the date checked, and display that date next to the price. Prices you are offered may differ.
Independence
Commercial relationships never decide rankings. A service can rank well without an affiliate programme, and a paying partner can rank poorly. See our affiliate disclosure.