Cost is an important consideration in the online dating scene, and one question we see a lot from today’s users is “Why is eharmony so expensive?” Many popular dating apps are free or close to free, but the eharmony membership costs a pretty penny. What gives?
Founded in 2000 by psychologist Dr. Neil Clark Warren, eharmony notably uses a one-of-a-kind compatibility test with science-based questions to determine a person’s temperament, communication style, and life goals.
eharmony has a large user base and, even more importantly, a track record of matches that have grown into lifelong partnerships. The dating app has helped over 2 million people find true love. While eharmony may cost more than some competitors, it also offers distinctive features that can make it well worth the investment.
The Typical eharmony User Is a Single Professional
eharmony markets itself as a legitimate dating app for single people who want to find real love and a long-term, meaningful relationship. The typical eharmony user tends to be slightly older than users on mainstream dating apps that target people in their early 20s.
The majority of eharmony users are in their mid-20s to mid-30s, and users in the next highest age range are in their mid-30s to mid-40s. eharmony attracts singles who have graduated college and are ready to ditch the hookup culture and settle down in a lasting relationship.
It makes sense that if you’re willing to commit to a dating service’s long-term membership fee, you’re probably also serious about finding a long-term partner.
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
- Match System: Personality test suggests matches
- Our Experts Say: “eharmony helps relationship-minded singles meet compatible people who share their values and long-term outlook.” Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
The eharmony dating platform encourages professionalism and honesty by providing suggested guidelines for photo uploads and profile pictures. Every person with a basic membership must upload a profile picture to be visible on potential match lists. eharmony’s photo guidelines benefit mature singles looking for long-term, real love.
Rather than a heavily filtered selfie or a misleading group photo, eharmony encourages users to upload recent, clear, and descriptive photos. The best dating profile photos show eharmony users in a natural setting or participating in an activity they enjoy. As an additional feature, eharmony has implemented a photo review process to eliminate profile pictures of solo pets or children as well as provocative or heavily altered images. These glimpses into a single person’s real self removes much of the uncertainty typically involved in online dating matches.
What really sets eharmony apart is its science-backed compatibility test. For many people, that free feature is a big reason to sign up. Its compatibility ratings remove a lot of the guesswork from matching and starting conversations. That creates a more intentional dating experience and tends to attract committed, relationship-focused singles who want to meet someone truly compatible.
The Premium Membership Includes Useful Perks
While eharmony offers a basic free membership, the paid premium membership offers a lot more access and upgraded features. The paid plan has some key matchmaking features you’ll need to find local or long-distance love, including the ability to view photos, search by proximity, and message every potential match without limits.
With the free version of eharmony, you’ll still be able to take the compatibility test, match with an unlimited number of singles, and use basic communication tools.
While eharmony’s basic membership may not be your ticket to true love, don’t discount the free trial because it allows you to enjoy eharmony’s dating platform before you invest in a paid subscription lasting six months or longer. Here’s the current eharmony cost breakdown:
- Free Membership: $0/month
- Premium Light: $39.54/month
- Premium Plus: $27.54/month
- Premium Extra: $21.54/month
These rates are heavily discounted at the moment — the typical eharmony plan has been as expensive as $54.90 per month.
Unlike dating apps geared toward casual relationships, eharmony’s user base is full of serious singles and boasts a nearly equal gender ratio. eharmony’s matching process is also unique in the way it calculates a compatibility score.
Instead of endlessly swiping through photos, an eharmony member receives a curated match list that updates daily as new compatible singles join the network. That saves you time and streamlines the usual online dating process because your matches are selected based on your personality questionnaire results and chosen preferences, such as proximity, religious views, and education.
If your end goal in signing up for and using a dating app is to find a serious, committed relationship, eharmony’s paid premium membership offers the necessary features for a science-backed match and a meaningful connection with your future partner.
The eharmony Legacy Includes Many Success Stories
The eharmony legacy is well-known and respected in the online dating industry. The compatible match system is one of the most successful in the world, and every day the dating website and app provide organic introductions that lead to something more. Many of eharmony’s success stories begin with the couple saying they chatted online for at least a few weeks before meeting in person and that they valued the platform’s deviation from the hookup culture associated with other dating sites.
It’s common for the featured eharmony members to say they felt safe and heard with their now-partner upon matching. With over 2 million people having found love on eharmony, the online dating platform is a highly credible and productive way to find a long-lasting partnership.
Compared to other online dating sites, eharmony’s compatibility matching scheme results in a high marital satisfaction rate. This also correlates to a lower marital separation rate, approximately halving the marital divorce rate of all non-eharmony online dating platforms.
If you’re still skeptical about online dating, take a look at the statistics regarding couples who met offline. In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, divorce rates for couples who met online are considerably lower than the U.S. average, with only 7% of surveyed couples who met online divorced or separated.
Clear reasons exist for these vast differences in numbers, both between online and offline dating as well as eharmony and non-eharmony online dating. First, singles on dating apps, especially eharmony where you dedicate yourself to a premium fee, are more likely to be ready for marriage. Second, compatibility algorithms, including those developed for eharmony, narrow potential partners to a pool specifically created for you, your personality traits, and your future goals.
Is eharmony Worth It? Depends What You’re Looking For!
If your ultimate goal with online dating is to find true love and a long-term partner, the eharmony premium membership can provide many promising date prospects based on your criteria.
Not every swiping dating app gives you the opportunity to match with compatible singles as easily as eharmony does. But if you’re a single person seeking a casual relationship, the lengthy questionnaire and detailed profiles may not be in line with your goals and priorities. Carefully weigh your options (and budget) to determine if eharmony’s price points are too expensive for your needs or just the type of investment you’re looking for in your love life. Best of luck!
