WHAT WE FOUND: Going beyond simple database matching, Chemistry.com involves your whole person, especially the deep down inner you, using interactive and fun to answer questions that show you, and those you will meet, who you really are. Allow yourself about 45 minutes to complete the questions and your profile. We liked the structure of the questions and how completing your profile and allowing the Chemistry.com compatibility to work takes you from matches, to introductions and through email contact into the first face-to-face meetings of other members. It’s interesting to note that you do not search for other members, you let the Chemistry.com system directs you through meeting your matches in 4 guided steps. The communication process consists of four separate stages: Stage One: Relationship Essentials; Stage Two: Short Answers; Stage Three: Email; Stage Four: In-Person Meeting.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Free to join (take advantage of the 7 day free trial, cancel prior to the end of the free trial period to avoid paying the upgrade membership fee) and start the Chemistry.com compatibility match process, you will receive up to 5 matches every day. Only paid members can contact other members.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Complete the Great Expectations online confidential profile and you'll soon be contacted to discuss your matchmaking options. Once you become a member you'll provide a more complete profile, have at least one interview with a relationship counselor and make a video recording profile. Currently available in the USA only, in these cities: Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Baltimore, MD, Birmingham, AL, Bonita Springs, FL, Boston, MA, Charlotte (Fort Mill, SC), SC, Cherry Hill, NJ, Chicago Suburbs, IL, Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, OH, Columbus, OH, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Ft Worth, TX, Ft. Laud/Palm Beach, FL, Grand Rapids, MI, Hartford, CT, Houston, TX, Indianapolis, IN, Irvine, CA, Jacksonville, FL, Kansas City, MO, Las Vegas, NV, Long Island, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Manhattan, NY, Miami, FL, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN, New Hampshire, NH, Orlando, FL, Palo Alto, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Pittsburgh, PA, Portland, OR, Providence, MA, Richmond, VA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, CA, Sarasota, FL, Seattle, WA, St. Louis, MO, Stuart/Treasure Coast, FL, Summit, NJ, Tampa, FL, Upland, CA, Virginia Beach, VA, Walnut Creek, CA, Washington DC, Vienna, VA. Visit the website to see any new areas that Great Expectations has opened a new office.

WHAT WE FOUND: SinglesNet is one of the more popular online dating destinations. Membership requirements are set so that you can easily join (even if you start with the search on the home page you need to become a free trial member to see any results) and have full access to SinglesNet members for the free trial period. This includes sending and replying to messages, completing the compatibility portion of your profile for more suitable member matches and you don’t need a credit card to join for this free trial.

Read the full review here

WHAT WE FOUND: As Match says, they are the “big kahuna” of online dating services. With more than 20 million members internationally and services that range from basic memberships allowing you to browse personals; premium match services that get very intensive in the type of questionnaires and matching capabilities, relationship and personal advice features including Dr. Phil’s “MindFindBind™” program; niche portals that include sections for straight, gay, lesbian, seniors and over a dozen culturally specific dating services, the online “Happen” magazine with advice articles relevant to today’s singles, and the branching out with the Chemistry.com service that is their exclusive personality test matchmaker system and even match Mobile that connects you to local singles through your wireless phone. I think my major complaint about Match is that with all the programs and services they offer it’s too easy to be overwhelmed and rush through the important but preliminary steps to start trying to find dates and even “The One” and find disappointment instead. Start your membership by taking the tour, it’s a nice introduction to the basics, and advanced services, of Match. Or start with a simple search to view the basic profiles (or Portraits) of members close to your location. Beginning your membership requires standard name and address information (that is kept confidential) and competing the basic profile questions. Have a digital photo handy to upload with your profile. Keep the “I’m ready” box checked to get almost immediate matches to your profile and emails that have new matches that have newly joined emailed to you. On the next page, if you’re not ready to subscribe, pick one of the options across the top of the page. I suggest starting with the “My Profile” section and completing the options as they are listed. Don’t pass up on the “Linked Accounts” option that integrates the Match Personals messaging to your MSN Messenger for instant messages from other linked members. Then it’s time to click on “My Portrait” and begin filling out your profile, your interest and the type of person (and personality) you’re looking to meet. You’re going to find 3 sections (“Me”, “My Match” and “In My Own Words”) of about 6 pages to complete, but be thoughtful, introspective and go for it! You’ll take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the three sections that need to be completed as they are presented, but it’s time well spent, maybe even life-changing! It’s free to send winks to other members (a message that you are interested) as well as search and browse profiles. Become a premium member to send and reply to messages as well as be notified of the members that view your profile and be able to hide your profile at any time. Additional options are available for extra promotion and visibility of your “Portrait”, as well as additional services to really be able to find interesting and worthwhile matches. Read the terms and select from these options as they interest you. If you haven’t joined Match Personals you haven’t really tried the best that online dating has to offer and that includes the 6 month guarantee to find someone special.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Free basic membership allows browsing and searching of member profiles and “Portraits”. Premium memberships allows full access, unlimited messages and replies as well as personalized search capabilities and the Match system of compatibility matching that brings like-minded singles to your inbox. Additional member features include “Portraits” that give you additional promotion within the Match service (up to 15 times more people viewing your “Portrait” than your standard member profile), Dr. Phil’s “MindFindBind™” 3 part online program of insights and strategies towards a better relationship with yourself and the match you seek. Match also has compatibility matching through the Chemistry.com branch, local mobile personals through Match Mobile, and personal matchmakers through Match Platinum, services. Straight, same sex, American, Canadian, UK and more than a dozen international culturally, language specific niche services (Match International may require separate membership fees).