Sacramento is a city with a pretty young population, a lot of singles, and lots of places to visit. So, what’s the best dating strategy here? Regardless of what you are looking for, a long-term relationship, affair, sugar relationship, casual ...
Top 7 Affordable Matchmaking Services to Meet Singles
Are matchmaking services still popular?
Statistics show that the industry only keeps growing strong—the number of users in the matchmaking market is expected to reach 130 million in less than 4 years.
But is relying on algorithms rather than trying to meet someone special in real life such a good idea? Who uses matchmaking services, and what do they get for their money?
Choose a top matchmaking service in the market
- BravoDate — best website for finding Slavic & Western singles
- La-Date — best platform to find a perfect match in Latin America
- LuxuryDate — best for open-minded singles looking for a perfect match
- Zoosk — best behavioral matchmaking service
- EliteSingles — best for finding educated partners only
- SIlverSingles — best matchmaking service for singles over 50
- ChristianMingle — best for finding a perfect match in the Christian community
- Seeking — best matchmaking website with video chat
- Cupid.com — best for meeting a perfect foreign partner
What exactly does each of these dating services offer? You’ll find more information on each platform, as well as an explanation of how modern matchmaking services work, below.
1. BravoDate
| Types of dating | Friendship, cross-cultural communication, traditional relationships |
| Features | Two free types of search Bonuses to chat with singles for free Followers & Newsfeed |
| Mobile app | Mobile-friendly website |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | BravoDate.com |
BravoDate is one of the international websites designed to connect people searching for a foreign partner. The two largest groups of users come from Eastern Europe and the United States. Though it works for all singles, most people here are interested in serious relationships rather than just in something casual.
Registration is entirely free, and so is the personality test. There are fewer questions than in the case of some other websites from our list, so setting up an account will take less time than on Elite Singles, but a member can still provide enough information to make the website’s algorithm work.
Here, members can use the People swiping feature to meet random people or look through the suggested matches on the Search Results page. Profiles are really detailed, users can add not only photos but also short introductory videos, and there’s live chat and mail service.
As for the prices, they start at $0.15 per credit in a 20-credit pack.
2. La-Date
| Types of dating | Cross-cultural communication, traditional romantic relationships |
| Features | Free swiping and extended search Unlimited access to profiles and public photos Free winks, likes & favorites |
| Mobile app | Mobile-friendly website |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | La-Date.com |
La-Date is a niche website designed exclusively for Western and Latino singles looking for partners online. Though members may have different relationship goals, most registered users are looking for long-time partners or even future spouses.
Every adult user can set up a La-Date profile for free. There’ll be a questionnaire with around 20 questions, and though answering them is optional, this information allow the system to find better matches for you.
All types of search features, following others, sending Winks and likes, as well as matchmaking, are entirely free.
Also, members get bonus credits to test premium features like instant messaging, virtual gift service, and Mail service. Once a user runs out of them, they can get more, and the prices start at just $2.99 for 20 credits.
3. LuxuryDate
| Types of dating | Sugar relationships, casual relationships, long-term relationships |
| Features | Free advanced search Free profile verification Online messenger |
| Mobile app | Mobile-friendly website |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | LuxuryDate.com |
Luxury Date is a relatively new dating site that, however, doesn’t connect marriage-minded singles only. It’s rather a great alternative for people who want to start a mutually beneficial relationship with someone successful or someone attractive.
Why do we recommend it to a particular category of singles? First, it’s one of the safest sites in this segment of the online dating market. Second, users can enjoy the search feature for free.
Luxury Date is one of the sites you can only join after adding your real photos. You can verify your account in multiple ways, in particular, by uploading a video that everyone on the site can watch. Messenger works great, there are Secret albums and high-quality support available 24/7/365.
4. Zoosk
| Types of dating | Serious relationships, friendship |
| Features | Free Super Sends Free Carousel Smart Pick matching algorithm Live chat |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | Zoosk.com |
Zoosk is one of the most popular dating sites in the US, and it got that popularity particularly because of the interesting matchmaking technology it uses to connect singles.
The Smart Pick algorithm analyzes the behavior of a member on the site, considers the choices they make, people they like, and profiles they skip, and suggests matches based on this information. That improves the experience and efficiency greatly, allowing people to find their perfect matches much sooner and more easily.
It’s not entirely free, but the costs of premium plans start at $15, which is more than just cheap compared to the prices of services provided by professional matchmakers.
5. EliteSingles
| Types of dating | Serious relationships, educated dating |
| Features | Free personality test Free matchmaking based on compatibility score Live chat |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | EliteSingles.com |
Elite Singles can be considered a professional matchmaking service that connects singles online. This dating platform has a pretty interesting concept—it doesn’t connect people based on their age or any other criteria but focuses on education and intelligence instead.
The matchmaking service is based on an extensive personality test with results that clearly explain your personality traits.
After you take this quiz, you can see your own results and the results of other members, as well as your compatibility scores with these people.
The rest depends on the user—you can enjoy unlimited communication on the site, build emotional connections online and then meet in real life.
6. SilverSingles
| Types of dating | Serious relationships, mature dating |
| Features | Free personality test Free matchmaking services Live chat & read receipts |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | SilverSingles.com |
Silver Singles is an exclusive matchmaking service for singles in their early 50s and older.
Also, on this site, you’ll hardly meet anyone looking for casual relationships and affairs—no restrictions or special rules prevent people with such goals from joining the site, but using it for such purposes just doesn’t make much sense. It’s promoted as a platform to find a long-term relationship, and nearly all users join it for this purpose.
Like Elite Singles, Silver Singles make every new user take a serious personality test before they can browse profiles and use other features.
There are some additional features like the Have You Met feature and Wildcard Matches for those who want to expand their search and meet more new people, but most users still prefer to focus on the best potential partners chosen by algorithms.
7. ChristianMingle
| Types of dating | Serious relationships, Christian dating |
| Features | Free personality test Free matchmaking services Anonymous Mode |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | ChristianMingle.com |
As the name of the site suggests, this is a platform created exclusively for Christian singles who’d like to use personalized services and meet a partner and, ideally, a future spouse on the site.
Members who join the community don’t have to pay for matchmaking packages or anything like that—the test that everyone must take when setting up an account allows for collecting a lot of information about a user.
Here, you don’t have to manually search for matches—they will be suggested to you based on the compatibility scores.
Also, members can like and favorite others, see their profile visitors, go Invisible, get read receipts, and more. Christian Mingle isn’t entirely free, but the costs of premium plans aren’t that high, and you’ll still be able to reply to premium members’ messages even before you upgrade your account.
8. Seeking
| Types of dating | Serious relationships, casual relationships, flirting |
| Features | Free advanced search Free and unlimited access to profile Vibes & video chat |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | Seeking.com |
Seeking is one of the legendary websites, but it wasn’t typically associated with matchmaking, at least until recently. The thing is that the niche website transformed into a mainstream dating site with multiple great features for singles looking for different types of relationships, including long-term relationships.
As for matchmaking, Seeking always has great algorithms and extensive search filters that allow members to find matches based on multiple criteria, and the best thing is that it’s entirely free for users.
Also, the site can work as a social media platform due to Vibes that work like Instagram Stories, and members can even make video calls right on Seeking.com.
9. Cupid.com
| Types of dating | International dating, serious relationships, flirting |
| Features | Free matchmaking Free profile verification Online messenger |
| Mobile app | Mobile-friendly website |
| Registration | Free |
| Site | Cupid.com |
Cupid.com is a big site with a good reputation and hundreds of thousands of registered users in the United States and some European countries.
This service is likely to work best for those who like traditional dating apps but want to use one of the more advanced platforms that match potential partners.
As for matchmaking, Cupid members can use the Q-Match feature to meet only compatible singles on the site. Also, users can manually set search criteria, like profiles, reply to messages sent by premium members for free, verify their accounts, and use Safe Mode.
What are matchmaking services?
Matchmaking services are the process of connecting single people based on certain criteria that vary greatly. This can be age, level of education, interests, occupation, personality traits, and sometimes, all these things together.
How does matchmaking work?
Top matchmaking services collect information from singles who want to find their perfect match and heed some assistance with that. They create a huge database, build a dating pool of singles, and then analyze this information to suggest matches to their customers.
The principles of work vary—all the best matchmaking services have their specific priorities, behavioral- and psychological-based technologies, as well as their own approach to connecting singles, but it’s always about finding the right people for you.
Types of matchmaking services
There are different types of matchmaking services—matchmaking companies, niche websites, and professional matchmakers that can help you find someone special. What distinguishes them from each other, and what are the benefits of using one or another type of service?
Traditional matchmaking services
These are the companies that have their own databases of customers (singles looking for a perfect match) that are not available online or somewhere else.
The dating process is more complex—you will be interviewed and will need to provide very detailed information about yourself.
Your request can be approved or denied—such companies don’t always work with all categories of singles; some focus only on people who meet their specific criteria.
- Personalized matchmaking services.
High-end matchmaking services are likely to use this approach to introduce you to the best potential partners. A professional matchmaker that works in this market will suggest matches chosen specifically for you, and all will meet your dating preferences. - Executive matchmaking services.
Generally speaking, they work pretty much like personalized dating services—the only serious difference is the main criteria they base on when choosing matches. Some clubs like Executive Matchmakers may connect successful men and attractive women, not for sugar dating but for serious relationships, some companies like Millionaire’s Club connect rich singles only, and companies like Ambiance Matchmaking connect professionals and entrepreneurs.
If you’re going to choose such an elite dating service, you should consider the pricing, too.
The best matchmaking services set different costs, but they usually start at $1,000 per month, and some will cost you over $50,000 a year.
Online matchmaking services — Dating apps & sites
The best matchmaker is not necessarily a land-based matchmaking company. All online matchmaking services fall under two main groups:
- Algorithm-based matchmaking.
These aren’t just the websites to get a girlfriend or a boyfriend—these are the websites where members need to provide a lot of information when signing up or after they join the community to make advanced matchmaking algorithms work.
Approaches vary greatly depending on the site: there may be a personality test, an advanced search system, an opportunity to indicate things you are looking for in a future partner, etc., but it is always about connecting you with the best potential partners using data analysis. - Niche matchmaking.
These are the niche platforms that connect a specific category of singles—people with the same religious beliefs, marriage-minded people interested in nothing but a serious relationship, foreigners who’d like to date foreigners, etc.
The most famous type of sites from this category are mail order bride websites that provide matchmaking services to both American and foreign singles.
Niche websites are usually a bit more expensive than online services using matchmaking algorithms—a niche site will cost you from $100 per month, while using the best match making website, for example, Zoosk, can cost you just $15 a month (other platforms can be a bit more expensive but most set prices in the $30-$50 range.)
Dating coaching
Some singles prefer to get a personal matchmaker or a therapist who’ll help them make the right choices. Dating coaches don’t usually search for your perfect match and suggest you the best potential partners—they teach you how to spot red flags in communication, enjoy your first date, and then get your second and third dates.
The costs for coaching vary depending on multiple factors, from your location to the experience of the coach, but you can expect the average price for a 1-hour session to range from $60 to $150. Of course, considering that a coach doesn’t work like a matchmaking company, you’ll still need to choose one of the online matchmaking services or at least mainstream dating apps just to meet new people.
Speed-dating and events-based matchmaking services
Some matchmaking companies arrange real-life meetings for singles who want to meet their future partners offline. Such events take place in nearly all cities and towns in the US, and prices aren’t that high—tickets usually cost $15-$40.
Comparison of the types of matchmaking services
So, what type of matchmaking service should you choose? Take a look at the table to assess all the advantages and disadvantages and make a conscious decision.
| Type of Matchmaking Service | Traditional matchmaking services | Online matchmaking services | Dating coaching | Events for singles |
| Cost | From $1,000 per month | From $15 per month | $60-$150 per hour | $20-$40 per event |
| Best for | Those who don’t mind paying more for meeting a perfect local match | Singles who want to find a perfect match at a reasonable price | Those who experience problems when building a relationship | Those who prefer direct communication in real life |
| Popularity | High, but only in certain social circles | Very high | Relatively low | Relatively low |
Benefits and challenges of using a matchmaking service
So, let’s sum everything up and take a look at all the pros and cons of the best matchmakers.
Pros
- Dating pool — the main benefit of using any good matchmaking service is direct access to the best pool of singles
- Rational approach — multiple criteria are considered to find the ideal match for a customer, so you can expect to find someone who meets all or at least most of your expectations
- Special services — it depends on the company, but in most cases, the dating process is something more than just connecting singles
- Large number of offers in the market — you can choose among high-end companies or affordable matchmaking services, dating coaches, and speed dates in literally every state and city
Cons
- Price — you can use some dating apps for free, but there are no free matchmaking services
- No 100% guarantee of success — unfortunately, even the best matchmaking companies can’t guarantee that you will marry your soulmate in the near future
- Restrictions for some categories of singles — a matchmaking service may specialize in connecting certain categories of singles, and not all potential customers meet their criteria
Researchers confirm that the popularity of matchmaking only keeps growing, so for most people, the pros still outweigh the cons.
How to choose the right matchmaking service for you
Here are the things you should consider when searching for the best matchmaker site or matchmaking agency:
- Budget. As we’ve noted previously, professional matchmakers cost money, and the prices range from $15 per month if you choose an online service to find compatible matches to tens of thousands of dollars if you prefer to work with high-end dating agencies.
- Goals. What exactly do you need? Would you like to get married soon or just get dating advice or probably see the profiles of men and women who meet your basic criteria? If you’re serious about finding a future spouse and are ready to settle down, choosing the company or site where you will meet only marriage-minded people totally makes sense.
- Your specific preferences. Are you into or not into online dating? What’s more important for you, your time or an opportunity to make choices yourself using modern algorithms? Consider your own preferences and set your priorities.
Also, we recommend doing deeper research on each option: you can find feedback from previous customers and user reviews, as well as consider other people’s opinions, too.
Final thoughts
David Wygant
Dating Expert
Elite matchmaking and online dating services are constantly evolving, providing singles with more and more opportunities to find a perfect match.
Yes, some analysis and research are needed, and the process may be time-consuming, but if you make enough effort to choose the right service, one day, you’ll realize it is totally worth it.
FAQ
What is the success rate of matchmaking services?
Best matchmakers in USA like The Bevy, may have a 95+ success rate. An online dating service may have a lower but still good rate of 80% or higher, but as in the case of matchmaking companies, it largely depends on the particular dating service provider that you choose.
How much do matchmaking services typically cost?
It depends on multiple factors, and the type of service is the most important one. In-person dating services are the most expensive services—they cost from $1,000 per month, and some charge over $50,000 a year. A dating site, even the most expensive one, won’t cost more than $100-$200 a month, and there are a lot of great platforms that charge only $20-$30 per month.
What kind of criteria do matchmaking services use to match clients?
Again, it largely depends on the matchmaking service that you’re going to use, but most agencies and websites consider age, financial situation, education, marital status, interests, goals, personality traits, dating preferences, and values.
What is the best local matchmaking service in the USA?
Vida Select and The Bevy can be considered some of the best services in the US. As for online dating sites, Zoosk and Elite Singles are now the two best platforms for those who take matchmaking seriously.
Are matchmakers better than dating apps?
It depends on what your priorities are. If you’re looking for serious relationships, know for sure what exactly you are looking for in a partner, and want to meet someone who meets the vast majority of your criteria, the best matchmaking service will definitely be more efficient than the best regular dating app.
