On this page13 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- Match.com vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- Match.com legitimacy and licensing
- How much Match.com costs
- What you get free and what you pay for
- Match.com complaints and how to avoid problems
- How to cancel Match and ask for a refund
- Who should skip Match.com
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
Match.com is a legitimate dating service run by Match Group Americas, LLC, a unit of Nasdaq-listed Match Group, and it suits daters over 30 who want detailed profiles, search filters and in-person events. The free version now lets you chat with mutual matches, so you can test it before paying; subscriptions shown in the App Store run from $19.99 to $129.99, with a 1 month plan at $44.99. The tradeoff is the record: a B rating at the BBB with more than 5,000 complaints in 3 years, a 1.0 Trustpilot score, a $14 million FTC settlement in 2025 over cancellation and guarantee practices, and steady reports of scam profiles. If you subscribe, turn off auto-renew right away if you only want one term, and never send money to someone you met on the app.
Your options
- Owner
- Match Group Americas, LLC (Dallas), part of Match Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTCH), which also owns Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid and Plenty of Fish; CEO Spencer Rascoff8
- Launched
- 19959
- Free version
- Create a profile, get daily suggestions, chat with mutual matches and join singles events for free1
- App Store prices seen
- 1 Month Standard $44.99; 1 Month Basic $44.99; other Match subscriptions $19.99, $42.99, $74.99 and $129.99; 6 Month Bundle $129.99; Boost $5.99; Top Spot $2.99 (1) or $19.99 (10 pack), October 20261
- FTC settlement
- $14 million in August 2025 over its six month guarantee, cancellation process, locking out users who disputed charges, and past fake love interest ads6
- Data incident
- Match Group investigated a January 2026 claim by the ShinyHunters group of stolen user data; Match Group said it found no sign that logins, financial data or private messages were taken7
- Age rating
- 18+ in the App Store1
Pros
- Long-running service from a large public company
- Free members can chat with mutual matches
- Detailed profiles, search filters and singles events
- Tends to draw an older, relationship-minded crowd
Cons
- Pricier than most apps, and plans renew automatically
- $14 million FTC settlement in 2025 over cancellation and guarantee practices
- More than 5,000 BBB complaints in 3 years and a 1.0 Trustpilot score
- Ongoing reports of scam profiles
Best for: Daters over 30 who want detailed profiles, search filters and the option of in-person events, and who will manage a paid subscription carefully.
Skip it if: You want a fully free app, have been burned by auto-renewing subscriptions, or live in a small area where few members are active.
Match.com vs. competitors
| Company | Owner | Free to message | App Store rating | App Store prices seen | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Match Group | Yes, mutual matches | 3.9 (242,000 ratings) | $19.99 to $129.99 subscriptions; 1 month $44.99 | |
| Hinge | Match Group | Yes, matches | 4.4 (1.13 million ratings) | $14.99 to $34.99 | Read review |
| Tinder | Match Group | Yes, matches | 4.2 (1.75 million ratings) | Plus $9.99; Gold $13.99 to $24.99 | Read review |
| Bumble | Bumble Inc. | Yes, matches | 4.3 (1.77 million ratings) | Premium $17.99 to $32.99 | Read review |
Dating apps we reviewed
-
Match.com This review BestGuide rating: 3.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Daters over 30 who want detailed profiles, search filters and the option of in-person events, and who will manage a paid subscription carefully. -
Tawkify BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Busy singles who want a long-term relationship, are open to blind dates, and can spend thousands of dollars to have a matchmaker do the searching. -
Hinge BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Singles who want a relationship, are willing to write a real profile, and live in or near a city with an active Hinge community. -
Christian Mingle BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Christian singles who want a faith-specific dating pool and will commit to a longer plan to keep the monthly cost down. -
eharmony BestGuide rating: 4.0 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Singles, often 40 and older, who want a committed relationship and like quiz-based matching. -
OkCupid BestGuide rating: 3.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Daters who want to match on values and answers to questions, including LGBTQ daters who want many identity options, and who are happy to stay on a free plan. -
Tinder BestGuide rating: 3.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults in cities or suburbs who want the widest pool of people nearby and are comfortable screening matches themselves. -
Bumble BestGuide rating: 3.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want a second swipe app beside Tinder or Hinge, cheap Boost add-ons, or a way to meet friends through BFF.
Match.com pricing at a glance
Match in-app purchases as listed on the US App Store, October 20261
| Item | Price shown | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free membership | $0 | Profile, daily suggestions, chat with mutual matches, singles events |
| 1 Month Standard or Basic | $44.99 | One month of a paid plan, renews automatically |
| Other Match subscriptions | $19.99, $42.99, $74.99, $129.99 | Apple lists these without naming the term; longer terms cost less per month |
| 6 Month Bundle | $129.99 | Six months, charged up front |
| Boost | $5.99 | Your profile shows to more people for a short time |
| Top Spot | $2.99 for 1, $19.99 for 10 | Puts your profile at the top of search results for a short time |
Match does not publish a public price list on its website. AARP's August 2026 review lists Bronze, Silver, Platinum and Diamond tiers, while the App Store shows Basic and Standard plans; names and prices can differ by channel, plan length, location and promotions. Subscriptions renew automatically until you cancel.
Match.com, step by step
Create a free profile
Answer questions about yourself and what you want, and add photos. Match uses your answers for daily suggestions and search.
Browse, search and like
Use daily picks, search filters and likes to find people. Likes that are returned become mutual matches.
Chat with matches
Free members can chat with mutual matches. Paid plans add more ways to reach people, see who liked you and get more visibility.
Subscribe if you want more
Buy in the app through Apple or Google, or on the website by card. Every plan renews automatically at the end of its term.
Cancel before renewal
Cancel in Apple or Google subscription settings for app purchases, or in your Match account settings if you paid Match directly. Deleting your profile or the app does not stop billing on an app store subscription.
Match.com legitimacy and licensing
Yes. Match.com launched in 1995 and is run by Match Group Americas, LLC in Dallas, part of Match Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTCH), which reported 13.3 million paying users across its apps in the second quarter of 2026. It is a real service with real members, not a scam site.
Its record has problems you should know about. In August 2025 Match Group agreed to pay $14 million to settle FTC charges that it made its six month guarantee hard to use, made cancellation difficult, locked out users who disputed charges, and used fake love interest ads in the past. The order bars those practices going forward. BBB rates the Dallas unit a B with 5,278 complaints in three years, and it is not accredited.
In January 2026 the ShinyHunters group claimed it stole Match Group user data. Match Group said it ended the unauthorized access and found no evidence that login credentials, financial information or private messages were taken.
How much Match.com costs
Match does not post a public price list. In October 2026 the US App Store listed a 1 Month Standard plan at $44.99, a 6 Month Bundle at $129.99, and other Match subscriptions at $19.99, $42.99, $74.99 and $129.99. Add-ons include a Boost. A paid feature that shows your profile to more people for a short time. Compare dating apps for $5.99 and Top Spot from $2.99. Longer terms cost less per month but are usually charged up front.
Prices can differ between the app, the website and promotions, so check the total and the renewal date on the checkout screen. Every plan renews automatically for the same term unless you cancel.
What you get free and what you pay for
Older reviews, including earlier versions of this page, said you must pay to send or read messages. That is no longer how Match works: its help center says free members can chat with their matches, AARP’s August 2026 review says free accounts can message mutual matches, and the App Store listing lists chatting with matches, daily suggestions and singles events as free.
A paid plan adds more ways to reach people and get seen, such as seeing who liked you, more search tools, and Boosts or Top Spots. If you mainly want to talk to people who already liked you back, try the free version for a few weeks first.
What customers say about Match.com
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Longer profiles and a more relationship-focused crowd than swipe apps
- Search filters and in-person singles events
- An older user base, which suits daters over 30
- Stories of long-term relationships and marriages
Common complaints
- Auto-renewal charges and trouble getting refunds
- Scam and fake profiles, including people asking for money
- Account bans with little explanation
- Slow or automated customer support
- Few active, nearby members in smaller areas
Match.com complaints and how to avoid problems
Across the BBB, Trustpilot and app store reviews, the most common complaints are auto-renewal charges, refund denials, scam profiles, account bans without a clear reason, and slow support. Trustpilot reviewers skew toward unhappy customers, but the same themes show up in BBB complaints and the FTC case.
- Note the renewal date and turn off auto-renew right after buying if you only want one term.
- Buy through one channel and cancel through that same channel.
- Report any profile that asks for money, gift cards or crypto, or tries to move you off the app fast. The FTC says no real love interest will ask you for money.
- Screenshot your purchase receipt and cancellation confirmation.
How to cancel Match and ask for a refund
Cancel where you paid. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, cancel in your Apple ID or Google Play subscription settings, and ask Apple or Google for any refund. If you paid Match directly by card, cancel in your Match account settings. Deleting the app or hiding your profile does not cancel a subscription.
Under its 2025 FTC order, Match must offer a simple way to cancel and cannot lock you out for filing a billing dispute. If a charge looks wrong, contact Match first, then your card issuer, and you can file a report with the FTC or your state attorney general.
Who should skip Match.com
Match is a weak fit if you want a fully free app, if you are under 30 and want the biggest pool of people your age, or if you live somewhere with few active members. Hinge and Tinder are cheaper and larger, and OurTime focuses on daters over 50.
Alternatives to Match.com
-
Hinge
Better if you want a relationship-focused app with a stronger free version and a younger crowd.
-
OurTimeWorth a look if you are over 50 and want a site built only for that age group; it is also run by Match Group.
-
Tinder
Better if you want the largest free pool and fast swiping rather than long profiles.
-
Free local events and groups
Clubs, classes, volunteering and Meetup-style groups cost little or nothing and carry no auto-renewal risk.
Next steps
Match.com reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Can you trust Match.com?
Yes. Match.com has operated since 1995 and is run by Match Group, a public company. It has a history of billing complaints and a $14 million FTC settlement in 2025, so read the renewal terms before you pay.
Can you message on Match for free?
Yes, with mutual matches. Match's help center says free members can chat with their matches. Paid plans add more ways to reach and be seen by other members.
How much is Match.com a month?
In October 2026 the App Store listed a 1 month plan at $44.99 and a 6 month bundle at $129.99, with other subscriptions from $19.99 to $129.99. Longer plans cost less per month but are paid up front.
Is Match.com worth paying for?
It can be if you are over 30, want detailed profiles and live in an area with many active members. Try the free version first, since you can now chat with matches without paying.
Why are there so many complaints about Match.com?
Most complaints are about auto-renewal charges, refunds, scam profiles and account bans. The FTC's 2025 case also centered on cancellation, the six month guarantee and how Match treated people who disputed charges.
What is Match.com's BBB rating?
BBB rates Match Group Americas, LLC in Dallas a B. It is not accredited and had 5,278 complaints in the last three years as of October 2026.
Are there fake profiles on Match.com?
Reviews often report scam profiles, and the FTC's earlier case said Match used fake love interest ads in the past. Report anyone who asks for money or wants to move off the app quickly, and never send money to someone you have not met.
Was Match.com hacked in 2026?
The ShinyHunters group claimed in January 2026 that it had stolen Match Group user data. Match Group said it shut down the unauthorized access and found no sign that logins, financial details or private messages were taken.
How do I cancel my Match subscription?
Cancel through Apple or Google if you subscribed in the app, or in your Match account settings if you paid Match by card. Deleting the app does not cancel billing.
Who owns Match.com?
Match Group, Inc., which also owns Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, OurTime and Plenty of Fish. The app is sold by Match Group Americas, LLC.
Sources (10)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Apple App Store: Match Dating App listing and in-app purchases (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Match Help Center: Messages, how to chat with your matches (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Google Play: Match Dating App (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Match Group Americas, LLC profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: www.match.com reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: Match Group agrees to pay $14 million (August 12, 2025) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BleepingComputer: Match Group breach claims involving Hinge, Tinder, OkCupid and Match (January 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Match Group: Second quarter 2026 results, SEC Form 8-K Exhibit 99.1 (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AARP: Match.com review (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: What to know about romance scams (accessed October 12, 2026)
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