Spark : Dating Site Review
Overview:
If you are looking to spark some more interest and want to try another site, you definitely want to try Spark.com. Boasting a huge database of singles looking for love, friendship, intimate fun and more, Spark.com is taking on some of the larger sites head-on. It is available for straight, gay and bi men and women.
The site has a unique matching tool that identifies colors in your personality based on your characteristics as a child. OK, you can stop rolling your eyes now - it actually works! The sign-up process is pretty fast and it walks you through a series of easy to answer questions about your behavior growing up. The results are your personality traits. We were surprised at how accurate it was for every one of us who tested it.
Features:
Feature-rich, Spark.com may not have the same robustness as Match.com or eHarmony, but it definitely has all the key features you are seeking. It is free to read and respond to messages; every member is required to have a photo (no more shocks when you finally get to see who is piquing your curiosity); there is a free compatibility test (and not one that takes forever and makes you feel like you are back in College Philosophy class); free search for profiles (you know you love doing it); control of communication flow; and post your profile for free.
Safety:
The online dating industry as a whole takes safety seriously and Spark.com is no exception. They offer some great information on how to safely speak to and meet people from online. You should take advantage of all of the features offered on the site including communication controls, etc. Using common sense and good judgment will also go a long way towards keeping you safe.
Prices:
| OPTIONS | TOTAL COST | Cost per Month | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Membership | $24.99 (standard) $29.99 (premium) |
$24.99 (standard) $29.99 (premium) |
- |
| 3-Month Membership | $39.99 (standard) $51.99 (premium) |
$13.33 (standard) $17.99 (premium) |
47% ($34.98) 40% ($36) |
| 6-Month Membership | $59.94 (standard) $77.94 (premium) |
$9.99 (standard) $12.99 (premium) |
60% ($90) 57% ($102) |
Ease of Use:
Spark.com is one of the easier dating websites. Now, re-read that sentence. The site is easy to use, we did not say that the people on the site are easy. Now that we have established that, we will continue. You will find that the site is pretty intuitive. Setting up your profile is as easy as it is on Match.com and as robust as eHarmony. The sign-up process is easy and efficient and the entire website is easy to navigate. You do occasionally hit a page that will require you to use your back button as the navigation options disappear but it is really nothing to be concerned about.
The Search:
Spark.com has a keyword search and quick search that work very well. Since you are not ordering a mail-order man or woman (though sometimes we may wish we were) there is no reason for these long search menu options. In the end they just narrow the search pool down too much. Using the quick search and the keyword search you will be able to quickly browse profiles and see who sparks your interest (yes, we do love the pun). Since everyone is required to have a profile picture it makes browsing super-fast and easy. Again, we would like to point out that browsing is easy, we are not saying the people you are browsing are easy. Well, some of them may be, but we digress.
Bottomline:
Spark.com is definitely worth a test-run. The site includes all the features you want and is fast, easy to use and very affordable. In fact there are many things you can do for absolutely no cost so you can test it out with no risk. Spark.com may not have the fancy commercials on television yet, but as for as online dating sites go it is one that should spark your interest (that is the last spark pun, we promise). Give it a shot you have nothing to lose except your single status.