Zoosk was one of the first online dating sites, and it’s still going strong with updated features, upgraded technologies, and some fun extras. The thing that makes Zoosk stand out from other dating apps is its member matchmaking algorithm. It uses a sophisticated program to cross-reference members and find the best matches. And Zoosk has some outstanding results. In addition, users will enjoy virtual gifts, fun Carousel swipe searches, and feature-laden accounts. Zoosk also has a pretty impressive freemium account.
Best for | Smart dating insights |
User base | Gay, lesbian, heterosexual singles across 80 countries |
Number of members | 20,000,000 US members |
Recommended age | 25-34 |
Favorite features | Behavioral learning matchmaking |
Compared to many other online dating apps, Zoosk is actually quite reasonable. Obviously, the longer a time period you sign up for, the cheaper it’ll be per month. In fact, signing up for a six-month plan costs less than half of a one-month plan per month. So if you’re serious about finding dates, it’s more economical to sign up for a few months at a time. Here’s a look at the current pricing plans:
One Month | Three Months | Six Months | |
Price per month | $19.98 | $12.49 | $12.59 |
Premium account holders unlock access to their SmartPicks. You’ll also earn features like who’s viewing your profile and unlimited messaging. Interestingly enough, freemium users can do a lot more here than they can on other sites. For example, free Zoosk users can still search and chat with other members, albeit in a limited capacity.
Zoosk makes it nice and simple to sign up for an account. You can use Facebook or Google for fast signup. You’ll answer the basics like gender preference, date of birth, and email address. FYI, Zoosk allows for both hetero and homosexual gender and dating preferences.
Then you can upload a picture. You don’t have to do this. But you won’t get much action if you remain anonymous. Makes sense. Finish answering some more basics (eye color, ethnicity, preferences, etc.), and you can start browsing. Remember, the more info you give Zoosk to work with, the more accurate your match suggestions will be.
Zoosk definitely stands out when it comes to matchmaking. The dating service has one of the most sophisticated algorithms on the market. Long story short, Zoosk uses behavioral learning to figure out the best matches for you. What’s amazing about this system, though, is that it actually learns from your behavior (hence the term behavioral learning). So when you interact on the website and with other members, Zoosk will learn your habits and tailor your match suggestions accordingly.
Let’s break that down with an easy example. Let’s say on your profile questionnaire you say you like blondes. Zoosk will initially send you blondes. But now, let’s say you constantly interact with red-headed members. Zoosk’s algorithm will take this into account and start showing you redheads as well. And the more you interact, the more the system learns, and the more accurate the results will be.
Zoosk has spent its time in the business wisely, building up cool features that make it more enjoyable for singles to use the website and app. Granted, the user interface is kind of outdated and could use a little bit of sprucing up. But the functionality is smooth and intuitive. And the features themselves are awesome. Here are three of our favorites:
This is probably the coolest feature you’ll find on any dating site. Zoosk insights takes a hard look at your own personality and preferences, and delivers an in-depth report. So you can get to know things about yourself that you might not even realize. In today’s fast-paced society, this can be golden for many singles.
Carousel is a little like digital speed dating. You get to see another member’s profile pic. Then you can like or nix it with the click of a button (or a swipe), and move on to the next one. This way, you can quickly skim through a group of profiles in a short span of time. Zoosk also lets you give profile pics stars to let the other members know you’re interested.
This feature allows you to send a fun message out to a large group of people at one time. The idea is to get more visibility faster and, with any hope, more members will respond to the thought-provoking inquiry.
There are other cool features like Instant crush and profile boosters. One thing that is clearly lacking from the Zoosk lineup, though, is video chatting. To date, the massive online dating service hasn’t upgraded its system to include this all-important feature. With the current health climate and people social distancing more, it’s a wonder that Zoosk hasn’t jumped on the video dating bandwagon.
Zoosk is up on its security measures, another thing that makes users feel more comfortable on the site. To begin with, users need to go through a photo verification step. That means a Zoosk team member has to confirm that you are who you claim to be. You can use a selfie shot or video to confirm your identity with Zoosk.
You can also report other members whom you feel are being abusive.
Zoosk falls a little short in the customer support department. You can browse through the FAQ section for some DIY troubleshooting. You can also send an email to the support team. Some mobile carriers also allow you to text the support desk by typing HELP to the below number. The trouble is Zoosk doesn’t publish this info very clearly. You really have to dig to find out any support options whatsoever. C’mon Zoosk.
Email: Support@Zoosk.com
Text: HELP to 96675
Zoosk has been around since 2007, and that says a lot about the company. Using a smart behavioral learning algorithm to deliver more accurate matches definitely puts Zoosk one foot ahead of the competition. A fun and friendly dating style also adds to this app’s value. And the reasonable monthly membership just sweetens the deal.