Dating Direct (datingdirect.com) was founded back in 1999 by the UK entrepreneur Darren Richards. Within three months of launching more than 40,000 UK singles had registered on the site, and this was back when online dating was still seen as needy and seedy.
In 2013 Dating Direct merged with match.com to become the UK’s largest dating site ever. My Dating Direct review aims to tell you all you need to know about this popular site.
Dating Direct vs Match.com
First of all the most important thing you need to know about Dating Direct is that the site was merged with Match.com back in 2012. Although they still maintain their separate branding, they both share the same membership database. What this means is that it does not matter whether you register on match.com or Dating Direct as they are practically the same website. If you do register on Dating Direct your profile will be visible to match.com members and vice versa.
You will also find that the features across the two sites are identical and prices are also the same. The only difference that you will find is when it comes to mobile support. Here match wins hands down since they have mobile apps for the iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia. Dating Direct’s mobile support is very weak, they don’t have a single app, and only provide basic mobile support through the web browser.
I also find that the interface is a lot easier to use at match.com. Everything is nicely laid out and no more than a click away. Whereas Dating Direct looks like it was designed back when the dinosaurs still roamed the earth.
I really don’t want to waste your time reading this review through till the end. My recommendation is most definitely to join match.com instead of Dating Direct, unless you are happy to pay the same for a less enjoyable experience. But whichever site you join, you will be part of the largest dating network in the UK with more singles than any other dating site.
Membership Numbers
Dating Direct members start from as young as 18 and go all the way up to 88 years of age. Since merging with Match their total membership pool is now well over 5 million members in the UK. The membership pool is split fairly evenly between the sexes with 51% of members carrying male genes, and 59% female.
Site Features
As mentioned earlier, the site features are identical to Match. You’ll find the Daily 6 which is a feature that presents you with 6 new singles each day that their algorithm thinks you might be interested in. The quiz option allows you to question members you find interesting by throwing some quirky questions at them. Of course you will also find simple and advanced search options, as well as the option to block members who you don’t want to hear from again, or alternatively add members to your favourites list if you would like to stay in touch.
The website itself is rather outdated and could do with a good lick of paint. That said, it’s still rather intuitive you should not have any trouble finding your way around the site. Mobile support as mentioned early is very poor. You can access the site using your mobile browser but it’s not great, unlike match.com there are no mobile aps.
Dating Direct Affinity
Dating Direct Affinity is not a feature of the site, it’s actually a whole new dating site that you have to yet again pay for. It’s very similar to Match Affinity and eHarmony where a large emphasis is placed on compatibility matching and long questionnaires. It’s not brilliant, and it’s also not very popular. If you are looking for an automated matchmaking website, then both eHarmony and matchaffinity.com offer a lot more in this space.
A Short YouTube Video
The Cost of Joining Dating Direct
The current membership prices for Dating Direct in 2013 are as follows:
- £12.99 per month with a 6 month membership (56% Saving)
- £19.99 per month with a 3 month membership (33% Saving)
- £29.99 per month with a 1 month membership
DatingDirect.com like all dating websites have an automatic renewals policy. This means that you will be automatically re-billed just before your subscription expires. I’d recommending cancelling this ASAP and renewing manually if you wish to avoid a nasty shock on your next bank statement.
Dating Direct Review Summary
To some it up, in 2013 Dating Direct is simply a poor clone of match.com. Yes they share the same membership database, features and cost the same. But Dating Direct offers no proper mobile support, and their website is long overdue a re-design. So please don’t join Dating Direct, you would have to be crazy! Join match instead.
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