According to the US Census, 44% of American Adults are single, 40% have tried online dating, and there are more than 120,000 marriages a year that occur as a result of online dating in the US.

According to a report released by Pew Internet & American Life Project, even those who have not tried an online dating site, 31% of American adults know someone that has, 26% know someone who’s gone on a date, and 15% knows someone that has been in a long-term relationship or married someone they met online.

A majority of online daters say they have had positive experiences and believe their use of online dating sites helps them to find a better match.

eHarmony

eHarmony.com is different from any other dating site. eHarmony uses a patented compatibility matching system to automatically match users with each other. Users can only browse the listings of people to whom they are matched with by the system. The site also walks matches through a communication process before they are able to reveal personal contact information. You can join and take the compatibility test for free, but communicating with matches is reserved for paying members.

Match.com

Match.com provides users unlimited searching of the largest paid community of singles on the Internet, according to its site. They offer a guarantee as well. If you do not find someone special in 6 months, you get 6 months for free. This guarantee only applies to paying members and there are some restrictions that require keeping your profile visible and making the effort to communicate with members.

Yahoo Personals

Yahoo Personals is an online dating site that allows users to search for a person in a number of ways, including advanced searches that encompass location, age, interests, education level, career and more. With Yahoo Personals, users can establish some very complex searches and save them to their accounts for easy access later. Users can join this online dating site for free, which offers guests the ability to view profiles and create their own profile. However, full communication with matches is only available for paying members.

Chemistry

Chemistry.com offers members a personality test the company uses to match them to potential dates. It walks members through the process and helps them understand their match’s personality type.

Perfectmatch

Perfectmatch.com features the Duet Total Compatibility System, which bases matches on users’ personality, likes and dislikes, values and preferences, as well as an advanced search feature to help guests find their perfect match. There is a free basic membership that allows users to review their matches, but communication is only for paying members.

Date

Date.com is a free online dating site that has been in existence since 1997. They offer traditional search functions as well as web video and audio instant messaging services to members.