Zoosk is a web-based platform to meet partners for intimacy, romance, long-lasting relationships, and marriage. It uses matchmaking algorithms based on the users’ interests, traits, and behavior to offer the best possible variants for meetups. The private company Zoosk, Inc. appeared in 2007 as a market research tool. Shayan Zadeh and Alex Mehr were the founders, but they sold the company in 2014. Currently, Zoosk is a massive dating portal with registration in San Francisco, California, the USA. Near 40 million people globally have already put their trust in Zoosk to find their ideal partner.
No matter if you are an avid online dater or test this experience for the very first time. The Zoosk website customizes it with questions aimed to learn about stuff that makes you tick. In this Zoosk review, you will learn more about its behavioral matchmaking algorithm that focuses on your preferences. You will know the websites’ pros and cons to make up your decision whether you think the Zoosk website is worth it or not. Of course, even the best dating networks might fail from your perspective since you choose the portal relevant to your needs.
How Does The Platform Work to Ensure Accurate Matches?
The Zoosk website’s fundamental principles are very much like other online dating resources. You should enter the website and sign up for it before accessing other options. You can search for people by location, age, sex, physical attributes, and a lot more. The Zoosk filtering functions really help narrowing down the pool of partners you are looking for. For example, you can sort out people by their ethnicity, religion, education, and even relationship history.
The Zoosk website features accurate operation based on the implemented professional matchmaking system. It uses the SmartPick features to collect data according to your behavior. Look through the system’s information in the Dating Insight section to understand how the algorithm sees your activities.
Zoosk is suitable for international dating and contacting people nearby. It has many points to specify in the profile, but they are far from tedious questionnaires. The users know about the high-tech matchmaking system on Zoosk; that’s why people don’t mind to fill out the fields.
Zoosk is an excellent dating service for males and females who crave many options. You’ll find the LGBT and queer-friendly people of different races, religions, and cultural backgrounds there. Only a few options are for too open-minded, polyamorous people that need dating for sex and fun only.
How to Sign up for the Website?
The registration on Zoosk is not challenging but requires nearly 5 minutes until you fill out all the necessary fields. Generally, you can set the ready-to-rank profile in 10 minutes, including the verification process. One can sign up for the website via Google or the Facebook account. The whole process includes just a few simple steps. Here is how you can get started:
- Enter the Zoosk website and find the application form on the right.
- Provide the system with your email, name, and password.
- Accept the portal’s policy and confirm registration.
- Get the link to your email and click it to complete the process and access to the profile creation.
- Make your account valid and point out your phone number to get and activate the unique code.
Then, you should pass the photo verification process and write about yourself by filling out more fields. They include your ethnicity, body type, the highest level of education, whether you have children, etc.
In their Zoosk reviews, some people complain about the necessity to point out the ZIP code. This piece of information is mandatory, making it impossible to hide behind VPNs. Those craving more privacy should move on and find another platform. Zoosk cannot dispense with details because it needs to consider locality for relevant location-based matches.
How to Exchange Messages?
Once you’ve completed your registration on Zoosk, thousands of profiles become available to look through them and see your prospects. However, it’s necessary to upgrade the account for full-fledged commination with the potential partners. After you buy the subscription, you can start making connections. The Zoosk website offers several communication tools.
First, you can accept the offered match (SmartPick) or choose the profile independently to open it for initial acquaintance. You’ll see basics about your potential partner and his/her “Story,” meaning the personality’s description. The “Basics” discloses some details:
- Zodiac sign
- Sex
- Height
- Ethnicity
- Body type
- Relationship history
- Children
- Religion
- Education
- Lifestyle
The primary profile picture and photo gallery show how your new friend looks like. Moreover, you can request more photos if desired. If your Zoosk cutie or guy responds to your interest, you can start interaction via messages. Use virtual gifts to make compliments, express your mood and feelings, greet, etc. You can even make a marriage proposal by ending the dedicated sticker. Each Zoosk gift has its value, but all of them are bright and eye-catching.
The Zoosk website features a convenient dashboard with notifications in its header and key options in the left sidebar (views, insights, messages, connections, etc.). When you want to send a message on Zoosk, all you need is to click the dedicated icon near the main photo on someone’s profile page.
How to Search for other Members?
Zoosk claims over 40 million users worldwide. According to the online stats, over 25.5 million people visit this service every month with the average visit duration of six minutes. Such a period is much better than other similar platforms can boast. Because the gender distribution is pretty equal (54% males/46% females), both men and women have good chances to find a perfect match. The average age of users is in the range of 25–34 years old. The Zoosk website generates traffic mostly from the USA (63%), the UK, and Canada.
As you see, you can find anyone you want for flings, casual dating, or love. The Zoosk matches are helpful and feature a high accuracy. Still, it would be wise to learn about a particular person more by studying his/her profile. The latter features are high-quality info and pictures, making it easier to make the final decision. Moreover, the profile discloses if its owner has passed the verification. It helps to avoid fakes and contact real active users.
Is a Mobile Application Available?
The Zoosk has a mobile app, and its usability is excellent. Interestingly, it is the first dating platform that is mostly focused on the mobile experience. The portal features a fantastic mobile app for iOS and Android devices. It comes with pleasant design in blue and gray tones, a logically structured layout, and large fonts to tap and swipe effortlessly. Free users will see popup apps, but they disappear after an upgrade. Another flaw is the lack of Date Insights, forcing the users to apply to the desktop version when they want to check the information.
Anyway, Zoosk invests a lot in its application via constant improvements and updates. The app features a fast response time and no glitches, providing pleasant and comfortable dating wherever you are.
Outstanding Features
The behavioral matchmaking system is the primary feature of Zoosk. It delivers matches based on your basic information (likes, dislikes, and the personality traits you’ve pointed out in the surveys).
- Zoosk has developed Carousel, meaning you get multiple offers to either accept or reject them. However, the swiping is different from a similar function on other websites since it offers not only “yes” or “no” choices but also the “maybe” option. The latter means you can come to this profile later, when you commit to its relevance.
- The branded SmartPick feature collects your activities to use them as a foundation for picking up matches. Whether you accept the match, send a gift, or like someone, the Zoosk website uses this data to assess your preferences.
- The Dating Insights feature discloses the mechanism of a smart matchmaking system. It lets you understand why people respond to you in one way or another. This unique option helps to enhance the profile to attract more potential partners.
- There is a Connection feature on the Zoosk website that allows adding profiles you’ve liked to create somewhat like a favorite list. Once you’ve added someone, the Zoosk system will notify him/her about your interest.
- Super Send means the opportunity to send icebreakers to multiple members simultaneously. A time-saving option optimizes the search and helps to establish more connection on short notice.
How Much Will It Cost You?
The Zoosk website has a free version that allows you to use free options after registration. Bear in mind the unavailability of behavioral matchmaking for free users. If you do not pay for a subscription, the system relies on such basic filters as location, age, etc. Besides, you’ll see singles around your area, but you have to spend some money to initiate conversation. Zoosk coins offer access to many premium features. Why do you need to buy the paid plan on Zoosk?
- Send and receive unlimited messages and winks.
- Send messages to multiple users at once.
- Send other users gifts.
- Get delivery confirmation on messages.
- Swipe photos like people do it on Tinder.
- Get full access to the SmartPick option.
- See people who viewed you.
- Chat with your connections.
Before grabbing so many opportunities, you have to buy one of the offered subscriptions:
- $29.99 per month.
- $59.99 for 3 months of use.
- $74.99 for a half-year plan.
- $149.99 for an annual subscription.
Note that you should pay for your whole subscription upfront. Besides, Zoosk has optional coins valued as you can see here:
- 1.800 coins (save 50%) – $99.99.
- 480 coins – $39.99.
- 180 coins – $19.99.
Zoosk coins could be worth it, but it would be better to hold on with buying the most expensive package until you know how they work. The main thing about using coins is to boost your profile visibility (for instance, 150 coins will give you 75 boosts). In some Zoosk reviews, you can read that these coins are scam because of their high value. However, they are quite legit and not mandatory.
If you opt for paid membership on Zoosk, click the green “Subscribe” button on your dashboard to choose the plan and pay for it with your debit/credit card or through PayPal.
Some Decent Alternatives for Fair Comparison
The Zoosk review aims to present the objective picture of the website and its potential benefits. That’s why there are some more dating services on an equal footing with Zoosk, revealing their unique features and similarities.
- OkCupid is a reputable resource with a fast-growing community. It’s remarkable for the Incognito mode to hide your profile from others unless you start interacting with some of the users. Moreover, one can turn the mode on or off.
- eHarmony works for marriage-oriented users boasting the creation of 4% of all American marriages for the last years. If you cannot find your perfect match for three months of your membership, the website gives you the other three months for free.
- EliteSingles focuses on successful professionals with degrees and careers. It comes with the “Have You Met?” option that shows you the accounts you might have missed before.
- Match.com is a versatile website suitable for both love seekers and those who prefer casual dating. The platform topped eHarmony by giving you six free months if you failed to find the match for your first six months.
- Plenty of fish (POF) attracts mobile users by providing them with the opportunity to live-stream themselves and communicate with live broadcasts from other members. This innovative feature causes the most vital sensation of connection and exciting entertainment.
- Mingle 2 is a free online dating website with a 30-second registration and high-quality profiles. Bear in mind that other users can see only completed profiles. In contrast, many other platforms allow their members to add the information later. This website suffers from tons of apps, like any other free resource.
Whether Zoosk can beat the rivals or you will move on, it’s up to you since all the platforms have their unique set of options. The critical factor is the website’s security, privacy, and excellent functionality.
What Is Wrong with the Platform?
There are many enthusiastic posts dedicated to Zoosk on the web. Still, the overall satisfaction rating is average according to multiple Zoosk reviews. Such a contradiction seems weird considering these testimonials’ placement. You can find their large percentage on expert websites and social media networks. This “disconnect” might be understandable if we remember that people rely on their personal experiences and subjective opinions reviewing a specific service.
Another weirdness is noticeable on Zoosk. The company states that their swiping feature is more advanced than Tinder and other platforms, meaning the “maybe” option. However, it’s not enough to claim the essential improvements. When a dater clicks on the “bell” icon to see alerts and sees that someone shows his/her interest, it’s still not possible to access this user’s profile. It would be reasonable to look through the profile before choosing “no,” “maybe,” or “yes.”
The Zoosk website is met with an uproar from some users because of its prices. Many people start thinking that Zoosk works to make money and give zero value in return. Of course, the service makes money on singles. Still, it does return it a thousand fold, getting clear from numerous success stories on third-party resources.
Security Level
Zoosk implements many safety techs. Photo verification is crucial to make sure what you see is exactly what you get. However, it’s a bit awkward to pass it only with the mobile app. The Zoosk website makes photo verification unavailable on the desktop version. Meanwhile, you can verify your identity via a phone number or Twitter account. Besides, the platform instantly identifies VPNs and prevents such users from creating an account and joining the community.
The member can increase the accounts credibility by linking it to his/her Facebook or Twitter account. The option is up to you. Still, it is constrictive when it comes to trust since other users prefer the most valid accounts to avoid facing scammers and fakes. Nevertheless, if you experience harassment, meet freaks, or notice suspicious behavior, it’s always possible to report to the support service. Moderators are used to check the reports and remove fakes from the Zoosk website. The option to block an abuser is also onboard.
What Protection Software Does the Zoosk Website Use to Stay a Safe Platform?
The Zoosk website features an SSL certificate to ensure safe connections. It cooperates with reliable payment systems to provide secure transactions when people pay for their subscriptions. The McAfee web advice rates this platform as a secure portal that corresponds to the requirements of safety.
Zoosk presents its privacy policy on the website to tell about no intentions to share the users’ personal data with other resources, agencies, and individuals. The members can count on discreet dating without worrying about their privacy.
The Zoosk website implemented many techs to protect the users from automated bots. The scammers used to create fake accounts and use the account takeover (ATO) strategy. Still, the Zoosk IT security team has managed to find such efficient solutions as JavaScript injection and mobile SDK. Moreover, the company collaborates with Cequence Security’s ASP that tracks the authentic multi-step strategies of real attacks against Zoosk.
Final thought about dating Platform
Many Zoosk reviews tell about happy love stories on the website and Facebook. However, having success on Zoosk depends on several factors, and your profile is the most significant. Zoosk is a legit platform; that’s why you will achieve your goals, but only after you pay for this. While having overpriced subscriptions and coins, this portal is more suitable for those looking for romance and long-term relationships than hookups. The latter is available on cheaper adult websites.
Zoosk stands out from the crowd, having the better members’ quality. Many daters note their horrible experience on other dating platforms before they’ve joined the Zoosk website. Summarizing the Zoosk review, it’s possible to say that it is an excellent portal to meet interesting people and make quality connections. If you are not confident enough or have no time to hit on the strangers offline, Zoosk is the right place. Those who are ready to pay for credibility and comfort won’t regret their decision to join the club.
