Top 10 Ways to Identify And Deal With Online Dating Scams
Jun 11, 2026
Top 10 Ways to Identify And Deal With Online Dating Scams
Jun 11, 2026
Top 10 Ways to Identify And Deal With Online Dating Scams
Jun 11, 2026
Price
From $19.99
Number of Members
4.5 million+
Recommended age range
25–55+
Is BestDates Worth Your Time?
BestDates is designed for individuals who value a "slow dating" approach—prioritizing meaningful, intentional communication over the rapid-fire swiping of mainstream apps. If you are looking for international connections or a fresh start after a long break from dating, the platform provides a calm, moderated environment. While the credit-based system requires an investment, the quality of profiles and the emphasis on privacy make it a compelling choice for serious seekers.
BestDates Pros & Cons
Pros
A vast, diverse user base
Clean, modern-designed app
Cons
Costs can add up quickly if you engage in long, frequent chats.
Almost all communication features require the purchase of credits.
BestDates at a Glance
8
Editorial ScoreSign Up Process
Sign-up is easy and quick, with option to connect to social media, in-depth profile-building process for more serious matchmaking
9.0
Matchmaking
Personality tests and behavioral matchmaking technology, daily matches
9.0
Free Services
Most advanced features such as viewing who liked your profile or sending unlimited messages likely require a paid subscription
7.0
Features
Video calls, unclear whether they offer livestreams and video profiles
7.0
Security
SSL/TLS encryption to secure data transmission between users and the app servers, profile validation processes, and manual profile moderation
8.0
Best for: International dating, people seeking a "fresh start"
Favorite features: "Let’s Mingle" (bulk messaging) and search engine invisibility.
How BestDates Works
The sign-up process on BestDates is refreshingly simple, taking less than 5 minutes. After providing your basic details—name, age, and location—you are prompted to upload a photo and answer a few personality questions.
Unlike Match, which uses a 30-minute deep-dive questionnaire, BestDates gets you into the action faster. The focus here is on your profile bio and photos. Once live, you can browse members globally. The platform utilizes a "pay-as-you-go" credit system, meaning you aren't locked into a monthly subscription but instead pay for the specific messages or features you use.
Matchmaking Features
BestDates stands out for its Search & Discovery tools. Rather than relying solely on a "daily five" algorithm, it gives users the power to filter the entire database.
- Advanced Filters: Search by ethnicity, education level, habits, and even whether they want children.
- Let’s Mingle: A standout feature that allows you to send an introductory message to multiple compatible matches at once, helping you spark several conversations quickly.
- Wink & Like: Low-pressure ways to show interest without spending credits.
Communication Tools
Communication is the core of the BestDates experience. Because the site is credit-based, the tools are high-quality and reliable:
- Direct Chat: Real-time messaging with the ability to see when a user is active.
- Photo/Video Exchange: Securely share and view high-resolution media within the chat.
- Virtual Gifts: Send digital tokens of appreciation to stand out in a popular member’s inbox.
BestDates Pricing
BestDates is free to join, allowing you to browse profiles and see who is online before spending a dime. To communicate, you must purchase credit packs.
What does the Free Version include?
- Account creation and profile setup.
- Full access to search filters and member browsing.
- Sending "winks" to show interest.
- Customer support access.
What Don't You Get?
Without credits, you cannot send or read personal messages, view full-sized private photos, or use the "Let’s Mingle" feature.
BestDates Cost Breakdown
Prices are subject to change but typically follow this tier:
| Credit Pack | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Pack | $19.99 | Testing the waters with 50-150 credits |
| Standard Pack | $49.99 | Moderate chatting and photo sharing |
| Premium Pack | $149.00+ | High-volume users seeking deep connections |
BestDates Alternatives
| BestDates | Match | eHarmony | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Global connections & Privacy | Serious US-based dating | Marriage-minded singles |
| Free Version | Yes (Browse only) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (View limited info) |
| Average Age | 25–50 | 35–55 | 35–55 |
| Price | Credit-based (From $19.99) | Subscription (From $17.49) | Subscription (From $35.90) |
Bottom Line
BestDates is a premium choice for those who find the chaos of free apps exhausting. Its focus on privacy and international reach makes it a specialized tool for finding someone outside your immediate social circle. While the credit system requires you to be mindful of your spending, it ensures that the people you are talking to are just as invested in the conversation as you are. For a clean, safe, and adult dating environment, BestDates is a top contender.
Top10.com Staff
Top10.com's editorial staff is a professional team of editors and writers with dozens of years of experience covering consumer, financial and business products and services.