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The Ultimate JDate Review [Is It Still Worth Using In 2024?]

JDate Review

If you're a Jewish single looking for love, you may have heard of JDate - a dating site that has been around for over 20 years. But with the rise of newer Jewish dating apps, is JDate still worth considering?

This comprehensive JDate review has everything you need to know to make an informed decision, from how it works and who's using it to pricing and premium features.

Read on to find out if JDate is the right dating platform for you!

How Good Is JDate?

JDate isn't the only dating site catering to Jewish singles - it's now competing with newer dating apps like Lox Club and JSwipe. While JDate has a well-established user base, Lox Club and JSwipe offer a more modern approach to Jewish dating.

Lox Club, for example, uses an exclusive membership model and personal matchmakers to help users find compatible partners. JSwipe, on the other hand, is a mobile app that has gained popularity among younger Jewish singles. Ultimately, the right Jewish dating platform for you will depend on your personal preferences and dating goals.

Here at VIDA Select, our dating experts have found the quality of matches on JDate can be high. But the quantity isn't - especially if you're under 35 and/or not living in a large city like New York.

As with any niche dating site, JDate's user base simply can't compare to a more general option like Match.com. In fact, you’ll likely find more Jewish singles near you on Match.com by setting the “faith” filter to Jewish.

But JDate does have one advantage over mainstream dating sites: the ability to screen for people who fit your ideal partner criteria exactly. JDate's search filters can get very specific.

JDate match filters

JDate is easy to navigate and intuitive to use, and it has a companion dating app for Android & iOS. But there aren’t a lot of features compared to more popular dating platforms, so it may not be the best dating app for you.

On JDate, you set your search criteria in the “Discovery Preferences,” then check out the results in the “Browse” section where you can see who’s “New”, “Online”, and close by (via “Distance”). You can also search based on Match % to determine compatibility.

To compete with common dating app experiences, JDate added a “LookBook” feature. You check out profiles of singles who meet your search criteria one at a time, and can either “like” or “pass” just as you would on Tinder or Bumble. Whenever a “like” is mutual, both people will be notified of the match.

JDate LookBook

However, if you’re in an area without a lot of users, you’ll quickly notice the profiles in the “LookBook” are identical to the matches in your “Browse” section.

One of the main JDate complaints, mentioned across multiple review platforms from PissedConsumer to Yelp, seems to be a general lack of matches, with an abundance of old and inactive profiles.

Of course, that’s a common complaint about any niche dating site simply because the numbers aren’t there. So if you decide to give JDate a try, use it in conjunction with a more popular dating site.

Apart from fewer users than you might find elsewhere, other complaints you might find include JDate reviews include:

  • Glitches in the app, especially across devices
  • Long profile verification times
  • Fake profiles

Positive reviews from JDate users mentioned how easy it is to use and the interesting people they've met on the platform.

But in general, online the negative JDate reviews tend to outweigh the positive ones. JDate has a 3.5 out 5 star rating on the App Store, 1.5 stars on Google Play, 2.5 stars on Trustpilot and 1.5 stars on sitejabber.

Quick JDate Facts

  • Dating Site: JDate is an online platform for Jewish singles to meet and find a spark of romance.
  • Search Filters: Users can filter their searches by Jewish affiliations (e.g. Hasidic, Conservative, Reform) and other specific critiera.
  • Paid Memberships: JDate subscriptions are available at 1-month, 3-month or 6-month lengths.
  • Customer Service: You can submit a request via their support page, or search for answers on the JDate help page. If you are having accessibility issues do to a disability, you can call the customer service line (1-877 453 3861) or email accessibility@jdate.com.

Who Uses JDate?

JDate is an international dating site available in 5 languages (English, Hebrew, French, German and Spanish), with users spread out all across the globe.

It’s part of the Spark Networks family, which includes other niche dating sites and apps like JSwipe, Elite Singles, Zoosk, SilverSingles and Christian Mingle.

The majority of users are seeking a long term relationship, and JDate’s age range runs to an older demographic. Younger Jewish singles tend to favor JSwipe.

David Yarus, who is the dating site’s “Global Ambassador” and the founder of JSwipe, once described JDate’s core demographic as “older and set on finding the one” while JSwipe’s users tend to be people who are just “dipping their foot” into the dating world.

Do You Have To Be Jewish To Be On JDate?

Despite its name, JDate isn’t just for Jewish singles. Yarus told Refinery29 that anyone interested in meeting Jewish people is welcome:

Ultimately, we have been very intentional in fostering more refined, digital dating within the Jewish community or for those who celebrate the Jewish culture. But it’s so important that we recognize and honor the universality of the world. I would hope and welcome anyone who is interested in finding someone Jewish to feel comfortable using JDate or JSwipe.

How Much Does JDate Cost Per Month?

A premium membership to JDate costs $59.99 for a single month, $44.99/month if you sign up for 3 months, or $29.99/month if you invest in a 6-month subscription.

You can use JDate for free, but what you can do without being a paid member is limited.

Free users can:

  • Set up a profile
  • Add up to 6 photos
  • Browse singles and see their primary photo
  • Receive suggested matches via email
  • Read and respond to messages sent from Premium members

Without a paid subscription your ability to communicate is limited. For instance, you can’t send an icebreaker message to a potential match whose profile intrigues you.

Here are the main features that come with a JDate subscription:

  • You can exchange messages with anyone, regardless of their membership level
  • Browse profiles anonymously
  • Hide your online status
  • See who has viewed and ‘liked’ your profile
  • Message read receipts
  • View all of a user’s photos (free users can only see the primary photo)

JDate also offers a pay-per-use Spotlight feature, which is similar to a “Boost” on Tinder or Match.com – basically, it makes your profile more visible.

When the Spotlight feature is activated, your profile will appear at the top of your matches’ “Browse” section, with a blue banner:

JDate Spotlight example

You don’t have to be a premium member to use it, and the cost depends on how long you want the feature to last:

JDate Spotlight Cost

Creating A Profile On JDate

You can create a JDate profile via Facebook or using an email address. If you choose the Facebook route, all the usual information like your gender, birthday, location, and photos will automatically transfer.

When you sign up with an email address, you’ll provide all the basics.

JDate Photos

JDate requires users to upload at least one photo, and you’re not able to proceed in the set up process until that step is completed. But don’t just lead with any old photo as your primary profile pic

JDate photo mistake

For the best results, follow the rules of our dating experts:

  1. Opt for a pic where you’re looking directly at the camera lens with nothing blocking your face. That’s the best way to spark an instant feeling of connection.
  2. Keep your primary photo simple, and crop it to headshot proportions (i.e. mid-torso and up).
  3. Make sure it’s a high-quality, clear photo with flattering lighting.

If you’re not sure what picture to choose for your JDate profile, check out these online dating photo tips!

Every uploaded photo goes through an approval process. This typically takes 24 to 48 hours. But you can set up the rest of your profile in the interim.

Next, either display your real first name or a nickname. Then fill in your height, religion, occupation, education, college and whether you have and/or want kids.

JDate Profile

Most importantly, there’s an “About You” section where you describe yourself.

JDate profile

Remember, singles on JDate are looking for someone who is relationship material, so use this opportunity to highlight your best qualities in a conversational way.

For example, this tells her you are a positive person with a good, fulfilling job without stating it outright:

Example of a JDate profile

The next part is easier. Choose a list of interests from a selection of menus:

JDate interests

The next step is where you define who you’re looking for, which will become your “Discovery Preferences.” This will determine whose profiles you see in your Browse and LookBook sections. Keep in mind, your “Discovery Preferences” can be changed at any point. 

Once you’ve got that squared away, you’re up and running. It’s time to browse those potential matches and start connecting!

Struggling To Find Incredible Jewish Singles On Dating Sites & Apps?

Most guys don’t have hours to spend crafting an attractive, attention getting profile, complete with a strong photo lineup that screams “relationship material.” And yet that’s exactly what you need to do if you want to meet high-quality, bashert-worthy matches!

Don’t forget about the work you’ll put into writing eye-catching conversation starters, then keeping those message exchanges going. With over 366 million users on online dating services, the competition is fierce.

Why not give yourself the best possible chance of finding true love… and let VIDA help?

With over a decade of experience and data to rely on, we've successfully matched hundreds of Jewish clients - and we can find your perfect match too!

VIDA’s dating experts will create an attractive, intriguing and successful dating profile for you, carefully screen the Jewish singles in your area according to your specified criteria, and even write all your messages!

Find out how it works, and how VIDA can change your life, by clicking here!

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