The Ultimate JDate Review [Is It Still Worth Using In 2023?]

It’s been around for over 20 years, but now that it’s sharing the market with dating apps like Lox Club and JSwipe, you’re probably wondering if JDate is still worth checking out. This JDate review is packed with all the details you’re looking for, from cost and user age range to exactly how this Jewish dating works and real user experiences.

In other words, everything you need to decide if JDate is worth a try!

Let’s start with…

How Much Does JDate Cost?

You can use JDate for free, but what you can do 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

As you can see, without a paid subscription your ability to communicate with other singles is limited - you can’t send an icebreaker message to someone whose profile intrigues you.

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.

A JDate subscription unlocks these main features:

• 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 has a pay-per-use Spotlight feature, which is similar to a “Boost” on Tinder or Match.com in that it makes your profile more visible. On JDate, a boosted profile displays at the top of other users' browse results.

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

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

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 and Christian Mingle.

The majority of users are seeking a more serious relationship, and JDate’s age range runs to an older demographic, as younger Jewish singles tend to favor JSwipe.

David Yarus, who is the dating site’s “Global Ambassador” and the founder of JSwipe, 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.

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 Good Is JDate?

Overall the quality of the matches you’ll get on JDate is high, but the quantity isn’t - especially if you’re under 35 or you’re not in a large city like New York.

As with any niche dating site, you simply won’t find the huge number of singles that you would on a mainstream dating site like Match.com. In fact, you’ll likely find more Jewish singles near you on Match.com simply by setting the “faith” filter to Jewish:

JDate Has One Potentially Big Advantage

The one benefit that JDate has over mainstream dating sites is the ability to screen for people who fit your ideal partner criteria exactly. Some of the search filters are very specific:

The site itself is easy to navigate and intuitive to use, but there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles compared to some other dating sites. You simply set your search criteria in the “Discovery Preferences,” then check out the results in the “Browse” section.

To compete with the typical dating app experience, 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. Whenever a “like” is mutual, both people will be notified of the match.

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.

The main JDate complaint, 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 complaint you’ll hear often about just about any niche dating site as the numbers just aren’t there. So if you do decide to give JDate a try, it’s best to use it in conjunction with a more popular dating site as well.

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 using 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…

For the best results, opt for pic where you’re looking directly at the lens of the camera and there’s nothing blocking your face. That’s the best way to spark an instant feeling of connection.

You want your primary dating photo to be a simple image, so crop it to headshot proportions (i.e. mid-torso and up), and 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!

All photos uploaded must go through an approval process which typically takes 24 to 48 hours. But you can set up the rest of your profile in the interim.

Next, you can choose to 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

Then there’s an “About You” section similar to other dating sites where you can describe yourself to your potential matches.

Remember, singles on JDate are generally looking for relationship material, so highlighting a few of your best qualities in a conversational way is essential.

The next part is a lot easier - simply choose a few of your interests from a selection of menus:

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.

Once you’ve got that squared away, you’re up and running - it’s time to start browsing profiles and sending messages.

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 all the time you’ll need to spend writing eye-catching first messages, then mastering the art of keeping those message exchanges going. Online dating is now the most popular way to meet someone, so the competition is fierce.

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