Comprehensive insider review of FreeDating.co.uk

Pros and cons of FreeDating.co.uk

A brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of FreeDating.co.uk

Introduction

FreeDating.co.uk is a free dating site for people from the United Kingdom. It’s managed by a company with the same name, Free Dating Ltd, from Reading, England. I’m pleased and surprised to confirm that the site’s members appear genuine. Profiles must be manually approved, which has its pros and cons, as users must be patient in order to communicate with anyone until their profile gets approved.

Users on the platform will have to put up with some advertising, but this is logical. After all, the operator needs to fund the website somehow. Despite the ads, the user experience is still pleasant. Ads on the site are easy to spot and don’t affect usability too much. Furthermore, the company makes an honest effort to keep its users safe.

Usability and design

First impression

The website has a simple interface as it has no photos, only graphics. The site isn’t sleek, which may even make users wonder if it’s real. However, at least there aren’t any obviously fake users’ profile images, which I appreciate. The site promotes itself as one of the most popular free dating sites in the UK.

The site has links to articles with dating tips for people of all ages. At the bottom of the landing page, some labels guarantee that this is a serious website. The logos that are there announce that the platform is part of an online dating association that actively fights scammers.

Navigation

In the members’ area, I noticed this site’s users’ images look real. However, before users can use the platform, they must complete their profile and get it approved to chat. Uploading a photo isn’t required, but the site asks users many details about their professional lives, income, physical appearance, life plans, etc. Users are also asked to add a short description of themselves.

They can choose to turn off notifications in order to make navigation on the site smoother. After completing their profile, users cannot communicate with anyone while their profile is still pending approval. There are some ads on the site, but it’s manageable, and I’ve seen worse ads on other free dating sites.

Registration process

It only takes one minute to sign up on the website. Users only need to fill out the form, providing their gender, sexual orientation, and postal code. After that, users can select the age range of the people they’d like to date. They must also provide a radius within which they’d be willing to meet up with other users. Next, users add their email address and create a password. By clicking on “Agree and View Matches,” they’ll also accept the site’s Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy. Users will immediately receive a confirmation email to activate their account.

General Terms and Conditions

There was nothing suspicious in the site’s Terms and Conditions.

Functions and tools

Main functions

The main features of the site are displayed in the menu at the top of the screen. There are some ads that are integrated with the design; however, they are easy to see and avoid. The most important functions for the users are the «Discover» section, the search filters, and the messaging feature. We can also see who has been checking out our profile on the «Views» section, and create a list of favorite members. Finally, we can adjust the profile settings however we like.

Communication tools

The communication methods users can find on FreeDating.co.uk aren’t too advanced. There’s only a chat feature, and users can like other profiles as a subtle way of flirting. This is done by adding them to your list of favorite profiles, and the members will be informed that they are on your list. Alternatively, users can start conversations on the site’s forum, where all kinds of topics are discussed. This may feel like a more organic way of getting to know someone and maybe move the conversation to the chat eventually.

Special features

This platform doesn’t have any special features.

Security and data protection

Privacy policy

The platform gives a fair warning about the information that’ll be publicly displayed to allow singles to meet each other. Since the website is funded by ads, there’s no banking data to protect, and the site informs users that their data (such as email addresses, postcodes, and users’ dates of birth) will be safely stored.

Security measures

The platform is a part of an online dating association in the UK called ODA, which, according to my research, seems legit. The site features the logo of a company called Scamalytics, which assists them in stopping users from being tricked by online fraudsters. I also appreciate the site’s feature to report profiles that display photos of minors.

Target group analysis and matching quality

Demography

This dating site targets UK adults of any gender and sexual orientation. Anything can happen on this platform, and the service it provides targets people who are looking for a committed relationship or those interested in flirting. As it’s free of charge, the website is funded via advertising. Users will have to put up with some ads on the platform, even though it may feel intrusive at times. This means the site’s target group must be willing to sacrifice some ease of use to avoid paying for a dating service.

Matchmaking algorithm

The dating platform doesn’t have a matchmaking algorithm.

Costs and price-performance ratio

Free vs. paid functions

It doesn’t cost anything to interact on the website.

Contact details and customer service

Operator

Free Dating LTD, Advantage Castle Street, Reading, England, RG1 7SN, United Kingdom

Company registration

11348477

Support

Support: https://www.freedating.co.uk/engine.php?action=contact.form

Conclusion and recommendations

FreeDating.co.uk is a free dating platform for singles in the UK. However, the website includes some advertising so that it’s financially sustainable. As far as I can tell, the profiles were mostly real. Of course, some fake profiles can always be found, particularly on free websites, but the website is completely free.

However, the operator makes the effort to approve all profiles manually, and users can promptly report any suspicious accounts. I’m particularly happy that it has a function to inform the platform of profiles that feature minors. Although the online reviews are mixed, there are many positive and genuine comments.

Social media

X:

X.com/freedating

Facebook:

Facebook.com/freedating

User experiences and ratings

User feedback

The website doesn't feature any user testimonials.

Reviews on the Internet

Appendix

Sources:

FreeDating.co.uk

Methodology:

This report is based on an analysis of publicly available information on the website of FreeDating.co.uk.