Let’s be honest – finding true love is not simple, nor has it ever really been. But in this day and age, if you don’t like clubbing, and don’t appreciate the local bar scene, you’ve still got options! Online dating is a big thing nowadays, and services like Dateclub allow you to find someone who’s the perfect match for you.
But speaking of the perfect match – is Dateclub the online dating service you need? Our in-depth review will tell you everything you need to know.
What is Dateclub?
Unlike Tinder, Dateclub is actually an entire social media platform. Just like Instagram or Tinder, you’ve got plenty of options for networking with other people.
The key difference here is, obviously, the fact that you’re not looking for family members and friends, but for single people with which you can go on a date.
Though, you can make new friendships as well; you can use this service to have a casual encounter with someone if you’re not prepared to commit to a relationship, just find a new buddy, or look for true romance.
Also unlike these global services, the Dateclub platform is only available in four countries: the United Kingdom, Kenya, Ireland, and South Africa.
Membership Cost
One of the biggest boons that Dateclub has going for it is the fact that it’s more of a social networking platform than a swipe-based app like Tinder.
You get far more than a basic profile with Dateclub; as in, you have interesting options for engaging and interacting.
However, on the other hand: you should know that this platform is not free.
Or rather, it depends on your location. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the website is free to join.
But in Kenya and South Africa, where more of its users are, Dateclub actually has a daily subscription.
Yep, you’ve read that correctly – not a monthly one, and not a weekly one; a daily subscription.
Sure, it’s not a lot: it amounts to 0.017 US dollars. If you look at it that way, it’s not a huge cost. But still, paying for something every single day isn’t a great feeling.
After all, this is primarily meant for people who have moved to a new area and don’t have a lot of ways to meet people.
Imagine, just as you save money on storage services by finding the right company, and find a cheap place to rent: you get hit by a daily cost for this!
So, what kind of features does this network offer in return?
Features
The first interesting feature that Dateclub offers is “Creative Wishes”.
You can apply for someone else’s wish, or make your own.
So, how does this look in practice?
If someone you like writes “want to have a drink with a blonde girl” and you fit the bill – you can apply for their wish!
Secondly, you’ve got the Dateclub Lounge.
This is your basic community forum; something you’d find on any kind of social-oriented website.
While it doesn’t have all of the features found on online forums, it’s got a good basic functionality.
Live Feed: This is one of Dateclub’s strengths, as even sites like Match.com don’t give you the option of viewing what other site members do on the platform.
It looks something akin to Facebook’s or Instagram’s feed, making Dateclub more a social network than other dating sites.
The Pros
While you’re looking for your soulmate, Dateclub definitely has a lot to offer.
Firstly, the interface is pretty intuitive, and you won’t find it difficult to use.
The process of registering isn’t tedious either, as you won’t be spending hours entering intimate details about your personality and life.
Plus, the mobile app is pretty great, with a sleek design that lets the live feed and community board shine.
You’ll truly feel like you’re on another social network but focused on dating.
Soon enough, you’ll be able to let your guard down and enjoy chit-chatting with a potential loved one!
The Weaknesses
Unfortunately, Dateclub has plenty of downsides too.
First of all, as you might have imagined – the cost.
If you just want to give the app a try, paying even a tiny daily price is pretty steep.
And you get no trial period, meaning you’ll pay for at least one day.
That’s something that would’ve been better handled with a monthly subscription that entails a trial period.
Also, you won’t find a lot of information about who actually runs Dateclub.
If this were a mobile game or something similar that wouldn’t be much of a problem, but this is a dating site with some potentially sensitive information.
Thus, a lack of transparency is a problem.
There’s also the fact that there is no clear information about how many users the website has.
Naturally, we’d like to see at least a rough estimate, to know just how populated the platform is.
You wouldn’t want to pay a daily subscription for a depopulated platform.
The Final Verdict
At the end of the day, we feel uneasy recommending Dateclub to anyone searching for a fling or a relationship.
Sure, the platform has a couple of social networking features; but the question is, are you really looking for advanced networking options in a dating service?
And the cost is something that really ruins the first impression if you’re in Kenya or South Africa, as any new users don’t get a chance to have a gander at how the app runs before laying down some money.
That’s definitely a setback. On the other hand, the website is pretty easy to use, and the navigation is pretty effortless.
But the question is – do these benefits outweigh the costs, literally in this case?
Considering the lack of transparency as well, we don’t really think so.
Though, if you’re really keen on trying it out, you can always just cancel the membership fee after paying for a single day.
