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If you want a dating app that cares about more than your best selfie, OkCupid is probably on your radar. It is known for its questions, its match percentages and its inclusive approach to dating. But is it any good for UK singles, and is it worth your time? In this OkCupid review, we find out.
We cover how OkCupid works, what you get for free, what the paid plans add, who it suits and how to make the most of it, so you can decide whether it is the right app for you.
What Is OkCupid?
OkCupid is a dating app and website that started in 2004. It is now part of Match Group, alongside Tinder, Hinge, Match and Plenty of Fish. What makes it different is its focus on compatibility. Instead of relying only on photos, OkCupid asks you to answer questions about your values, lifestyle and what you are looking for, then uses your answers to work out how well you might get on with other people.
It is also one of the most inclusive dating apps around, with a wide range of gender identities, sexual orientations and relationship styles to choose from. That makes it popular with people who want to be seen for who they really are.
How Does OkCupid Work?
This part of our OkCupid review covers what happens from the moment you sign up.
Create your profile
You add photos, choose how you identify and who you are interested in, and write about yourself. OkCupid profiles include short self-summary sections and prompts, so there is room to show your personality.
Answer questions
This is the heart of OkCupid. You answer multiple-choice questions on everything from politics and religion to tidiness, pets and what makes a great weekend. For each one, you say how you would like a partner to answer and how important it is to you. You can answer as many or as few as you like, but the more you answer, the better your matches become.
See your match percentage
OkCupid compares your answers with other people’s and shows a match percentage on each profile. A high percentage suggests you share important values. If you want to understand how this kind of matching works, our guide to how compatibility matching works explains it simply.
Like, match and message
You browse profiles in Discover and like or pass on each person. When the like is mutual, you match and can message each other. You can also send a message along with a like, which helps you stand out.
Is OkCupid Free?
Yes, OkCupid has a generous free version. Free members can:
- Create a full profile
- Answer questions and see match percentages
- Browse and like profiles
- Message people they have matched with
The paid plans, usually called Basic and Premium, add extras such as:
- Seeing everyone who has liked you
- Unlimited likes
- No adverts
- Seeing other people’s answers to public questions
- Boosts and other ways to stand out
As with every dating app, prices and plans change, so check the latest options in the app. Many people have a great experience on the free version alone.
Is OkCupid Good for Finding a Relationship?
This is the question most people ask, and the answer is: it can be. Because OkCupid puts so much weight on shared values, it tends to attract people who want more than a quick chat. If you take the time to answer questions honestly and read people’s profiles properly, you are likely to have deeper conversations than on many swipe apps.
That said, OkCupid users want all sorts of things, from friendship to casual dating to marriage. You can show your relationship goals on your profile, so be clear about what you are looking for.
OkCupid Pros and Cons
Here is the honest summary from our OkCupid review.
- Pro: matching based on values, not just photos.
- Pro: a strong free version.
- Pro: very inclusive, with lots of identity and relationship options.
- Pro: detailed profiles give you plenty to talk about.
- Con: answering questions takes time, although it pays off.
- Con: fewer members than Tinder in smaller UK towns.
- Con: seeing who liked you needs a paid plan.
Who Is OkCupid Best For?
OkCupid is a great fit if you:
- Care about shared values, beliefs and lifestyle
- Enjoy reading profiles and answering questions
- Want an inclusive app where you can be yourself
- Would like to date without paying
If you prefer quick, photo-led swiping, Tinder or Bumble may feel more natural. And if you want a busier app in a small town, you might use OkCupid alongside a bigger one. Our guide to the best dating apps compares the main options.
How to Get the Most Out of OkCupid
A little effort makes OkCupid much more rewarding.
Answer plenty of questions
The more questions you answer, the more accurate your match percentages become. Aim for at least 50 to start with, and answer honestly rather than how you think you should.
Mark your dealbreakers
Use the importance setting on questions that really matter to you. It helps OkCupid show you people who share your values.
Write a profile with personality
Use the self-summary and prompts to share real details about your life. Specifics such as your favourite walk, a dish you love to cook or a show you always recommend give people an easy way to start talking.
Choose good photos
Even on a values-based app, photos matter. Use clear, recent pictures, with your face visible in the first one.
Start conversations from shared answers
Your match percentage and their answers are perfect conversation starters. Asking about something you both feel strongly about is far better than a simple “hi”. For more ideas, see our tips on how to start a conversation on a dating app.
Examples of OkCupid Questions
OkCupid’s questions range from light-hearted to serious. To give you a feel, here are the kinds of things you might be asked.
- Do you prefer a big night out or a quiet night in?
- How important is religion or spirituality in your life?
- Would you like to have children one day?
- How tidy do you keep your home?
- Do you enjoy discussing politics?
- Could you date someone who smokes?
Answering these honestly helps OkCupid match you with people you will actually get on with, and gives you instant topics for conversation.
OkCupid Compared With Other Dating Apps
- OkCupid vs Hinge: both encourage meaningful conversations. Hinge uses profile prompts, while OkCupid uses its question system and match percentages.
- OkCupid vs Tinder: Tinder is quicker and more photo-led. OkCupid gives you far more information about each person before you match.
- OkCupid vs Plenty of Fish: POF lets you message without matching and has a larger UK membership in some areas. OkCupid focuses more on compatibility.
- OkCupid vs eharmony: both use questions to suggest matches, but OkCupid has a stronger free version and more flexibility.
Writing a Great OkCupid Profile
Because OkCupid users actually read profiles, your words matter more here than on most apps. A few pointers:
- Open with something memorable. A specific passion, a funny habit or a recent adventure makes people want to know more.
- Show, do not tell. Instead of saying you are adventurous, mention the last place you explored.
- Share what you care about. OkCupid is built around values, so it is fine to mention causes, beliefs or lifestyle choices that matter to you.
- Say what you would like to find. Keep it positive, focusing on the kind of connection you hope for.
- Keep it current. Update your profile and photos every few months so it always reflects you.
The OkCupid Experience Day to Day
In practice, OkCupid feels calmer than many dating apps. You browse profiles, check match percentages, answer a few new questions when you have a spare minute and chat with the people you have matched with. Because there is more information on each profile, it is easier to tell quickly whether you are likely to click, which means fewer dead-end conversations.
Many users find it works best when they dip in regularly for short spells rather than spending hours swiping. Answering a handful of questions each day also keeps your profile active, which helps you appear to more people.
Common Questions About OkCupid
Is OkCupid good in the UK?
Yes. OkCupid has a solid UK membership, particularly in cities and university towns. In quieter areas, you might want to use it alongside a bigger app.
Is OkCupid for serious relationships?
Many OkCupid users are looking for something meaningful, and its focus on shared values suits people who want commitment. You can show your relationship goals on your profile.
Can I use OkCupid without answering questions?
You can, but you will miss out on what makes OkCupid special. Even 20 or 30 answers make a noticeable difference to your matches.
Can I see who liked me on OkCupid for free?
Seeing everyone who has liked you is usually a paid feature. On the free version, you find out when you like someone back and it is a match.
Staying Safe on OkCupid
OkCupid has reporting and blocking tools and safety guidance, and most members are genuine. Still, take sensible precautions. Keep personal details private until you know someone, chat on the app before swapping numbers, and always meet somewhere public for a first date. Tell a friend your plans, and never send money to anyone you have met online.
OkCupid Review: Our Verdict
So, is OkCupid good? For UK singles who want more than looks to go on, yes. Its question-based matching, inclusive approach and strong free version make it one of the best apps for meeting people who share your values. It takes a bit more effort than a swipe app, but that effort is exactly what leads to better conversations and, hopefully, better dates.
Give it a try, answer the questions honestly and see who you click with.
For more honest reviews and dating advice, explore the rest of Singles Warehouse. Have a question? Please get in touch.
