In the past, online dating services were more of an unstructured place to log on and chat with people. It wasn't uncommon to find that the 22-year-old model you met online was actually an overweight middle-aged man. Compare online dating services to those of the past and you'll see that online dating has come a long way.

But now that online dating services in general are much safer and more useful, which service offers the best chance of meeting that perfect someone? Just like any neighborhood, community organization, or networking group, different dating services have different reputations. Best Buys decided to compare online dating services Match dot com and eHarmony, today's top two industry leaders.

Comparison of Dating Services: Philosophy

Match seems to spark more flirtatious relationships. It's a traditional dating service that allows you to filter members by factors like age and location. When you find a prospect, you can send an electronic "wink" to strike up a conversation and see where it leads. Serious relationships are possible, but flirting and playing is common.

eHarmony on the other hand is geared more toward long term relationships. Filling out their special Relationship Questionnaire creates a personality profile which is matched to others on specific points of compatibility. You'll then receive a list of potential matches with which you can begin a conversation.

Comparison of Online Dating Services: Security

Because of their personal nature, dating services have the potential to be breeding grounds for problems from fraud to outright assault. When choosing an online dating service, it's important to consider safety in your decision. Match allows you to decide what types of information you will share with others. Though members can send email, you can block another member from emailing you at any time.

eHarmony has four stages of structured communication before open communication begins. These steps include processes such as sending eHarmony's prewritten multiple-choice questions. Once you feel comfortable communicating with another member, there is still a level of privacy. Open communication at eHarmony is not completely "open", since you will still communicate through eHarmony rather than your normal email.

Comparison of Web Dating Services: Pricing

Online, looking for love comes with a price. However, if you think about it, the monthly rate of online dating services are a fraction of what it might cost to go out and socialize for just one evening. Match charges between $16.99 and $34.99 per month while membership at eHarmony costs between $20.83 and $49.95 per month. With both dating services, the monthly cost is dependent on the length of the subscription term you choose.

The Best Online Dating Service for You

When you compare online dating services, Best Buys recommends you match your dating goals to the service. eHarmony is a refreshing option for marriage seekers while those looking to just have some fun may enjoy Match. Both Match and eHarmony are offering free 7-day trials so you can sign up for both and see which one suits you best.