An Honest Review of POF – Find Online Dating That Works for You

Pof Logo
Our Score
9.8
Rating
Features
Instant Messages
Mobile App
Voice Message
Email
Mobile App
Match service
Email Support
FAQ
How does POF work?

POF is one of the original online dating sites, and it has come a long way. The website is largely free to use and offers a free messaging service without a paid subscription, unlike most dating sites. Our POF dating site review shows that whilst the site is subject to spam accounts, it does have a comprehensive guidance section, and the POF experience is streamlined, simple, and easy to use. With the majority of members being young adults, it is more geared towards younger generations but is one of the user-friendliest dating sites we have come across.

Pros & Cons

Extensive free features
Experienced dating site
Detailed extended user profiles
Ban on face filters for profile photos
Additional information such as family history and the longest relationship
Good mobile app functionality
Free to sign up and easy to cancel
Tokens purchased to redeem for services are non-refundable
Registration is required to use the site
Security settings can mean additional verification required at sign in

Pricing Plans

Premium

$38.70
2 months

Premium

$51
4 months

Premium

$81.40
8 months

Free services Vs. Paid services

Free services
Access to detailed user profiles
14 search criteria functions
Unlimited messaging
Voice message function
Extensive spam and security functions
Privacy from social media accounts
Ban on filters on profile photos
Paid services
Meet Me matching feature
Extended access to user profiles
See message read status
Ad-free
Send up to 3 gifts per day
See who has viewed your profile
Display up to 16 profile images (increased from 8)

POF special features

One of the most impressive things about POF is the amount of content and features that are available free of charge. Of course, this does mean a fair bit of advertising, but the app is highly functional and as easy to use as the website. Free users can send direct messages, including voice messages, view profiles, see a list of online members, and create matches and lists of favorites. For a subscription fee, the Meet Me service is a premium function for paid members and provides access to detailed matches with the 50 most compatible singles within your criteria. This matching system is user-specific, and the Chemistry Predictor looks in-depth at your profile alongside a member to help predict how likely you are to be a good match.

How to search on POF

With a detailed list of sign-up questions, most POF profiles are quite detailed, which makes searching easier. You can search profiles for specific criteria, as well as looking for specific members using the search by username option. The function allows you to search by city or location, and the app search mobile feature works just as well as the desktop. Messaging is easy and included in the free membership, and the FAQs clearly explain how to use the POF search and how to message someone on POF if you are new to the platform.

Safety & Security

POF is known for robust security features, and whilst it can be a pain needing to verify your login, it feels like one of the safest online dating sites. The POF customer service team is available through online help, but will not accept phone calls, so it is difficult to get an immediate response. Account verification settings are secure, and the FAQs answer most queries you might have. There is lots of dating safety tips, and breaches of policy are dealt with by immediate account deletion, which has helped reduce the access to the site of spammers or fake accounts. There is the option of hiding your profile from others, which can be unhidden at any point.

Conclusion

POF is a great dating site, with an easy to use the app and a lot of services and functions that are available for free. This is highly competitive compared to other dating sites. However, the lack of customer service support via phone means that you might have a wait for help if you experience a problem. The security measures banning filters from profile pictures, and robust account deletion policy for spam accounts makes this one of the safer online dating options. Many users prefer the privacy that comes with POF, since it does not link with social media accounts and thus use your friends' lists and personal data to target marketing and ads. You can use a social media upload, though, to make it easier to find photos that you'd like to display on your profile. All round, a great service.

Questions & Answers

How to delete a POF account

You can delete your POF account online by completing an online form with your username, password, and reason for leaving. There is also the option of hiding your account if you think you might like to reinstate it at some point.

How to unblock someone on POF

To unblock someone, you simply open any conversation with them in your inbox and click on 'Users | Blocked' on the right-hand side. Select Unblock User to remove the block.

How to block someone on POF

Blocking someone is very easy, with a 'Block User' link next to the reply box in every message thread. You can also report a user through the website by clicking on the Report User link at the bottom of their profile page.

How to tell if a POF account was deleted

POF accounts are automatically deleted for any breach of a violation. This can also happen if the same user is blocked multiple times. Once an account is deleted, the user will no longer be visible, and their profile will have been removed.

How to get your POF account back

Once a POF account has been deleted, it cannot be reinstated. If you are unsure if you'd like to use your account again, select the option to hide your profile in the 'Edit Profile' section. This means your profile can be hidden until you choose to reinstate it or delete it completely.

How to cancel a POF subscription

Subscriptions are renewed automatically, so if you wish to terminate your subscription, you need to do so before the next renewal date. You can cancel your subscription at any time within 3 days of subscribing or can cancel at any time to avoid auto-renewal, although you will continue to receive your subscription service until the end of the current billing period that you have already paid for.

How to get POF upgrade free

POF is free to use, with additional features available through subscription. There is not an option to receive a free upgrade, although you can change your profile settings to choose 'Yes' under the 'Send me an email when someone says yes to me on meet me,' which will give you increased visibility of your matches without buying a subscription. Tokens are an alternative to an ongoing subscription, and allow you to highlight your profile, send a 'Super Yes' and make your messages a priority.

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