| Number of Users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Feature Set | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Profile Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
“Whether you’re simply looking to have a great time, seeking a serious relationship or are returning to the dating scene after some time away, Spark is the place for you. We’re here to help you meet wonderful people for wonderful relationships: romance, friendships and more. And however full your life is now, it’ll be even better once you’re tuned into this social scene. Spark is fun, laid-back and comfortable.”
Quick Look
Feature Overview:
– Unique personality test & matching system
– Secret Admirer feature
– eCards
Spark hasn’t been around as long as sites like eHarmony, but it is a well-rounded, high quality dating site. Spark’s interface is clean, easy-to-use, and the sign up process is simple. So, what do you get with Spark? The site is mostly free, with a subscription option if you’d like a full-featured experience.
Spark’s initial sign-up process took only a few minutes, requiring a username, password, email, and birthdate. Past that, you’re asked to provide a few basic things like what you’re interested in, your marital status, ethnicity, etc. Later on you have the option to complete your profile by adding photos and a bio.
Spark’s sign-up process is quick and simple
It’s refreshing to see that at the end of set-up, Spark doesn’t “force” you into a subscription, but rather displays multiple options on how to continue.
What would you like to do next?
You’re required to upload a photo on Spark, and that’s a good thing! The photo uploading interface is clean and easy-to-use. Spark also recently revamped their profile image sizes, so you can view and upload huge pictures. The one issue I ran into was that when Spark made these changes, they required users to re-upload all of their photos in larger sizes to accomodate this change.
Uploading your photos is easy!
Spark’s home page is well-organized, with your matches, quick view, and Today’s Sparks easily accessible.
Find everything you need right from the home page
Usernames
It’s worth pointing out that although you choose a username during the set-up process, it doesn’t show up right away as it must be approved by Spark. So, you’re left with a string of numbers as a username until — if — yours is approved. Be prepared to see many usernames like “115892356.” I feel like this could possibly hinder your efforts to search for someone by username.
Matching
When you sign up to Spark, you’re not immediately required to fill out any type of in-depth matching information, but the site does have a very unique system. Once you have an account, you have the option to take Spark’s “Color Code” test. The test is based on your motives, instead of behaviors.
Spark’s Color Code Test
View user’s Color Code results, and what they mean
Features
Search
Search your matches on Spark by the basics (age, distance) or using the advanced search feature (appearance, location, etc.).
Quickly search for matches on Spark
Use Spark’s advanced search options for someone more specific
Spark’s keyword search is a very unique search feature. Simply type a few keywords related for what you’re looking for, and you’re off!
Try Spark’s keyword search
Secret Admirer
Go through lists of matches to mark which you’re interested in — yes, no or maybe. Spark’s Secret Admirer feature will anonymously find out if they’re interested in you, and will inform you if the feeling is mutual!
Are you interested?
Message Boards
Want to get involved with the community? Ask and answer questions in Spark’s message board section. You must be a paid member to participate in the message boards.
Ask away!
eCards
Send your match an eCard directly through Spark
Send someone an eCard from directly within Spark! Select from various categories — birthdays, romantic, pick-up lines, and more. As a free member you can send basic eCards, but with a subscription, you can send personalized eCards.
Today’s Sparks
Spark conversation with Today’s Sparks
Today’s Sparks is a fun feature where you get to answer interesting questions for any user to see. Your answers appear on both the Q & A tab in your profile, as well as underneath the question on the main Today’s Sparks page.
Membership Rundown
As mentioned earlier, you can opt to upgrade your Spark account, although it’s a mostly free service. As a paying subscriber, you can:
- Member spotlight and highlighted profile (premium plan only)
- Initiate email conversations
- Connect with instant messaging
- Know when emails and flirts were read
- Enjoy full access to the message boards
- Create customizable eCards
PROS
- Free features
- Compatibility test
- Clean interface
- Easy to spot online members
CONS
- Must be a member to view/post on message boards
- Too many icons — need the legend to decipher
Pricing
- 1 Month Membership: $24.99/mo
- 3 Month Membership: $14.99/mo
- 6 Month Membership: $11.99/mo
- 6 Month Membership (Premium): $12.99
