FiftyDating is exactly that - a dating site for singles over 50 years old. Aside from that, the site is open to anybody so you'll find a broad mix of ages, personalities, and types of dating. When you sign up the questions are easy to answer, all optional, and very detailed so you can fill in a questionnaire which allows you to say just what you're looking for - from appearance, age, income, religion, interests - and anything else you can think of!
The sign-up process sets the tone for the website; it's stress-free, fun to use, and everything is optional, so it's a relaxing and enjoyable experience. There is a tonne of features here, but you can browse almost everything on a free membership and feel your way around the site. You'll find games, a diary function, matching features, private messaging and decent search criteria - which is great to see on a mature dating site, which often feel a little lacklustre and limited! If you're over 50 and looking for love, romance, friendship, dating or a hot fling, FiftyDating is here to make those aspirations a reality.
"Chilled out mature dating site, with none of the fuss and all of the frills you'd expect from a much larger platform."
FiftyDating is easy to use; I did find the membership options a little confusing, as the 3-month option is highlighted as the most popular, and the other choices aren't in a linear order! That aside, everything makes sense, and I didn't have any trouble finding functions or working out where the messaging features are located.
Registering is friendly and straightforward, and you have the option of skipping as many steps as you like (even all of them if you wish!), so it's a chilled-out way to sign up. You can come back whenever is convenient and fill in the rest of your info if you decide to keep using the site.
In terms of the layout, you can find a blue toolbar at the top of the home page with all of the main things you're going to need:
The home page does look a little busy, and I think this is because it tries to show you as many profiles as possible in a reasonably small space, so these become a little squashed! Each of the profiles displayed on the top row has the 'yes, no, maybe' buttons you'll find in Encounters, which made my eyes wobble a bit.
Aside from the busy appearance of the homepage, the site is very easy to use, and the functionality works well. Perhaps as a new member, this is exaggerated because you'll see reminders throughout the site to complete any information you missed off during the initial sign up.
Interestingly, FiftyDating has just introduced free messaging - which is a massive bonus since this is almost always a service you have to have a premium account to use! Basic members (those without a paid subscription) get one free message to send to each and every user they want to contact. If they reply and you want to keep the chat going, of course, you'll have to upgrade - but this is an excellent introductory offer to help out new members.
FiftyDating is just what I want to see in a mature dating site; it's simple to use, without having limited functions. The site is well laid out, and aside from the slightly busy homepage displays all the most essential information intuitively so you can get to where you want to in just one click.
I like the related questions box that pops up from time to time; if the site thinks you're looking for something you can't find, it will send you helpful little nudges to make sure you don't get stuck! There are tips and hints throughout the site, so it feels natural to use even if you're a novice.
The site takes an active role in promoting online safety and asks you to verify your email address and follow some basic rules to keep your online dating experience a positive one. There are also tips for first dates which is always useful if you haven't dated in a while, or are brand new to online dating.
As you're online, a pop up at the bottom will let you know when someone new joins or logs in - and with apparently 50 new members every day, you're not going to find a shortage of people to chat and flirt with!
When I think about value for money, I'm impressed. The subscriptions are relatively expensive, but given that you can access all the parts of the site for free without paying a penny speaks volumes about the accessibility you get here. You can send a message completely free to any member of the site, and only then have to decide whether to upgrade if that conversation is worth continuing.
Good functionality, a busy and engaged user base, a variety of singles, and lots of freebies - what more could I ask for?
Disclosure: This website is an independent comparison site that helps consumers find the most suitable product for their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by charging an advertising fee to featured brands whenever a user completes a purchase. These advertising fees might impact the placement of the brands on this page and combined with the conversion rates might impact the scoring as well which are further based on a combination of review findings, user experience and product popularity. We make best effort to present up-to-date information; however, we do not compare or include all service providers in the market.
