Most dating sites will allow you to post a profile/photo and search for free. The search will give you an idea of the number of prospective dates available that fit your requirements. The number of members belonging to a particular dating site is important since it gives you more to choose from especially if you are overly rigid in your requirements. Price, of course, is also an important factor and you'll notice in the table below that prices vary widely. Some dating sites are more expensive than others but do give you more. There are thousands of dating sites on the internet. Most of them are small with a small member base and may not be there tomorrow. The dating sites listed below are sites that have been around along time, are reliable, safe and provide you what you would expect from a good online site.

Dating Site Price Member Base/Range What They Give You Summary Match.com More Info One month: $31.99 Three months: $51.99 Six months: $101.99 Over 20 million International Free browsing, add profile, winks, personality tests, dating tips and advice, stories of successful matches, personal introductions, speed matching both in person and online, wireless dating, social events, travel, getaways, more. The biggest and probably the best dating site with millions of members and hundreds of thousand of successful matches and numerous ways of meeting new people. Their price is in the ballpark as compared with other sites and their huge member base gives you lots of choices. Yahoo! Personals More Info One month: $25.99 Three months: $53.97 Six months: $83.94 Over 4 million International Free browsing, add profile, icebreakers, voice and video greetings, dating tips and advice, success stories, free newsletter, instant messaging. Yahoo is safe and reliable with a large member base that gives you more selection. They're international so if you travel a lot it certainly comes in handy. Many of their services are free. And for the price, it's hard to beat. eHarmony.com More Info One month: $59.95 Three months: $110.85 Six months: $173.70 Twelve months: $251.40 (includes relationship starter package) Over 2 million (and growing) International Detailed questionnaire that match singles who have the best chance of making great relationship partners. Free personality profile, browsing, 7 day trial. Guidance in getting to know your matches. Tips and advice, success stories. To date, eHarmony has enjoyed – and helped its members to enjoy – outstanding success. With hundreds of thousands of members, they've created matches that have resulted in hundreds of marriages, and thousands of relationships that are still going strong. The questionnaire is rather long but if you're looking for a lasting relationship, compatibility beats looks anytime. AmericanSingles More Info One Month: $29.99 Three Months: $59.97 Five Months: $74.95 Over 3 million U.S. & Canada Add profile and photos for free, free search, teases, replies to instant messages and email matches. Exclusive events and travel, chat. AmericanSingles.com has been around since Internet dating began and with years of experience they know what they're doing. They've become one of the most popular sites around. Members are even getting their friends to join. Their popularity is testimony to their worth and, of course, makes it easier to find a match. Date.com More Info One Month: $24.95 Three Months: $49.95 Six Months: $74.95 Twelve Months: $95.95 Over 3 million International Add profile and photos for free, free search, send your profile for free. Events and travel. Free webzine with dating tips and advice, ideas and articles. This dating site is adding new members at a rate of 250,000 per month. Thus far, thousands of couples have begun successful relationships through Date.com, with at least 50 marriages taking place during the past year. Date.com expanded its online service a few years ago with a variety of "off-line" social events. Date.com is worth checking out as they give you more than most other dating sites. Lavalife More Info Lavalife charges by credit (see summary to the right) 50 credits: $14.99 100 credits: $24.99 200 credits: $39.99 Credits are used as follows: Send mail: 6 credits Send instant messages (20 min): 6 credits Send instant messages(1 hr): 12 credits Over 5 million International Post up to three profiles and up to ten pictures, browse and search profiles, relationship, dating and sex advice, reply to messages, send smiles all for free. Instant messaging, video clips, online parties, mobile contact. With over 5 million registered members, you'll be like a kid in a candy store. Lavalife has 3 communities: Dating, Relationship and Intimate Encounters to allow you to manage your online experience and find what you're looking for. Their unique way of selling credits to use their paid services will save you money. You aren't billed periodically; you purchase credits, a certain number of which can be used for things like instant messaging and sending mail. Not a bad deal.