SilverSingles Review: What to Know About This Site for Adults Over 50

Strong anti-scam measures. When our testing team used AI to create a fake profile, the site automatically blocked it (see the response our team received below). This stood out compared to other platforms, such as Match and eharmony, that primarily rely on SMS (short message service — the technology used to send text messages) verification during sign-up. This activity also reflects our survey findings — 75 percent of SilverSingles users said they’ve never experienced a fake profile trying to scam them or any other unwelcome behavior such as unsolicited sexual messages or threats. By contrast, only 43 percent of respondents across all 22 brands in our survey said the same thing.

Free version may be enough for some users. Several survey respondents said they were satisfied using SilverSingles without paying for a subscription. “Everything I want to do I can do with the free version,” said one respondent. “The free version is enough to get me in touch with new people,” said another respondent. The free version does have limits — users receive only three match recommendations per day and can’t see who liked their profile unless there’s a match. However, free members can browse profiles and send up to 10 likes daily. (By comparison, some other platforms impose stricter limits. For example, eharmony blurs profile photos for free users.)

Limited filtering and customer support. Testers noted SilverSingles offers very few filters, even after upgrading to a paid membership. During profile setup, users can only adjust distance preferences. Other platforms, such as eharmony, allow additional free filters, like smoking status or height. SilverSingles also limits customer support to an online contact form. While this isn’t unusual for dating platforms, it may be frustrating for users who need immediate help with account issues.

How much does SilverSingles cost?

SilverSingles offers several subscription options, including standard premium memberships and higher-cost matchmaking services with live experts. As noted, monthly prices decrease as subscription terms lengthen.

The one-month subscription price of $54.99 seems steep when it comes to value since the SilverSingles’ premium membership mainly expands access to features already available in the free version, such as more daily recommendations and unlimited likes. This premium membership  does not include additional tools found on larger dating platforms, such as advanced filters or curated daily highlights.

By comparison, SeniorMatch (another dating platform marketed to people 50 and older), offers a one-month subscription for $29.95. And  eharmony and Match, which are designed for adults of various ages, do not offer one-month plans at all.

One tester said the paid version of SilverSingles felt more like an expansion of existing features rather than a true upgrade. This means some users may find the free version sufficient, especially compared with sites like eharmony or Match, which strictly limit what free members can do.

In our online dating survey, 58 percent of SilverSingles users reported paying for a membership. Some said it wasn’t worth the additional cost. Overall, 25 percent of survey respondents said they were dissatisfied with SilverSingles’ value for the price.

That said, SilverSingles offers one of the stronger free memberships in the online dating space. For casual dating, the free version may be enough, while more active users may benefit from fewer restrictions.

SilverSingles matchmaking services

SilverSingles is one of the only dating apps we’ve seen that offers an ultra-premium, one-on-one matchmaking service. The company pairs you with one of their in-house matchmakers to set up dates, help find matches, and more.

Of course, those ultra-premium services come at a cost, which is outlined below. Matchmaking services are the most expensive  and have a 12-month commitment. 

With Match Concierge, members receive monthly live meetings with a matchmaker and short video introductions with matches, which can help them assess chemistry and confirm identities.

Premier Matchmaking is the highest-tier service. In addition to unlimited coaching support, your matchmaker searches for matches beyond the SilverSingles network, including matches from EliteSingles and Zoosk, and helps coordinate introductions and dates.

We contacted SilverSingles customer service to ask whether members are released from their commitment if they find a relationship early, but we did not receive a response. These services require long-term commitments and come at a high cost. Still, for those who want personalized guidance from a real person, the added support may be appealing.

SilverSingles customer service

During testing, SilverSingles earned a 2 out of 5 rating for customer service due to limited contact options. While the site has an FAQ page, it does not provide a phone number or direct email address. Instead, users are directed to submit inquiries through an online contact form.

This approach to customer service is common among dating platforms. In fact, eharmony, Match, and SeniorMatch also rely primarily on online forms for support. Tinder is one of the few major dating apps with a phone number on its website.

What to know about online dating safety and scams

While many people on dating platforms are there to connect with others, fake profiles and scammers do exist. The good news is many scammers and fraudsters can be easier to spot if you know what to look for. 

Joshua Del Valle, head of enterprise fraud at PNC Bank in Birmingham, Alabama, says scammers often target older adults because these adults may have retirement savings and are sometimes perceived as less familiar with digital platforms. “Sadly, there are older adults out there who have lost their entire life’s savings to this type of scam,” he says.

So what are some potential red flags? “Scammers often push victims to leave dating sites for private channels, as these platforms don’t have fraud protection,” says Del Valle. (Examples of private channels include WhatsApp, text messages and email.) That said, requests to move conversations away from a dating platform aren’t always red flags, as different routes of communication may work better for some people. But it is wise to verify someone looks like their pictures through a phone call or video chat first if you’re comfortable with that — especially if something feels off.

Del Valle cautions that scammers often move quickly and shower people with attention. And once scammers establish trust, they may ask for money, often saying they need the funds for emergencies or travel expenses. 

Wendy Walsh, a dating expert and psychology professor at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, California, also notes that scammers may claim to be overseas, which is why they can’t call you or meet in person. “Beware of people who say they’re in the military serving abroad,” she says.

Is SilverSingles right for you?

So could this platform be a fit for you? The answer depends on your goals and preferences. Consider asking yourself the following questions to gain more clarity. 

Do I want to match with adults over 50?

For some people who want to match with older adults, a platform focused on this audience helps reduce mismatched connections. Bill, 72, who lives in Los Angeles and participated in our focus group, said he often receives matches outside his stated age range on broader dating platforms like eharmony. (Note: All names of focus group participants have been changed to protect their privacy.)

SilverSingles is marketed to adults 50 and older, and it notes that most of its members are there to date other older adults. That said, the platform allows people under 50 to join, so you may still encounter younger users.

Do I want to join a gender-inclusive dating site?

Our testers noted that SilverSingles asks about political ideology and religion, but its gender options are limited. When signing up, users can select whether they’re seeking men or women, but there is no option to choose multiple genders. Because of this limitation, SilverSingles received a 3 out of 5 score for inclusivity.

Do I want to spend money to date online?

Jane, 66, a focus group participant from Las Vegas, said subscription fees aren’t always in her budget. “I’ve had more luck on free sites than paying on the other ones,” she said. If you also tend to have good experiences on free apps, a free account on SilverSingles may be a good fit. Among the platforms we tested, it offers one of the most functional free memberships.

SilverSingles vs. OurTime

OurTime is another dating platform available as a site and app designed for adults over 50. Walsh, the psychology professor in California, categorizes both OurTime and SilverSingles as “legacy” dating platforms focusing on companionship and long-term relationships. Their audiences overlap, but there are differences between these platforms. 

First, OurTime has lower monthly pricing: a three-month plan costs $24.99 per month compared to $34.99 per month for SilverSingles. OurTime also offers a one-week plan, though it’s more expensive at $79.96.

Second, their benefits for free members vary. Of the two platforms, SilverSingles has the stronger free membership.

In addition, OurTime offers some premium features that SilverSingles lacks, such as super likes and ConnectMe, which lets users call matches in-app without sharing a phone number. Overall, SilverSingles provides fewer advanced features, but its free version is more usable.

FAQs

How much is SilverSingles per month?

A one-month SilverSingles membership costs $54.99. Prices decrease with longer subscription commitments: You’ll pay $34.99 per month for a three-month term, $19.99 per month for a six-month term, and $12.99 per month for a 12-month term.

Do you need a paid membership for SilverSingles?

No. SilverSingles offers a free membership, and based on our testing and survey feedback, it may be enough for many users. Paid plans primarily expand existing features rather than unlocking entirely new ones.

Are there scammers on SilverSingles?

Like all dating platforms, the people on SilverSingles may include scammers. However, SilverSingles uses automated systems to detect fake profiles, which worked well in our testing. Still, no system is perfect, so stay alert and avoid red flags.

What ages is SilverSingles for?

SilverSingles is marketed to adults over 50. However, anyone 18 or older can join, so you may see some younger members while using the app.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.