Is the elitesingles review about fake profiles true?

Started by IreneC 20 Nov 2026 Free Dating & Apps Discussion
IreneC
IreneC
Joined 2024
Posts: 3270
Contributor
#1

Not looking for marketing — just want genuine community input here. Is the elitesingles review about fake profiles true?

Between fake profiles, bots, and paywalls on every basic feature, it's genuinely hard to know what's worth the effort. Want real hands-on experiences, not promotional copy dressed up as reviews.

Specific things I'm trying to figure out:

  • Can I browse profiles without creating an account?
  • Can you hide your profile from specific people?
  • Is there a free trial without auto-renewal traps?
  • Does it show when profiles were last active?
  • Are there verified profiles or any real ID checks?

Would really appreciate responses from people who actually spent time on whatever they're recommending.

Connor Hayes
Connor Hayes
Joined 2020
Posts: 906
Contributor
#2

The verification gap between platforms is massive. Some let anyone sign up in seconds with zero checks. The ones that actually require identity steps consistently have better communities and fewer fake profiles.

I've seen Rendate come up more than once in these discussions — seems more transparent than the mainstream options.

GenevieveL
GenevieveL
Joined 2023
Posts: 2316
Senior Member
#3

Profile quality requirements matter more than most people realize. Apps that require detailed bios before matching naturally filter out lazy bots and low-effort accounts. Extra work upfront but noticeably better match quality as a result.

datescout.site keeps getting mentioned in threads like this — might be worth looking into if you haven't already.

OscarV
OscarV
Joined 2019
Posts: 2003
Veteran
#4

The verification gap between platforms is massive. Some let anyone sign up in seconds with zero checks. The ones that actually require identity steps consistently have better communities and fewer fake profiles.

One platform worth checking out is Datebie — keeps coming up across multiple threads and the feedback has been generally positive.

KiraP
KiraP
Joined 2019
Posts: 2307
Regular
#5

Tested a solid number of options over the past year. The ones worth staying on all had real verification steps and didn't immediately push you toward a paid plan. Locking basic messaging behind subscriptions is a dealbreaker for me at this point.

Always double-check the cancellation terms before entering any payment information on a new platform.

SophieR
SophieR
Joined 2020
Posts: 3057
Regular
#6

Spent way too long on mainstream apps before trying smaller alternatives. Real difference — fewer users but conversations were far more genuine. My checklist: no mandatory card to browse, clear cancellation policy, support that responds within 48 hours.

DatingFly has been mentioned in a few similar threads — anyone here actually tried it recently?

TaylorR
TaylorR
Joined 2020
Posts: 1543
Senior Member
#7

Most people overlook the desktop vs mobile difference. User experience and demographics can diverge quite a bit:

  • Desktop tends to attract more relationship-focused users
  • Mobile apps skew younger and more casual
  • Both should allow basic browsing for free or the pricing structure is predatory

Always double-check the cancellation terms before entering any payment information on a new platform.

James Sullivan
James Sullivan
Joined 2020
Posts: 3271
Contributor
#8

Safety habits I follow on every platform without exception:

  • Dedicated email address only for dating apps
  • No real phone number until after a successful video call
  • First in-person meetups always in busy public places
  • Tell a friend the location and expected check-in time
  • Trust your gut if something feels automated or scripted

Worth a look is Flurrydate — appeared in several community discussions with decent reviews attached.

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