Editor Rating:(5 Stars, One of the Best)

Dater Rating:(5 Star, One of the Best)

Subscription Fee: - Free - $29.99/month.

Editor's Comments: Match.com is the worldwide leader in online dating and relationships with over 10 years of experience. It is endorsed by Dr. Phil.  It is also one of the most popular sites among singles in North America and Europe.  This website has more than 8 million users who are actively seeking love across the globe. The success rate is very high as well because almost a quarter of a million people met from Match.com.

A recent survey of more than 4,700 newly married or engaged couples registered on WeddingChannel.com found that 12% had met online and Match.com was the number-one site where they met their spouse -- twice the number of any other dating site

Special Features:

MindFindBind - An Internet-only program created exclusively for you. Imagine Dr. Phil's no-nonsense approach to dating and relating, delivered via provocative video modules, podcasts, audio tips and techniques, workbooks and more. Instant Messages. There’s new compelling content from Dr. Phil every single month. Insight that will help singles win at the competitive sport of dating.

Free Online Dating Starter Kit - A free online dating starter kit which helps users prepare a date winning profile.

Happen Magazine - An online dating magazine full of dating tips and advice.

Match.com Mobile - This service provides singles with anonymous and secure wireless matching, dating and communications opportunities via their mobile phones.

---

LavaLife.com

Editor Rating: (5 Stars, One of the Best)
Dater Rating: (5 Star, One of the Best)

Subscription Fee: - Free - $19.99
(Credits based billing, No monthly subscriptions)

Editor's Comments: LavaLife is one of the largest dating sites with international presence and offers phone and mobile dating as well. According to the website it has roughly 40,000 members joining every week. The site is geared toward young, educated and affluent professionals. It offers features such as emailing, instant messaging, profile videos, and an online magazine.

Special Features:

Phone Talk - This service allows singles to connect by calling a phone number and using the same online membership.

Mobile Dating - Users can communicate with each other by using a mobile dating applicaiton.

No Monthly Subscription - Users are billed for the actual usage than a monthly subscription fee.

While online dating sites are considered as one of the convenient and safest ways to meet other singles, the risk of meeting someone you haven't met before is similar to meeting someone at a bar or a ball game or going for a blind date. Therefore same level of caution shall be used. Below are some of the safety tips which we think can be helpful.

Meet At A Crowded Place:
Never ever agree to have your date pick you up from your home or go to their place to pick them. Instead insist on meeting at a crowded place such as a restaurant or a coffee shop. Try meeting for a lunch or afternoon coffee and avoid late evening or night dates.

Tell A Friend:
You should tell a friend about who, where and when are you going to meet. If you don't have any friends or you are new in town, telling a co-worker, an out of town friend or leaving a note on your refrigerator is advised.

Carry A Cell Phone:
You should carry a cell phone so that you can use it in case of an emergency.

Drive, If Possible:
Try driving to your meeting place instead of taking a cab or public transportation. This way if you have to leave abruptly you can just head out instead of waiting for a cab or public transportation.
If you don't own a car, consider renting one.

Don't Carry Cash:
It is also recommended that you should not carry a lot of cash with you. In case you get robbed by your would be date, you cannot easily recover your cash. However, if you carry credit cards you can easily call the credit card company to cancel them and you won't be liable for any purchases made by your robber.

Follow Your Instincts:When you meet, listen to your gut. If you feel that something is wrong, just walk away. Do not even think for a minute. Following are some of the signs of trouble:
  

The person doesn't look or sound like what they had described themselves as.
  

The person is too aggressive.
  

The person is trying to get you drunk or extend the date to a late night movie or dance party.
  

The person is trying to win your sympathy by talking about an previous relationship.
  

The person is trying to win your sympathy by talking about financial hardships.
  

The person is trying to win your sympathy by talking how their friends have cheated them.
  

The person is trying to impress you by talking about money their soon to get from somewhere (inheritance, lawsuit, ex-spouse etc.)
  

The person is trying to impress you about their wealth or family affluence.

Out of Town Date:
One of things online dating has made possible is long distance relationships. If you are meeting someone out of town, we recommend that you don't tell them what airlines you will be flying in, drive your own car and live in a hotel instead of that person's home. Use all the safety tips mentioned above.

Before Getting Serious:
After the first date, if you feel comfortable with the person and you are thinking about the second date you should perform a background check. This background checks include marital status, criminal background check, property value, lawsuits, judgments, bankruptcy, and liens.
This is to make sure that the person you will be seeing is not married, doesn't have a criminal record or any other financial issues. After all you will be investing not only your time and money but also your most precious feelings in this person.