Our MatchGaugeScore™ is built on six independently weighted categories, all derived from real user outcome data — never from sponsored partnerships or editorial opinion.
MatchGauge maintains clear editorial standards. Apps that partner with us through sponsored placements are clearly labeled, and our organic MatchScore™ rankings are calculated independently of any commercial relationships. Our revenue comes from affiliate commissions and sponsored placements, both of which are disclosed. Sponsored placements are clearly marked. Our organic MatchScore™ rankings are calculated independently from commercial relationships — we score on outcomes, not revenue.
Scores are recalculated monthly using a rolling 90-day window of data. Every data point is sourced from three independent streams: our own user panel surveys, publicly available research, and aggregated behavioral data from partnered analytics providers.
The most direct measure of whether an app actually works. Date Rate tracks the percentage of matches that result in at least one in-person meeting within 90 days.
Did users find what they came for? We conduct 6-month follow-up surveys with users who signed up through MatchGauge tracking links, asking whether they found the connection they sought.
Matches are meaningless if nobody talks. We measure the depth and quality of conversations, not just whether they happen.
How well does the app's algorithm respect your stated preferences and serve genuinely compatible people?
Safety is table stakes. We assess platform-level safety infrastructure, not anecdotal experiences.
Is the free tier usable? Is the paid tier worth it? We compare price against outcome improvements.
Ghost profiles and bots destroy the dating experience. We score each app on the quality and authenticity of its user base.
An app full of inactive members is useless. We track how many users are still logging in 30 and 60 days after signup.