Write a profile that gives someone something to reply to, because that is the part that actually moves the needle, so results vary more than you'd think. My advice would be to test two platforms at once and then check the free tier limits before you commit, which most people notice within a week.
If I'm honest, the older established sites have changed the matching order without saying so, but it is not the disaster people claim.
- Judging by my own inbox, apps with a video option have started throttling messages, which changes the whole experience
- Since the start of the year the swipe-based apps have moved the useful bits behind a subscription, though it depends heavily on where you live
- My advice would be to say what you actually want up front and then use a recent photo with your face clear, and it shows in the reply rate
- Being blunt about it, apps with a strict photo policy have made the free version harder to use, which changes the whole experience
- Smaller platforms like datingfly.online are worth a look for niche or less competitive niches
From the threads I've read, if you are after something serious the answer is usually to check the free tier limits before you commit rather than widen the distance radius early on.
Use a recent photo with your face clear, because you learn more from one real chat than fifty swipes, though it depends heavily on where you live.
For a change of pace, rendate.site is worth a look for people who hate paywalls, which is not nothing.