Online dating has opened up a world of possibilities for LGBTQ+ people. Instead of relying on chance encounters or limited social circles, dating apps and websites create spaces for gay and bisexual individuals to connect with others who share their interests and desires.
One of these platforms is OutPersonals. Established in 2010 as part of the Friendfinder network, OutPersonals aims to connect gay and bisexual men looking for friendship, dating, or something more.
But does it deliver? Is OutPersonals a safe and effective way to meet other men? This review takes a deep dive into OutPersonals, exploring its features, functionality, and overall user experience, so you can decide if it’s the right online dating site for you.
What is OutPersonals?
OutPersonals is a dating and social networking site that’s designed for gay and bisexual men and women.
The site aims to connect people for all sorts of relationships, ranging from no-strings-attached casual encounters to serious long-term commitments.
According to the site, OutPersonals has more than a million users around the globe, with an average of 267,000 active at any given time.
OutPersonals is owned by Wamba Technologies Limited, a company based in Cyprus.
The site has a modern, clean interface, and it’s relatively easy to navigate. It’s also available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Russian.
OutPersonals offers a variety of features, including:
- Profile creation
- Photo and video uploads
- Search and filtering
- Instant messaging
- Forums
- Blogs
Registration and profile creation
So, you’re ready to dive in and see what Outpersonal is all about? Here’s what you can expect from the registration and profile creation process.
The registration process
First things first: signing up is free! To get started, you’ll need to provide a few basics:
- Your email address
- A username
- A password (make it a good one!)
Outpersonal may have a verification process to ensure you are who you say you are. This might involve clicking a link sent to your email address or providing other identifying information.
Building a compelling profile
Creating a detailed profile is key to getting the most out of Outpersonal. Think of it as your personal billboard! Profiles with photos are way more visible and attract potential matches.
Be sure to include information about:
- Your interests (what makes you tick?)
- Your relationship goals (what are you looking for?)
- Your personal preferences (what’s important to you?)
The more information you share, the better chance you have of finding someone who’s a good fit. So, take your time, be authentic, and let your personality shine!
Website Functionality and Features
Outpersonal offers a variety of tools and features designed to help you connect with others and find meaningful relationships. Here’s a closer look at what the site has to offer:
Search and Matching Tools
Finding the right match starts with a good search. Outpersonal allows you to filter potential partners based on several criteria, including:
- Location: Find people in your city, state, or even across the globe.
- Age: Set your preferred age range to narrow your search.
- Relationship type: Whether you’re looking for friendship, casual dating, or a long-term commitment, you can specify your relationship goals.
By using these filters, you can pinpoint potential matches who align with your preferences and increase your chances of finding someone special.
Communication Features
Once you’ve found someone who piques your interest, Outpersonal provides multiple ways to connect:
- Messaging: Send private messages to get to know someone better.
- Video chat: Take your conversations to the next level with face-to-face video calls.
- Winks and Hugs: Show your interest with a simple wink or virtual hug.
These communication tools make it easy to initiate conversations, build rapport, and explore potential connections.
Community Features
Outpersonal also fosters a sense of community through its forum and other interactive features. The community forum is a space where users can discuss various topics, share their experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals. These community features provide additional avenues for finding potential matches and building relationships.
Hotlist Feature
The Hotlist feature allows you to save profiles of users who catch your eye. This makes it easy to keep track of potential matches and revisit their profiles later. It’s a convenient way to organize your search and ensure you don’t miss out on anyone who might be a good fit.
Design and Usability
Outpersonal’s website has a clean, modern design. It’s not flashy, but it’s professional and easy on the eyes. The color scheme is calming, and the layout is intuitive. I didn’t feel overwhelmed or lost when I first landed on the homepage, which is always a good sign.
Navigation is straightforward. The main menu is clearly visible, and the key sections – like “Services,” “About,” and “Contact” – are easy to find. The search function works well, quickly returning relevant results. I also appreciated that the site is well-organized. Information is presented logically, making it easy to find what you’re looking for without endless scrolling.
The website is also responsive. I tested it on my laptop, tablet, and smartphone, and it adapted seamlessly to each screen size. This is crucial in today’s mobile-first world. They also have a mobile app, which I’ll discuss in more detail later, but the website itself works great on mobile devices.
Overall, the design and usability of the Outpersonal website are excellent. It’s a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to learn about their services and connect with their team.
Outpersonal Mobile App
Outpersonal currently does not offer a dedicated mobile application. However, the website is designed to be responsive, meaning it adapts to various screen sizes, including those of smartphones and tablets. While not a native app, the mobile website offers a functional alternative for on-the-go access.
The mobile website mirrors the functionality of the desktop version. Users can still create and share content, engage with other members, and participate in discussions. However, some users may find the mobile experience less intuitive or streamlined compared to a dedicated app.
While a dedicated app might offer features like push notifications and improved performance, the mobile website provides a viable option for users who prefer not to download an app or who primarily use Outpersonal on their desktop.
Membership Options and Pricing
Outpersonal offers a few different membership levels to suit your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with each option.
Free Membership
With a free Outpersonal membership, you can create a profile, browse other members, and send a limited number of messages. This is a great way to get a feel for the site and see if it’s a good fit for you.
The downside of the free membership is that your messaging is limited, and you don’t have access to advanced search options or exclusive content. To really unlock the full potential of Outpersonal, you’ll want to consider a paid membership.
Paid Memberships: Silver and Gold
Outpersonal offers two paid membership tiers: Silver and Gold. Both of these memberships unlock a host of benefits, including:
- Unlimited messaging: Chat with as many members as you like without restrictions.
- Advanced search options: Fine-tune your search to find exactly who you’re looking for.
- Access to additional content: Enjoy exclusive articles, videos, and other resources to help you connect with others.
Silver memberships offer a great value, unlocking all of the features listed above. Gold memberships offer an even more personalized experience. To learn more about the differences between Silver and Gold memberships, visit the Outpersonal website.
Pricing for Silver and Gold memberships varies depending on the subscription length you choose. The longer your subscription, the lower the monthly price. You can expect to pay anywhere from $7.99 to $19.99 per month, depending on the plan you select.
Safety and Security
Outpersonal is committed to providing a safe and secure experience for all users. We understand the importance of protecting your personal information and maintaining your privacy. To that end, we’ve implemented several measures to ensure a secure environment.
Every user undergoes a verification process to confirm their identity. This helps prevent fraud and ensures that you’re interacting with genuine individuals. We also have robust reporting mechanisms in place, allowing users to flag any suspicious activity or behavior. Our team investigates all reports thoroughly and takes appropriate action to address any violations of our community guidelines.
Our privacy policy is transparent and readily available for review. We clearly outline how we collect, use, and protect your data. We use industry-standard encryption technology to safeguard your information during transmission and storage.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while using Outpersonal:
- Be cautious when sharing personal information with others.
- Report any suspicious activity or behavior immediately.
- Review our privacy policy regularly to stay informed about our data practices.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
We believe that safety and security are paramount. We are constantly working to improve our platform and protect our users. By taking these measures, we strive to create a welcoming and secure community for everyone.
Outpersonal Customer Support
Outpersonal advertises 24/7 customer support through email and live chat. They also have an extensive knowledge base and FAQ section on their website.
During our tests, the live chat feature connected us with an agent almost immediately. The representative was polite and able to answer basic questions about pricing and features. However, when we asked more technical questions, we were directed to the help documentation.
While the initial response time is impressive, the reliance on self-service documentation for complex issues might be a drawback for some users who prefer more hands-on assistance.
Closing Thoughts
OutPersonals is a dating and social networking site designed for gay, bi, and curious men, offering a space to explore everything from casual encounters to long-term relationships. With its emphasis on detailed profiles, a variety of search filters, and communication tools like instant messaging and video chat, OutPersonals aims to connect like-minded individuals in a safe and inclusive environment.
This platform is particularly well-suited for gay and bisexual men seeking genuine connections. Whether you’re looking for friendship, dating, or something more serious, OutPersonals provides a range of options to cater to diverse relationship goals.
Ultimately, OutPersonals provides a valuable service within the online dating landscape. While no platform is perfect, OutPersonals’ commitment to user privacy, its range of features, and its focus on the gay and bi community make it a worthwhile option for those seeking online connections. If you’re looking to expand your social circle or find a partner, OutPersonals is a solid choice to explore.