Are you tired of the fast-paced, swipe-driven dating apps that bombard you with countless potential matches? Well, the Once app offers a refreshing change of pace. Unlike its counterparts, the Once app takes a slower and more deliberate approach to online dating. In this article, we will explore the unique features and benefits of the Once app, examine its pros and cons, and provide an in-depth review of its functionality. So, if you’re curious about the concept of “slow dating,” keep reading!
Introduction
In a sea of dating apps that emphasize speed and quantity, the Once app stands out by embracing the idea of “slow dating.” Rather than bombarding users with an overwhelming number of options, Once simplifies the process by presenting just one hand-picked match per day. This approach aims to encourage users to focus on quality over quantity and to engage in more meaningful connections. But does it really work? Let’s delve deeper and find out.
Pros and Cons of the Once App
As with any dating app, the Once app has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using this unique platform.
Pros
- Free version has full functionality: Unlike many other dating apps that limit access to certain features for free users, the Once app offers its full range of functionality without any restrictions. This allows users to experience the app’s core features without having to pay for premium options.
- Excellent ratings on Google Play and the App Store: The Once app has garnered impressive ratings and positive reviews from users on both the Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store. This indicates a high level of user satisfaction and suggests that the app delivers on its promises.
- Suggested matches are top-notch: While you may receive only one match per day, the Once app claims to hand-pick these matches for optimal compatibility. This human curation sets it apart from algorithm-driven platforms, potentially leading to more meaningful connections.
Cons
- The one match per day pace may be too slow for some: For individuals seeking a high volume of potential matches or who prefer a faster dating experience, the Once app’s deliberate approach might not align with their expectations.
- Registration requires your phone number: The Once app requires users to provide their phone numbers during the registration process, which may raise privacy concerns for some individuals.
- Profile pictures need to be approved: Unlike apps that allow immediate profile activation, the Once app verifies and approves each profile picture before it becomes visible to other users. While this process ensures authenticity and enhances user safety, it can lead to a slight delay in profile activation.
Once App Review
Now that we’ve examined the pros and cons, let’s dive into an in-depth review of the Once app to gain a better understanding of its functionality and effectiveness.
Background of the Once App
The Once app is a mobile-only dating application available for both iPhone and Android devices. It launched in 2015 and has since garnered a strong reputation, reflected in its impressive ratings on both the iTunes App Store and Google Play. The app’s longevity and positive user feedback serve as a testament to its quality and appeal.
Registration Process
To get started with the Once app, you can either link your Facebook profile or use a valid email address for registration. Linking your Facebook account simplifies the process by automatically importing your name, age, gender, and sexual orientation. Regardless of the chosen method, you must provide your phone number for SMS verification, ensuring the security and integrity of user accounts.
After verifying your phone number, you proceed to the next step, which involves uploading a profile picture and completing a brief questionnaire about your personality, physical attributes, and preferences in a dating partner. The questionnaire consists of 25 questions aimed at gathering relevant information for accurate matchmaking.
Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, you can upload a profile picture, which undergoes approval by the Once app team. During testing, the average waiting time for picture approval was approximately one hour. Common reasons for picture rejection include insufficient lighting, obscuring objects, or your face not being prominently displayed.
Maximizing the User Experience
To enhance your Once app experience, it’s highly recommended to enable push notifications on your phone. Since the app provides only one suggested match per day, you won’t be bombarded with constant notifications. Instead, you’ll receive a single notification each day, which could potentially lead you to your perfect match. As Sean Connery’s character said in The Hunt for Red October, “You get one ping, one ping only.”
Matchmaking Quality
The true test of any dating app lies in the quality of its matchmaking. Despite the Once app providing only one match suggestion per day, the matches presented exhibit a remarkably high level of compatibility. Once claims to curate these matches through human involvement in the matchmaking process. While it’s difficult to verify the extent of human curation, the impressive quality of the suggested matches suggests that their approach is effective.
Cost of the Once App
The Once app is genuinely free to use, offering its full range of features without any limitations. However, for users seeking additional functionality, the app provides the option to purchase online credits called “crowns.” A block of 5 crowns is priced at $4.99 and allows you to manually select your own daily match suggestion from a list of suitable matches. It also grants you the ability to go back in time and send a message to a previously passed match.
If you opt for a block of 30 crowns for $24.99, the average price per crown decreases, offering more value for your money. Alternatively, you can choose the Once Infinite monthly membership, priced at $19.99, which grants unlimited access to special features for one month.
Final Word on the Once App
After careful evaluation and testing, the Once app exceeded the expectations of our skeptical staff members. Despite the initial hesitation surrounding the concept of one match per day, the app’s execution and quality of suggested matches won them over.
We rate the Once app as excellent, provided the app maintains its current level of match quality. Its unique approach to dating, combined with positive user reviews and a genuinely free usage option, makes the Once app a compelling choice for individuals seeking meaningful connections.
FAQs
Q1: How does the Once app differ from other dating apps?
The Once app distinguishes itself by offering only one hand-picked match suggestion per day, focusing on quality rather than quantity. This deliberate approach sets it apart from the swiping and algorithm-driven nature of many other dating apps.
Q2: Is the Once app available for desktop use?
No, the Once app is exclusively designed for mobile use and is available for both iPhone and Android devices. It offers a seamless and optimized experience on smartphones.
Q3: Can I register on the Once app without linking my Facebook profile?
Yes, the Once app provides the option to register using a valid email address instead of linking your Facebook profile. However, linking your Facebook account streamlines the registration process by importing relevant information.
Q4: How long does it take for profile pictures to be approved?
During our testing, the average waiting time for profile picture approval was just under one hour. However, the process may vary slightly based on factors such as user volume and app updates.
Q5: Are there any limitations in using the Once app’s free version?
No, the Once app’s free version offers full functionality without any limitations. Users can access all the core features without the need for a premium subscription. Additional features can be unlocked through the purchase of crowns or the Once Infinite monthly membership.