Dating·7 min read

Over Dating Apps? I Tried A Matchmaking Service and Wrote About It

No more swiping.

Our official review of Tawkify
Design: theSkimm | Images: Abby Drozd
October 5, 2026

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Skimm Tested

What I Tested...

Tawkify Personalized One-Match Plan ($99+/year) 

Why I Tested...

Why Abby Tested

How I Tested...

I agreed to test a one-date plan with Tawkify because my experience on dating apps recently has been abysmal. I met with a matchmaker, filled out the onboarding questionnaire and completed the virtual screening, attended one date, provided (and received) feedback post-date, and took notes throughout the entire process. 

Test Results...

  • Onboarding. I received a link to create an account and fill out a full, very thorough questionnaire. Questions included topics like kids, smoking or drinking habits, best traits, preferred leisurely activities, and other preferences. They also asked me many specific questions about what I’m looking for in an ideal partner, like political values, height, education, finances, etc. During the onboarding process, I had my initial call with a matchmaker to go through my questionnaire responses and dig deeper into my preferences, values, personality, and even my profile images. My matchmaker also explained the process, which made me feel informed and prepared for my upcoming date. 

  • Matchmaker. Long story short, my matchmaker was incredible. She really took the time to get to know me and the core of who I am and what I want. The call lasted about an hour and we dove into topics like my dating patterns, the last few dates I’d been on, my familial relationships, my astrological chart, and how I handle conflict. What I enjoyed most was the strategic way she pushed me on certain answers, not only to expand, but to reconsider certain pre-conceived notions I held. It felt very intentional and never made me feel like I shouldn’t want what I want. 

  • First date setup. About two-to-three weeks later, I received an email from my matchmaker saying she had found a match. We hopped on a quick 15-minute call the next day where she described what my date looked like, his general personality, and why she thought we would be a good match. By the end of the call, I agreed to meet him. Later the same day, I received a few text messages from my matchmaker to coordinate the actual date. One of my favorite parts about this service was how well they handled the entire setup. All I had to provide were my preferred days and times, and Tawkify took charge of picking the location, making the reservation, and scheduling everything for the date. Once everything was confirmed, I received an email with the date’s day, time, and tips for a great time. I appreciate how they reminded me that the first date is supposed to be more low-key and fun, and took the necessary steps to remove any stress or nerves. 

  • Actual date. About two hours before the date, I received a text with my date’s name but no picture, so I really went in completely blind. Now for the juicy part. My date was very sweet and we spoke for two hours over drinks and apps at a wine bar. Despite my going in completely blind, it felt reassuring knowing ahead of time that we already had similar interests, which made breaking the ice that much easier. Ultimately, I didn’t feel romantic chemistry, but it was one of the better first dates I'd been on because it felt so intentional.   

  • Offboarding. Post-date, I received a feedback survey asking me about how the date went, our compatibility, likelihood of a second date, and what considerations I’d like my matchmaker to keep in mind if I were to continue with the service. I also had a 15-minute call with my matchmaker and received feedback about myself via email the next day. Overall, I would definitely recommend this service for anyone who is ready to be more intentional about dating and finding a life partner. 

Abby's Post-Date Summary on Tawkify

Sidenotes...

  • Pricing & Packages. While you can sign up for a free discovery call, you won’t be able to find a fixed pricing list on Tawkify’s website. That’s because matchmaking packages are customized based on features included, like the number of matches you’re looking for and the overall scope of your search. At the lowest tier (starting at $99/year,) your profile will be added to their dating pool database. It doesn’t guarantee a date and you won’t have as personalized a service, but you’ll be considered for other clients. If you do become a client, prices significantly increase, with the lowest tier sitting at around $1,000, plus the cost of the date. While Tawkify covers all coordination and details, it’s up to you (or your date) to pay for drinks, dinner, date activities, etc. Most tiers sit at around $4,000 to $8,000, depending on how many matches and dates you expect per month, the scope of your dating pool, and other personalized options. They also offer flexible payment options, which can help make the cost more manageable. All in all, Tawkify is on the mid-to-lower price tier compared to other elite matchmaking services.    

  • Accepted clients. Tawkify will only accept clients they believe they can match. While at first this may come off as a little limiting, I do appreciate that they are as serious about helping you find your forever person. In other words, they don’t want to waste your time or money, and I appreciated that. 

  • Photo shares. None of the photos you upload are shared with anyone outside of the Tawkify matchmakers. This stopped me from overanalyzing my selections as I normally do on other dating apps (a win).   

The Fine Details...

  • Tawkify Personalized One-Match Plan ($99+/year) 

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