Ashley Madison Review: How It Works and What It Costs
Ashley Madison is one of the most recognized names in discreet dating. Here's how the site works, what you can do for free, how the credit system works and the things worth knowing before you sign up.
At a glance
- Best for
- Adults who want discreet dating and privacy
- Free version
- Free to join and browse; women seeking men can use the features for free
- Paid model
- Credits, bought in packages, not a monthly subscription
- Standout
- Long track record and a strong focus on discretion
What is Ashley Madison?
Ashley Madison launched in 2002 and became one of the best known sites for discreet dating. It's aimed at adults who want to keep their dating life private, whether they're single or not, and its design and features are built around discretion.
How does it work?
Creating an account and a profile is free, and you can browse other members without paying. Women seeking men get full access to the site's features for free. Men, and women seeking women, buy credits to send messages and start conversations.
Instead of a monthly subscription, Ashley Madison uses credit packages. Larger packages cost less per credit, and you only spend credits when you use paid features. That can be cheaper than a subscription if you're selective, or more expensive if you message a lot.
Privacy and safety
Discretion is the core of the brand. The site reviews new profiles before they go live, and it offers privacy settings that let you control what others can see. Payments are billed discreetly.
It's also fair to mention that Ashley Madison suffered a major data breach in 2015. The company says it has since invested heavily in security, but as with any dating site, use a separate email address and think carefully about what you share in your profile.
What we like
- Free to join and browse
- Free access for women seeking men
- Pay only for what you use with credits
- Profiles are moderated before going live
What to watch out for
- Costs can add up quickly for men who message often
- The 2015 data breach is still part of its history
- Experiences vary a lot by location
Our verdict
Ashley Madison is a long running, established option for discreet dating. Women seeking men get a lot for free, while men should start with a small credit package and see how active the site is in their area before spending more. Create a free Ashley Madison profile to see who's near you.
Try Ashley Madison for free
Create a free profile and see who's active near you before you decide to pay.
Visit Ashley MadisonAffiliate link. Adults 18+ only.Prices and features change over time. Always check the current details on the site before you pay. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
