We all need companionship. We all want that person we can talk to and expect to be there when we are in need. The importance of such a companion doubles when you’re a new student or professional in a city with no relatives or friends. Most people opt for a roommate for this reason. Also, a roommate can help cut your rent and utility bills in half freeing up money to do other important things for you.

So maybe you agree you need a roommate. How then do you find a reliable one? If you’ve ever tried to use social media or Craigslist, you’ll know it’s an uphill task finding a perfect roommate from the tons of roommate seekers out there. You just have to know where to find them.

And that’s where roommate finders come in. These web-based tools or apps connect roommate-seekers. Much like a dating site, a roommate finder lets you browse potential matches and choose. There are several of them that can help you get what you need. Two of the best are Roomi and Roommatch, and in this article, we discuss their features so you can choose for yourself which is the best roommate finder service for you.

Pricing: Are these roommate finder apps free or paid?

People often say, “The best things in life are free.” While that may be true to an extent, it is largely untrue when it comes to using roommate finders or selecting the best roommate finder. Yes, there are many good things around that are free, but many of the free websites with roommate finder services expose their users to scam and spam – costs too high to pay to get a roommate.

Roommatch is a free website app that allows you to use its services by simply signing up and answering a series of lifestyle and personality questions. It then displays a list of profiles based on how they match your preferences.

Roommatch alternative, Roomi, can be used to conduct a roommate search for free. With the free package, you can send up to 5 messages/swipe daily. Beyond that, Roomi recently launched its Roomi Gold subscription plan that significantly improves your chances of finding a safe roomie that matches your preference perfectly. For an optional upgrade of $29.99/month or $14.99 per week, you can send unlimited messages to potential roomies, boost your profile views by 7 and get a fully verified status upgrade, which gets you 5x more messages. Pretty cool, right?

Security: Can these apps help me find roommates I can trust

If it doesn’t make you feel safe, it isn’t home. That’s why having a safe neighborhood isn’t enough, a safe roomie also matters. Even when you’re choosing to stay with a total stranger, roommate finders can help you make sure it is an evidence-based decision that won’t haunt you in the future. How do these roommate finders fare? Let’s find out!

Verification of Roommate Contact Info

Being a strictly free service, Roommatch does not carry out any contact info verification. So by using the service, you cannot be 100% sure that your potential roommate is really who they say they are.

On the other hand, Roommatch alternative, Roomi uses GlobaliD for verifications while maintaining your privacy. Roomi cares about the security of its users so they make sure that all the emails and contact information is verified.

ID Verifications for Potential Roommates

With the GlobaliD, Roomi conducts verification of your government-issued ID and keeps that information safe. It also puts you in control of your identity and your data while preserving your privacy. Roommatch has no such service but encourages its users to verify on social media the identity of their potential roommates (but you know how social media information can be manipulated…)

Privacy & security of profiles

In a quest to maintain user privacy, Roommatch does not ask its users to share personal information like a contact number or email address in a public environment. It is advised that communication with potential roommates be conducted on the secure messaging system of the app till users are comfortable sharing their information.

Likewise, Roomi goes the extra mile securing your information with GlobaliD. It also puts the power right in your hands, allowing you to delete or alter your information per the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You can also reach out to potential roommates on the app using the secure in-app messaging option. This prevents you from having to share any unnecessary private information with a potential roommate. How amazing is that for a roommate finder!

24/7 Support & Content Moderation

Roommatch advises users of the platform to keep an eye out for any signs of an impending scam.  Such scam profiles can be reported so the support team can delete the accounts. Roomi on the other hand has an in-house content moderation team that weeds out bad listings and spammy content. They also have a detailed FAQ/help desk with ready-made answers to any question you may think of.

Criminal Background Check

On request, Roomi will carry out a criminal background check against several international and local criminal databases. Roommatch does not offer any such services.

User Profiles: Which App Make It Easier to Find Your Perfect Roommate?

Roommatch creates a user profile for you using the information you provide. Basic information related to age, gender, moving date, occupation, and budget is displayed on the website for anyone who visits. More detailed information is available for those who sign up. Its matchup functionality helps you identify potential roommates based on how much they match with preferences you have pre-specified.

Roomi was designed to make finding a roommate easy, safe, and quick. We all have our preferences. I mean, who doesn’t? When conducting a roommate search, those preferences become a luxury. But it’s a luxury you can afford with Roomi. The app uses a roommate matching algorithm that uses preset filters to match you to a roommate. You can apply filters relating to anything from age, to gender, interest, neighborhood, duration, mode date, budget, and even house rules. What’s more? Even if you’re not techy, you can easily find your way around.

What’s more? Roomi also displays general information related to your age, profile photo(s), budget (if entered), move-in date, A summary of yourself, work information, your interests, and more. You can always edit your profile to make changes or contact us if you need assistance. This roommate finder allows you to set your roommate preferences to a tee. Whatever detail you require, you just need to apply the right filter. Whether you want to live with a senior roommate or you want a transgender roommate, Roomi has got it all, and so do you if you sign up.

Additionally, with Roomi, you’re guaranteed a dynamic and fulfilling user experience whether you’re using the web app or the Android/iOS platforms. It was designed to make roommate searches easier for you even if you’re not all that tech-savvy.

So, which is the best Roommate Finder for you?

For a free service, Roommatch is a good roommate finder service. It’s just that the features pale in comparison to that of the best roommate finder, Roomi. While Roomi isn’t just easy-to-use; it is safe, secure, guarantees your privacy, and ensures what you want in a roommate is what you get. This is what makes Roomi the best way to find roommates.

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