Free dating apps: what's actually free?
Most big dating apps are free to download, make a profile, match and message. What the free version usually limits is how many people you can like, and features like seeing who liked you cost extra. Here's what's free on Tinder, Hinge and Bumble at the time of writing, a checklist for judging any app's "free", and how Fated does it.
What "free" usually means
On most dating apps, the free version lets you:
- download the app and make a profile
- see profiles and like some of them
- match and message your matches
What costs money is usually more reach: unlimited likes, seeing who already liked you, having your profile shown to more people, and extra filters. None of that is wrong. It's just worth knowing before you start, so the limits don't surprise you.
Tinder
Tinder is free to download and use. Its paid plans are Tinder Plus, Gold and Platinum. Tinder's own subscription page lists unlimited likes as a Tinder Plus feature, so free members have a limit (Tinder doesn't publish the exact number). Gold adds seeing who likes you, and Platinum adds likes that are shown first.
Hinge
Hinge is free to download and use, and it's built around profile prompts rather than photos alone. Free members can send a limited number of likes each day (eight at the time of writing). Hinge's subscription benefits include unlimited likes and seeing everyone who liked you with Hinge+, and HingeX adds having your profile shown sooner.
Bumble
Bumble is free to download and use. Its Premium page says Premium gets you unlimited swipes, which means the free version has a limit. Premium also adds seeing who liked you, advanced filters, travel mode and more, and Premium+ adds a little more on top.
Free to download isn't the same as free to use the way you want.
How to judge any app's "free": 6 questions
- Can you message your matches for free? If not, it isn't really free.
- Is there a daily limit on likes? And how quickly do you hit it?
- Can you see who liked you? Or is that the main thing you'd pay for?
- Is the price clear before you pay? Look for a price you can see up front, not one that appears halfway through.
- Are there ads? Some free versions show a lot of them.
- Does the free version actually lead somewhere? A free app that keeps you swiping forever still costs you time.
How Fated does "free"
Fated is free to join and free to use during the beta. There are no likes to run out of, because there's no feed to swipe through: Fated matches you with one person at a time, based on what you both want, and your photo, job and age are earned by talking. After eight threads, you meet your Fated.
If we ever add paid features, we'll show you the price up front, so you always know before you pay. Fated is in beta and opening city by city, so for now you join the waitlist and we email you when it opens. Read how Fated works, or why people are graduating from the swipe.
Questions people ask
Is there a completely free dating app?
Most dating apps are free to download and message, but limit likes or features unless you pay. Fated is free to join and free to use during the beta, with no likes to run out of.
Is Tinder free?
Yes, Tinder is free to download and use. Tinder's subscription page lists unlimited likes as a paid Tinder Plus feature, so free members have a limit.
Is Hinge free?
Yes, Hinge is free to download and use. Free members can send a limited number of likes per day (eight at the time of writing), and unlimited likes come with Hinge+.
Is Bumble free?
Yes, Bumble is free to download and use. Bumble Premium adds unlimited swipes, seeing who liked you and advanced filters.
Is Fated free?
Yes. Fated is free to join and free to use during the beta. If paid features are ever added, the price will be shown up front.