Dating Apps Cost UK
Dating apps have revolutionized how people meet and form relationships in the UK, with millions of users swiping, matching, and chatting daily. While many apps offer free basic versions, premium subscriptions unlock additional features that can significantly improve your chances of finding a match. Understanding the costs of popular dating apps helps you choose the right platform for your budget and relationship goals. From casual dating to serious relationships, there's an app for every preference, each with its own pricing structure. Let's explore what you can expect to pay for dating apps in the UK in 2025.
The dating app market is highly competitive, with established players like Tinder and Bumble alongside newer platforms like Hinge and specialist apps for specific communities. Costs vary from completely free basic accounts to premium subscriptions costing up to £40+ per month. The key is understanding what features you're paying for and whether they genuinely improve your dating experience.
How Much Do Dating Apps Cost in the UK?
Dating app costs vary significantly based on the platform and subscription level. Here's a breakdown:
Tinder Plus: £6.99 to £14.99 per month depending on age and commitment length. Includes unlimited likes, rewinds, passport feature, and 5 Super Likes per day.
Tinder Gold: £12.99 to £24.99 per month. Includes all Plus features plus "Likes You" (see who liked you before matching).
Tinder Platinum: £19.99 to £34.99 per month. Premium tier with priority likes and message-before-matching feature.
Bumble Premium: £13.99 to £22.99 per month. Includes unlimited extends, rematch, and see who liked you.
Bumble Boost: £8.99 to £16.99 per month. Mid-tier option with extends and rematch features.
Hinge+: £11.99 to £19.99 per month. Unlimited likes, advanced preference filters, and see who liked you.
Match.com: £19.99 to £29.99 per month. One of the more expensive options, aimed at serious daters seeking long-term relationships.
eHarmony: £24.99 to £39.99 per month. Premium service with detailed compatibility matching, highest costs but targets serious relationships.
OkCupid Premium: £9.99 to £19.99 per month. Mid-range pricing with see who likes you and advanced search features.
Grindr Unlimited: £19.99 to £29.99 per month. Premium tier for LGBTQ+ dating with unlimited profiles and filters.
Factors that Affect Dating App Costs
🎂 Your Age
Many dating apps charge different prices based on user age. Tinder, for example, charges users under 28 significantly less (£6.99/month) than those over 28 (£14.99/month) for the same subscription tier. This age-based pricing is controversial but common across platforms. Younger users often benefit from student discounts or lower base rates.
⏰ Subscription Length
Longer commitments offer better value. A 1-month subscription to Tinder Gold costs £24.99, while 6 months costs £14.99/month (£89.94 total), saving £60. 12-month subscriptions often halve the monthly cost. However, committing long-term risks paying for a service you're not using if you find a relationship.
📱 Platform and Features
Different apps target different markets and charge accordingly. Casual dating apps (Tinder, Bumble) are generally cheaper at £10-25/month, while serious relationship apps (eHarmony, Match.com) charge £25-40/month. Premium features like seeing who liked you, unlimited swipes, or advanced filters justify higher prices for some users.
🎯 Special Offers and Promotions
Apps frequently run promotions, especially around Valentine's Day, offering 25-50% discounts on subscriptions. Black Friday and New Year also bring deals. First-time subscribers often get trial periods or discounted first months. Watch for emails or in-app notifications about promotions.
How to Save Money on Dating Apps
🆓 Start with Free Versions
Most apps offer functional free versions. Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder all allow messaging matches for free. Premium features are nice-to-have, not essential. Many successful matches happen on free accounts. Only upgrade if you find the free version genuinely limiting your results.
⏱️ Subscribe Strategically
Don't subscribe immediately. Use the free version for 2-4 weeks to gauge activity levels. If you're getting matches and conversations, you may not need premium. If upgrading, choose the shortest subscription first (1 month) to test value before committing to 6-12 months.
📅 Wait for Deals
Apps run promotions monthly. Wait for 30-50% off deals rather than paying full price. Subscribe around Valentine's Day, Black Friday, or New Year for best discounts. Some apps offer better rates to users who cancel their subscription (win-back offers).
🔄 Try Multiple Apps
Don't put all eggs in one basket. Use free versions of multiple apps simultaneously. Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder each have different user bases and features. This diversification often works better than paying for premium on one app.
Free vs Premium: Is It Worth It?
Free Version Limitations: Limited daily swipes (typically 50-100), can't see who liked you, limited filters, occasional ads, no rewinds on accidental swipes.
Premium Benefits: Unlimited likes, see who liked you (saves time), advanced filters (height, religion, politics), passport feature (change location), no ads, priority visibility in stack.
Value Assessment: Premium worth it if you're actively dating, live in smaller area (limited profiles), or value time efficiency. Not worth it if you're casual user, already getting matches on free version, or on tight budget. Most users find free versions adequate.
FAQs
Are dating apps free in the UK?
Most dating apps offer free basic versions that allow creating a profile, swiping, and messaging matches. However, premium features like seeing who liked you, unlimited swipes, and advanced filters require paid subscriptions costing £10-40 per month.
Which is the cheapest dating app in the UK?
OkCupid and Bumble offer the best free versions with minimal restrictions. For paid subscriptions, Bumble Boost (£8.99/month) and Tinder Plus (£6.99/month for under-28s) are among the cheapest options.
Do dating apps charge more for older users?
Yes, some apps like Tinder charge users over 28 significantly more (up to £8-10/month extra) for identical subscriptions. This practice has faced criticism but remains common. Bumble and Hinge have more consistent pricing across age groups.
Can I try premium features before paying?
Some apps offer free trials of premium features (typically 7 days). Tinder occasionally offers 1-3 day trials of Gold or Platinum. Be careful to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to continue, as most apps auto-charge after the trial period.
Is it worth paying for dating apps?
It depends on your usage and location. Active daters in cities with limited free matches may find premium worth the £10-25/month cost. Casual users or those in large cities with abundant free matches should stick with free versions. Try free first for at least a month before deciding.
Conclusion
Dating apps in the UK range from completely free to £40+ per month for premium subscriptions, with most popular apps charging £10-25 per month. While free versions are adequate for many users, premium features can improve efficiency for active daters. Consider your budget, dating goals, and how actively you'll use the app before subscribing. Take advantage of promotions, start with free versions, and only upgrade if you see genuine value. Remember, successful dating comes from good photos, authentic profiles, and engaging conversation - not just premium features. Choose apps based on your relationship goals, and don't feel pressured to pay for features you won't use. 💕
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Alan Frost |
| Grew up in and live in Birmingham. Writer, publisher, editor, EFL teacher, composer. |
