The Tinder app has created over 75 billion matches since it launched in 2023. It’s incredibly popular, but many daters wonder what the catch is. Many dating sites and apps have paywalls that frustrate singles seeking free dating services. Is Tinder free from start to finish? That depends on what you want out of it.
Tinder is actually super affordable, even taking its premium plans into consideration. A lot of singles use Tinder for social connections – in fact, I used to be one of them!
When I was a Tinder user, I never had to worry about paying a dime. I chatted with people and even took things further by exchanging numbers for FaceTime convos. My experience was totally free – but that’s not always the case for all Tinder members. Some people decide to go with a subscription plan to unlock additional premium features. While this certainly adds to the experience, it’s not mandatory.
Overall, Tinder is a cost-efficient dating resource for all types of romances. Let’s dive right into the pricing structure and freebies so you know what to expect.
The Tinder App is Free to Download
For starters, Tinder is free to download in the App Store or Google Play. The free membership is a good deal because it includes swiping and chatting features. If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a free online dating app, Tinder is worth exploring.
Tinder members can create a dating profile and instantly start using the swipe right and swipe left features to find their perfect match. Both users must like each other’s profiles to open a conversation window. Tinder has a large dating pool so it’s super helpful to have a mutually matching system and swiping features to sort profiles by compatibility –– and all this for free!
Whether you’re traveling or moving into a new town, you’ll be able to find local connections on Tinder anytime you please. But the gag is that you can only chat with mutually interested people. When a person you’ve liked actually likes you back, you will receive a notification about the match and have the opportunity to chat on the Tinder app.
“I don’t know what to say, but thanks to the Tinder algorithm. I found my wife in this app. Guys don’t lose hope, there are great women like my wife on this app,” said Sabarnya Barman, a Tinder user in a review in the Play Store.
A Tinder Subscription Offers More Super Likes
Using Tinder for free is obviously a great deal, but if you’re looking for a more sophisticated and streamlined online dating experience, a premium plan may be the right fit. Tinder offers plenty of subscriptions that will take your experience to the next level. Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum come with different perks. Here’s a quick pricing breakdown:
- Tinder Plus: $2.67/mo for 12 months
- Tinder Gold: $8.33/mo for 12 months
- Tinder Platinum: $10/mo for 12 months
If you’re looking for the next best thing from a basic subscription (and not trying to spend too much), you should check out Tinder Plus. Tinder Plus is $2.67 a month for a 12-month subscription. Tinder Plus gives members unlimited likes and rewinds in the swiping queue. Plus, they can use the passport feature to view profiles in another city, state, or even country. Tinder Plus also promises an ad-free browsing experience.
Both Tinder Gold and Tinder Platinum include all the premium features of Tinder Plus as well as some unique perks. Tinder Gold members receive five super likes, one free boost a month, and new top picks every day. Gold members can access a list of profiles that have liked them, so that can really speed things up in the love department. Tinder Gold costs $8.33 a month for a 12-month subscription.
Tinder Platinum is another step up from Tinder Gold and includes all the perks already mentioned plus some extra bonuses. The membership allows Tinder users to message potential matches before they’ve created a mutual match. They can also prioritize likes and see the likes they sent in the past seven days.
As you can see, Tinder has a wealth of options to put more power and visibility in your hands. Identifying what kind of online experience you want is the first step in deciding which route to take. And if you’re not sold on doing a 12-month subscription, Tinder has one-month and six-month options as well. Shorter subscriptions just cost more every month versus longer subscriptions.
4 Free Alternatives to a Tinder Profile
The Tinder dating app isn’t for everybody, and online daters should consider all their options before making the choice to download or subscribe. Here’s a quick rundown of the best Tinder alternatives that are free to join and worth a try.
1. Match
Match.com has come a long way since it launched in April 1995. This well-reputed dating site has honed its match algorithm to identify long-term compatibility and facilitate countless first dates, serious relationships, and successful marriages. Match’s esteemed dating experts go to great lengths to guide singles to a seriously good match.
- Match is the world’s longest running dating site
- The Discover section has search filters by interests, looks, lifestyle, and more
- Match is available in 50 countries and 15 languages
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Match is a free dating site that is typically used for serious dating. Tinder has a younger crowd whereas most of Match’s users are in their 30s. Match caters to single people looking to settle down and find true love. As one of the oldest dating platforms, Match has improved over the years and discovered the best ways to help singles reach relationship success. Match has one of the largest dating pools with over 30 million members in 50 countries worldwide.
Match offers a unique matchmaking process that pairs people based on compatibility. At no charge, members can browse profiles, exchange messages, and upload new photos on their profiles. Similar to Tinder, Match has free, standard, and premium membership options that vary in price.
“The free membership has been great. Much more conversation going on now. Thank you Match!” said Javan Burrier, a Match user in a review.
2. OurTime
OurTime is an over-50 dating site with a lot of helpful features to facilitate friendships and relationships. Senior singles can look for dates themselves using the search tools, or they can view a curated list of matches to find compatible folks. Singles can send likes, flirts, and faves for free, but they have to subscribe to send messages to their online crushes.
- Open to straight, gay, and lesbian singles over 50
- Free match recommendations and conversation starters
- Use Tokens to promote your profile and send virtual gifts
- Browse OurTime profiles 100% free »
OurTime is a senior dating site that paves the way for older singles to date online. Seniors have dating needs too, and the online dating scene has more than enough space for them to find love. As one of the few spaces for mature dating, OurTime continues to find new ways to help members thrive and make real connections. Singles often use OurTime to find a companion or life partner.
People can join OurTime for free, but to access the site’s chat features, they’ll have to upgrade to a paid subscription. If you’re on the fence about a paid subscription, OurTime has a 14-day free trial subscription so you don’t have to make a decision on the spot.
“I recommend OurTime. They have proper security in place, and as users, we must be mindful of the information we provide on our profile as well as reporting any suspicious behavior to assist in keeping it a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Nathan, an OurTime user in a review.
Ashley Madison is an extramarital dating site with over 80 million profiles in its private database, and it is full of temptation. The site and app offer a judgment-free zone where married people can consider their options and chat with singles who are willing to get together on the down-low.
- A uniquely open-minded dating network
- Privacy-conscious features
- Over 1.4 million matches per month
- Browse Ashley Madison profiles 100% free »
Online dating isn’t just for single people looking for true love. Ashley Madison is a casual dating site where single and married people can set aside shame and date however they please. With the motto “Life is short. Have an affair,” Ashley Madison invites people to explore their sexual desires and find new matches looking for anonymous dates and sexual encounters.
Ashley Madison was launched in the early 2000s and made headlines as the first married dating site in the world. The site originated in Canada and has since expanded to other countries all over the world. Ashley Madison offers completely free chatting for women, and it has a paid credit system for male users. Men still find Ashley Madison rewarding to join because of the privacy features and quality membership.
“I joined Ashley Madison and have found the fulfillment I needed to return to my husband a satisfied partner. It’s completely removed the anxiety from our marriage,”
4. OkCupid
In 2004, OkCupid’s founders decided to create a fool-proof formula for love, and they launched a free dating site to delve into what personal attributes made relationships work. OkCupid members can send unlimited messages for free. It’s easy to discover mutual interests and compatibility on the platform’s information-rich dating profiles.
- Free, unlimited communication for everyone
- Singles can swipe or search for a compatible date
- Over 91 million connections every year
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free »
Dating is all about finding someone who understands you. The OkCupid dating app launched in 2004 on a mission to make online dating smarter and more accessible. On OkCupid, singles can express their personality quirks and find matches based on common interests. Instead of treating people like commodities, the OkCupid team makes an effort to get to know every member and handpick profiles based on important compatibility factors. This makes the dating process not only easier but faster as well.
“At OkCupid, we’re dedicated to helping people find love and happiness through meaningful connections. Our one-of-a-kind algorithm matches you on what actually matters,” said the OkCupid team.
OkCupid is an inclusive and diverse app that strives to create a safe space for all singles to find connections. It’s the first dating app to introduce 22 gender and 13 orientation options to its dating profiles. The free dating app allows members to set their own dating rules. People have found romantic partners, friendships, and hookups all on OkCupid.
FAQs: Is a Paid Tinder Membership Worth It?
Most users agree you don’t need a paid plan to meet someone on Tinder, but it can reduce the time and effort it takes to create a match. Especially if you’re looking for love outside your ZIP code. For those singles looking for international love, the passport feature is an important perk that Tinder Plus provides.
As mentioned earlier, Tinder allows you to find local connections for free, but the passport feature lets members search and browse profiles by city – or by dropping a pin anywhere on the map.
Will Tinder Work for Singles Over 50?
Most Tinder users are under 35 years old, so singles over 50 are going to run into certain challenges. Tinder has a reputation for sparking mostly casual hookups and connecting young singles who aren’t looking for anything serious. It can take a while for an older single to find the kind of relationship they’re looking for on Tinder – but it’s not forbidden to try.
Still, a senior dating site like OurTime will yield more age-appropriate matches for senior people on the market. OurTime is owned by Match Group, which bought Tinder years ago, so singles can put their trust into its matchmaking tools.
OurTime is an over-50 dating site with a lot of helpful features to facilitate friendships and relationships. Senior singles can look for dates themselves using the search tools, or they can view a curated list of matches to find compatible folks. Singles can send likes, flirts, and faves for free, but they have to subscribe to send messages to their online crushes.
- Open to straight, gay, and lesbian singles over 50
- Free match recommendations and conversation starters
- Use Tokens to promote your profile and send virtual gifts
- Browse OurTime profiles 100% free »
Our dating experts recommend that older singles use senior dating sites such as OurTime, SilverSingles, or Stitch to find a meaningful connection. All of these sites cater to the over-50 age range and have established a community that will connect and support mature relationships.
Is Bumble Better Than Tinder?
It depends on what you’re looking for and what matters to you. Bumble has a reputation for being more female-friendly than Tinder and other swiping apps. In fact, Bumble was the first dating app to put women in charge of sliding in the DMs after a mutual match. With over 100 million downloads, Bumble is a pretty popular app – but not as big as Tinder which has been downloaded 530 million times.
Bumble also has BumbleBizz which offers a chance to network with professionals and find job opportunities. It’s rare to see a dating app that includes this level of social connection beyond romance.
It’s important to note that Bumble focuses on meaningful connections, not casual hookups. Tinder is better if you’re looking for quick sex with a stranger. Women on Tinder are more likely open to one-night stands and casual flings.
A Tinder Match Doesn’t Need Any Promo Code!
Finding a match on Tinder doesn’t require spending any money. You can swipe, chat, and meet people nearby without ever having to upgrade to a paid membership. But some Tinder users find the benefits of the paid plans outweigh the costs.
Tinder is a free dating app with affordable subscription options for those who want to take their dating game to the next level. It’s certainly a much cheaper option than paid dating apps like eharmony, which cater to an older crowd. With Tinder being such a popular dating app, the free version has great value – and you still get to meet and chat with new people every day!
