Thaw out your love life and get straight to matching without spending a dime.
By
Anna Iovine
Associate Editor, Features
Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky.
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Tabitha Britt
Freelance Writer
Tabitha Britt is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor, and SEO/AEO strategist. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School for Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online publications, including National Geographic, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and Everyday Health.
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Overview
These are the tech, tools, and products — from laptops to e-readers, from earbuds to robovacs, and more — that Mashable ranks best in class.
Table of Contents
If you're on a budget and things look bleak in the relationship department, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds to find a genuine connection. As the weather warms up and the spring dating pool thaws out, there are plenty of free dating apps that let you chat, match, and meet a partner without shelling out cash upfront.
Dating itself will cost you time and money, so why should dating apps eat at your wallet, too? Especially when some platforms are rolling out premium subscriptions that cost as much as a car payment (yes, we're looking at you, Grindr). You don't have to resort to dating an AI to save money. Most popular apps are free to use — no credit card required.
What dating apps are completely free?
Mainstream dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge all have robust free membership tiers that compete with paid subscriptions. Some free, more niche dating apps, like Archer and Lex, are also worth checking out. It just depends on what you're looking for and how much work you're willing to put in to get it.
Hookup apps for everyone
AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections
Tinder — top pick for finding hookups
Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups
Critics will tell you that the big-name dating apps (like Bumble, or Match Group giants such as Tinder and Hinge) are all the same, forming a single, amorphous dating platform. However, these apps still have distinct differences. For instance, Bumble just announced it's officially killing its iconic swipe feature to change how users match. That said, dating app companies are moving more features behind paywalls, frustrating daters on a budget.
Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without paying a dime.
Note: All the free dating sites listed below offer a free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to match or chat with other users. And if you're being pressured to send money to someone on a dating app, you might be involved in a romance scam.
Our Pick
The Good & The Bad
- Large, active, and fast-growing user base
- Hinge is free to download and use
- Offers an inclusive selection of gender identities and pronouns
- Hinge doesn't require a Facebook login
- Unlimited messaging is included in the free version
- Creative prompts provide conversational jumping-off points
- Voice prompts give you the opportunity to let your personality shine
- "We Met" feature lets you provide feedback on your dates
- Free users have a limited number of likes per day
- Hinge doesn't have a desktop version
- It might not be the best app for all age groups
- The algorithm doesn't always provide the most compatible matches
Oure review
Read our full review of Hinge.
Who it's for
Hinge is basically the Goldilocks of dating apps: not too casual, not too serious, but just right for singles who are actually looking for a relationship but aren't quite ready to fill out a 10-page questionnaire and commit to finding "the one." It's where you go when you finally realize you're done with Tinder. If you're feeling totally burnt out and need some motivation, Hinge just launched a new "Can't Believe We Met on Hinge" campaign that features real, unscripted couples who found genuine connection right at the exact moment they were about to give up on dating entirely.
Hinge prides itself on being the app "designed to be deleted," meaning they actually want you to find a lasting connection — a good fit — so you can get off dating apps for good (and maybe finally free up some space on your phone).
Why we picked this
We're kind of obsessed with Hinge. It's cool, quirky, and refreshingly authentic. But the main reason it tops our free list is simple: You can send a message with every "like" for free. Unlike Tinder or Bumble, where you're just a photo in a stack until you match, Hinge lets you shoot your shot immediately by replying to a specific prompt or photo. This quality-over-quantity approach (you get eight free "likes" a day) actually saves you time.
Unlike other apps that hold your admirers hostage behind a blurred paywall, Hinge lets free users see everyone who "likes" them (you just have to review them one by one). If you want to see them all at once in a grid or send unlimited likes, Hinge offers multiple premium subscription options, but having endless potential matches is overwhelming (and reminiscent of the more anxiety-provoking Tinder). They also have "Roses," which let you show someone you're really into them (very Bachelor vibes).
Their brand-new "Date Ideas" feature lets you showcase three date concepts on your profile. Potential matches can select one of those ideas and propose a timeframe right from a drop-down menu — which is perfect, since Hinge's research shows that 79 percent of daters just want to skip the small talk and get straight to planning a meetup.
Other features include "Your Turn Limits" to stop you from ghosting (you have to reply to current matches before you can like new people) and "Hidden Words" (which lets you filter out unwanted words, phrases, and emoji) to filter out creeps. Plus, to keep the dating pool safe for free users, Hinge officially began testing mandatory "Face Check" video selfies in the U.S. last month to block bots. Just remember to be smart about your digital footprint: Hinge's parent company, Match Group, experienced a data breach in January 2026. While they confirmed no private messages or financial info were exposed, it's a solid reminder to protect the data you share.
Hinge also has a "Prompt Feedback" feature to help you write a better profile, alongside "Convo Starters," an AI tool that gives you personalized icebreakers based on a match's profile to kill writer's block.
Details
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Completely free to sign up and get started
- The ideal app for casual dating and hookups
- With millions of singles on the platform, you'll have endless possibilities to explore
- User-friendly design that makes swiping and matching easy
- Daily "Super Like" to show extra interest
- It's a great way to meet new people while traveling
- Link your Instagram and Spotify accounts to your profile
- Tinder's free version has limited functionality
- It isn't designed for serious relationships
- No personality quizzes or in-depth profiles
- Unfortunately, unsolicited and sometimes NSFW messages can be a problem
- "Ghosting" is common on Tinder
Our review
Read our Tinder Platinum review.
Who it's for
Craving a quick hookup, a no-strings-attached fling, or a way to kill some time? Download Tinder. This app is the digital equivalent of that slightly sketchy dive bar down the street: a little rough around the edges, always open, and full of people looking for a good time (or at least a temporary escape from reality).
With a massive and active user base, you'll find matches anywhere, from the busiest cities to the smallest towns. And if you're worried the app is past its prime, think again. Tinder is currently experiencing a major Gen Z renaissance. Match Group's latest Q1 2026 earnings report revealed that fresh user sign-ups are officially growing again compared to last year. So, if you're not looking for anything serious and want to have some fun without breaking the bank (or your heart), Tinder's probably your best bet.
Why we picked this
You can't talk about online dating without talking about Tinder: most people you know have downloaded it at least once, everyone has an opinion on it, and it's just too damn popular to ignore. We all love to hate on the swipe-happy hookup app, but it's undeniably effective, and, most importantly for our purposes, it's got a killer free version.
If you want to level up your Tinder game, they offer paid options like Tinder Plus, Gold, and Platinum. (Gold and Platinum include everything in Tinder Plus and then some.) These premium subscriptions auto-renew, but cancellation is easy enough — just go into the app and change your preferences.
At its inaugural "Tinder Sparks" event, the app announced a handful of new features to fight swipe fatigue. They dropped an AI matchmaker called "Chemistry," which uses a quick Q&A and an optional camera roll scan to hand-pick a curated daily match. They also launched an Astrology Mode and a redesigned Music Mode to push people you'd probably vibe with to the front of your stack. To help get those matches offline, the company's also piloting an in-app "Events" tab in LA this spring that lets you browse low-stakes group hangouts. The catch is you have to be Photo Verified to RSVP to an event, which ties into their best update: safety
As of last October, all new U.S. users must pass a mandatory "Face Check" video selfie to join the app. This verifies that you're a real human (not a bot) and has reportedly reduced bad actor reports by 40 percent. However, scammers always try to find a loophole. After the company found out that creeps were passing the test by burying fake, altered photos at the very end of their profiles, Tinder announced in late April 2026 that it's beefing up its verification tech to enforce "greater consistency" across every single picture on your grid.
That said, each time you open the app is a gamble. Your next Tinder match could be your future spouse, or it might just be some rando asking if you're DTF. That's just the unpredictable nature of modern love, especially when it's free and readily available at your fingertips.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Bumble is free to sign up and get started
- Women and non-binary users make the first move
- You can use profile "badges" to let other users know more about you
- Matches expire after 24 hours
- The app offers video and voice chat options
- The "snooze mode" lets you take a break
- You can connect your Instagram or Spotify accounts
- Bumble hosts exclusive in-person events
- The free version of Bumble has limited functionality
- The matching algorithm isn't sophisticated, so finding a compatible partner might be harder
- You might find many of the same people on Bumble as on Tinder
- The pressure to make the first move might be intimidating for some women and non-binary users
- Some users might find the 24-hour time limit to initiate contact too restrictive
- Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium can be expensive
Our review
Read our review of Bumble Premium.
Who it's for
Historically, Bumble has been the ideal app for anyone who's sick of getting unsolicited messages from creepy dudes (or just tired of the same old "hey" and "hi" openers). But the platform is currently undergoing an identity shift. CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd just announced that Bumble will no longer force one gender to make the first move, though she promises the updated app will still retain the "essence" of empowering women. Even with these updates, it's still a refreshing change for men who are tired of always having to initiate conversations.
Why we picked this
Bumble takes the best parts of Tinder and Hinge, and despite the upcoming changes to its signature rule, it's still focused on creating a more intentional and respectful environment where you're less likely to encounter those dreaded "hey" messages or unsolicited pickup lines. But the messaging rules aren't the only thing shifting: Bumble is officially killing the swipe starting in select markets later this year.
For the time being, if making that first move feels intimidating, the "Opening Moves" feature lets you set a text or photo icebreaker prompt for matches to answer instead. (Bumble recently pulled this feature from markets like Mexico and Australia to return to its original "women-message-first" roots.)
This year, the app is undergoing what the company's calling a "Bumble 2.0" overhaul. They're testing a new AI-powered experience called "Dates," run by a digital concierge named Bee that handles the matchmaking for you (launching by the end of 2026). While that's still in testing, free users can use the new(ish) AI Profile Guidance and Photo Feedback tools to build a better bio. And if you happen to meet someone in the wild, you can also use the "Instant Match" QR code to connect and check shared interests without exchanging numbers.
We've tested Bumble Premium, but the free version is a solid choice for anyone who wants a straightforward dating experience. You can chat via text, voice, or video without spending a dime, and access the in-app Advice Hub for expert relationship tips. One quick note: Bumble BFF is no longer in the main app. It spun off into a standalone app called Bumble For Friends, so you'll need to download that separately if you're just looking for platonic besties.
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The Good & The Bad
- OkCupid is free to sign up and get started
- You can filter potential matches by shared interests, not just looks
- OkCupid offers inclusive identification options, including gender-fluid, non-binary, and two-spirit
- Whether you're looking for hookups, friendships, or lasting love, you can find it on OkCupid
- OkCupid has a modern and easy-to-use interface
- The app is available for both iOS and Android users, and you can also access it on your desktop
- The free version of OkCupid includes ads
- The free version has limited functionality; for example, you'll need to pay to see all your likes at once
- OkCupid does not offer video chat
- Building a profile can be a tedious process
- You might find fewer matches in smaller towns
Our review
Read our full review of OKCupid.
Who it's for
Sick of arguing with dudes about basic human rights on first dates or swiping through an endless parade of misogynistic profiles? OkCupid might be the best dating app for you. OKC and its users are seriously liberal and open-minded — you're way less likely to run into anyone sporting a "Make America Great Again" hat or ranting about building a wall.
And if you're into non-monogamy, OkCupid actually gets it. Set it as a preference, and boom — you'll only see other people who are into the same thing.
Why we picked this
Owned by Match Group, OKC delivers a seriously hip and inclusive experience for everyone without breaking the bank. It's one of the best free options for people who prioritize values over vibes. The free version allows you to send an "Intro" message to anyone you like (though they may not see it until they like you back) and answer thousands of personality questions to filter out dealbreakers.
They recently doubled down on this with "Love & Money," a new series that unpacks how modern daters handle their finances. According to their data, 68 percent of daters say financial responsibility is sexier than generosity, and 63 percent consider being open about money a major green flag. The app's extensive questionnaire helps you filter for these habits so you can align on budgets and expectations before you meet up.
However, the overall experience has taken a serious hit in 2026. Long-time users on Reddit continue to complain about a buggy interface and a flood of overseas bots, but the bigger concern right now is privacy. In March 2026, the FTC took action against Match Group and OkCupid for allegedly deceiving users by sharing millions of personal photos and location data with an unauthorized third-party AI firm to train facial recognition software.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Archer is completely free to download and use
- It's geared toward serious relationships
- All users must selfie-verify their profiles
- The smart-blur feature safeguards users from potentially inappropriate content
- Archer allows users to personalize their profiles with customized tags
- The app offers a variety of features, including direct messaging, video calls, and community events
- The in-app Health Hub provides users with easy access to valuable medical and mental health resources
- Archer does not have a desktop version
- As a relatively new dating app, it may have a smaller user base than more established platforms
- The community events feature may not be very fruitful, depending on where you live
Who it's for
While Grindr is our top pick for fast hookups, we actually think Archer is the best gay dating app if you're looking for love. Archer is a free dating app for gay, bisexual, and queer men. It's the relationship-focused alternative to apps like Grindr and Tinder, providing a "celebratory place" for gay men to connect and find meaningful connections.
If you're a bisexual man or someone who is HIV positive and you're tired of tiptoeing around to avoid potential hate and discrimination, Archer is your best option. (For real, even Brooklyn's oh-so-gorgeous resident bi-man and author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, swears by it.)
Why we picked this
Archer is a "social-first" dating app for gay and queer men. Unlike its notoriously raunchy competitor (Grindr), Archer focuses on creating a more inclusive and respectful space for its users. And they have the data to prove that queer men are actively seeking this kind of environment: according to Archer's "State of Bottoms & Tops" report, only 11 percent of gay men are looking for hookups right now, whereas 43 percent are interested in real relationships, and emotional connection ranks as their number one turn-on. (They backed this up again with their "Naked Truth" report, which found that users are nearly six times more likely to be looking for a husband than a hookup).
The app has also introduced several new tools to make finding those connections easier. They recently launched "Looking For Modes," which lets you set your intentions right away by choosing among "Hookup," "Date," and "Friends Mode." They also added Hinge-style "Ice Breakers" prompts to profiles, saving you from having to start a conversation with an awkward "hey."
The best part? It's 100 percent free to download and use (no sketchy in-app purchases or hidden fees), and it has some unique features like Smart-Blur to keep you from seeing NSFW content until you're ready and Selfie-Verify for added security. If you want extra perks, like incognito browsing and advanced filters, Archer launched its first paid tier, Archer Gold, in May of 2024.
Not only that, but Archer is determined to make STD/STI, PrEP awareness, and sexual health a priority for its users. It provides comprehensive resources, education, and support for users via the Health Hub, making it a safer and more informed platform for the LGBTQ+ community than other dating apps.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Pure encourages anonymity
- There are multiple ways to connect, including chat, voice calls, and video calls
- You can set "turn-ons" in your profile, making finding people with shared interests and kinks easier
- It offers a more sex-positive and less-judgemental environment compared to traditional dating apps
- The app has an artsy and visually appealing interface
- Chats are "self-destructing," ensuring privacy and encouraging spontaneity
- Pure is available on both mobile and desktop platforms
- The "Devil's Bones" feature adds an element of fun and excitement by randomly connecting you with another user for an anonymous audio chat
- There's a risk of encountering catfish (but isn't this true of every dating app?)
- Chats disappear after 24 hours
- Pure isn't free for male users
- The web version of Pure requires a paid subscription
- Pure might not be a good fit for people who are new to online dating
Our review
Who it's for
Pure is a totally different kind of hookup app — it’s for anyone who’s so over Tinder and wants to explore more adventurous sexual encounters.
While Pure is for everyone, it’s only free for female users. Men are required to pay to play, but there are usually huge discounts (like 88% off or more) on the yearly subscription, so it's still a very budget-friendly option, even for the guys.
Why we picked this
Hookup apps are kind of gross these days. Think really hard about apps designed solely for hookups — not a pretty picture, right? Pure, on the other hand, is like Tinder’s artsy cousin who lives in Brooklyn and only comes into the City to attend niche gallery openings and off-off-Broadway plays. It’s also completely free for women to use (though there’s a paid subscription called Pure Queen with premium features like incognito mode, “smart likes,” a blocklist, and more).
Pure isn’t free for everyone (the subscription for men is relatively expensive), but we think this barrier might make it a safer place to connect with people looking for adventure. If they’re paying for it, they’ve got to be serious about what they're looking for. (You can use the code PUREFIRST if you’re new to the app and looking for a discount.)
Unlike traditional dating apps, Pure encourages you to be yourself without actually revealing your full identity. Instead of a long bio, you post a short 350-character "personal ad" and customize it using their new profile aesthetics and color patterns. You can add your "turn-ons" to your feed, and a new "Mutual Turn-Ons" feature instantly highlights exactly where your kinks overlap with a potential match. Oh, and chats disappear in 24 hours, and photos self-destruct right after being seen, so that’s nice for the more discreet folks out there.
Pure also has a unique “Devil’s Bones” feature that lets you roll the proverbial dice and join a random voice or text chat with a complete stranger. If things go well, you can move to video or text chat. If you’re not into the person, just roll the dice again! And, if someone really pisses you off or pushes your boundaries, you can report and block them — Pure is big on protecting its users. They offer safety features like "True Photo" requests, and they take age verification very seriously. In the UK, for example, Pure complies with local law by requiring users to complete a face scan (or scan a government ID) to estimate their age and ensure they are 18+.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- HER is free to get started
- It's made by and for queer women; it's specifically designed for lesbian, bisexual, non-binary, pansexual, and queer people
- The app features communities and virtual events
- HER has safety features to prevent catfishing and ensure users are who they say they are
- It offers a variety of ways to interact, including liking posts, commenting, and joining group chats
- Free users have limited functionality, like restricted search filters
- The free version includes ads
- HER is not available on desktop
- It has a smaller user base than other dating apps
Who it's for
HER is the best free dating site for queer, bisexual, trans, and lesbian women. (It's particularly useful if you're over men pretending to be women online or you're just tired of being asked for a threesome by straight couples.) The fact that it's made by queer women for queer women was a much-needed addition to the online dating world, and knowing that it's a safe space is really nice.
HER goes way past being a hookup app — that is, without adding pressure to find a romantic partner. While it can be used to couple up and find local matches that you never knew existed, you can also get involved in local LGBTQ events, read LGBTQ news, and make friends through its social-media-like feed.
Why we picked this
We recently named HER the best overall dating app for queer women, and for so many reasons. Claiming to be the app that "introduces you to every lesbian you've ever wanted to meet," HER is the award-winning mix of dating and social media that lets you meet girls you know are girls, as it is solely for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women. The language is inclusive (it's not a lesbian site aimed at a male fantasy, thanks to the fact that queer women created it), and it'll help you widen your dating pool beyond the circles you already know IRL.
While HER's user base (now more than 15 million members) isn't quite as large as that of mainstream apps like Tinder, you're far less likely to run into straight girls just looking for a unicorn. It's also making major corporate moves: In May 2025, dating giant Match Group officially acquired HER. But don't panic — it's still unapologetically sapphic.
The app's features are explicitly designed to help you communicate your authentic self. You can add specific "Pride Pins" (like T4T or masc) and even "Political Pride Pins" to filter your feed by the social issues you care about most. They also recently rolled out "Feelings" tags — a 48-hour status update that lets you honestly communicate whether you're looking to "Go on a date," "Hook up," or are just feeling "Flirty."
And this spring is the perfect time to join. According to HER's 2026 "Sapphic Restart" campaign, 68 percent of queer women are actively recalibrating their dating lives right now, rejecting "autopilot dating" to prioritize healing and emotional safety instead. The low-pressure atmosphere is super inviting, and the fact that you can find a girlfriend or queer friends or attend an LGBTQ movie night, all thanks to the app, makes HER unique for multiple reasons. It just rocks — in a really gay and really fun kind of way — OK?
Details
The Good & The Bad
- If you have a Facebook account (and who doesn't?), you're already halfway there
- No paywalls to see who liked you
- The user base is much more active and responsive for the over-35 demographic
- If you're under 30, you might not find as many matches
- The location settings are notoriously glitchy
- Despite being "free," there is a cap of around 70-100 likes per day
Our review
Read our full Facebook Dating review.
Who it's for
If you're strictly anti-subscription and tired of hitting paywalls after five swipes, Facebook Dating (launched in 2019) might be worth a look. It's one of the only mainstream dating products that's 100 percent free. There are no "Gold" tiers, no "Roses" to buy, and no blurred-out likes.
Why we picked this
The main reason Facebook Dating is on our list is that it's accessible. You don't need to download a new app (it lives inside the Facebook app you likely already have), and setting up a profile is quick and easy. It mirrors the best features of other apps — prompts, intros, filters, and AI tools — without charging for them.
The only caveat? You get what you pay for. In our review, Mashable Assistant Editor Chance Townsend called it "the most uneventful dating experience of my life." While Meta claims massive user numbers, Townsend says the app felt like a "ghost town" for the under-30 crowd, noting that mentioning it to Gen Z friends elicited "dramatic eye rolls."
But if you're over 35, you probably have decent odds. Our testing suggests this demographic is far more active on the platform. So, if you're a bit older or just refuse to spend money on principle, it’s worth activating. Worst-case scenario? You wasted zero dollars.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Grindr is free to get started
- It's known for being easy, fast, and straightforward to use
- With its large and active user base, someone is ALWAYS online
- The location-based interface allows for ASAP hookups
- It's the ideal app for meeting new friends (and potential partners!) while traveling
- There are so many ads in the free version
- Lots of Grindr features have moved behind a paywall
- It can be tough to find something serious on Grindr
- The app can be very NSFW and is occasionally glitchy
- Grindr Web is only available to XTRA and Unlimited subscribers
Our review
Who it's for
Grindr is the hookup app for gay men and queers who can't stand the heteronormativity of apps like Tinder or Bumble. For guys looking to have no-strings-attached fun, this is the place to be. Unfortunately, we've moved Grindr to the very bottom of our list of recommendations for one simple reason: The free version of Grindr is becoming harder and harder to use.
With the company increasingly focused on ultra-premium subscriptions (like their new $500-a-month "EDGE" tier), the free experience has gotten incredibly stingy. You're bombarded with ads, limited to seeing around 87 messageable profiles, and locked out of basic filters. We leave it here for one reason: You can still find hookups.
Why we picked this
Grindr is the world's biggest social networking app for gay men, helping singles and frisky couples get it on since 2009. With millions of daily users, it's clearly earned its spot as one of the most popular (and notorious) dating apps.
Instead of swiping, you get a borderline infinite (and often overwhelming) grid of guys near you. It can be a very efficient process if you want it to be, and most users looking for a hookup will make it crystal clear they're not interested in small talk (especially now that they can use the straightforward "Hookups" intention tag). Grindr also recently rolled out "Map View," a live map of guys nearby who are ready to connect instantly. That's not to say relationships don't happen, but at its core, Grindr is the go-to for quick, casual encounters.
The company's also pushing hard to become an "AI-first" platform, rolling out a proprietary "gAI" to act as a digital wingman. They're even testing an ultra-premium subscription tier called EDGE that summarizes your chats and predicts matches, but early reports indicate it could cost up to $499 a month, depending on your market.
Be warned, however: Grindr is hella NSFW. Messages can get freaky fast, and you're 100 percent going to receive a ton of unsolicited (or solicited, if you're into that) dick pics. So, checking Grindr on the train or in line at the grocery store isn't quite as casual as other dating apps. You'll also probably get asked for pics, so be prepared for that.
For those who are all about finding a partner in a more traditional, romantic way, other apps (like Archer) might be a better choice; after all, we just noted that 43 percent of gay men are actually looking for relationships right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every app on this list lets you match and message without handing over your credit card. Do they all have premium upgrades? Of course — they’re businesses, not charities. But you can absolutely get dates using just the free versions.
Yes, you can create a profile, match, and chat with other people on Tinder for free. Non-paying users do have a limit on how many people they can swipe right on (Like), per day, however. That number varies depending on location and demographic, but the streets (Reddit users) say that it's around 100 right swipes per day. If you fork up cash, though, you can get unlimited likes — and some other perks, like being able to change your location, rewind a left swipe, and see who liked you before you swipe.
Yes, Bumble is free to use — but like the other apps, it has features you can only access if you pay. Like Tinder, this also includes unlimited swiping and travel mode. (Though you might want to enjoy that swiping while you can — Bumble's CEO just announced that they're officially killing the swipe feature later this year to roll out a "revolutionary" new matching experience!) Paying Bumble users can also use advanced filters to weed out people they don't want to see (such as those who don't want children, if they're looking for a partner who does).
You'll be hard-pressed to find dating apps that are completely free, with no paid tier. As stated above, these are all businesses, and they have to generate revenue somehow. That being said, you can still match and talk with people on these apps for free.
We test dating apps the way you do — by actually using them. Our team members have firsthand experience with popular apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, among other niche dating apps.
For this roundup, we focused strictly on the free versions of each app. With so many platforms aggressively pushing expensive premium tiers these days, we wanted to see what you can get for zero dollars. We created new profiles, explored the updated interfaces (including testing out all those new AI tools), and tested key features like searching, matching, and messaging. We paid close attention to how easy it was to connect with others and move the conversation offline, the diversity of potential matches, and the overall user experience for people with different preferences and backgrounds.
Our goal is to help you find a free dating app that allows you to meet new people and form connections without hitting a frustrating paywall, no matter your background or what you're looking for this season.
Associate Editor, Features
Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky.
Tabitha Britt is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor, and SEO/AEO strategist. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School for Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online publications, including National Geographic, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and Everyday Health.