Dating apps—Hinge in particular—are all the rage these days. Everybody’s talking about them, and if you’re single, you’ve probably downloaded them at least once to see what all the fuss is about.
If you’re one of those people who likes to see more than just photos, Hinge is the dating app for you. Unlike other dating apps, Hinge uses prompts to get to know you better, which helps to break the ice and start conversations. Plus, it’s really easy to use – just download it for free from the App Store or Google Play, sign up, and you’re ready to go.
But are dating apps really worth your time and energy? Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the features that Hinge has to offer.
Hinge App at a Glance
Overall Rating – 4.7/5.0
| Userbase | 1.21 million + |
| Sign-Up Time | 5-15 minutes |
| Membership Cost | Starting at $19.99 |
| Payment Required? | No, free membership available |
| Avg. User Rating | 4.7/5.0 |
| Avg. User Age | 19-39 years old |
| Gender Ratio | 60% men | 40% women |
| Free Messaging? | Yes |
| Video Chat? | Yes |
| iOS App? | Yes |
| Android App? | Yes |
| Web Friendly? | App only |
| Support Options | |
| Launch Date | 2012 |
| Owned By | Match Group |
Is Hinge Right for Me?
Hinge is pretty popular with people between the ages of 19 and 39, and it’s one of the few dating apps that’s actually free to use. If you’re looking for a dating app that’s easy to use and has a large userbase, Hinge is probably the right one for you. The dating pool on Hinge is also slightly more female-friendly than some of the other apps out there, so it’s worth checking out if that’s something you’re looking for.
- What is Hinge?
- How Does Hinge Work?
- Free vs. Paid Memberships
- How Much Does Hinge Cost?
- What Kind of Relationships is Hinge For?
- Is Hinge Worth It?
- User Reviews of Hinge
- Hinge vs. The Other Guys
- Hinge FAQ
What is Hinge?
Hinge is one of the most popular dating apps today. It is different from other dating apps in that it focuses on relationships rather than hook-ups. Hinge used to connect you with friends of friends, so you can find someone you’re compatible with through your social networks. Hinge removed this feature since many online daters appreciate discretion. Now, Hinge has changed its algorithm so that you are matched with people based on your filters and from liking certain profiles.
Hinge’s distinguishing feature is its prompts. Users comment on prompts to start conversations. This can be anything from “What’s your favorite book?” to “How do you like your coffee?”. These prompts help break the ice and start a conversation.
Hinge is one of the few dating apps that is actually free to use. It also has a high user rating on both Google Play and the App Store. If you’re looking for a dating app with a large userbase, Hinge is probably your best bet.
Hinge History
Hinge was created in 2012 by Justin McLeod and his team. The app officially launched in 2013.
In March of 2018, Hinge was acquired by the Match Group. The Match Group is a company that owns and operates a number of online dating websites and apps. It was founded in 2009. Some of the websites and apps owned by the Match Group include Tinder, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Match.com, and Meetic.
What Makes Hinge Different?
Hinge is different from other dating apps in a few ways.
First, it focuses on relationships rather than hook-ups. The app requires you to put in a little more thought than other swiping apps. You are prompted to answer questions about yourself that help you match with people who share your interests.
Second, it connects you with profiles that you are compatible based on your liking history. The algorithm was changed in order to provide users with a more tailored experience.
Third, it is one of the few dating apps that are actually free to use. You can use all of the features on the app without paying a dime.
Fourth, the prompts make it easier to start conversations and allows you to get to know users better. Commenting on someone’s photo or prompt is a great way to get someone’s attention.
Hinge also has a large userbase, making it easy to find matches near you. The free app offers unlimited messaging, and you can video chat with other users.
Pros and Cons of Hinge
Pros
- Easy to use
- Large userbase
- Prompts help break the ice and start conversations
Cons
- Paid membership required for more than 8 likes per day
- App only – not web-friendly
- Support options are limited to email only
How Does Hinge Work? – Features Overview
Signup process:
Hinge is pretty easy to sign up for. Just download it for free from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your basic information. Hinge requires you to add three prompts in order to get started. This might add a bit of time to the signup process, but it’s worth it in order to get to know other users better.
Matchmaking Process:
Hinge uses a matchmaking process that’s based on the filters you select. Free members can choose to see matches based on gender, age, location, proximity, height, religion, and ethnicity. Paid members receive access to additional features, including children, drinking and smoking preferences, family plans, and political views.
Unique Features:
Hinge has a few unique features that help it stand out from the other dating apps. These include prompts, which help you get to know other users better, and a large userbase. Prompts are a great way to start conversations, and the large userbase makes it easy to find matches near you.
Hinge lets you like a photo or prompts on someone’s profile. You can also comment on something on a profile. This makes it easy to start a conversation with someone.
You can also video chat with other users. This is a great way to get to know someone better before you meet them in person.
Free vs. Paid Memberships
The free version of Hinge is pretty well-rounded. It includes access to basic features, such as viewing profiles and liking photos. You can also send a maximum of eight likes per day.
If you want access to more features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid membership. Paid members can see everyone who has liked their profile, select additional filters, and like an unlimited number of profiles.
Free and paid members receive one free Rose per week, which is used to show special interest in someone. Roses can be purchased at any time.
How Much Does Hinge Cost?
| Membership Type | Length | Monthly Price | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | 1 month | $29.99 | $29.99 |
| Premium | 3 months | $19.99 | $59.97 |
| Premium | 6 months | $14.99 | $89.94 |
What Kind of Relationships is Hinge For?
Hinge is for people who are looking for serious relationships. If you’re just looking to hook up, you might want to try a different app. That said, since this app has a large user base, you might be able to find someone who’s looking for the same thing as you.
Since Hinge is growing in popularity, more and more people are using it to meet their significant other and also to just make friends. It’s a great app for people who are looking for something more than just a casual relationship.
The Bottom Line – Is Hinge Worth It?
Hinge is a great dating app for people who are looking for the best chance of finding a serious relationship. It has a large userbase and easy-to-use features. While the app caps you at 8 likes per day, it also means that you become more intentional with the people you like. The paid membership is definitely worth it if you want to have access to more features.
That said, it’s not the best app for people who are looking for a casual hookup. Users flock to this app because of its serious intent, so you might have a harder time finding someone who’s interested in something casual. If that’s what you’re looking for, you might want to try Tinder or another app.
User Reviews of Hinge
Hinge gets mixed reviews from users. Some people love it, while others find it difficult to use. The biggest complaint is that the paid membership is required for more than 8 likes per day.
Overall, Hinge is a good dating app. It has a lot of users and gives you a good chance of finding someone you’ll like. The paid membership is not necessary but can be helpful if you want to increase your chances of finding someone. If you’re looking for an affordable dating app with a lot of features, Hinge is a good choice. You can read more user reviews on the App Store and Google Play.
Hinge vs. The Other Guys
How does Hinge compare to other dating apps? It’s difficult to say, as each app has its own unique features. Hinge is most similar to apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Match.com.
Hinge vs. Tinder
Hinge and Tinder are both dating apps, so they’re fairly similar. Hinge has a larger userbase, while Tinder is more popular for casual hookups. Hinge is also more serious than Tinder, and is geared more towards people who are looking for a serious relationship. Tinder also has a larger userbase, making it easier to find matches.
Hinge vs. Bumble
Bumble is also a dating app, and it’s a lot like Hinge. Bumble is more popular for dating than Hinge, and it has a more casual feel. Bumble also has a feminist twist, which makes it unique from other dating apps. Women have to message first on Bumble, which takes some of the pressure off of men.
Hinge vs. Match.com
Match.com is a dating site, rather than a dating app. It’s more expensive than Hinge, and it has a more serious feel. Match.com is for people who are looking for a serious relationship. It’s also more popular than Hinge, making it easier to find matches.
Hinge FAQ
Does Hinge Use an Algorithm for Matches?
Yes, Hinge does use an algorithm for matches. It uses a variety of factors, such as your interests and your location. This helps it to find the best matches for you.
Can I Use Hinge Without a Facebook Account?
Yes, you can create an account with your phone number only. Simply download the app, add your phone number, and continue through the signup process. You’ll need to verify your number via text.
Can I Delete My Hinge Account?
Yes, you can delete your Hinge account at any time. To do this, go to your settings and select “delete account.” Once you confirm, you will not be able to access your account again. The next time you use the app, you will have to create a new account.
How Do I Search for Profiles on Hinge?
You cannot search for profiles on Hinge. The app is designed to show you matches that are based on your interests and location. You can like profiles, and if someone likes you back, you’ll be able to message each other.
How Much Does Hinge Cost?
Hinge has a free option and a paid option. The free option allows you to like up to 8 profiles per day. If you want to like more than 8 profiles per day, you’ll need to purchase a paid membership. The cost of the paid membership varies, depending on how long you sign up for.
What is the Video Chat Feature?
The video chat feature allows you to chat with your matches in real-time. This is a great way to gauge interest and to see if you’re compatible with someone. To use the video chat feature, you only have to be a free member. Video chatting can help you to decide if you want to pursue a relationship with them. In the end, you will have saved your time and theirs if you discover you’re not compatible.
What Are Roses?
Roses are a way to show interest in someone on Hinge. If you see a rose next to someone’s profile, it means that they extra liked you. This is a way to show that you’re interested in them and that you want to get to know them better.
What is Hinge’s Mission?
Hinge’s aim is to get you off of dating apps for good. They want to help you find a serious relationship, and they believe that their app is the best way to do this. Hinge is different from other dating apps because it’s meant to be geared toward people who are looking for a long-term relationship.