How Much Do Dating Apps Cost? The Costs of Popular Dating Apps

Finding love looks a lot different than it did say, 20 years ago. Instead of blind dates and matchmaking, there's a whole lot of swiping, matching and messaging on dating apps. While dating apps have become popular they can still feel overwhelming, especially with so many sites, features and dating app costs. (Yes—sometimes you do have to pay for love.)

So, how much do dating apps cost and is it worth paying for a premium subscription? With so many options available—some at no cost and others requiring a monthly fee—it can be tricky to figure out if upgrading your account is the best way to find love on a dating app. Whether you're looking for a serious relationship, some hot dates or even something casual, understanding the cost of dating apps can help you decide which option suits your needs. And if you're lucky in love online, use The Knot Budget Tool to map out your wedding costs.

In this article:

• How Much Do Dating Apps Cost?
• Is It Worth It to Pay for a Dating App?

How Much Do Dating Apps Cost?

As with all apps, the cost of dating sites has a pretty wide spectrum dependent on the platform, subscription tiers and features it offers. Many dating apps are the newly coined term "freemium products" which essentially means you have access to the app and basic features for free but will need to pay for features like unlimited swipes, advanced searches or the ability to see who "likes" you or is "looking at you."

The premium versions of dating apps typically range from around $10 to $50 per month, depending on the specifics. To break it down, dating apps usually fall into one of these three categories:

• Free apps: Some dating apps offer their full functionality for free, though they might include ads.
• Freemium apps: Most apps allow free use but have enticing features locked behind a paywall.
• Premium apps: These apps require a subscription to access most features.

On average, a premium dating app subscription will cost you about $20 per month.

Is It Worth It to Pay for a Dating App?

Sometimes not paying for features on the app can leave you with some limitations that make upgrading tempting. Free tiers usually restrict features like the number of daily swipes or access to messaging, which can slow your progress if you're serious about finding a match. But, you definitely don't need to pay for a dating app to be successful. Some also use multiple dating apps to increase their chances of finding "the one."

You can find love using free versions of apps—especially ones with larger user bases like Tinder and Bumble. But, putting out some cash for a subscription could be worth it if you're looking for more control over your experience or potentially faster matches.

Tinder Dating App Cost

Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps worldwide, known for its swipe-based interface. It's primarily used for casual dating and hookups and is one of the more versatile platforms for different dating preferences.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited swipes per day, can't see who liked you
Subscription Costs: Tinder offers three premium options: Tinder Plus (starting at $9.99/month), Tinder Gold (starting at $14.99/month) and Tinder Platinum (starting at $19.99/month). The higher tiers allow you to see who likes you, give you unlimited swipes and more.

Bumble Dating App Cost

With a women-first approach, Bumble is a stand-out dating app in the realm of heterosexual matches. Bumble empowers women and aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for online dating. You can also use the app in three modes— Bumble Date, Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited swipes, can't rematch with expired connections
Subscription Costs: Bumble Boost starts at $14.99/month, while Bumble Premium begins at $29.99/month. Premium unlocks advanced filters and the ability to see who swiped right on you.

Hinge Dating App Cost

Designed to be deleted, Hinge was launched in 2012 and allows users to interact by liking and commenting on specific profile elements. It promotes serious relationships over more casual hookups.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited number of daily likes
Subscription Costs: Hinge Preferred starts at $19.99/month, offering features like unlimited likes and advanced filters.

eHarmony Dating App Cost

eHarmony uses a thorough personality questionnaire to analyze users' values, interests and preferences which helps to make more aligned potential partnerships. It also has a focus on long-term, meaningful relationships.

Free to Use? No
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited features without a subscription
Subscription Costs: eHarmony starts at $35.90/month with longer-term subscription options offering better deals.

OkCupid Dating App Cost

OkCupid uses detailed questionnaires to match you with potential dates you're more likely to have meaningful connections with. It's also been around for over 20 years, having first launched in 2004.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited number of likes, ads
Subscription Costs: OkCupid Basic starts at $9.95/month, while Premium is $34.90/month. Premium unlocks features like seeing who likes you and message boosts.

Plenty of Fish Dating App Cost

Plenty of Fish offers a large user base and more straightforward interface and user experience. One of the first dating apps, it came on the scene in 2003 and is pretty popular amongst dating app users.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited messaging options
Subscription Costs: Premium starts at $19.99/month and unlocks extended messaging features and the ability to see who viewed your profile.

Coffee Meets Bagel Dating App Cost

Geared towards those looking for more serious relationships (91% of users!) Coffee Meets Bagel is for serious daters. It lets you design a detailed profile and delivers you new profiles daily.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Limited number of matches per day
Subscription Costs: Premium starts at $35/month and includes extra "bagels" and insights into your likes.

Grindr Dating App Cost

Grindr caters to the LGBTQ+ community with a focus on quick connections. Known as one of the best gay dating apps, it lets users connect based on their location and enables real-time communication and meeting opportunities for dating but also friendships and casual encounters.

Free to Use? Yes
Limitations of the Free Version: Ads, limited number of profile views
Subscription Costs: Grindr XTRA starts at $19.99/month and Grindr Unlimited is $39.99/month, which removes ads and offers unlimited profile views.

Raya Dating App Cost

Known as the "celebrity dating app," Raya is for those looking to connect in exclusive social circles. It's known for its exclusivity and aims to connect creative pros like actors, musicians, influencers and the like.

Free to Use? No
Limitations of the Free Version: Requires an application to join
Subscription Costs: Raya costs $9.99/month and includes access to its exclusive network.