Dating App Comparison: Hinge vs Tinder

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Find out which dating app is right for you

Co-authored by Lauren Sanders and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: October 13, 2024 Fact Checked

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Target Demographic

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Screening & Sign-Up

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Matching

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Messaging

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Paid Subscriptions

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Which is better?

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Expert Interview

Are you interested in online dating but confused about which app to use? There are many dating apps catering to different interests and lifestyles, with Tinder and Hinge being some of the most popular options. It can be hard to know which app to choose, especially when you're new to online dating. This wikiHow article compares the features of Hinge and Tinder side by side so you can decide which dating app is best for you.

Things You Should Know

Tinder is more focused on hookups and casual dating than Hinge.
Hinge is better for long-term relationships and meaningful conversations.
Hinge's premium features are more expensive than Tinder's.

Section 1 of 6:

Target Demographic

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Tinder tries to accommodate as many people as possible. This includes people looking for long-term relationships as well as people who are interested in hookups and casual dating. Tinder has a much more fast-paced atmosphere. The sign-up process is much simpler, as well as the matching process. While it is possible to find a long-term relationship on Tinder, it has a reputation for being more focused on casual dating and hookups . Some users claim that it's much more difficult to find a long-term relationship on Tinder.
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Hinge is more focused on long-term relationships than casual hookups. It advertises itself as "the only dating app that's meant to be deleted. ^{[1]
X
Research source} " In other words, Hinge wants to get you into a long-term relationship so you no longer need the app. It has a much more extensive signup and screening process. Profiles are much more detailed, allowing users to like parts of a profile rather than the entire profile.

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It depends on what you are looking for. Both apps target the same age group (people below 40). However, Tinder is better for people who are interested in casual dating and hookups. Hinge is much better for people who are looking for long-term relationships and true love.

Section 2 of 6:

Screening & Sign-Up

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Tinder has a faster signup process than Hinge. All you need to provide during the signup process (aside from your email address and password) is your gender, location, age, and the maximum distance you are willing to travel. You do have the option to add more information, such as information about your lifestyle, passions, pets, and zodiac, but many users choose to only add the bare minimum to their profile . This means there are a lot of basic profiles on Tinder.
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In addition to your gender, location, age, and maximum distance that Tinder requires, Hinge also requires you to enter your ethnicity and religion. If you have a paid account, you can also enter information about your height, political views, children, family planning, as well as your smoking/drinking/drug habits.
- While Hinge doesn't give you as many options to add information to your profile , one of its prominent features is "Prompts." These are questions that you can answer, which go on your profile. These are meant to tell your potential matches more about you as well as spark conversations. You can also answer Prompts using voice or video. ^{[2]
 X
 Research source}
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Both have unique features that make them stand out. Whichever is better depends on what your preferences are.

Section 3 of 6:

Matching

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Both Tinder and Hinge work similarly. You are presented with pictures, and you can like or pass on the profiles that you are presented with. However, Tinder allows you to like up to 100 profiles every 12 hours with a free account. Tinder is also one of most popular dating apps with more users on it. This means more potential for matches .
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While Hinge also allows you to like and pass on different profiles, Hinge also allows you to like parts of a profile, such as pictures or Prompts . This allows you to focus more on what you like about a person, rather than their appearance. Hinge only allows free users to like up to 8 profiles per day.
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Hinge allows you to filter what you like in a partner more easily, which will save you from having to chat with people who aren't a particularly good match for you. On the other hand, Tinder has way more users and allows you to like more users with a free account. This allows you to cast a wider net and pick up more potential matches.

Section 4 of 6:

Messaging

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Tinder only allows you to send a message to someone after you have matched with them (unless you have Tinder Platinum, in which case you can send a message with a Super Like). This makes it harder to break the ice and start a conversation. Furthermore, Tinder has many users. It's easy to get overwhelmed with conversations and allow certain conversations to fall by the wayside.
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Hinge allows you to leave a comment with a like as well as leave a comment on a person's profile pictures or Prompts. This makes it easier to break the ice and start a conversation before you've even matched.
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Hinge has a better messaging system that allows you to break the ice and start a conversation before you've even matched.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Which Dating App Should I Use?

When it comes to dating apps, the problem is that most people are on the wrong platform. Looking for a thrilling fling? Then you probably shouldn’t be swiping through serious daters. Searching for your soulmate? That’s great—just be sure that your app is for hopeless romantics, not hookups. Take our quiz to find the perfect dating app for you!

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