Name: Tinder
Rating: 3.5

LAST UPDATED: March 1st, 2025

Tinder is an online dating app that was first introduced as a social network dating site on college campuses in 2012. The app uses location data to connect local singles who anonymously review member profiles and decide whether they are interested. Members are only connected when both parties mutually swipe right to like each other. Like several other big-name online dating sites, Tinder's parent company is Match Group, the parent company of match.com.

Typical dating sites require no introduction or approval before another member can begin messaging you. Tinder uses a double opt-in to reduce feelings of rejection, albeit digital. Before a line of communication can start between two Tinder members, both must swipe right — expressing interest in one another and giving consent for messaging.

While Tinder does not release exact statistics about its popular dating app, here are a few key points for people to know:

340+ million downloads
190 countries
40+ languages
5.9 million paid subscribers
50% of members are ages 18–25
1.5 million dates per week
26 million matches per day

This app caters to people who want quick, easy connections. However, you can set up your online dating profile to look for all kinds of relationships.

Keep reading to learn more about how Tinder works, view pros and cons, or skip straight to user reviews.

How do you sign up for Tinder?

You can access and sign up for Tinder either online via the Tinder for Web platform or by downloading the mobile app on Android or iOS. In less than five minutes, you can have your account set up completed and already be swiping through local singles.

To set up your Tinder account, you need to provide the following things:

Your first name
Birthdate
Profile photo
Email
Phone number or Facebook verification

report_problem

Attention: Tinder's user signup no longer requires a Facebook account.

Before August 2019, Tinder required a Facebook account to sign up. Now, you have two options when you register your new account: either associate your account with Facebook or your phone number.

Next, as with all dating apps, you need to provide more information about yourself and who you want to meet: men, women, or everyone. There are over 30 pre-set, inclusive options to identify your gender.

Examples include the following:

Man
Woman
Agender
Androgyne
Androgynous
Bigender
Female to male
FTM
Gender fluid
Gender nonconforming
Gender questioning
Gender variant
Genderqueer
Male to female
MTF
Neither
Neutrois
Non-binary
Other
Pangender

Trans
Trans man
Trans person
Trans woman
Transfeminine
Transgender
Transgender female
Transgender male
Transgender man
Transgender person
Transgender woman
Transmasculine
Transsexual
Transsexual female
Transsexual male
Transsexual man
Transsexual person
Transexual woman
Two-spirit

You have the option to choose up to three sexual orientations to express your interests:

Straight
Gay
Lesbian
Bisexual
Asexual
Demisexual
Pansexual
Queer
Questioning

Users can choose whether or not to have their orientation displayed on their Tinder bio.

That's all it takes to set up a Tinder profile. Next, you can browse through dating profiles, and change your Discovery settings to vary your deck of potential matches. Discovery settings include the following:

Your current location
Maximum distance radius (1–100 miles)
Gender (seeking)
Age range

To return to your Tinder account, you can sign in with the following credential options:

Facebook
Google
Phone number

What can you do for FREE on Tinder?

Tinder's dating platform allows members to do quite a bit for free. On this site, you can even send and receive messages with other members for free — no credit card or free trial signup needed. You won't be able to do the same on eHarmony or match.com.

For free, you can do the following on Tinder:

Create a dating profile (up to 6 photos and 500 characters) and connect it with social media accounts
Browse and swipe through your daily potential match deck
Like up to 100 profiles every 12 hours
Send and receive text messages with matches
One Super Like per day
One Tinder Pick per day

How do Tinder subscriptions work?

Although you can use the free version of the Tinder app to connect and message with local singles, upgrading to a paid subscription offers additional benefits. Subscription options include:

Two subscription levels: Plus and Gold
1-month, 6-month, and 12-month subscription durations

Here are a few premium features that you should know about:

Rewind — Undo your last Like or Nope.
Super Like — Express extra interest in someone by tapping the blue star. When you come to the top of their deck, your profile will be highlighted in blue.
Boost — Get bumped to the top of people's Discovery queue for 30 minutes, for more immediate matches.
Passport — Check out singles in other cities and countries.
Likes You — See a list of other members who have Liked your profile, before you swipe yes or no on their profile.
Top Picks — Featured member profiles that are selected for you based on occupation, education, hobbies, and other interests.

Free Tinder

Tinder Plus

Tinder Gold

Ads

Ads

Ad-Free

Likes

100 per 12 Hours

Unlimited

Rewind

✔

Super Like

5 per Day

Boost

1 per Month

Passport

✔

Likes You

✔

Top Picks

1 per Day

4–10 Picks Daily

Subscribing to Tinder Plus starts at about $9.99 per month for people under 30 and $19.99 per month for users over 30. Tinder Gold pricing starts at $14.99 per month and increases for users over 30 years old. Exact pricing for each membership varies based on your location and age. If you opt for the 6- or 12-month subscription terms, you get a per-month discount for paying up-front, so it will cost you less in the long run than a month-to-month subscription.

Keep reading for pros and cons of using this dating app or skip straight to Tinder reviews from real users.

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The Good

Easy to Use
Location-Based Matching
Tinder U
Only Message Mutual Matches
Free Messaging
Large Pool of Users
Tinder Top Picks
Safety Measures

Easy to Use

Tinder is an extremely easy-to-use dating app with a game-style approach to matching online daters.

Customer Review: Seth from Dallas, Texas

"Great way to meet new people, make some friends, and help you get back in the dating life. Very easy to use and great for you to get back in the social life."

Each member sets their interests (in men or women) then swipes (scrolling left to right) through local Tinder member profiles. Profiles display multiple photos and a brief introduction or pick-up lines. Users swipe right to like another user's profile and swipe left to reject profiles.

Tinder U

If you are a college student in the United States, Tinder U can help you connect with other single students at your school. It's available at four-year accredited college and university campuses.

You must log in to Tinder while you are on campus and verify your profile with your .edu email address, for an added level of security.

Location-Based Matching

Tinder helps you quickly contact local users. Matches are based on your location and GPS data. This helps to combat one of the most significant issues that users have with online dating sites: long-distance connections. If you want more than a pen pal, Tinder helps users find someone that they could reasonably connect with IRL.

Adding GPS location data to Tinder's emphasis on profile pics adds to its reputation as a hookup app. However, users state what type of relationship they are looking for. While it is useful for local hookups, you can also find a large pool of local daters looking for all kinds of relationships.

If you travel a lot, the new Tinder Passport feature lets members get access to more singles.

Only Message Mutual Matches

Tinder keeps things fair for daters by only allowing communication to members who have already "swiped" or shared an interest in each other. This is helpful for people that don't want to be harassed or approached by every member of the site. Basically, swiping right on someone gives your consent for them to message you.

The double-opt-in saves you from rejection. You only connect after mutual interest is expressed.

Free Messaging

Most online dating sites require you to be a paid member to send and receive text messages. Though you can only message people that you have matched with, this is one of the online dating options that allows you to interact with other people without paying for a subscription.

Large Pool of Users

Tinder is the most popular online dating app in the United States, with an audience of more than 7 million users, varying across several age groups. Additionally, it is the most popular dating app in 27 states. A 2020 survey found that the dating platform is popular among city and country-dwellers. Six percent of rural adults, seventeen percent of suburban adults, and eleven percent of urban adults were currently using Tinder.

Many people view the popular dating app as a hookup app, but Tinder's website displays stories of relationships and marriages coming from the online dating social network. Tinder can be used for whatever type of romantic relationship you're looking for: "Friends, dates, relationships, and everything in between."

Tinder Top Picks

Tinder's newest update offers improved recommendations. Now, instead of users coming up randomly in your area, Tinder will try to show you matches that they think you will like (based on previous swiping history and what you have in common).

Safety Measures

When it comes to dating online, many services leave safety to the individual user. However, Tinder has a few safety features that users can take advantage of, including the following:

Photo Verification — Verify your profile by copying a selfie pose. The photo is verified by human and facial recognition technology. Verified profiles are confirmed with a checkmark. This new feature is being rolled in stages and isn't available to all users yet.
Noonlight — In the United States, Tinder has partnered with Noonlight, a personal safety/panic-button app. When you plan to meet someone IRL, you can add details about your date to your Timeline. If you don't feel safe, you can discreetly request emergency services to your location.

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The Bad

No Phone Support
Gender Disparity
Refund Policy
No Matching Algorithm
Swipe Limits
Age-Based Pay Scale
User Motives

No Phone Support

You can't call Tinder customer support on the phone. Requests can be submitted online or through your account. This is certainly not unique when it comes to online dating sites, but it can still be inconvenient for some users who prefer to call and speak to someone for assistance.

Gender Disparity

In the United States, 32 percent of men and 28 percent of women have ever used a dating site or app; however, male Tinder users make up the majority — over 75 percent are men. People seeking to match with women may find it a bit more competitive than other online dating sites.

Refund Policy

In-app purchases are nonrefundable. If your subscription auto-renews, you have 14 days from the transaction date to request a refund.

No Matching Algorithm

This dating service can seem exceptionally superficial. Members rate other daters purely on their photos and a short one-liner. There's not much depth in actually getting to know the daters until both members have matched, where they may have a conversation. This may leave out potential matches that could work out for a long-term relationship.

Generally, personalities can be easily overlooked because this app focuses on an all or nothing approach to rating each new person's profile pictures.

Swipe Limits

Without a paid membership, users are limited to 100 Likes (right swipes) every 12 hours. Upgraded users on either subscription get access to unlimited Likes.

Age-Based Pay Scale and Issues

Tinder has an age-based pay scale, so if you’re over thirty years old, upgrading will cost you more. Younger (under 30ish) users can subscribe starting at $9.99 per month; it can be up to double for people over 30.

Pricing is based on your location and age. The exception is the state of California, where the company agreed to a 2019 settlement.

User Motives

When it comes to online dating companies, many reviews mention poor intentions of other members, scammers, fake profiles, and bots. Tinder doesn't escape this criticism.

Customer Review: Remington from Pleasant Grove, Utah

"This app is an absolute joke. Too many people don't take this seriously they don't try to match they just try to hook up. I'm honestly disappointed just a waste of my time."

However, as with many dating apps, a serious relationship is possible, but you may have to kiss a few frogs. With over 190 reviews collected, only a few people mention meeting a wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner.

Customer Review: Mckinsey from Logan, Utah

"This is how I met my husband! The service and people on the app can be sketchy but that doesn’t have anything to do with the company."

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The Bottom Line

Tinder is a very popular and easy to use online dating service. Interested consumers can download the app from iTunes or Google Play or access the site with their browser.

This watershed online dating app lets users swipe through photos and profiles of local singles based on your device's location data. Once a mutual match is made, members can message each other for free. Paid subscriptions are available for those who want more options, but Tinder Gold and Tinder Plus pricing is not set in stone and users in their thirties will be paying more than younger users.

Although Tinder has a reputation for facilitating hookup dates over long-term relationships, results vary based on what you are looking for and the intentions of other users. Some members have started successful relationships from the app.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.5

343 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

25%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

24%

2 grade

12%

1 grade

10%

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Shelby Jackson Salt Lake City, UT

Some people think Tinder is a shallow place to meet people as you are basing your decision off of looks. But let’s be honest here, you do have to be physically attracted to someone and that’s not a bad thing. The pros: -Once you match you can start chatting away and possibly score a date. -You don’t ever see who dislikes you. -The busy student or workaholic can meet people they might actually go out with. The cons: -People don’t post the most recent pictures. -The little biography’s May be skewed to seem cooler than they really are. Tinder was a great way to meet people outside of my circle of friends. I was lucky enough that I met my husband through it!

7 years ago

Emma Morrill

I thoroughly enjoyed using tinder. I do think it is easier for women than men to find matches. Most of the time I would use it to hook up and found that matching wasn’t to difficult when I made my intentions clear. Be open and honest about what you want and set boundaries. You’ll be amazed at who you could meet - I met my husband through tinder!

1 year ago

Ashley D Tallahassee, FL

Tinder has been extremely helpful when it comes to meeting both guys and girls romantically! I love the little events they have here and there, such as the recent one for Halloween where we answer questions about things that scare us, and options such as finding people that just go to your school! It helps in personalizing the connections I make and also helps startup conversations as online dating can be a little intimidating. Tinder makes it a bit easier. People use tinder for a lot of reasons, so even though it is an online dating app, I have genuinely made friends on there! Also, the Tinder gold feature is amazing. I don't like to waste time swiping and hope we match, I just go through the people that match with me and strike conversations from there, which is much better in my opinion.

3 years ago

Ralph E Enriquez

Great place to meet new friends and enjoy interesting conversation. This is a very high quality dating platform. Be selective and give this app a shot.

8 months ago Edited October 22, 2024

Ruthie Kuneff

The best co. ever out there if u don't have medicad

1 month ago

Nyla C. Edison, NJ

With Tinder, I always assumed it was a hook-up app; however, I recently met my boyfriend off of this app and we've been together for two months now. With this app, we instantly formed a connection past sexual advances, and we just focused on one another. With that, I can definitely say that I am happier than I have been in the past.

Emma Jimenez Austin, TX

I've been using Tinder on and off for the past year and it's not bad you just have to be patient. Most people have the wrong impression about Tinder, the majority of people i've met on Tinder don't have to time to find a date in person.

5 years ago

Sarah Provo, UT

I was always skeptical about tinder until I finally matched with a guy that has turned out to be my boyfriend! This service has been so great as we were able to get to know each other through the tinder messages! Once we got a feel for each other and became a little interested we were able to go out and meet! It was all because of tinder and how the app is set up! love it!

6 years ago

Hank Ricardo

I've used tinder many times with positive results. Nice and easy to use. The pay feature increases your chances. But free mode is just as Good. I still use this app daily.

9 months ago

Luke Swierczynski Waterford, MI

Used the app in college and it worked well enough. Nothing serious ever developed of any dates or flings I had, but it was a great way to meet new people. My sister even met her husband on here.

3 years ago Edited January 3, 2022

Nazjah Yates Tallahassee, FL

Tinder is a great app that has allowed me to make so many new friends in a new city! they make sure that all people are real on the app and make it easy to meet new people. The more you use the app the more that you will find yourself on there. A great way to make new bonds!

Karli American Fork, UT

Quick and easy way to meet new people you wouldn’t otherwise meet! I met my husband, actually and think that the app itself is very user friendly and fun and easy to use. Would recommend to anyone wanting to meet different people.

4 years ago

Sebastian Garcia San Antonio, TX

Many people see Tinder as a site to just hook-up and stuff like that but I believe it has the ability to help you know individuals and network with certain of them. I believe it is very easy to use but it does take patient to be able to match if you do not pay for the Gold membership.

Ellie Cheyenne, WY

I met my husband on here!! Tinder has options for everyone and what they are looking for! It’s super helpful in finding what you’d like and making you feel safe throughout the whole process. I highly recommend for anyone looking for anything.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

Trey Farner Norcross, GA

using tinder is really fun. I’m able to find someone I might be interested in and just meet new people in my local area. The matches sometimes aren’t all that great but it’s still a very nice app. Everything within the app is easy accessible and there’s no issue navigating anything at all.

jkenny90 , TX

I have met all sorts of people through this app and it really is the most simplified and straightforward dating apps out there. I've used the subscription for a period of time and I like the boosts and ability to see who swiped right on you.

Juliann Mecham Managua, MN

Contrary to popular belief, I think Tinder is actually a fantastic site. I have heard of great success stories and they are actually about to get married!! I think the website is appealing to the eye. I think it matches well and works. I would recommend.

Shaylee Provo, UT

Tinder is a great place where I find people with similar interests in my area. The application is easy to use. You update your profile and then are able to find the profiles of others in your area with similar interests to you.

Hailey Nilson Salt Lake City, UT

I've used Tinder for years, and I absolutely love it. The layout of the app is simple and easy to use, and I really like how you are able to see the people's Instagram profiles along with their bios before connecting with them.

Yael Lynchburg, VA

Tinder is the best online dating site hands down! I found my one true love through this app! Definitely recommend to those looking for an easy and plentiful dating platform.

Kaela Tallahassee, FL

I have came across others who have met the love of their life on Twitter . They provide background checks and really want to help others enjoy themselves while meeting others safely.

roberto arcia Columbia, MO

I have been on tinder for the past year. Although I am still single, it has allowed me to make connections with people that have turned into life-long friendships. I am glad tinder has put these people into my path.

Tiffany I Gaithersburg, MD

Tinder was very fun to use and the app was easy to navigate. I met up a couple people thru Tinder but eventually found my husband thru another site. But it did get me to go on dates in areas I hadn’t considered.

applebutteranna Butler West Wendover, NV

It is very clear in communicating the needs and wants of its users. I found success a few different times using this dating app. I have used other dating apps and this app is great!

Alyssa Hansel Tallahassee, FL

Tinder is super fun! There are always super cool people on the app and the app always provides the distance from others, which is super helpful when setting up dates! Perfect for singles!

Desi Pleasant Grove, UT

Yes, tinder has some really creepy dudes, but once you just keep going and being smart, you can find a pretty cool match. This is an awesome app, and it is such a great way to make new friendships/relationships!

McKenzie Christiansen Provo, UT

Tinder is great. It’s so hard to meet people in today’s society but Tinder makes it easy. Really polished platform, and really knows how to find people that tinder thinks will work well with you.

Kymberlee Yack Orem, UT

tinder has been a HUGE help to me. dating has always been so hard because i’m so introverted, but tinder made it so easy because all I have to do is swipe and start a conversation! definitely had good luck with this!

Lynn Mckay Edmonton, AB

Found someone started talking and turns our we have alot in common. We met and had a good date. Was successful totally recommend.

cb Irving, TX

I love Tinder! It’s so easy to make your account and get connected with people. I’ve matched with over 100+ and even found my partner on Tinder!

Anita pea Dallas, TX

Tinder has been am amazing help and has helped me find my amazing husband. The app is easy and the online service is phenomenal

Cade Boudreaux , FL

Tinder is my go to dating app. I’ve been using Tinder for over a year now and am very pleased with how easy it is to meet with people in my area.

Hailee Coleman Columbia, MO

Quick and easy to get to know somebody. It is easy to swipe right or left. The verification feature is the best because it allows you to know if somebody is real or not.

Doris Aguirre ,

Super easy to use and you can literally upgrade to get all kinds of access. And if you ever want to get rid of someone they make it easy for you to get rid of them

Christyan Bennett Baton Rouge, LA

Tinder is a fast and easy way to find the perfect one for you. It is very easy to use and friendly to all. I would definitely recommend this app to anyone. AND ITS FREE!!!

Lizzie Smith Midvale, UT

Here’s the thing- you could have a TERRIBLE experience, and you will probably meet some creeps. BUT then again, you could end up like me and meet your husband.

susie Kaysville, UT

i have used tinder for about 2 or so years now and i like it. it’s fun to meet new people and get new friends to hang with and have people to go on dates with.

Cody Enslow Pleasant Grove, UT

Tinder is the most popular and therefore the most viable option as a guy. I think that they’ve continually improved. Still not the ideal place to meet someone new.

Chelsea Pleasant Grove, UT

Had the best experience on this site was so easy to use! I found my husband on tinder due to the match process and would highly recommend!

3 years ago Edited January 5, 2022

Hannah Barth Tallahassee, FL

Tinder is great to meet new people. I've had great dates and even met some great friends. I love how safe and easy it is to use.

Lisa Williams Jacksonville, FL

Tinder is pretty okay. They should have more selections and they are always asking for an up charge or upgrade for something on the app.

Tequanda Jackson Tallahassee, FL

Tinder is the best network that provides the greatest connection between people. I was able to make many friends and a deeper relationship.

3 years ago Edited November 4, 2021

Sydney Charleston South Jordan, UT

Tinder is by far the easiest and best dating site to use. I have gone on many amazing dates and even met great friends through tinder. 10/10!

Beth Knight Nakhon Sawan, 60

I love using tinder to meet new people in my area. I’ve been on lots of fun dates and meet a lot of cool people through this app

Hunter Brister Norcross, GA

Tinder is a very accessible app. I have used Tinder before and in the past and have found positive results in finding a partner.

Luis Diaz Norcross, GA

Tinder is the best dating service out. It is such an easy app to use. User friendly and tries to help you find love. Customer service is great

Ashley Roberts Dallas, TX

Amazing company and I love the service. Really fun and easy to use and when my account got hacked the support team was great.

Thomas Andersen Tallahassee, FL

I have had great experiences using Tinder in college. The app is easy to use and it's fun to interact with others on the app.

Jackson Barousse Irving, TX

easy to use layout and profile maker. allows you to connect with people up to 100 miles away so i have a great variety of people to talk to!

Brayden Ibert Houston, TX

Tinder is the best dating service out. It is such an easy app to use. User friendly and truly tries to help you find love.