You can find numerous online dating apps for your smartphone, and choosing one might be confusing, especially when you don't know which app is most suitable for your interests.While Tinder is the most popular online dating app, that doesn't mean it's the best for you. If you're looking for an alternative, you can try Hinge. This app is continuously gaining popularity and is quickly becoming one of Tinder's biggest competitors.So, in this article, let's compare the differences between Hinge and Tinder.

Online Dating: Hinge vs. Tinder

Hinge is a dating app that emphasizes its ability to help build lasting relationships. The app aims to match you with individuals you're most compatible with, and its final goal is to get you into a serious relationship. In fact, Hinge is so committed to finding you the one their tagline is "The dating app designed to be deleted".

On the other hand, Tinder is designed to accommodate everyone, even if you're not looking for anything serious. Tinder is famous for its effortless profile setup and the swipe left, swipe right system. Whether you're looking for something serious, just testing the waters, or simply playing around, you'll find a match on Tinder.

  • Download: Hinge for iOS | Android (Free, preferred membership available)
  • Download: Tinder for iOS | Android (Free, premium version available)

User Interface

Hinge sign up page on phone

Tinder's interface provides a fun, vibrant feel. You can easily access your profile, matches, and other features on the app. If you want to match with someone, you can swipe right. If you don't have any interest in the profile you're looking at, you can swipe left.

On the other hand, Hinge has a laid-back mood in contrast to Tinder's vibrant feel. Hinge gives off a more serious vibe. There aren't any bright colors on Hinge's interface, mainly white and black. It could take you some time to get used to Hinge's interface.

Unlike the easy swipe right, swipe left system on Tinder; Hinge requires you to send a like on someone's profile through a picture or one of their prompt responses. Tinder also accommodates desktop users, while Hinge has not released an official desktop version.

Winner: Tinder

Signing up and Creating a Dating Profile

Both platforms allow you to sign up with your number, email address, or Facebook account.

Hinge will take you through a series of questions to help you find your match. Unlike Tinder, Hinge makes it hard for anyone to have a vague profile with no descriptions. When you sign up for a profile on Hinge, you have to choose three questions or prompts to answer. Prompts on Hinge serve as great conversation starters; they also give a glimpse of who you are.

Signing up for a Tinder profile is a much simpler process. While setting up a Tinder profile is simpler, it's also very generic, which is why you can come across profiles with no description. Hinge encourages people on the app to engage by setting up profiles that make easy conversation starters.

Winner: Hinge

Matches

The free version has its limitations on both Hinge and Tinder. One of the most obvious limitations of the free version is the number of right swipes you can make on Tinder and the likes you can send out on Hinge.

When you send out likes on Hinge, you need to be very thoughtful about how often you send your likes because Hinge's free version only allows you to send up to eight likes every 24 hours.

Tinder gives you a little more freedom to gain matches. Tinder's free version also limits how many times you can swipe right, but it does not have a fixed number. Swipes are allocated to you according to your behavior on the app, along with Tinder's algorithm. Once you're out of swipes, you can swipe right again after 12 hours.

You can also use Tinder's explore page to find potential matches. This feature has a range of themes you can choose from to connect with people. You can choose to view verified profiles only or view profiles based on your passions, and if your interests happen to change over time, you can update your passions on Tinder; that way, you can connect with the right people.

Winner: Tinder

Target Audience

Two people holding hands

Hinge targets relationship-oriented people; their tagline "The dating app designed to be deleted" says it all. Hinge's approach is a bit more serious than Tinder's approach. Tinder has a reputation for being an app for hookups. Even though Tinder might have a bad name, not everyone joins Tinder intending to get a hookup.

Winner: There is no definite winner for this category. If you're looking for something casual, you can try out Tinder. If you're looking for something serious, Hinge is the better choice.

Profile Features

Tinder provides various features that you can use to enhance your profiles. You can add between three and five passions to show potential matches your interests. There is also a lifestyle section where you can add your zodiac sign, the type of pet you have, and your smoking habits.

Tinder also lets you showcase your music taste by adding your Spotify anthem and your top artists on Spotify. While Hinge doesn't have various features under the free account, you can use prompts to showcase your personality and enhance your profile. One of Hinge's unique features is the voice prompt that you can add to your profile. This way, people can hear what you sound like before sending a like.

Winner: Tie. Both dating apps have unique features, and the better one will depend on your preference.

Pricing

If you decide that you want to take your online dating experience to the next level, you can upgrade your account on Hinge or Tinder.

A Hinge preferred subscription costs $89.99 for six months, $59.99 for three months, or $29.99 for one month. When you're a preferred member on Hinge, you get to enjoy the following benefits:

  • View all the profiles that swiped right on your profile.
  • Gain access to advanced features in your profile such as family plans, politics, education, and vices.
  • Unlimited likes.
  • Get more suggestions for profiles that stand out.

Besides the subscription plan, you can also purchase Roses, which are likes that are seen first and more likely to lead to a date. You can also boost your profile for an hour to get more views, which is useful if you're doing nothing and want to get in touch with a potential date immediately.

Tinder Tiers website page

Tinder has three different upgrade plans. You can choose between Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum. Here are the costs and benefits of each plan

Tinder Plus costs $8.99 per month for users younger than 30. Users over 30 have to pay $19.99 per month. Here's what you'll get from a Tinder Plus plan:

  • No ads.
  • Unlimited right swipe.
  • Unlimited rewind swipes.
  • Like profiles around the world.
  • Choose who sees your profile, be shown only to those you have liked.
  • Control your age and distance.

Tinder Gold costs $14.99 per month. If you're over 30, it costs $29.99. Here's what you'll get from Tinder Gold:

  • All Tinder Plus benefits.
  • See people who like your profile.
  • One free boost per month.
  • Five free super likes per week.
  • Access to all Top Picks every day.

A Tinder Platinum plan costs $17.99 per month for users under 30. If you're over 30, it will cost you $39.99 per month. Here are the benefits under the Tinder Platinum plan:

  • All Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold benefits.
  • Your likes will be prioritized, meaning your profile will appear faster to those you have liked.
  • Send messaging before matching with someone, only available through Super Likes.
  • View profiles you've liked in the past week.

Tinder's pricing plans seem to put more effort into increasing your chances of finding a partner. Whereas Hinge's preferred plan only has a few advanced features.

Winner: Tinder

Hinge vs. Tinder: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're looking for something serious, Hinge is for you. It is geared towards finding long-term relationships, so when you're on the app, you know the person you're matching with is likely looking for something serious as well.

On the other hand, Tinder caters to a broader audience. Whether you're seeking love, casual relationships, or friendships, you can find them there. However, it might also be harder to find something serious because you're not sure if the person you're matching with has the same expectation.

Online dating is no longer the wild west that it used to be. Today, almost anyone can find a match through the internet. So, no matter what kind of relationship you're looking for, there's an app for you.