Our Verdict
Hinge is a dating app that prioritizes creating quality matches by using a combination of machine learning, an award-winning algorithm and detailed profiles.
Key Features
- Detailed profiles with three required prompts and conversation starters
- Users have the ability to see everyone who likes them, free of charge
- Optional 30-second voice prompts available, which are correlated with a greater likelihood of going on a date
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eHarmony, Your Journey to Lasting Love
- Provides users with a curated selection of matches based on their compatibility
- Have complete confidence that all of your compatible matches are looking for the same thing you are, love that lasts
- Align with individuals who desire deeper and more meaningful relationships
- Millions of couples have found lasting love
On eHarmony's Website
Hinge was founded in 2011 by Justin McLeod, Matt O’Donnell, Frances Haugen and Bennett Richardson. McLeod was looking for a new, unique way to find love after a devastating breakup with his college girlfriend, so he and the founders came up with a concept that was new in the online dating space: Matching people with mutual connections using their Facebook friends. The idea behind Hinge was to make online dating feel less anonymous, and more like you were getting set up with a friend of a friend, according to the company.
While Hinge no longer matches people using Facebook, it has remained popular in the online dating space. Now, Hinge identifies potential matches using machine learning (or AI) and the Nobel Prize-winning Gale Shapley algorithm.
Hinge first lets you see who likes you, and from there you can see their full profile and send them a comment if you’d like. If someone likes your profile, you’ll see them in the “likes you” tab. If you tap the “match” button, you’ll move up into their matches from there. You can also see people who haven’t liked your profile yet and like them for another potential match.
Over the past 12 years, Hinge has become a reliable platform for finding matches thanks to a Nobel Prize-winning dating algorithm. Hinge is part of Match Group, which also owns Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Match and more.
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Hinge at a Glance
- Users: Hinge does not release the exact number of users, but according to a 2022 survey by Pew Research Center, approximately one-fifth of total online dating users have used Hinge. (The total number of adults in the U.S. who have used online dating apps is about 30%).[1]Key findings about online dating in the U.S. Pew Research Center. Accessed 12/19/2023.
- Matching algorithm: Hinge uses a combination of machine learning and the Nobel prize-winning Gale-Shapley algorithm to match users with one another
- Features: Hinge offers detailed profile options, prompts to activate your profile, conversation starters, reply reminders, one free “Rose” (may also be referred to as Superlikes) per week to indicate greater interest in someone, voice prompts, prompt polls, dating intentions information (Ex: whether you are looking for a short- or long-term relationship) and more.
How Does Hinge Work?
When you download the Hinge app, which is geared toward people looking to find a long-term or short-term partner, you’ll be met with a series of questions. In addition to filling out basic details like your name, birthday, where you live, what gender you identify with and what gender you prefer to date, you’re given more specific questions as well.
Hinge asks about your political views, how many children you have (if any), if you want children in the future, whether you’re looking for a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship, whether you drink alcohol or smoke and more. It’s worth noting that for most of these questions, you can decline to answer, in which case this response is hidden from your profile.
You are then given a list of prompts, and it’s required that you answer three of them. Prompts include questions like how you spend a typical Sunday, a life goal you have, a random fact that you love and more. You’re then prompted to add pictures (four photos are required) and can even add a voice note if you’d like.
Before you start matching with other users, Hinge asks if you want to sign up for Hinge+ or HingeX (two premium subscription options), but if you decline, you’ll be directed to use the free version.
Depending on the version you opt for, you’ll get eight likes per day. You can also see who likes you before liking them, and create a match from there. You can also add “comments” for users you’re interested in.
We Specialize In Compatibility
At eHarmony we offer the opportunity to experience real love through our Compatibility Matching System. We give each of our members the ability to find compatibility and connection through our unique features.
How Much Does Hinge Cost?
Hinge is free to download and use, but there are two paid subscription options available.
The first is Hinge+, which gives users the ability to send unlimited likes, see everyone who likes them, set more dating preferences, sort all incoming likes and browse by new users or people who are nearby.
The cost breakdown for Hinge+ is as follows:
- One week: $14.99
- One month: $32.99
- Three months: $64.99
- Six months: $99.99
The other premium option is Hinge X, which includes all of the benefits of Hinge+ but also includes enhanced recommendations to help you access your “type,” skipping the line to get recommendations sooner and giving you “priority” likes—this means your likes will stay at the top of your matches’ list.
The cost breakdown for HingeX is as follows:
- One week: $24.99
- One month: $49.99
- Three months: $99.99
- Six months: $149.99
What Experts Say
As far as online dating platforms go, Alexandra Carone, a licensed social worker based in Boulder, Colorado, says that Hinge is one of her favorites. “I view dating apps, including Hinge, as tools that can either enhance or complicate the dating experience, depending on how they’re used,” she says. “Compared to other apps, Hinge’s focus on profiles and prompts encourages more thoughtful engagement, which can lead to more meaningful connections.”
And while she admits their algorithm is impressive, she warns that algorithms are hardly the be-all and end-all. “They can introduce potential matches, but the real chemistry and compatibility go beyond algorithmic predictions,” she says. “The true determinant of a successful relationship lies in how authentically and openly individuals engage with these matches. It’s the depth, honesty, and quality of the conversations that follow the initial connection which truly shape the potential of a relationship.”
Apps like Hinge can provide an introduction, she explains, but it’s the genuine human interaction and effort put into getting to know someone that paves the way for a meaningful connection.
The Experience
Hinge offers an easy-to-use user experience. Profiles include detailed prompts, three of which require an answer. Prompt examples include how one spends a typical Sunday, a life goal, an irrational fear and more. These may assist users in finding a great match.
Hinge’s current rating on Trustpilot is fairly poor, with 1.3 out of 5 stars based on 371 reviews. However, there are some positive reviews. “I have been using this app for a couple of years and landed several dates. To me, it is the best app out there. If they allowed a few more likes per day, it would be perfection,” notes one positive reviewer.
Another reviewer says, “I have been on so many dating sites without any luck and the first time I try Hinge and go on a date I meet the love of my life. Been dating almost two years, live together and have a dog. I highly recommend Hinge to meet singles looking for a more serious relationship!” Negative reviews note concerns with being banned, scammers, fake profiles and more.
While Hinge is not Better Business Bureau (BBB)-accredited, it currently has a B rating, as well as 1.11 out of 5 stars on the platform based on more than 120 customer reviews. Most reviews are negative, many of which describe being unfairly banned from the app. “Banned for no reason, with no explanation,” one user review wrote. “I have never harassed nor broken any rules in order to result in me not being able to use this dating app anymore, my appeal did nothing, I got none of my money back,” the user added.
You can only send eight likes per day with Hinge, which a representative at Hinge says is a tested strategy to keep users less distracted and more intentional in their dating journey, but this may be a drawback for some who want a larger pool to choose from. User reviews indicate it prioritizes quality with its solid matchmaking algorithm, however, and while the price for a paid subscription isn’t cheap, it may be worth it for some.
Get Who Gets You
We understand it can be difficult to find a match with whom you share a similar background, goals, or beliefs, and regardless of who you may be looking for, eHarmony wants to help you find the love of your life.
On eHarmony's Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Hinge a good dating site?
Hinge is a dating site that, according to a 2022 survey by Pew Research Center, has been used by one-fifth of online daters for short- or long-term relationships.
How much does Hinge dating cost?
Hinge is free to download and use, and its premium versions cost between $32.99 per month and $49.99 per month.
How is Hinge different from Tinder?
While Tinder matches based on swipes, Hinge uses a more personalized approach by matching people based on likes, comments and an award-winning algorithm. It also offers special features like Roses (or Superlikes) which indicate greater interest in a potential match and leads to a greater likelihood of going on a date.
