Thinking of leaving the endless swipe-fest behind and paying for a dating app? Smart move — if you pick the one that matches your goals. Below, I’ll keep it real about which paid options make sense for love, fun, or something in between, plus what’s changed lately.
TL;DR
- If you want long-term, eharmony is still the most purpose-built option.
- For swiping apps, paid tiers mostly buy time-savers (unlimited likes, “see who likes you,” boosts), not better people.
- Hinge now has Hinge+ and HingeX; X is pricier but adds weekly boosts, enhanced recommendations, and priority likes.
- Bumble’s paid plans (Boost/Premium) add unlimited swipes, SuperSwipes, Spotlights — and now include new safety tools.
- Looking for casual? AdultFriendFinder is the better fit (and usually cheaper) than paying for a serious-match site.
Which Dating App Is Worth Paying For?
Ah, I see. You’re tired of Tinder, bored with Bumble, and feeling half-hearted about Hinge. You’re thinking about making the big leap to paid dating apps. But you don’t want to get fleeced. So, which dating app is actually worth paying for?
Actually, many dating apps are worth paying for. The one you choose, though, is all about what you want. So, before making a decision, ask what your dating goals are. In my opinion (expert opinion, I might add), eharmony is best for finding love, and AdultFriendFinder is best for finding fun.
If you’re somewhere in between, you might like Zoosk. It’s a transitional dating app with familiar swiping-style features plus algorithmic suggestions like SmartPick™.
So, it’s perfect for the Tinder generation as they come of age! If that all sounds a bit much (I mean, I am easing you in!) you can also just sign up for a premium membership on your favorite swiping app.
But remember, the biggest thing you get is more reach and convenience (unlimited likes, “see who likes you,” boosts). There won’t magically be a bunch more attractive, interesting people on the app because you set up a monthly direct debit!
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What Is the Best Paid Dating App?
Okay, okay, you’re very insistent — has anyone ever told you that? You’re really holding me to account here trying to work out what is the best-paid dating app. The best of the best, even.
Like I said, the best app and the best app for you are not the same things. However, pound for pound, I still rate eharmony as the best-paid dating app for serious relationships: clear intent, compatibility-driven matching, and a user base that skews commitment-minded. Also, online dating continues to be a normal path to relationships in 2025 — helpful if you’re taking this seriously.
Again, that doesn’t mean you’re going to meet “the one” in your first month. eharmony has strong success signals, sure, but you still need to do all the usual things like being present for messaging, taking good photos, not being creepy, hopefully having a job or at least ambitions, being capable of doing your own laundry… you know, the dating 101s. The adulthood 101s, even.
And if you aren’t looking for anything serious, give eharmony a miss. Not only are you unlikely to find hookups there, but it’s also a weirdly expensive way to do so! AdultFriendFinder is more appropriate for casual needs and comes with a massive global user base and plenty of, ahem, extracurricular content to keep you entertained.
Do you want your personality dissected just so you can find someone you like for casual encounters? I mean, maybe it’s a kink for some people, but it’s not my cup of tea…
Are Paid Dating Sites Better Than Free?
We all hit the point in our very committed swiping careers when we begin to wonder about our choices. And what we want. And how best to get it.
This kind of thinking is probably what has led you to the question, “Are paid dating sites better than free?” Well, let’s just get right into it before you hurt your head with all the wondering.
The thing is, it really depends. You can get a lot out of free dating apps, but you do need time and patience.
If you choose the right paid dating site, you get clearer intent and time-saving features. On swiping apps, upgrades mostly unlock convenience: unlimited likes, rewinds, Passport, see who likes you, weekly boosts, and Super Likes/SuperSwipes. Helpful? Yes. Magic? No.
Some apps now split plans: Hinge+ (mid-tier) and HingeX (top tier) — with X adding priority likes and weekly boosts. If you’re already getting a trickle of quality matches, paying can speed things up. If you’re not getting any, fix your profile first.
It might speed things up, but you’re still essentially at the same party, with the same people. If you want something better, move to a platform that matches your goals!
Are Dating Apps Worth It?
Wow! Getting intense. We started with working out which dating app is worth paying for, so you must have some intention of keeping going with them! Do you mean are dating apps worth it financially?
‘Cos, as I said, some dating apps are worth paying for, while others aren’t. It all depends on your goals. If you’re looking for something serious, then you might need to pay.
If you’re happy to spend time searching for some fun, then you don’t need to bother.
Or did you mean are dating apps worth it, like, in general? Because that sounds like quitting talk. You just need to find the right dating app for your needs!
As we’ve discussed today, many dating apps are worth paying for if you have the ready cash, but you need to find one that matches your dating goals. Luckily, I have a quiz that can help.
Go on, give it a go — it only takes a few minutes and it might revolutionize your dating life.
Quick 2025 Notes (Useful Updates)
- Bumble is rolling out optional ID verification, a “Share Date” safety feature, and message warnings — handy if you care about trust and safety.
- Tinder still sells Plus/Gold/Platinum (Select exists for a tiny, pricey niche). If you upgrade, you’re mainly buying visibility and time-savers, not soulmate guarantees.
- Hinge+ vs HingeX: X costs more but adds stronger discovery and weekly boosts; pricing varies by region and term.
- Zoosk remains a middle-ground option with SmartPick™ suggestions; pricing lands in the mid-range vs. similar sites.
FAQ
Which paid app is best for serious relationships?
eharmony. It’s built for commitment and compatibility from the ground up, which keeps the vibe focused and intentional.
Is HingeX worth it over Hinge+?
If you’re already getting some traction and want more visibility, X’s weekly boosts and priority features can help; if you’re still invisible, fix your photos and prompts first, then consider Hinge+.
Will paying actually increase my matches?
Usually, you’ll get faster exposure (unlimited likes, “see who likes you,” boosts), which can lead to more matches — but quality still depends on your profile and market.
What’s the best app for casual, no-strings fun?
AdultFriendFinder is built for casual connections and offers tons of adult-friendly features, making it a more sensible choice than paying for a serious-relationship app.
Are there new safety features I should care about?
Yes — ID verification (Bumble) and improved reporting and warning tools are rolling out more widely. Filter for verified profiles when you can.
Is Zoosk still relevant in 2025?
Yep. It’s a good bridge between casual swiping and more guided matching, with SmartPick™ helping refine suggestions, and pricing that’s mid-pack.
