Hinge is on the rise. Over the past few years, it’s become one of the most popular dating apps, and in 2024, it continues to establish itself as one of the best in the world.
If you’re new to the online dating game or wondering whether Hinge is worth trying out, you might be curious: Is Hinge free to use, or do you have to pay? Let’s break it down.
Hinge is free to download and use. With the free version, you can create a profile, view other profiles, send likes, and message matches. However, you will face certain limitations, like only being able to send 8 likes per day and not being able to see everyone who has already liked you. If you want to overcome these limitations, Hinge offers paid subscription models with extra features.
Is Hinge Free to Use?
Yes, Hinge is free to use. You can download the app, create a profile, view other profiles, send likes, match, and message—all without spending a cent.
However, it’s important to note that with the free version, you have some restrictions. For example, you only get 8 likes per day, and you can’t see all the people who have liked your profile unless you upgrade.
Many guys find that while the free version of Hinge is functional, it can feel limiting—especially when you come across a profile you find interesting or like but run out of likes. Upgrading is all about giving yourself more opportunities and making the process smoother.
For an in-depth breakdown on exactly how Hinge works, check out this article.
Do I Have To Pay for Hinge?
No, paying for Hinge is not required to use the app or get matches. The free version is not a “trial”—you can use Hinge indefinitely without paying.
But, there are some limitations, like the daily limit on likes and the fact that you can’t see everyone who has liked you until you match with them.
You can think of the free version as a good starting point to get a feel for the app, but upgrading can make a noticeable difference in how quickly and easily you can connect with others so may be worth it for some.
Free Hinge Limitations
If you’re using the free version of Hinge, here are the main limitations you’ll come across:
- Daily Likes Cap: Free users can only send 8 likes per day. If you run out, you’ll need to wait until the next day or upgrade to Hinge+ for unlimited likes.
- Limited Profile Views: When someone likes your profile, only the most recent person is visible to you for free. All other profiles that have liked you will be blurred unless you upgrade to Hinge+ or HingeX.
- One Rose Per Week: Free users receive only one free Rose per week to send to someone they’re particularly interested in. If you want more, you’ll need to purchase them.
- Limited Standouts Access: In the Standouts section, you can only see one profile per day to send a Rose. Paid users get more profiles to choose from in Standouts, increasing their chances of finding a good match.
- Basic Preferences Only: Free users can set basic preferences, like age or distance, but more advanced preferences—such as filtering by height, family plans, or political beliefs—are only available with Hinge+.
- No Priority Features: Features like Skip the Line, Priority Likes, or Enhanced Recommendations are only available with HingeX, which gives you better visibility and a higher chance of being noticed by potential matches.
These limitations don’t make the free version unusable, but they do mean you’ll have fewer opportunities and control compared to those who upgrade. If you’re finding it tough to get matches or want more control, considering an upgrade could be helpful.
What Extra Features Can You Pay For with Hinge?
Before diving into the subscription details, it’s worth mentioning that Hinge offers some additional paid features that could potentially help boost your experience, even if you aren’t subscribing to Hinge+ or HingeX.
- Boost: Want to be seen by more users in a short amount of time? A Boost, available for purchase at $9.99, makes your profile more visible for an hour, which can help you get more attention. If you’re just wanting a short burst of visibility without committing to a subscription, this might be worth a shot.
- Roses: Roses are a way to show someone you’re extra interested and place you at the top of someone’s Likes list, helping you stand out. While free users get one Rose per week, extra Roses can be purchased in bundles, such as three for $9.99 or twelve for $29.99. These can be useful if you’re particularly interested in catching someone’s eye.
Clearly, while Hinge is usable for free, these additional features are yet another set of tools that you’ll only have regular access to if you’re willing to spend some money.
That said, they aren’t necessary unless you’re really wanting to set yourself apart, and only if money isn’t an issue for you. Hinge definitely nudges users towards paid options, but you can still get good matches for free—it’s just a matter of patience and effort.
What Do You Get with Hinge+ and HingeX?
Hinge offers two premium subscription options: Hinge+ and HingeX. These provide additional features to enhance your online dating experience.
Hinge+ Features
- See Who Likes You
In the free version, you can only see the most recent person who liked your profile—everyone else is blurred out. With Hinge+, you can view and interact with all the profiles that have liked you. This feature can save you a lot of time and help you focus on people who are already interested. - Advanced Preferences
Hinge allows you to set basic preferences, but Hinge+ offers more in-depth filters, like height or family plans, to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you have specific dealbreakers, this can make a big difference in who shows up in your feed. - Unlimited Likes
Free users are limited to 8 likes per day. With Hinge+, you get unlimited likes, which means more opportunities to connect. This is a big deal if you’re serious about increasing your matches and finding someone sooner. - Browse by Activity and Location
Hinge+ lets you filter profiles based on activity status (recently active) or proximity, making it easier to find potential matches nearby or those who are actively using the app.
HingeX Features
HingeX is the top-tier subscription that includes everything from Hinge+ and adds features to boost your visibility and match quality:
- Enhanced Recommendations
HingeX uses your recent behavior to prioritize matches it thinks you’ll like, making your Discover feed more curated and effective. - Skip the Line
Your profile gets a mini-boost, appearing higher in other users’ feeds, so you get more exposure without purchasing individual Boosts. - Priority Likes
When you like someone as a HingeX user, your like moves to the top of their list, giving you a better chance of being noticed. This is especially useful if you find yourself getting lost in the sea of other profiles.
How Much Does Hinge Cost?
The following is a breakdown of the pricing for Hinge+ and HingeX subscriptions and other features as of this date (2024), subject to change, and may vary by location:
| Subscription/Feature | Price | Length |
| Hinge+ Subscription | $16.99 | 1 Month |
| Hinge+ Subscription | $29.99 | 3 Months |
| Hinge+ Subscription | $19.99 | 6 Months |
| HingeX Subscription | $24.99 | 1 Month |
| HingeX Subscription | $34.99 | 3 Months |
| Additional Features | ||
| Bundle of Three Roses | $9.99 | One-time purchase |
| Bundle of Twelve Roses | $29.99 | One-time purchase |
| Boost | $9.99 | Single Boost |
| Boost | $19.99 | Superboost (24 hrs) |
(Note: These prices are in USD and may vary based on your location and current promotions.)
Can You Get Matches on Hinge Without Paying?
Yes, you absolutely can get matches without paying for Hinge. Many users, myself included, have successfully matched and dated using only the free version.
However, like most dating apps, paying can provide a smoother experience. If you’re getting frustrated by the limitations—like running out of likes every day or not being able to see who liked you—an upgrade could be worth it.
Those who invest in Hinge+ or HingeX often find that they get matches faster and feel less restricted.
Should You Upgrade to Hinge+ or HingeX?
If you’re curious about whether upgrading is worth it, consider what you’re looking to get out of the app:
- More Visibility: If you’re serious about getting matches quickly, upgrading can help you stand out.
- More Control: Want to filter by more specific criteria like height or family preferences? Hinge+ and HingeX give you those options.
- More Interaction: Tired of running out of likes? Unlimited likes can lead to more matches and more chances to find a good connection.
In my opinion, if you’re just starting on Hinge, try the free version for a while. See how you enjoy the experience before diving into a subscription.
I’ve had clients who found matches without paying, but if you’re getting frustrated with the limits or want to improve your results, paying might be the way to go.
Closing Thoughts
Hinge is free to use, and you can genuinely find matches without spending anything. Whether or not to upgrade to Hinge+ or HingeX depends on your preferences and how seriously you’re taking online dating.
If you’re looking for even more control over your dating journey or want to increase your visibility, upgrading might be worthwhile.
And if you’re still deciding which dating app is best for you—maybe you want something that’s truly free or just fits your style better—take our dating app quiz to find your perfect match.
