Hinge App Review: Premium Features & How It Works!
A top-notch dating platform focused on meaningful connections, Hinge stands out with its "Designed to be Deleted" philosophy. Boasting an intuitive interface, short but insightful profiles, and an innovative approach to compatibility, Hinge empowers singles to find genuine, lasting relationships right from their smartphones.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Free version is quite limited - only 8 likes per day and basic filters, while Hinge+ ($32.99/month) unlocks unlimited likes and advanced screening tools like education and political filters
Most successful on user experience - 4.4 stars on App Store for relationship focus and match quality, though common complaints include sudden account bans and removed video calling feature
Profile setup requires significant effort - must complete all 6 photo slots, 3 written prompts, and full profile sections before you can even start liking other profiles
Works best in major cities - ranked as third most popular US dating app, but users in smaller areas often get "change preferences" notifications due to limited local matches
Premium features offer real advantages - Roses double your date chances, Boosts increase visibility 40x, and "Most Compatible" matches are 8x more likely to result in dates
VIDA Select’s dating experts manage Hinge profiles for thousands of clients, giving us expert insight into what works (and what doesn’t work!) on this platform. We’ve been using Hinge since it launched back in 2012, and have experienced first hand how this popular dating app has evolved and improved over the years.
In this comprehensive Hinge app review, our experts break down the ins and outs of Hinge, focusing on its unique features, membership levels (free, Hinge+ and HingeX), and associated costs.
You'll also gain insight into the advantages of in-app purchases like Roses and Boosts, plus we'll provide valuable tips on how to make a good Hinge profile - including advice on selecting the perfect photos and making the most of prompts and voice prompts.
Table of Contents
Jump straight to the section you're most curious about, or start from the top!
Starting a dating app conversation just got easier! You can see your suggested matches by going to the “Discover” section. If you're intrigued by what you see, tap the heart icon. To pass, simply hit the X button and your next potential match will pop up.
Hinge lets you comment on or “like” a photo, video or profile section. You can also send a rose to indicate interest (more on roses later on in this Hinge review). If the other person replies to your comment or likes you back, a connection is made and you can start a conversation.
Free users can "like" up to 8 profiles a day. Your free likes reset at 4 am local time.
Hinge Your Turn Limits
In an effort to promote engagement between users, Hinge will stop you from sending more "likes" when you have 8 or more unanswered messages. You can easily spot them in your message feed, as they'll be labeled "Your Turn".
Once you hit the limit, you'll get a pop-up notification as well as a banner displayed above your messages. You cannot “like” anyone new until you message someone who is waiting for your reply or unmatch with them.
The feature was launched shortly after the dating app found 44% of its users found lack of responsiveness to be a major dating challenge. As founder Justin McLeod observed,
"...some of our users are creating a lot of matches. And the more matches you have, the less likely you are to respond."
Your Standouts Feed
Tapping the star icon at the bottom of the screen brings up your Standouts feed. This special section showcases a prompt or photo from a handful of users, typically around 10.
The Standouts algorithm pulls from data it collects while you interact with the Discover feed. You’ll get new Standouts daily, and sending a rose indicates your interest.
Hinge Standouts aren't the same as the Enhanced Recommendations HingeX users get. Standouts are in their own section, whereas your Enhanced Recommendations are in your Discover feed.
Likes You On Hinge
When another user expresses interest in you by commenting on your photos or stories, you'll have the opportunity to match with them in the “Likes You” section.
If you’re interested, tap the conversation icon to respond to their comment.
Date From Home
Editor's Note: This was a feature offered during the pandemic. Hinge no longer supports video calling from within the app.
At any point after you’ve matched with someone, you can use Hinge's “Date From Home” feature to indicate you’re interested in having a phone or video chat.
All you need to do is set your status to “Ready” by tapping the “Date From Home” button on the bottom of the messaging screen. As soon as your match changes their status to “Ready” as well, you’ll both get a notification and you can schedule the call.
Hinge allows users to video chat within the app, but both you *and* your match need to have sent at least one message first. Note that a "like" or any initial comment you included with your like doesn't count.
Hinge Match Note
With Match Note, you can now add a personalized message when sending a like or comment to someone you’re interested in. New matches will see your note before and hopefully be the catalyst to kick-start a conversation.
Editor’s Note: This feature is only available in certain areas, with plans to expand its availability in the coming months.
Hinge Video Chat Prompts
Editor's Note: As of September 2023, Hinge no longer supports video calls within the app.
If you're stuck for something to say during your video chat, Hinge's Video Chat Prompts feature can help the conversation keep flowing smoothly. The Video Chat Prompt feature allows users to choose a conversation theme from a menu of 8. Each conversation theme includes 5 prompts that will pop up on the screen during the video chat.
Marketed as a "virtual vibe check," the Video Chat Prompts range from icebreaker-style questions to an "interactive" option that takes you and your match on a mini scavenger hunt throughout your homes.
During your in-app video call, the Video Prompts icon is visible to both participants.
To activate the feature, either you or your match taps that icon and selects which of the themes to use. The same prompt card will be visible to both of you at the same time. When you're ready for the next prompt to answer, simply swipe on the screen to the next card and both of you see the next one.
The filters you can use to screen your matches depend on what type of member you are, and how much of your profile is completed.
Free members can filter their matches using these criteria:
You can classify any of your preferences as a dealbreaker, meaning Hinge won't show you matches outside that range no matter how otherwise compatible they are.
Hinge+ members can access these additional filters:
If you're looking for marriage material, pre-screening your matches with filters like Family Plans and Children could save you a lot of time.
Hinge's Most Compatible Feature
Hinge also highlights what it calls your “Most Compatible” matches:
According to the app, you’re 8 times more likely to actually go on a date with a Most Compatible match than you are any other Hinge member.
Unlike most dating sites, Hinge tracks success out in the real world as well, thanks to a feature called “We Met.”
A few days after users exchange phone numbers, Hinge inquires if you went on a date, and if you did, whether or not you’d like to see the person again. Don’t worry - your input isn’t shared with your match.
And while it may seem as though Hinge is starting to sound a lot like your mom, answering the questions is beneficial. Your input as to the match quality will help hone the algorithm, and identify other Hinge users you may be most compatible with.
Ultimately, if you went on a date with someone and you thought they were great, that’s the strongest signal that we’ve gotten very close to your type of person. So if there are more people like that person, we can show them to you.
Honest Hinge Reviews From Users
The dating app has 4.4 stars on the App Store based on the experiences of over 879.7k users.
Some users who gave the app 5 stars reported finding their soulmate or a relationship through Hinge:
This Hinge user appreciated the app’s functionality, and said it’s the only app where “I have met men looking for a relationship.”
But being banned for no perceived reason was a frequent complaint from users. This user recommended Bumble instead, because it's "outside of the now massive dating app conglomerate owned by Match."
Other users weren't happy that in-app video calling was no longer a feature. For instance, in his 1-star App Store Hinge review, Audiomike1985 wrote:
"The app used to be good. Last year Hinge had a video call feature, this was great because you can see who's serious about getting to know you. Or even see if you're being catfished. Then they removed the call feature. So now I know why they say this is the app that's meant to be deleted. It's because of all the catfishing and no way to weed out the fakes. So people are getting disgusted with this app and that's why they are deleting it!"
On Google Play, the Hinge app has 3.4 stars out of 5, based on 315k+ user reviews.
On the plus side, users like Anna Harvey reported meeting someone special on the platform. As she wrote in her 5-star review, "I'm engaged because of this app!!!! My sister recommended it to me and it has worked beautifully for us both!"
Other users, like Augustin Ferreira, liked the app because of the focus on user experience.
That wasn't an opinion shared by everyone though.
In his 1-star Hinge review, user Luke Wahl wrote that that Hinge had a "garbage and brainless interface, analytic and setup process, and all the worse prying payments for services that offer nothing better, this app is a full shopping trip. I get specially matched with people I would never ever consider dating material."
Other negative reviewers mention app glitches, especially with the app's messaging feature.
As Hinge reviewer Luiz Gomez noted, his experience was that "The messages people are sending to me are not showing up on the app. My notification pops up saying someone messages me, but the message is absent."
Hinge's star rating was noticeably lower on Trustpilot, clocking in at only 1.2 stars.
Several of the more favorable reviews mentioned that the app’s algorithm worked well. User Ray Mi reported that she met her now-husband on Hinge, and recommended that several of her friends use it as well:
But other users wrote 1-star reviews, sharing more negative experiences like "If you are a man, you will never get a match" and "Another low quality app with no quality people."
In his 2-star Hinge review, user Geoff Rapp complained about Hinge's Standout feature, as well as the practice of banning accounts without warning:
Banned accounts was a hot topic in Reddit threads, with many users saying they had been banned from Hinge.
Hinge Review: Pros & Cons
PROS:
Users indicate interest by “liking” or commenting on stories or photos in a profile. That’s a low time investment compared to having to send an icebreaker message like on other apps, so it’s easier for a a match to initiate a conversation with you (and vice versa).
Hinge surveyed its users and found 70% wanted a “relationship-oriented app.” 45% are seeking a serious dating relationship. That means singles are generally serious about meeting someone and less likely to flake on you. You can display the relationship type you're seeking on your profile, choosing from 4 options: Monogamy, Non-monogamy, Figuring out my relationship type and Prefer not to say.
Hinge has a 'Selfie Verification' feature that lets you record a video of yourself to verify your profile. The video will be compared to a photo on your profile. Once you are video verified, you'll get a verification badge on your profile.
You can change your location in the “preferences” section.
Conversations and matches never expire.
Match Group, one of online dating's biggest (and most reputable) names, owns a 51% stake of this dating app.
Hinge's "Hidden Words" feature allows you to automatically block comments that contain content you don't want to receive.
CONS:
You can only interact with your daily suggested matches unless you upgrade to a premium subscription.
Free users only get 8 "likes" a day - and that’s only if you upload all 6 photos. If you have what the app calls an incomplete profile, you can’t send “likes” at all. Unlimited browsing requires a full membership.
Your "free" filter options are limited to basics like gender, age, location, ethnicity, and religion. And to access them, you must complete your profile.
Users you previously skipped can show up in your feed again, just in case you want to “reconsider.”
Hinge Review Verdict:
Is Hinge the best dating app for you? It's definitely one to try, especially if you're in your 20s to 40s and looking for a long term relationship. It was designed specifically with millennials in mind, but it's a popular dating app with singles of all ages.
Hinge is one of the fastest growing dating apps in Match Group's portfolio. It's now the third most downloaded dating app in the US, so it's worth a try if you live in or near a decent-sized city.
It doesn’t require a large time investment, since matches are sent to you. That means no sifting through endless profiles hoping to find a diamond in the coal.
Hinge App Cost
Hinge has three membership levels - Free, Hinge+ (formerly called the Hinge Preferred membership) and HingeX.
With a free Hinge membership, you can:
Create your profile & upload up to 6 photos and Hinge videos
Send up to 8 likes each day
Filter your matches for gender, location, age, distance, ethnicity and religion
With a Hinge+ membership, you can:
Send unlimited likes
Unlock all the filters
See everyone who has already "liked" your profile
Filter Discover and Likes You by compatibility, proximity and more
The Hinge+ membership cost depends on how many months you commit to upfront. Prices may also vary slightly depending on your location:
Priority Likes (a like from you stays near the top of your potential match's list)
HingeX Cost* 2025
1 week - $24.99
1 month - $49.99
3 months - $99.99
6 months - $149.99
*Cost may vary by location
For a full rundown of what comes with Hinge's top-tier membership, check out our HingeX review. Want to compare both membership options? Check out this HingeX vs Hinge+ comparison!
Ala Carte Purchases
Hinge also allows you to purchase "Roses" and "Boosts" within the app.
Hinge Roses
Equivalent to a Super Like, all users get one free rose each Sunday to send whenever they want during the week. Free roses expire - if you don't use it, you won't have two roses the next Sunday.
You can purchase additional roses, starting at $9.99 for a pack of 3. Purchasing in larger quantity drives the individual price down:
Hinge claims sending a rose grants your profile placement in your potential's match's feed, and that sending one is twice as likely to lead to a date. Roses you purchase never expire.
Hinge Boosts
Like many dating apps, Hinge lets you pay to give your profile more exposure for an hour. Hinge claims a profile Boost will result in being seen by 40x more people.
A single Hinge Boost costs $9.99. The price per Boost drops to $8.99 when you purchase 3, and $7.99 when you purchase 5.
Hinge also offers a "Superboost", which will give your profile higher visibility for a full 24 hours. A Hinge Superboost costs $29.99 each time you use it.
Get the most out of this feature by implementing these Hinge profile tips first!
There isn’t an online version of Hinge, so you’ll need to download the Hinge dating app.
Then you can create an account using your mobile phone number, or log in via your Facebook account. If you permit access, Hinge will attempt to match you with friends of mutual friends, as well as local singles matching your criteria.
If you're going to sign up through Facebook, though, Hinge requires that you have at least 60 Facebook friends as a way to verify that you're legit. (Existing Hinge users are exempt from the 60 friends rule.)
You select your neighborhood, then provide basic info like your height, ethnicity, and religious beliefs. “Prefer not to say” is an option.
The information Hinge displays about you is divided into 3 sections: Virtues, Vitals, and Vices. Select your answers for each, and choose whether or not that answer is visible or always hidden.
Hinge Intentions
In the “Virtues” section, the Hinge’s Dating Intentions feature allows users to display what they’re hoping to find on the app.
Options range from “life partner” to “short-term relationship”. If you’re not sure, you can opt for “figuring out my dating goals” or “prefer not to say.”
You can also provide a little more context for your answer in a free form text box. It has a 100-character limit, and will be displayed directly below your Intention choice on your profile.
Hinge Prompts
You’re also required to answer 3 “prompts” in 225 characters or less, which will be displayed throughout your profile.
The 80+ prompts include things like “My ideal fake sick day”, “Most embarrassing song on my Spotify”, “Two truths and a lie”, “Most spontaneous thing I've done”, and “I’m actually legitimately bad at”. The selection of prompts changes slightly every few months or so.
Hinge Pro Tip
According to the app’s founder, the prompt “I know the best spot in town for” leads to the most dates for London users - and it’s likely worth giving it a try wherever you live as well!
Hinge Voice Prompts
You can also add a 30-second voice prompt to your profile, which is a great way to give potential matches a glimpse of your personality. In fact, Hinge reported that 65% of users thought hearing someone’s voice helped them determine how interested they were in a match.
To include a voice prompt in your Hinge profile, go to the profile editing screen and tap “Select a prompt” in the Voice Prompt section.
Select the prompt you want to answer, and record it by tapping the microphone icon.
If you need inspiration, you can listen to a sample answer for each available prompt.
Once you’ve answered the prompt of your choosing, your Hinge profile is created using the biographical data and 6 photos or videos.
You must add 6 photos or videos in order to "like" other people on Hinge, so lead with your strongest picture. But make sure you look equally attractive in all of them - you’re only as attractive as your worst photo.
Hinge also allows you to pair a video with a Video Prompt, which doesn't count as one of your 6 spots.
Adding Hinge Photo Captions
Captioning a few of your photos can spark a great conversation, so get creative! You can also choose from a list of over 40 photo prompts, with lines like “My mug shot” and “Don’t show this to my mom.”
To add a caption or a prompt to a Hinge photo, simply tap the picture then choose “Select a prompt” to access the menu of pre-written captions, or write your own by tapping the black circle in the upper left:
Since free users only get a small number of daily likes, chances are your photos are going to get scrutinized. Draw people into your lifestyle and make them curious to know you better.
Showcase your alpha side: you’re the guy making the toast, making the big play on the court, or the life of the party.
Throw in an interesting travel photo. She’s going to imagine what her life would be like with you, so let her know she’s in for some exotic vacations.
Give her a glimpse into your rich, full life. Photos of you engaged in your favorite hobbies let her know you’re not a couch potato.
Use a range of photos, including a close-up, a full-length shot, an “action” shot, that one where you’re all dressed up, etc...
The Easiest Way To Meet The Best Local Singles On Hinge
Most Hinge reviews will tell you the app is full of high-quality, intelligent people. However, just because they exist doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to convince them to go on a date.
No matter what online dating site or app you’re using, we’ll do ALL the work for you - from writing your prompts, selecting your photos and adding witty captions to handling all of the messaging and even setting up your dates. All you have to do is show up!
Scott Valdez is one of the dating industry's most innovative leaders,
with his expertise featured in outlets like The New York Times, Men's
Health, and The Washington Post.
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