Is Upward The Best Christian Dating App? [2024 Reviews!]

Upward, a faith-based dating app for Christians, promises to help you focus on finding matches with shared values. But is it really worth a download?  

Our experts tried it out, so this Upward dating app review has you covered. We explain the unique features that set Upward apart, lay out the costs, explore how it works, and weigh in on when it makes sense to try it. 

Whether you're a devout Christian or simply seeking a more intentional dating experience, Upward might be the answer.

Let's dive in!

What Is Upward Christian Dating?

Upward is a niche dating app that's specifically designed for Christians, with the idea being you're more likely to meet others who share your beliefs and values.

In an interview with Christian Post, Alexis Ferraro Luerssen, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Match Affinity, shared that the app is designed as a place where God is glorified in relationships.  

 “We believe that Jesus would encourage people to embrace new technologies and advancements in society as well as guide people to find a like-minded, lifelong partner who strives to know Him well and create a happy, loving relationship with His teachings at the center.” 

It’s part of the Match Group portfolio, along with other Hinge, Tinder, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish.

Upward was born out of extensive market research that identified a growing need among GenZ and millennials for a more tailored dating experience. Originally launched under the name 'FTH' (short for Faith) in 2020, the app underwent a brand transformation  in 2022. But what inspired this change? 

According to Ferraro Luerssen, Upward's founder, the new name is rooted in a powerful Bible verse: Philippians 3:13 -  “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

Who’s Using It?

Upward’s target demographic is Christian singles ages 18 to 35 looking for relationships centered on faith. 

It’s one of several Christian dating apps, with a membership encompassing a diverse group of denominations and identities: Baptist, Catholic, Non-denominational, Pentecostal, and more. 

Like most niche dating apps, Upward is popular with Christians but does not have the overall user base you’ll find on mainstream dating apps. For that reason, it’s generally best to use Upward in conjunction with a more popular app like Match or Hinge.

That way, you can cast a wider net and still apply the religion filters to ensure you're matched with like-minded individuals. 

Upward Dating App Reviews  

Let’s take a look at what people are saying about their experience with the app.

Upward has a rating of 4.4 on the iOS store. Reviews number in the thousands, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. 

Of those who had a negative experience, many mentioned encountering fake profiles and scammers. For instance:

Other frustrations included glitches, like the one this user experienced with the distance filter:

The app gives you the ability to set distance parameters for matches while signing up. However, their website explicitly states that after you’ve seen all the matches in your area, Upward will still show you people from farther away.  

On the flip side, there were several 4 and 5 star reviews sharing how Upward helped them find a significant other. 

This person shared that Upward helped them refocus their life and find a partner who encouraged them to grow stronger in their walk with God:

In addition, one reviewer shared how she met her spouse through Upward.

The overall rating for the Upward app dropped a little on Google Play to 3.6. Negative reviews included similar complaints, like a perceived limited number of users and frustrations with the overall functionality of the app.

It was more difficult to find 4 and 5 star reviews on Google Play. Even several of the 3 star reviews mentioned their dislike of how Upward shows matches outside of your distance parameters.

Like any dating app or site, the user reviews will vary based on each person’s individual experience. So before deciding if Upward is right for you, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons.   

Upward Pros & Cons 

On the plus side:

• You can communicate with other members without paying for membership.
• Users are generally looking for meaningful connections based on faith - with denominations being highlighted on profiles as you swipe.  
• Easy to use interface, similar to Tinder. 

Some things to consider:

• The number of users is small compared to more popular, mainstream dating apps.
• Upward is only available in the United States and Canada. 
• You will likely see potential matches outside your distance filter. 
• You can’t filter matches based on denomination, even though specifying it is a requirement for account set-up.  

Is Upward Dating App Legit? 

Yes. Upward is a legit dating app in that it’s owned and operated by one of the largest dating companies in the world. And it does attract singles from a variety of faith-based denominations. 

If you’re looking to connect with others who place a similar emphasis on their religious beliefs, it might be worth a try. 

But keep in mind there are far fewer users, so meeting someone who’s compatible that’s also looking for someone like you might take awhile.

Can You Use Upward For Free?

Yes, you can download and use the Upward app for free, albeit with a few limitations.

You have the ability to communicate with matches, but free users have limited Likes per day, can only send one Super Like per week, and can’t see who liked your profile.

The app offers 2 paid options to pick from: Premium or Elite. 

Upward Premium v/s Elite Feature & Cost Comparison

Both paid memberships let you send 5 Super Likes per week, access Unlimited Likes, Unlimited Rewinds, and Boost your profile once a month. They also remove ads from your in-app experience. 

The only major difference between the paid memberships is the ability to see who’s liked you. That perk is unlocked with an Elite membership.  

Premium memberships can be purchased for $8.99, which gives you one-week of access. You also have the option to purchase a 1 month membership for $14.99, 3 months for $22.99, or 6 months which costs you $35.99. 

Taking it to the next level, 1-week of elite membership costs you $17.99. Their 1 month option runs $29.99; their 3 month is $44.99, and a 6 month elite package is $71.99.

Since both premium and elite only give you 5 Super Likes per week, Upward offers a few Super Like packages.

You can purchase them in packs of 5, 25, or 60, with the price decreasing as the quantity increases:

If you want more potential matches to see your profile, users can also purchase additional profile Boosts.

They are $3.99 each, or $2 when you purchase 10.

Now that you know how much Upward costs, let’s talk about…

How To Use Upward Dating App

Upward doesn’t have an online version, so to get started with Upward you’ll need to download it from Google Play or the Apple Store.

The signup process looks similar to most dating apps. You’ll use your mobile number to get started, then provide your basic info and upload your profile photo. You’re only required to upload 1, but you’ve got the option to upload 6 pictures. 

As the app is geared towards users seeking a serious relationship, you’ll want to put some thought into your profile pics and choose ones that offer an authentic and compelling peek into your lifestyle.

Since this is a faith-based app, you'll select your denomination and this will be visible on your profile to other users.

There’s an ‘About Me’ section where you can share a little about yourself and what you enjoy doing with your time. Plus there’s a section where you can tell others what you believe and how you engage in religious practices. 

If your beliefs are an integral part of your life, filling out this section might increase your chances of meeting like-minded singles.

Some reviews of Upward, like this one, thanked Upward for allowing users to include a statement of faith in their bio:

You have 500 characters max to express your views, which is typically around 3 to 5 sentences, so make them count.

The Personal section of your profile is where you denote what type of relationship you’re looking for, any political affiliation, and your stance on pets and children. 

In the Appearance section you include your specifics about height and body type. You can also add in how much you exercise, drink, and smoke in the Habits section.    

In addition, Upward gives you the opportunity to add voice prompts and written prompts to your profile. 

Voice Prompts

If you choose to add a voice prompt you’re given several options of prompt topics to respond to via voice recording. You’ll see prompts like, “A sales pitch for dating me” and “What brought me to Christ.”  

You’re limited to just 1 voice prompt. Once you click on the one that resonates with you the most you’re taken to a different screen where you can record a 30 second answer.

Want more expert tips on adding dimension to your profile? Check out these tips and tricks for making a compelling voice prompt!

Written Prompts

You can add up to 3 written prompts, each with a 120-character limit. These give you choices to share details like a Bible verse that guides you, what you’re saving up to purchase or your best concert experience. 

Stickers 

Are you a music lover? An animal lover? Artist? Upward allows you to add stickers to let others know what you’re passionate about. These stickers are visible on your main profile page.

How Matching & Messaging Works On Upward

Upward works in a similar fashion to all the other swipe left/swipe right, match if you both “like” each other apps. 

Who you see in your profile queue is loosely based on the parameters and filters you set, but keep in mind this app will show you profiles outside of those parameters if you run out of potential matches within them.

Available filters include distance, age, gender, and up to 3 ideal partner preferences. 

This is where you can add the body type, exercise habits, drinking habits, and other specifics you’d like in a match.

These can be changed at any time in your Setting tab. 

Now it’s time to get scrolling! As you swipe, you can choose to like, pass, or super like a profile.

If you send a super like, the recipient is notified immediately. It can be in-app, via email, or both - depending on how your notification preferences are listed. 

Any super likes you’ve received are visible on your profile homepage, however you can’t see who sent the super like unless you’re a premium member. 

If you like someone and they reciprocate you can start chatting through the messages tab. Either of you can initiate conversation by clicking in the top right hand corner and selecting who you want to message.

The Easiest Way To Meet Quality Christian Singles

If you’re struggling to meet someone you consider relationship worthy, adding a niche dating app may add fuel to the fire of your frustration. 

While niche apps can be effective, it generally takes a lot longer to find quality matches simply because the numbers just aren’t there.

But mainstream dating apps demand a lot of time and attention if you want them to work, not to mention the need to have an attractive and compelling profile and messages.

If you’re not in the relationship you want, it’s time for a new approach. 

VIDA’s team of modern matchmakers will handle every aspect of dating apps for you, from profile creation and photo selection to swiping and messaging. We’ll even set up the dates, all with carefully screened matches who check all your boxes.

Ready to meet your ideal partner? Find out how VIDA works here!