Tinder vs Bumble: Which Is the Right One for You?

The idea that you can find “the right one” on an easy-to-use dating app is appealing. At least, millions of Tinder and Bumble users think so. Both apps claim that their platform makes it easy to get the dates you want, but how do you know which one is right for you?

While the two dating apps have similarities, there are some differences you need to know about. Let’s take a look at what Tinder and Bumble have to offer so you can make the best choice on which one to use – and learn when PIA VPN can come in handy when you want to access the apps to make the connections you want. 

Tinder vs. Bumble: Full Comparison

Tinder has developed a reputation for being a casual dating app… or even a hookup app. Part of this can be attributed to its popularity when it was first launched. Still, it’s a dating app that can be used for both casual and serious dating.  

Bumble began as a dating app that prioritizes women, turning the tables to let women choose their potential matches and make the first connection. Like Tinder, Bumble can be used for both hookups and long-term dating. While the platform has since expanded its offering to include making new friends and networking for your career, users – especially women –  still flock to the platform for online dating. 

Let’s take a deeper look at what these two dating apps have to offer, and how they differ.

Interface and User Experience

Tinder and Bumble have similar interfaces that are pretty easy to use. On both apps, you’ll find a profile menu, a swiping view, and a page that displays your matches and chats.

Both apps aim for you to start getting matches as soon as possible, so they’ve made profile creation a relatively simple process. You don’t have to make a list of preferences or complete long questionnaires. On Tinder, you just have to provide your photo, email, name, gender, age, desired age range, and a search radius size. Bumble will request your photo, name, age, gender identity, and the reason you’re on the app (to date, find friends, or to network).

When it comes to swiping, the two apps are the same. To show you’re interested in a profile, you swipe right. If you’re not interested, you swipe left.

Matching Algorithms

Tinder will serve up potential matches based on multiple factors, including your activity on the app. In fact, according to the Tinder website, using the app is the most important factor for improving your match potential. It also takes your location, interests, and the profile photos you have liked before into account when making recommendations for you.

Bumble uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to determine your preferences. It takes the data gathered from your swipes and previous matches. One of its newer features, Best Bees, gives you a tailored list of four profiles that have been calculated to be the most compatible with you.

User Base and Demographics

One 2022 survey reported that 46 percent of all online dating users have used the Tinder platform. For users younger than 30, the percentage rises to 79 percent. In 2023, Tinder had 10.4 million subscribers and more than 75 million active users around the world.

While Tinder has become much more popular with people 25 years and older, its main user base is 18-24 years old. When it comes to gender, men make up 75 percent of global Tinder users.

Bumble had 58 million users in 2023, with only 2.4 million of them paying to use the app’s premium features. The majority of Bumble users, 72 percent, are 34 years old or younger. Men are a minority on the platform, making up 34 percent of global users.

Communication and Interaction

On Tinder, when you and another user both swipe right on each other’s profiles, you’ve made a match and one of you can start a conversation.

On Bumble, up until April 2024, if there was a match, the conversation had to be started by the woman. If she didn’t send a message within 24 hours after the match, the match would expire. With the new feature, Opening Moves, the app lets the woman issue an automatic prompt to start a conversation with a match. In same-sex matches, either user can send the first message.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Both apps have free tiers, but if you want to do a little more than communicate with texts, video, and GIFs, you may have to pay for it.  

Tinder has three subscription tiers:

• Tinder+: This tier lets you like and rewind as much as you want. You don’t have to sit through advertisements and you can swipe in any location with the Passport feature, which can come in handy if you want to use Tinder while you’re traveling abroad. You can also give your privacy a boost with Incognito Mode, which lets your profile be visible only to users you have already approved.

• Tinder Gold: You get everything in Tinder+ as well as the capability to see who likes you. You’ll receive new Top Picks daily and can make 5 Super Likes per week. You’ll also get 1 free Boost monthly if you have a subscription that’s at least 1 month long.

• Tinder Platinum: In addition to all the features in Tinder Gold, you’ll be able to send a message before matching with another user. You can prioritize your likes and view all the likes you’ve sent in the last week.

Bumble also has three subscription tiers:

• Bumble Boost: This tier includes features like Backtrack, which lets you reverse a left swipe. You get unlimited swipes and can extend the time on your current matches. You also get one Spotlight and five SuperSwipes every week. 

• Bumble Premium: You get everything included with Boost as well as access to unlimited advanced profile filters. This tier lets you check out who has liked your profile.You can use Travel mode to change your location to swipe in different locations. There’s also Incognito Mode that operates like Tinder’s. You’re also able to use every Boost feature available. You can use Beeline to view users who have swiped right on your profile.  

• Bumble Premium+: This tier offers everything in Premium and lets your likes see you sooner. Your profile can be highlighted in other users’ feed during the best time of the day. You’ll also be able to see other users who are trending.
  

Privacy and Safety Measures

Tinder has a number of safety features, including the Safety Center, which provides information and resources for creating safe connections. The app allows you to unmatch from a user, making both of your profiles disappear from your feeds. You can block profiles and contacts of certain profiles. Tinder also enables photo verification and photo-verified chats. You can get an alert if you’re sharing contact information in your messages. Tinder also has the Traveler Alert to advise users of certain laws that may put users’ at risk in certain countries.

On Bumble, users can verify their profiles with a selfie, something that can help prevent fake profiles. Like Tinder, it has a Unmatch feature. You can use the Snooze feature on your profile if you feel you need to step away from the app for a while. There’s Private Detector, which uses an algorithm to identify inappropriate images. The app also has helpful guides, articles, and other resources in its Safety and Wellbeing center.

Success Rates

While Tinder has created more than 75 billion matches, many people don’t actually meet their Tinder match in person. In fact, more than 70 percent of users said they’ve never met a match in real life. According to another study, 95% percent of users get a date with their match seven days after getting matched. Long-term relationships that started on Tinder are possible, with 44 percent stating that they’ve had a long-term relationship after matching.

Bumble also has an impressive success rate. The app has facilitated more than 750 million matches, resulting in over 5,000 engagements and weddings. 

Tinder or Bumble: Which Is Best for You?

Both Tinder and Bumble can give you a full online dating experience, but the best choice for you depends on the type of relationship you’re looking for. 

Tinder is the more popular app, and has developed a reputation for providing a more casual dating experience. Bumble users tend to prioritize commitment, with 85% of users wanting a marriage or partner. Your success on either dating app will come from how you decide to use it. 

How to Change Your Tinder Location with a VPN

When you use a VPN, you can change your Tinder region and seek matches in other countries. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Download PIA VPN and a geo-spoofer app to your device.
2. Launch PIA and connect to a VPN server in the country where you want to start your search.
3. Open the GPS app and select the same location.
4. Log in to Tinder and start swiping to meet people in the new location. 

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Why PIA Is the Best VPN for Online Dating Apps

PIA has VPN servers in 90+ countries, so you can always find one in the location you need. The 10-Gbps network gives you fast connection speeds, so you won’t have to worry about lag that can interrupt your video chats with your potential matches. You also get unlimited bandwidth, so you can swipe left and right for as long as you want, without getting cut off. 

PIA’s strong VPN encryption protects your online activity, preventing third parties from spying on you. This means you can unblock online dating apps even on restricted networks at work or school. It also secures your connection on public Wi-Fi hotspots. 

Try it risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. 

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