Badoo · Alternatives

Apps Like Badoo and What Each One Does Better

Badoo isn’t for everyone. Here are the best dating sites to try instead, depending on what you want.

Why people look for Badoo alternatives

Badoo’s free version is generous, but a few things push people elsewhere: messaging before a match costs Credits, the free plan has a daily vote limit, and intentions on the app are mixed, with plenty of casual chat. The best Badoo alternatives depend on what you want instead, so here they are by reason, from apps like Badoo for meeting people nearby to sites built for relationships.

If you want a bigger pool, try Tinder

Tinder is the most used dating app in the US: 14% of American adults say they’ve used it, according to Pew Research Center. It’s free to match and message, and it’s mostly swiping, without a Discover-style tab. See our Tinder vs Badoo comparison.

If you want verified profiles, try Bumble

Bumble belongs to the same company as Badoo. It requires photo verification in the US, blurs explicit photos automatically and asks people to rethink harmful messages before sending them. Matching and messaging are free. See our Bumble review.

If you like meeting people nearby, try happn

happn shows people you’ve crossed paths with during the day, so it works best in busy cities. Likes are free, and you can chat once you’ve both liked each other. See our happn review.

If you want a relationship, try Hinge

Badoo vs Hinge comes down to intent: Hinge is built around detailed profiles and dating intentions, so it’s easier to find someone who wants something serious, and messaging matches is free. See our Hinge review. If you’re over 30 and ready to commit, eHarmony and Match are worth a look.

If you’re over 50

Badoo has members of all ages, but if you’re over 50 you may prefer a site built for your age group: SilverSingles and OurTime are designed for singles over 50.

When to stay on Badoo

If you mainly want to chat with people nearby, or you travel and like meeting locals, you may not need Badoo alternatives at all. You can keep your free Badoo profile and add one relationship-focused app, which costs nothing extra. If you do leave, hide your profile first: deleting gives you 28 days to change your mind, but unused Credits are lost.

Comparison table

SiteRatingBest forFree versionPaid fromLink
Tinder 4.0 Meeting lots of people fast Yes ≈ $9.99 (US App Store) Visit
Bumble 4.2 A big, well-moderated swipe app Yes ≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store) Visit
happn 3.6 City dwellers who want to meet people nearby Yes ≈ $14.99 (US App Store) Visit
Hinge 4.5 Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s Yes ≈ $16.99 (US App Store) Visit
eHarmony 4.4 Serious relationships and marriage Limited shown after you sign up Visit
Match 4.2 Serious daters who like to search Yes ≈ $19.99 (US App Store) Visit
EliteSingles 3.5 Busy professionals who want something serious Limited ≈ $64.99 for 1 month Visit

The best alternatives

1

Tinder

4.0

Best for: Meeting lots of people fast

  • Huge, active user base almost everywhere
  • Free version lets you match and chat
  • Very fast and easy to use
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $9.99 (US App Store)
2

Bumble

4.2

Best for: A big, well-moderated swipe app

  • Big pool, with 100M+ Google Play downloads
  • Photo verification required in the US
  • Free in-app voice and video calls
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store)
3

happn

3.6

Best for: City dwellers who want to meet people nearby

  • Unique real-world discovery
  • Free matching and chat
  • Simple to use
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $14.99 (US App Store)
4

Hinge

4.5

Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s

  • Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
  • Strong focus on real relationships
  • Free version is usable, with free faith and ethnicity filters
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $16.99 (US App Store)
5

eHarmony

4.4

Best for: Serious relationships and marriage

  • Strong focus on long-term compatibility
  • Detailed quiz and compatibility scores
  • Free Basic membership with no time limit
Free version
Limited
Premium
shown after you sign up
6

Match

4.2

Best for: Serious daters who like to search

  • Large, relationship-minded community
  • Free members can chat with their matches
  • Strong search, on the web and in apps
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $19.99 (US App Store)
7

Best for: Busy professionals who want something serious

  • Profiles are reviewed before they go live
  • Selfie-video photo verification
  • Voice calls inside the site
Free version
Limited
Paid from
≈ $64.99 for 1 month

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Badoo?

Tinder is our top Badoo alternative for most people. The best choice depends on your goals.

Is there a free alternative to Badoo?