Our verdict
Hily (“Hey, I Like You”) is a swipe app with a compatibility quiz, zodiac scores and icebreakers. It’s free to match and chat, and it suits younger daters who want something quick.
Bottom line: Try Hily if you’re under 30 and want a free swipe app. If you want a calmer, relationship-focused app, Hinge fits better.
Great for: Younger daters who want a free, easy swipe app
Not ideal for: People who want a slow, relationship-first experience, or anyone who dislikes upgrade prompts.
What Hily is
This Hily review starts with the name, short for “Hey, I Like You”. Hily Corp. has run it since 2017, on iPhone and Android, and says it has more than 44 million downloads. It describes itself as an app to date as you are, whether you want something serious, something casual or new friends (Hily). You must be 18 or over.
How the Hily dating app works
You sign up with your phone number, or through Facebook, Snapchat or Apple, and build a profile in about five minutes. Then you browse profiles in Finder, send likes and chat once you match. Basic filters are free.
Beyond that, it has a few extras:
- Compatibility Quiz. Answer questions to find people who may suit you.
- Zodiac Synastry Score. A light way to see how your star signs compare, if that’s your thing.
- Personalized icebreakers. Conversation starters tailored to you.
- Major Crush. A note sent before you match, with Premium.
Hily also sells coins and gifts, and it has a streaming policy for live video. None of this is needed to date.
What’s free on Hily
The free version covers your profile, browsing, matching and chatting (Hily). You’ll run into prompts to upgrade, for things like seeing who liked you and using better filters. Try the free version before paying. See what Hily costs.
Is Hily legit or fake?
Hily is a real app from a real company, and it’s well rated: 4.4 out of 5 from about 386,000 ratings in the US App Store, and 4.4 from about 208,000 reviews on Google Play (checked November 1, 2026). That doesn’t mean everyone on it is real, though. Hily says it uses photo verification badges, automatic detection of fake profiles, and moderators working around the clock. It also admits that no app is completely scam-proof.
Its own list of warning signs is useful: anyone asking for money, perfect photos but odd messages, someone pushing you off the app straight away, dramatic stories asking for help, and random links. If you see any of them, tap the three dots on the profile and report it. Our catfish guide has more.
Who you’ll meet
Hily doesn’t publish an age breakdown, but it’s mostly younger adults, particularly in the US. It’s less useful if you want a slow, relationship-first experience. If that’s you, Hinge fits better. Our dating sites for young adults ranking and casual dating ranking put it in context.
Hily vs Tinder
Tinder is the bigger app and has a website too. Hily adds its compatibility quiz and zodiac score, and both are free to match and chat. See Hily vs Tinder.
Our tip
Get the verification badge early, because it’s free and helps people trust you. If you start a free trial, put the end date in your calendar the same day. Trials turn into paid plans automatically, and Hily’s fees generally can’t be refunded.
Hily at a glance
| Audience | 18+, mostly younger adults, US-focused |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Casual dating and relationships |
| Free version | Yes — Profile and browsing in Finder, Likes, matching and chat, Basic filters, Photo verification badge |
| Paid from | ≈ $7.99 (US App Store) (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free matching and chat
- Easy to start
- Verification badges and 24/7 moderation
- High app ratings
Cons
- Weekly plans add up quickly
- Fees are generally non-refundable
- Mostly younger users
- Plenty of prompts to upgrade
Key features
- Compatibility Quiz
- Answer a few questions to find people who may suit you.
- Personalized icebreakers
- Conversation starters tailored to you, plus a light Zodiac Synastry Score.
- Major Crush
- Premium members can send a note to someone before a match.
How much does Hily cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Profile and browsing in Finder, Likes, matching and chat, Basic filters, Photo verification badge |
| Hily Premium | ≈ $7.99 to $14.99 (US App Store; often weekly, plan lengths shown in the app) | Visible Likes, Advanced Filters, Major Crush, a note before matching, Rollback |
| Hily Premium+ | ≈ $24.99 for 1 week (US App Store) | More of the Premium features, Incognito |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked November 1, 2026. Apps often charge different amounts by country, age, platform and plan length — confirm the final price in the app before paying.
Want the full breakdown and ways to save? Read our Hily pricing guide and free trial options.
Is Hily safe?
Hily has verification badges, automatic fake-profile detection and moderators. Report anyone asking for money or sending odd links, and meet in public.
Before meeting anyone, follow our verification checklist.
Not sure Hily is right for you?
These alternatives may suit you better depending on your goals. See all Hily alternatives.
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)
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)
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)
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)
Best for: Free messaging and searching a big pool yourself
- Free messaging with matches
- Huge, broad membership
- You can search and filter yourself
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $19.99 (US App Store)
Compare Hily
Hily FAQ
Is Hily free?
Yes. You can make a profile, browse, match and chat for free. Hily Premium adds a list of who liked you, a note before matching and better filters.
Is Hily legit or fake?
Hily is a real app from a real company, with verification badges and moderators. Like any app, it has some fake profiles, so report anyone who asks for money.
How do I cancel Hily?
Cancel in the App Store or Google Play; deleting the app doesn’t stop billing. For a plan bought on the website, email [email protected].
Does Hily have a free trial?
Some people are offered a 3- or 7-day free trial of Premium. It turns into a paid plan unless you cancel at least 24 hours before it ends.