Our verdict
Upward is a free swipe app for Christians. It feels like a mainstream dating app, but every profile includes a faith statement, so shared belief is part of the first impression.
Bottom line: A great free starting point for younger Christians; Christian Mingle or eHarmony suit those who want a more serious, paid site.
Great for: Christians who prefer a modern swipe app
Not ideal for: People for whom faith is not important.
A Christian app that feels like a mainstream one
Upward is a dating app for Christians that deliberately looks and feels like the apps younger people already use. You swipe, match and chat — but every profile includes a faith statement, where members describe what their faith means to them, and you can share your church background and how you practise.
That combination is the point. Many Christians in their twenties and thirties find traditional Christian dating sites dated and expensive, and mainstream apps full of people who do not share their values. Upward sits in between: modern, free to use, and faith-centred.
It is part of the same app family as BLK and Chispa, so the mechanics — likes, Super Likes, Boosts, Premium and Elite tiers — will feel familiar if you have used those.
Who it suits: Christians roughly 20–40, mostly in the US, who want a free, easy app with shared faith built in.
What to keep in mind: the pool is smaller than mainstream apps, so outside larger cities you may run out of profiles. The most useful feature — seeing who liked you — is in the top Elite tier. Denominations vary widely, so do not assume shared practice from a shared label.
Our tip: make your faith statement personal and concrete. "I lead worship at a small church and love Sunday lunches with friends" says far more than "faith is important to me".
Upward at a glance
| Audience | Mostly 20–40, Christian, US-focused |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Faith-based dating and relationships |
| Free version | Yes — Swiping and matching, Messaging with matches, Faith statement on profile |
| Paid from | ≈ $10/mo (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free matching and chat
- Modern, easy app
- Faith on every profile
- Cheaper than paid Christian sites
Cons
- Smaller than mainstream apps
- US-focused
- Best features in Elite
Key features
- Faith statement
- Describe what faith means to you, right on your profile.
- Familiar swiping
- A modern swipe format for Christians who find traditional sites dated.
- Denomination details
- Share your church background and how you practise.
How much does Upward cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Swiping and matching, Messaging with matches, Faith statement on profile |
| Premium | ≈ $10–20/mo | Unlimited likes, 5 Super Likes a week, Rewind, Monthly Boost, No ads |
| Elite | ≈ $20–30/mo | Everything in Premium, See who liked you |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked September 23, 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 Upward pricing guide and free trial options.
Is Upward safe?
Report suspicious profiles and never send money to someone you have not met.
Before meeting anyone, follow our verification checklist.
Not sure Upward is right for you?
These alternatives may suit you better depending on your goals. See all Upward alternatives.
Best for: Christian singles
- Faith-focused community
- Relationship-minded members
- Easy to use
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $25/mo
Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s
- Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
- Strong focus on real relationships
- Free version is usable
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $30/mo
Best for: Catholics looking for marriage
- Built specifically for Catholics
- Marriage-minded members
- Free to read personalised messages
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $10/mo
Compare Upward
Upward FAQ
Is Upward free?
Yes — swiping, matching and messaging are free. Premium and Elite add extras.
Is Upward only for Christians?
It is built for Christians, and every profile includes a faith statement.
Upward or Christian Mingle?
Upward is a free, modern swipe app; Christian Mingle is a paid site with a more serious, older crowd.