Upward · Alternatives

Apps Like Upward for Serious, Values-First Dating

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

When to look at Upward alternatives

Upward changed in September 2026, when it opened up beyond its Christian roots. People may now look for apps like Upward because they want a pool that’s specifically Christian, or a larger one. If you’re matching with people who want what you want, stay.

If you want a Christian-focused service

Christian Mingle is the best-known option, with recommended matches and free chat with your matches; see Upward vs Christian Mingle. In the UK, Christian Connection is the specialist choice. Our Christian dating sites ranking compares them.

If you’re Catholic or LDS

CatholicMatch is built for Catholics who want to marry within the Church. Mutual is built for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you want a bigger, relationship-minded pool

Hinge is free to match and message, and religion is one of its free preferences. It has far more people in most cities.

If you want a site to do the matching

eHarmony matches you on a compatibility quiz, and some of its paid tiers let you filter by faith. It’s a paid service, so it suits people who are sure they want something long-term. Our dating sites for marriage ranking covers more options.

Comparison table

SiteRatingBest forFree versionPaid fromLink
Christian Mingle 3.9 Christian singles in the US, Canada and Australia Yes ≈ $49.99/mo (US App Store) Visit
Hinge 4.5 Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s Yes ≈ $16.99 (US App Store) Visit
CatholicMatch 3.9 Catholics looking for marriage Limited ≈ $10/mo (12-month plan) Visit
eHarmony 4.4 Serious relationships and marriage Limited shown after you sign up Visit
Christian Connection 3.8 Christian singles in the UK and beyond Limited ≈ £27.99 (UK App Store) Visit
Match 4.2 Serious daters who like to search Yes ≈ $19.99 (US App Store) Visit

The best alternatives

1

Best for: Christian singles in the US, Canada and Australia

  • Free members can message their matches
  • Everyone joined to meet Christians
  • Selfie verification badge
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $49.99/mo (US App Store)
2

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)
3

Best for: Catholics looking for marriage

  • Built specifically for Catholics
  • Marriage-minded members
  • Free messaging with mutual matches
Free version
Limited
Paid from
≈ $10/mo (12-month plan)
4

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)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Upward?

Christian Mingle is our top Upward alternative for most people. The best choice depends on your goals.

Is there a free alternative to Upward?