Online dating has been around for a while, so many dating apps can feel like the same old, same old. While popular dating apps like Tinder and Match draw big crowds, new and updated dating platforms are being released all the time.
If you feel stuck in a rut with online dating, it may be time to try something new. Exploring alternative dating apps and websites can help you meet new people and form connections you would not have found elsewhere.
But, with so many online dating platforms to choose from, selecting the best dating app can seem impossible.
Bumble is a unique dating app with a different approach to forming connections. We’re breaking down the features, pricing, and frequently asked questions about Bumble. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Bumble and whether it is the right dating app for you.
The Bottom Line
Is Bumble worth your time? We know your time is precious, so we’ll get right down to business with an overall summary of Bumble to help you make your decision.
Bumble is a great online dating app for women who want to take charge. The platform is unique because women have to make the first move. For singles looking to get rid of Tinder, Bumble offers an impressive alternative with a twist.
You can enjoy the same swiping functionality as popular dating apps, but sparking conversations occurs much differently.
While Bumble is an excellent option for men who are shy or prefer to play it safe, it can be frustrating for men who like to make the first move. Male users cannot contact a female directly unless she sends the first message.
Men on Bumble may be left waiting around for the woman to reach out, reducing the number of interactions they have on the app.
What is Bumble?
Bumble was developed by a former Tinder employee in 2014, and the two online dating apps are similar in many ways. Bumble stands out from the crowd, though, by putting women in control of the online dating experience.
Messages can only be exchanged if two members match and the woman makes the first move. This unique setup considerably reduces the number of unwanted or inappropriate messages that women commonly receive when dating online.
The dating app receives more than 3 million visits from users in the US and more than 6 million visits from users worldwide. The app skews younger, with the majority of members being in their 20s and 30s. The ratio of males to females is almost an equal split.
While Bumble does not allow members to search through profiles, it does provide suggested matches based on your individual preferences. The swiping functionality mirrors the experience of Tinder, but Bumble adds a time limit.
Once two members match, the woman has 24 hours to initiate a conversation. After that, the man has 24 hours to respond. If both members send messages within the timeframe, they can continue their conversations. If they do not, the match goes away.
Is Bumble Good for Finding Serious Relationships?
Bumble offers a variety of features that make it a solid choice for finding a serious relationship. Bumble is not the top dating app for serious relationships, but many users are in search of a long-term partner instead of a casual hookup.
Profiles on Bumble provide a considerable amount of information, often pulling details from a user’s Facebook profile. Because women make the first move on Bumble, they can set the tone for the conversation.
Reactions also make it easy to connect with other members based on specific parts of their profile. Bumble has added voice calls and video calls within the app as well, making it easier to get to know someone before meeting them in person.
Many features of Bumble are free, but singles looking for something more serious can upgrade to a paid subscription. You may find that members using paid features are more serious about finding a relationship because they have invested more time and money into the dating app.
Is Bumble Good for Hookups?
Bumble can be used for hookups. Like Tinder, the dating app allows you to filter through profiles by swiping. This feature means that a lot of matches are based on initial appearances, which is popular among singles looking for something more casual.
The variety of free features also makes Bumble popular for hookups because you do not have to invest a lot in the app to get results.
The time limit placed on starting conversations also helps facilitate hookups. If you make a match but one party does not respond, you do not have to waste your time. You can quickly move on to the next potential match.
For singles looking for a hookup, you can also purchase Bumble credits to access paid features without investing in a membership. Coins from Bumble make it easy to enjoy all Bumble has to offer, and you do not have to make a long-term commitment.
Is Bumble Free?
There are a lot of free services available for Bumble users. In fact, you can experience a lot of the dating platform without having to pay at all. Bumble allows users to create an account and build their profile for free.
You can see your suggested matches and utilize the chat and messaging services through the app without paying as well.
Free accounts can rematch with one expired connection per day. If a match expires accidentally or you change your mind about connecting with someone, you can have another opportunity to match with that person.
In addition to the features available for free from Bumble, you can also purchase Bumble Credits. Coins from Bumble let users experience paid services without having to buy a full subscription.
Bumble Paid Subscription: How Much Does it Cost?
Compared to other dating apps, like Tinder, Bumble is more expensive. Paid subscriptions start at $25 per month. Instead of offering traditional monthly memberships like other dating apps, Bumble offers premium features for a price.
Deluxe features include Bumble Boost, Bumble Premium, Spotlight, and SuperSwipe.
- Bumble Boost lets you see everyone who has swiped right on your profile. You can extend your matches by 24 hours and rematch with expired connections if you want.
- Bumble Premium lets you access advanced filters, backtrack, rematch with expired users, use unlimited swipes, extend current matches, and use Spotlights and SuperSwipes each week.
- SuperSwipe takes your right swipe to the next level, letting your potential match know that you are serious about connecting.
- Spotlight helps push your profile to the top of the stack, ensuring you will be viewed by more people.
A Bumble Boost subscription costs either $11 per week or $15 per month, or you can buy a lifetime subscription for $150. If you do not want to pay for a membership, you can purchase coins for as little as $1.27 each.
How to Use Bumble
To start using Bumble, download the app on your phone and create an account. Follow the app’s prompts to set up your profile, adding photos and a brief description about yourself. From there, you can start swiping through potential matches and viewing Bumble profiles.
For women, you can choose to initiate a conversation with your match within 24 hours of matching. Men can choose to reply to a message within 24 hours of receiving it.
You cannot search profiles on Bumble, and you are limited to your suggested matches. Keep in mind that your profile information is visible to all users.
Is Bumble Secure?
Bumble has implemented a variety of security measures to protect users and their privacy. These security measures are designed to protect customer data, including personal information. The dating app also allows you to block and report users who violate guidelines or behave inappropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bumble
What is the Bumble Hive?
Bumble hosts a series of events, called the Bumble Hive. Events are available in specific cities, offering a safe place for Bumble users to meet in real life and enjoy entertainment. Events typically include programming focused on a wide range of topics, so you can interact with other Bumble users outside of the app.
I Accidentally Swiped Left. Can I undo it?
Bumble lets users shake their phone to backtrack on a left swipe. If you use a backtrack, you have to wait three hours before using another one.
How do I Change My Profile Information on Bumble?
Bumble imports your profile data from Facebook. If you want to change the information on your Bumble profile, you have to update your Facebook profile first. It may take up to 24 hours for changes made on Facebook to appear on Bumble.