If you’re in search of a dating app, Bumble and Tinder are two options you might consider. While both apps involve “swiping,” each has its unique benefits and drawbacks. To help you figure out which app makes the most sense for your unique situation, we’ve compiled this handy comparison of Bumble versus Tinder.
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How Does Bumble Work?
Offered for free or through a subscription with extra features, Bumble Date, which has been around since 2014, is designed to empower women throughout the dating process and “challenge outdated heterosexual norms,” according to the company. After two users swipe “right” on each other, the woman is required to make the first move by messaging another user first or setting an Opening Move prompt that matches can respond to. In same-sex or nonbinary matches, however, either user can send the first message, as well as set or respond to an Opening Move.
Bumble: Pros and Cons
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How Does Tinder Work?
Founded in 2012, Tinder offers a free version or paid subscription options, including Tinder Platinum, Tinder Gold and Tinder Plus. With Tinder, you swipe “right” if you’re interested in someone and “left” if you’re not. Once you and another user swipe right on each other, either of you can send a message and begin the conversation.
Tinder: Pros and Cons
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Bumble and Tinder Similarities
“Bumble and Tinder work in the same way. They are swiping apps that allow for quick matching. You create a profile with pictures and a bio, set your search preferences by age and location, and let the algorithms get to work and show you potential matches,” says Haifa Barbari, an author, human behavior strategist and founder of the self-coaching app, Be What Matters, who’s based in New York City.
In both apps, a right swipe means that you’re interested, and a left swipe means you’re not interested. If both users swipe right on each other, a match is made. These apps each offer a free version, which allows you to communicate through text messages, video chats and GIFs.
The paid plans each include extras like unlimited swipes, Rewinds (Tinder) or Backtracks (Bumble) you can use to swipe right on users you accidentally disliked and Super Likes (Tinder) or SuperSwipes (Bumble), which can help you stand out among users you’re particularly interested in.
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Bumble and Tinder Differences
The biggest difference between Tinder and Bumble is in the way that each app offers control to certain users when matching. With Tinder, either user can get the conversation going, while Bumble leaves women in control (in heterosexual matches) by allowing them to either message a match first or set an Opening Move prompt that matches can respond to. However, Bumble does allow either user to send the first message and set or respond to an Opening Move in same-sex or non-binary matches.
While Tinder has no chat expiration periods, so everyone can take their time messaging users, Bumble only gives women 24 hours to message another user or reply to an Opening Move prompt response or the match will expire. Also, while Tinder offers one type of platform for dating, Bumble also offers Bumble BFF for friendships and Bumble Bizz for professional networking.
In addition, Tinder has Top Picks, a premium feature that will point out potential matches that are most “swipe-worthy.” Bumble, on the other hand, offers Spotlight, a premium feature that will put your profile at the top of the stack so that more users can instantly view it.
Choosing Between Bumble and Tinder
For those looking for a more casual way of dating and appreciate the ability for either user to send the first message within a match, Tinder may be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re excited by the idea of an app that breaks age-old dating norms and puts the power in women’s hands (in heterosexual matches), you may be most pleased with Bumble.
If you’re seeking an LGBTQ+ relationship, Tinder may be a better option— 60% of lesbian, gay and bisexual women, as well as 42% of lesbian, gay and bisexual men, report having used it, according to one Pew Research Center survey. Because the platform is so commonly utilized by LGBTQ+ users, “…you’re less likely to run out of prospective dates,” explains Adam D. Blum, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of the Gay Therapy Center in San Francisco. There are fewer gay male users on Bumble[1]About half of lesbian, gay and bisexual adults have used online dating. Pew Research Center. Accessed 1/30/2024. , even in large markets like the San Francisco area, claims Blum. “On any given day you’ll only be able to review a handful of potential daters,” he explains.
Bumble and Tinder are two popular dating apps that can help you find love. If you’re looking for a heterosexual relationship and like the idea of the woman taking initiative, Bumble may be your best bet. However, if you’re a heterosexual single and want the flexibility to make the first move or wait for your match to do so, Tinder may be a more fitting choice.
