How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder? (2024)

Despite many new additions to the dating app landscape, Bumble continues to be one of the most popular apps with 40 million users(opens in a new tab) as of February 2021. The app, known for its unique feature of only allowing women to message first, remains in close competition with Tinder as a "top" dating app. But how does Bumble work — and is it better than Tinder?

How does Bumble work

To create an account on Bumble(opens in a new tab), sign up with either your Facebook account or your phone number. From there, you create your profile: add photos, write a bio, share traits like astrology sign and exercise level, and answer prompts like "I'm a great +1 because."

Before using Bumble, you'll also want to set your match preferences. You can set "Date Filters" to determine age and location ranges, as well as whether you want to see men, women, or everyone (there's no specific option for non-binary or trans users).

With a free Bumble account, you can set two out of 11 "Advanced Filters" and sift out users based on other factors like lifestyle (such as drinking or smoking) or what they're looking for (like something casual or a relationship). You can set as many Advanced Filters as you want with a Premium account.

Here are the in-app prices listed for Bumble Premium(opens in a new tab) subscriptions:

  • 1 week at $19.99

  • 1 month at $39.99

  • 3 months at $76.99

  • Lifetime for $229.99

Alternatively, there's Bumble Boost(opens in a new tab), which is a bit cheaper. In-app prices are:

  • 1 week at $8.99

  • 1 month at $16.99

  • 3 months at 33.99

  • 6 months at $54.99

With Bumble Boost, users can backtrack (reverse a left swipe); extend time on matches(opens in a new tab) for an additional 24 hours; receive unlimited swipes, one Spotlight(opens in a new tab) per week (putting your profile at the top of the swiping "stack"), and five SuperSwipes(opens in a new tab) a week (letting a potential match know beforehand that you want to match).

Premium members receive all those perks, plus unlimited Advanced Filters; the ability to rematch with expired matches; Travel Mode(opens in a new tab) (swipe anywhere you want to); and seeing everyone who's already liked you (aka your Beeline(opens in a new tab)).

How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder? (1)

Possible traits to include in a Bumble profile.Credit: screenshot: bumble

How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder? (2)

Gender, age, and location preferences on Bumble.Credit: screenshot: bumble

After completing your profile and preferences, it's time to swipe. Bumble is similar to Tinder: swipe left to dislike, right to like. Scroll down to view more of a viewer's profile. Bumble doesn't give a specific number of swipes free accounts have per day(opens in a new tab), but if the app notices you're on a frenzy, they'll limit your swipes for 24 hours.

As noted earlier, Bumble has a unique feature that only allows women to message first (unless you're a man messaging another man). If you're wondering, "How does Bumble work for women?" it's simple.

If you're a woman, you have 24 hours to respond to a match, or else it disappears — barring your one extension per day(opens in a new tab) on a free account. Once you message, it's in your match's hands. If they don't message back within 24 hours, the match expires too. Should both of you message, the match won't go away unless you manually report or unmatch the other person.

You don't have to use Bumble to date ("Bumble Date"), however. There's Bumble BFF(opens in a new tab), for those looking for platonic relationships, and Bumble Bizz(opens in a new tab), a networking offshoot. The UX is similar, where you swipe to match with users. Users can only choose one setting at a time, though.

Is Bumble better than Tinder?

Given Tinder's less than stellar reputation(opens in a new tab), one may ask whether Bumble is the better option. Their interface is similar, so if you don't like swiping, neither Tinder nor Bumble is the dating app for you.

If you don't mind swiping but you do mind men sending appalling first messages, though, give Bumble a shot. Still, Bumble's 24 hour rule on both sides can be daunting. Sometimes you may not be in the mood to chat right away, or you may be swiping during a work break and forget to check back in. Tinder doesn't have time restraints.

Tinder also doesn't have alternative services like Bumble BFF or Bizz. If you're already in a relationship but looking for a different kind of connection, Bumble is your best bet.

There's also chatter about the "types" of people you'd find Tinder versus Bumble(opens in a new tab), like that users on the latter are more serious than those on the former. Given that Tinder has resulted in long-term relationships(opens in a new tab) and marriages — and so has Bumble(opens in a new tab) — I don't take stock in those assumptions. In 2021, people are on all types of dating apps for all different reasons; the specific app may not matter.

How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder? (3)

Users on Bumble may be looking for marriage — or something less serious.Credit: vicky leta / mashable

What are the pros and cons to Bumble?

Pros:

  • Bumble is free to use (but some features — like seeing who already liked you — are only available for Premium users)

  • Women message first — this can be a pro or con, depending on how you look at it

  • Matches must match each other within 24 hours — a pro if you want to avoid flakes

  • Bumble has a lot of filter options about lifestyle and interests (though you can only set two unless you're a Premium user)

  • Bumble has fun prompts to answer to get to know your match better

  • Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz make it possible to either make friends or add to your professional network on the app

Cons:

  • One month of Bumble Boost runs you $16.99 according to in-app price numbers, whereas Tinder has several subscription tiers(opens in a new tab) beginning at $4.99 a month

  • Men can't message first, unless they're matching with other men

  • Matches disappear if both people don't message within 24 hours, unless free members use their one extension/day or members have Boost or Premium accounts

  • Bumble has many gender options(opens in a new tab) in profiles, but only allows search for men, women, or both

  • You can only use one mode of Bumble (Date, BFF, or Bizz) at a time

How does Bumble work for men and women? What about queer folks?

For straight people, women must message their matches first.

If you're not straight, Bumble works a little differently. If you're a woman looking for another woman, for example, either of you can message first (though the 24 hour limit for both people still applies). The same goes for men looking for other men. If you're a man looking for both men and women, you're able to message a man first but not a woman.

If you're non-binary, Bumble will prompt you(opens in a new tab) to select whether you want to be shown to people looking for women or men. This isn't the most inclusive, and a downside of the app (though, in fairness, Tinder also only allows search for men and women).

Bumble is a popular dating app that, like any, has its advantages and disadvantages. The only way to see if the "buzz" is worth it is to try it out for yourself.

More inSex

Anna Iovine is the sex and relationships reporter at Mashable, where she covers topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Previously, she was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Twitter @annaroseiovine(opens in a new tab).

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How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder? (2024)

FAQs

Does Bumble work better than Tinder? ›

Overall, Bumble tends to be a slower experience due to its extensive profiles and message restrictions. Tinder is often faster-paced and more casual. Bumble offers a variety of models beyond dating, including Bumble BFF for finding friends and Bumble Bizz for networking.

Is it harder to get matches on Bumble than Tinder? ›

There could be a few reasons. Bumble as about 5 million active users while Tinder has closer to 8 million. With Bumble, you are in a smaller pool overall. That means less competition and you're less likely to be overlooked by a potential match.

How do I use Bumble most effectively? ›

6 Bumble Profile Pro Tips to Stand Out
  1. Make your first photo stand out. Your first photo is your first impression– so make it your best. ...
  2. Keep your highlight reel real. ...
  3. Show and tell. ...
  4. Less is not more. ...
  5. Get specific. ...
  6. Ask a trusted friend.

Do men prefer Bumble or Tinder? ›

Bumble is the winner for guys.

If you're more hookup-oriented, however, you might have a better shot at that on Tinder. And that's the Bumble vs. Tinder debate in a nutshell, my friends.

What are the weaknesses of Bumble? ›

Weaknesses
  • Dependence on third party publishers.
  • Rapid growth but limited operating experience at current scale of operations.
  • Risks associated with being a mission-based company.
  • Continuously increasing cost of operations.
  • One of Bumble's biggest flaws is the exposure of its users' personal data.

What kind of guys are on Bumble? ›

Bumble Guy

He's nice, smart, and professional. Bumble guy went to Yale and works at a cool, socially conscious start-up. He respects women; on this app, women must make the first move in order to start conversing. He's smart, sensitive, and kind of handsome without being intimidatingly hot.

Why is no one matching me on Bumble? ›

If a match disappears, it could be because they deleted their account or blocked you. Deleted accounts remain in your conversations for only a short time. How do I reset my Bumble matches? The only way to reset your matches on Bumble is to delete your account and make a new one.

What are the chances of hooking up on Bumble? ›

Bumble is not known as a marketplace for hookups: Less than 4% of men and less than 1% of women on Bumble are looking for a hookup. New connections are formed every day: 25% of Bumble users went on a first date with someone they met on Bumble in the last month.

Why am I not getting matches on Bumble? ›

Follow this checklist to optimize your account: Add six high-quality photos - Having quality photos that clearly show your face can help you get the results you're looking for. Use portrait mode and the timer on your phone to work all your angles. Verify your profile - This shows users you're the real deal!

What age uses Bumble the most? ›

According to April 2020 survey data of adults in the United States, 10 percent of respondents aged 30 to 44 years were currently using Bumble. Adults aged 18 to 29 years were most likely to use the social dating app, as 13 percent of respondents from that age group confirmed being current users.

What is the best first thing to say on Bumble? ›

Your first Bumble message should ask an open-ended question, offer a compliment, or mention something in their profile. All three methods prompt a response, which is your ultimate goal with an opening line.

What is the male to female ratio on Bumble? ›

Bumble user demographics – 72% of Bumble users are under 35. Bumble gender ratio is 3:1 approx (male-female). 32.6% of Bumble users are female.

Do men just swipe right on Bumble? ›

Bumble matches are never one-sided - both people need to swipe right on one another for a match to occur. Only after that can two people start a conversation.

What are the disadvantages of Tinder? ›

The cons of Tinder

Once you start dating online, you put your image and basic information on the Internet forever, which raises some privacy concerns. Also, you have to have a Facebook account to use Tinder, which carries its own set of privacy issues. Tinder has been hacked more than once.

Can you get Catfished on Bumble? ›

Whatever the reason, catfishing is completely against Bumble's values, and we're always working to remove fake profiles from the app. Anyone found to have uploaded a fake profile or attempted to scam a Bumble member will be banned from our community. There are also some steps that you can take to stay safe.

What are the three types of Bumble? ›

The Bumble app has three modes: Bumble Date, Bumble BFF, and Bumble Bizz.

What's better hinge or Bumble? ›

Thus, Bumble might be better if you're looking for many people to start conversations with, while Hinge may be better for finding one person you're compatible with for the long term.

Do girls message guys on Bumble? ›

On Bumble, yes, women are required to send the first message after a match. But every other app, it's up to whoever decides to make the first move.

Does Bumble rate attractiveness? ›

When you're new to Bumble, you are given a boosted high score right off the bat and shown to users with a wide range of 'hotness' scores. From there, your score will increase or decrease based on whether or not people swipe right on you.

Are there decent guys on Bumble? ›

The high: Bumble is genuinely full of nice guys. The fact that they know they have to wait for female-initiated conversation is a pretty good indicator that they are aware that most girls on this app are not looking for a one-time hook-up. I had some really nice conversations (and went on some nice dates!).

What happens when you get a match on Bumble but the girl never sends the first message? ›

After a match has been created, what follows depends on the member's gender. On Bumble, women always Make the First Move in all modes. If they don't initiate a conversation within 24 hours, the connection expires. If you're unable to start a chat you can always continue swiping through other profiles.

What happens when you've seen everyone on Bumble? ›

Once you've swiped through all of the people in your area, Bumble will automatically find other users in places nearby. We don't want you to run out of people to swipe on! (Besides, who knows who you might find just a little farther away?)

How do you get noticed on Bumble? ›

6 Ways to Get More Matches on Bumble
  1. Verify your profile. Use Bumble's photo verification tool to let potential matches know they're swiping on the real deal. ...
  2. Add Profile Badges. ...
  3. Write a short and punchy bio. ...
  4. Beef things up with Profile Prompts. ...
  5. Integrate your Spotify and Instagram accounts. ...
  6. SuperSwipe!

What is the average age group on Bumble? ›

According to the data, Tinder is the most used app in terms of total users, but Bumble has the highest percentage of users between 18- and 29-years-old.

What is the age bracket for Bumble? ›

To become a member of Bumble, you'll need to be 18 years of age or older. If you're not yet 18, we'll happily welcome you to the Hive when you're old enough. If you're 18 years of age or older and your profile has been blocked for being underage, reach out to our Support team here so they can help fix that for you!

Can guys reach out first on Bumble? ›

Bumble empowers women to Make the First Move in all matches. In same-gender matches, matches with two non-binary people, or matches between non-binary people and men, anyone can message first. This is what makes our community unique, but we get that messaging first can feel daunting.

Why am I getting matches on Tinder but not on Bumble? ›

Why do I get More Matches on Bumble than on Tinder? Since Tinder enjoys a massive number of users, you may need to devote a lot of time to swipe through a majority of people before you can find someone decent. On the other hand, Bumble has a specific population because it is a slightly less popular app.

What happens if a match doesn't respond on Bumble? ›

The other person has 24 hours to respond, or the connection expires. We understand that our users are busy and may not always be able to get to a new match within 24 hours.

How many Bumble swipes per day? ›

Bumble is similar to Tinder: swipe left to dislike, right to like. Scroll down to view more of a viewer's profile. Bumble doesn't give a specific number of swipes free accounts have per day(opens in a new tab), but if the app notices you're on a frenzy, they'll limit your swipes for 24 hours.

Is 40 too old for Bumble? ›

Bottom line on Bumble? it's a great place to start your over-40 online dating journey. It's where I've found the most dates, had the most sex — and the most disappointments, too.

Do older adults use Bumble? ›

Many singles in their 50s and 60s(opens in a new tab) have found more success (due to the sheer number of people) on apps with heavy millennial influence, like monster swiping app Tinder and Bumble.

What are good first questions to ask on Bumble? ›

Ten Questions to Ask on the First Bumble Date
  • What's your idea of the perfect day?
  • If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
  • If you could wake up tomorrow with a new ability or quality, what would you want it to be?
  • Would you want to be famous?

What compliments to use on Bumble? ›

Instead of sending a generic Compliment (like, “Nice pic!”) or an emoji, look over their profile for something that resonates with you. Ask yourself: what's the reason you're swiping right? Then tell them exactly what it is you like about them. It shows you've put in extra effort and can ultimately help you stand out.

Does Bumble tell you if someone swiped right? ›

Receiving a notification that someone has liked your profile means you're on the path to making meaningful connections! This notification is sent when someone has swiped right on your profile but doesn't mean you have a new match waiting.

Why do guys match and not message on Bumble? ›

It could easily be that your match just wasn't in a good place to start a meaningful chat this time. It's common for people to turn off notifications not just from Bumble, but from most apps on their phone. So don't assume your match actively decided not to message you. Maybe they just didn't see you in time!

Can anyone see my picture on Bumble? ›

Because your profile only appears to people you've already swiped right on, you have more control over who can see your photos and personal information and how many people see it. And, when you do get a match, you'll know it's someone you've already shown interest in.

How many pictures should a guy have on Bumble? ›

According to Bumble's data, using three or more profile photos can increase your chance of matching. So fill 'em all up. It'll pay off.

Where is Bumble most used? ›

Top Countries
  • United States. 26.74% 4.69%
  • Germany. 6.52% 18.69%
  • India. 5.40% 2.47%
  • Mexico. 5.37% 8.76%
  • United Kingdom. 4.65% 9.23%

What dating site has the highest female to male ratio? ›

Concerning the gender ratio: Tinder has the worst with 21.9% women and 78.1% men. While Badoo has 35% women and 65% men. Bumble seems to have the most balanced ratio out of the three at around 43% women and 57% men.

What does the yellow bar on Bumble mean? ›

Your match queue will show to anyone you have swiped right within the past 24 hours. The profile picture displayed with a yellow circle around it is those who you have swiped right while the green circle shows you the number of people who have swiped right on you.

Does Bumble notify screenshots? ›

Bumble does not notify users of screenshots.

Your potential match will not be notified whether you capture a screenshot of their profile or chats, so don't worry about making things awkward. However, this also means that you won't be notified of a screenshot either.

How do you see who liked you on Bumble without paying? ›

How can you see who matched with you on Bumble? Luckily, you can see your mutual matches for free, but if you're looking at those who "liked" your profile, they are blurred out and you'll have to pay to see your Beeline.

What guys to avoid on Tinder? ›

Stay Away From These Types Of Men On Tinder
  • Hunter boy.
  • The over-persistent one.
  • The faux- comedian creep.
  • The “I'm in town for a week” one.
  • The one without a bio.

What should I avoid on Tinder profile? ›

  • Mistake 1 - Your Bio Is Too Detailed.
  • Mistake 2 - You're Listing Boring Interests.
  • Mistake 3 - You're Telling, Not Showing.
  • Mistake 4 - You're Playing It Safe.
  • Mistake 5 - You're Overly Self-Deprecating.
  • Mistake 6 - You're Overly Sexual.
  • Mistake 7 - You're Overly Goofy Or Comical.
6 days ago

Is Bumble for dating or hookups? ›

On the whole, women on Bumble are indeed looking for commitment rather than a steamy evening under the sheets. But that trend is far from the rule. Let me explain why Bumble is good for hookups, by diving inside the mind of a woman. Suppose you're single, but looking for a monogamous relationship.

Is Bumble for hookups or serious? ›

Is Bumble for serious relationships? Now that you know what Bumble is all about, you're probably wondering if it's worth your time. The short answer is yes, Bumble is for serious relationships and here's why.

Do you really get matches on Bumble? ›

Bumble matches are never one-sided - both people need to swipe right on one another for a match to occur. Only after that can two people start a conversation.

Is Bumble more popular than Tinder now? ›

Bumble is the most popular dating app in the U.S., at least for paying users. The service which makes women initiate the conversation has been making strides and has overtaken Tinder as the most-popular dating app for paying users in the U.S., according to the Statista Global Consumer Survey.

What age group is Bumble for? ›

According to the data, Tinder is the most used app in terms of total users, but Bumble has the highest percentage of users between 18- and 29-years-old.

Is sexting allowed on Bumble? ›

While we know that sex can be an important and fun part of any relationship, it's against our policy for Bumble users to try and have virtual sex or start sexting with a match without consent. Enthusiastic consent is a necessary and vital part of any sexual encounter, including virtual ones.

Who is the target audience of Bumble? ›

The first step in telling a compelling brand story is knowing your audience. Bumble has a deep understanding of its target audience, which is women who are looking for a more empowering and safe dating experience.

What is the 24 hour rule on Bumble? ›

Once they've sent their first message, their match has 24 hours to respond, or the connection expires. In same-sex matches, either person is encouraged to make the first move within 24 hours. The other person has 24 hours to respond, or the connection expires.

Why do men not get matches on Bumble? ›

Your profile hasn't been filled out properly: You've left a lot of details blank, which keeps your profile from being shown to the most relevant users. Maybe you only have a photo or two that doesn't show off how great you look, so it doesn't catch users' attention enough and they end up swiping left to pass.

Do average guys get matches on Bumble? ›

It varies, but the average guy probably gets less than a few dozen matches. It really depends on your location, age, deal-breakers, self-awareness, how long you've been on the apps, lifestyle choices, photos, bios, prompts and ability to swipe effectively.

What is the #1 used dating app? ›

Tinder is perhaps the most well-known dating app for swiping through potential matches.

What dating app has the most success rate? ›

Tinder had a 16.5% success rate – meaning nearly one in five people found love on the app. This was fcatfollowed by Plenty of Fish (11.18%), Bumble (5.75%), Match.com (5.64%) and Badoo (4.91%).

What gender uses Tinder the most? ›

Tinder's annual active subscribers in 2022 were 10.9 million. Most Tinder users are 35 years and younger. More than half of Tinder's users are male.

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