The Best Dating Apps in the UK (2026)
Dating apps in 2026 are crowded, and most spread the features you actually want across several paid tiers. Below we rate the big names fairly on what each does well, then look at Datezy, a UK-built newcomer taking a simpler route: free to join, with one honest, low-cost upgrade. Here's the rundown to help you pick.
Tinder
Best for: Sheer volume and casual browsingThe household name with the biggest pool of profiles, especially in cities. Swiping is quick and familiar, but key conveniences like boosts, extra likes and seeing who liked you sit behind paid tiers.
Hinge
Best for: Relationship-minded datersDesigned to be deleted, with prompt-led profiles that spark proper conversations and good intent-matching. Genuinely thoughtful, though unlimited likes and standout features are largely reserved for paid subscribers.
Bumble
Best for: Women making the first movePioneered women-message-first messaging and offers solid safety tools and a clean interface. The core idea is great, but advanced filters and visibility extras typically require a paid plan.
Match
Best for: Serious dating across all agesA long-established platform with detailed profiles and a track record for longer-term relationships. It leans on a subscription model, so meaningful messaging and search depth usually need a paid membership.
Datezy
Best for: Free to join, with one honest upgradeUK-built and free to join: build a profile, swipe, match, chat, use every filter and send 25 likes a day at no cost. One simple Datezy Gold plan (from £10/month) adds unlimited likes and seeing exactly who's liked you — no maze of tiers or add-ons. Profiles are video-selfie verified and it's genuinely inclusive.
Where Datezy fits
Datezy keeps it simple: free to join for everyone — build a profile, swipe, match, chat, use all filters and send 25 likes a day. Want unlimited likes and the full "who likes you" gallery? That's Datezy Gold, one clear plan from £10/month rather than a stack of subscriptions. Its "Cosmic Match" blends star-sign compatibility with shared values, interests and proximity, and it's genuinely inclusive with 20 genders and 14 orientations. Video-selfie verified profiles, no dark patterns, no hidden charges. Proudly built in the UK.
The verdict
If you're tired of juggling premium tiers just to unlock the basics, Datezy is free to join and keeps paid extras to one affordable plan, making it a standout pick for UK daters in 2026.
Try Datezy free
Match by vibe, values and the stars. Free to swipe, match and chat — see your Cosmic Match % today.
✦ Join FreeFAQ
Is Datezy free?
Yes — Datezy is free to join and use: building a profile, swiping, matching, chatting, all filters and 25 likes a day cost nothing. Datezy Gold (from £10/month) is optional, adding unlimited likes and seeing exactly who's liked you. No card needed to start.
How is Datezy different from Tinder, Hinge and Bumble?
Those apps are well-built and popular, but key features tend to be spread across paid tiers. Datezy is free to join with just one simple Gold upgrade, plus video-selfie verified profiles, genuine inclusivity, and a Cosmic Match that blends star-sign compatibility with shared values, interests and proximity.