Hinge may seem relatively new, but the dating has been for quite awhile now - since 2012. It seems quite popular, some say its different than its competitors, while others says its the same as the others, no difference, other than some cosmetics.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this dating app and see what we come up with. Remember, datings apps are quite subjective - each person has their own goals and comfort level, so always take that into consideration when reading any review of a dating app.
The apps facts states that is has over 500,000 users (which must mean paid memberships) and it gets close to 100,000 logins a day - which seems fairly substantial. People always ask on the first question - how easy is it to use the app? Well, if you know how to swipe left or right, that’s your game there. What makes it a bit different - deal breakers - where you can say to the other party, no chance if you break this. That is an interesting feature unseen anywhere. Ill give them high marks on this particular feature. In addition, surveys have shown that hinge users can do the search profile better on average - using the word simple as the main feature - than the other larger more famous dating apps like Tinder, or even Bumble. I am not sure of this, but can state Hinge is at least equal in that feature, and perhaps a touch better. Again, depending on each user experiences preference.
Lets look at the cost of Hinge compared to its rivals. Again, the cost is relatively the same - the only difference being if you want one, three, or 6 month durations. Some would argue they lack the flexibility compared to their other competitors and that may be true in some regards. What is true, is that Fringe does allow those who pay for the premium features to pay off their membership in instalments. That is a nice and easy feature to have and implement. However, there are some drawbacks - again - like every other dating App. They are, if you want to cancel your membership, you can of course - however, you will be charged the full amount of your term. Second, there are no refunds, regardless of how short or long you have been on the app. Critics argue that it is not fair, but I would argue, this negative billing and no refund policy is not only across the board in dating apps, but in many, many other fields.
Any features that I have to pay extra for? Yes. Like other similar minded sites Fringe has two extra costs - one is boosts and one is roses. Boost is a little help me feature that naturally, will help you seen by more people. This is a standard feature across many dating apps - the only difference being - the cost. Roses - a virtual interest gift. Seems a little cheesy for me, but, people seem to like it.
Free vs Paid membership. Unlike most dating apps, it seems under the Free trial run you get to use almost as many features as the paid App. This is always a good thing, rarely happens, and is a feature that makes Hinge so popular. The only difference is you have a limitation on these features use. For example - you can send a smile to someone you like. This smile is limited in the free version while unlimited in the paid version. Another feature of compliments is the exact same thing - there are limitations on you as a free user.
Finally, the most popular feature they have - which is somewhat unique - is the ice breaker. This is used for first time messages when the person has run out of idea what to send. The person has no idea what to write, is tongue tied, literary tied, and or has no wit or great line to write, (you can see I am a bit harsh here - however, if you cannot come up with an original line or two of “hello” then I have no sympathy for you your lack of writing skills). Then you can go for your lifeline of ice breakers - witty cookie cutter introductions. Just like the others, the site gives you a limited number of ice breakers to foist on the unsuspecting person, which may be a good thing that there is a limit. Lets try a bit harder shall we?
What do we think of HINGE? Here are the positives. It has a really good free trial membership run where it does not limit you with certain features like other sites to. It offers a real experience as if you are a member. Rarely any features are hidden - simply just restrictions on the amount of times you can use the feature - like smiles, or ice breakers - which is no deal breaker.
Drawbacks. There were some commentaries, while the app is free is great, you can run into technical problems once in while, therefore, ruining your free app dating experience. i.e. some features were not working, when it was promised it would work.
The classic I did not use up all my time on the app, therefore I want a refund. Here, you will be plum out of luck. Once you pay for a membership package that is it. Whether you use 1 minute or 99 minutes the charge is the same. Remember, there are no refunds here. Also remember, and most important, when you sign up for the free package trial, cancel your membership before the time is up. Otherwise you will be charged a full amount.
They like to pride themselves on keeping up to date on the dating world. I really don’t know what that means - since has dating changed that much. Many experts would argue yes - look at the success of dating apps that are simply there for hook ups. Thankfully, Hinge is not that type of app, and for those looking for a sold dating app hopefully leading to a long term relationship this app could be for you. That is even baked into their slogan “the app that is designed to be deleted”. That’s how confident they are of their product.
Written by:
Joyce DeWitt