Bumble Review September 2026
Bumble is a dating app developed in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe, a former Tinder employee. With Bumble, women make the first move as it is known to dedicate building a "safe online community" for users who want to build new relationships.
Bumble aims to empower women in their dating choices and its mechanics have been overwhelmingly accepted by both genders. The app continues to provide a safe dating experience for all of its users.
- Bumble is an online dating platform that connects singles all over the globe by providing compatible matches
- Uses AI tools to improve your profile, suggest better photos and prompts, and increase match quality
- Bumble Bizz for professionals who would like to connect, share, and learn new things
- Bumble BFF for a fun way to meet new friends online
- Women get to message first when a match has been made
- The platform works by swiping through recommended profiles
- Has a unique verification system
- Bumble has an offline publication project called Bumble Mag
- Available for iOS and Android users
- Women have only have 24 hours to respond to matches
- Offers general free services and options to upgrade - Learn more here
- For people looking for serious relationships
- For singles who want to fall in love
- For people who are looking for friendships
- If you're searching for erotic adventures and casual encounters
- Singles who are into casual flirting
- Not for cheating partners and married people
Find out if Bumble is the right service for you or if there are better options.
- Women don't get overwhelmed with unwanted messages
- 60% of matches result to conversations
- Quick and easy registration
- Some users report the verification to be too tedious
- Matches expire after 24 hours if women don't initiate contact first
- The app doesn't have an array of gender options for the LGBTQ+ community
How does Bumble work?
- In heterosexual matches, women must initiate conversation, promoting a safer interaction space
- Matches expire in 24 hours if the woman doesn't send a message, encouraging timely engagement
- Bumble includes Date, BFF, and Bizz modes for dating, friendship, and professional networking
- You can add audio and video to your profiles, allowing for more dynamic personal expression
- Bumble Hive events offer users opportunities to meet in safe, real-world settings for various types of connections
Bumble differentiates itself as a dating platform by empowering women to initiate conversations in heterosexual pairings, a feature that enhances user safety. It ensures active user participation by having matches expire if not acted upon within a day. Beyond dating, the app also supports finding friends and professional connections through its BFF and Bizz modes. The inclusion of audio and video snippets in user profiles enriches personal interactions. Additionally, Bumble extends its community-building through Bumble Hive events, which facilitate real-life connections across dating, friendship, and business networking.
What it really costs
Compared with other dating services, Bumble is average-priced.
| Plan | Duration | Per month | Total | Notice period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BumbleBoost Subscription | 1 week | — | 11.99 AUD | 1 day |
| BumbleBoost Subscription | 1 month | 33.99 AUD | 33.99 AUD | 1 day |
| BumbleBoost Subscription | 3 months | 22.33 AUD | 66.99 AUD | 1 day |
| BumbleBoost Subscription | 6 months | 17.83 AUD | 106.98 AUD | 1 day |
| Bumble Credits | 1 coin | — | 2.99 AUD | 1 day |
| Bumble Credits | 5 coins | — | 10.99 AUD | 1 day |
| Bumble Credits | 15 coins | — | 29.99 AUD | 1 day |
| Bumble Credits | 30 coins | — | 52.99 AUD | 1 day |
Pricing proof
Can you try Bumble for free?
- You can test Bumble free of charge
- You can at least read a message for free to try the service
Free services
- Profile creation
- Match suggestions
- Chat and messaging service
- One re-match with an expired connection per day
- Free Bumble app download
- Audio & Video Prompts
- Compliments
Paid services
- Extend connections for 24 hours
- Re-match with expired connections
- SuperSwipe
- See a list of people who already swiped right
BumbleBoost subscribers get the following perks:
- Beeline - See a list of users who have already swiped right on your picture so you don't have to wait.
- Rematch - Be able to rematch with connections that have already previously expired
- BusyBee - Extend the 24-hour deadline that Bumble has on your connections
On the other hand, Bumble coins can be used to SuperSwipe other members. For one coin, you can add a heart to your usual swipe, which will tell the other party that you are really interested in them.
Payment options
Gender proportion — 60% ♀ / 40% ♂
Bumble age range and age distribution
- Over 6,300,000 visits per month worldwide
- More than 31,000 visits from Australia per month
- Majority of members are from the mid-20s to mid 30s age range
- Male to female member ratio is almost equal
As a dating app that puts women in control, it's a surprise that the male to female ratio on the site is almost equal. There is a high number of members who are in the mid-20s to the mid-30s age range, but overall, the membership is younger.
Bumble gives more privileges to women members, but there is still a higher number of men on the site although the difference is not very significant. On the aspect of usability, it is mostly used by members to look for a date, a relationship, find social networks, or meet friends online.
Strongest regions
- Tasmania100
- Northern Territory93
- Queensland87
How often Bumble is searched for in each region, from Google Trends over the past 12 months. The darkest region scores 100; 50 means half as many searches. This is relative interest, not a member count. (Google Trends, 2026-09)
Bumble in detail
Signing up at Bumble ★★★★★ 3.0/5
- You must be at least 18 years old to sign up
- You must sign up to browse Bumble
To sign up, visit the Bumble website or download the Bumble app — available on iOS and Android. To complete the registration, provide all required information.
Required information
- Name
- Date of birth
- Location
- Your gender
- Reason for signing up
- Type of relationship wanted
- Partner's gender
- Profile picture upload
Optional information
- Your religion
- Your physical appearance
- Personal questionnaire
- Ideal partner questionnaire
Bumble verifies new profiles via:
Making contact on Bumble ★★★★★ 3.0/5
- The website doesn't have a search option
- Users are only given suggested matches based on their preferences
- Users will continue receiving suggested matches as long as there's someone who matches the user's preferences
- User preferences include: Sexual Preference, Age Range and Distance
- Everybody can send messages for free
- Bumble has a chat function
Bumble's contact policy is what differentiates it from other dating apps like Tinder.
With Bumble, women initiate the conversation. Similar to Tinder's interface, you will be shown match suggestions, swipe left if you're not interested and swipe right if you are. If they also swiped right, women will see that a match has been made. Now she has 24 hours to message the man if she's interested. If she messages him, he now has another 24 hours to message her back. If he replies to her message, they can continue their conversation freely without any restrictions.
For matches with at least one person who identifies as non-binary, either member can make the first move. In addition, Bumble BFF users can connect with people of any gender. Non-binary gender options include gender nonconforming, trans feminine, poly gender, trans man, bigender, cis woman, gender fluid, etc.
Send emoji reactions to your match to break the ice and start your conversations. This is one of the new features of the app. There's a total of nine emojis that you can choose from which you can send to your match. If you are in a heterosexual match, the female member will be the one who can send the first move. If it's a same-sex match, either of you can send the first message.
For same-sex relationships or platonic relationships, any of the 2 parties can message first, which the other party should reply to before the conversation can be continued freely. The 24-hour time frame applies here too. If this feels limiting to you and you want a messaging feature with more freedom, check out our Casual Dating category.
Unlike other dating sites, Bumble considers the entire dating experience from matching and chatting to meeting in real life. The Bumble experience is not just about meeting online and having long chats. This dating site also provides a platform where people can meet in person, have a coffee, and see where everything goes from there.
Bumble is opening its first permanent restaurant in New York City. This restaurant can be the space where people can meet singles they have matched with, go on dates, and spend time with friends. It features an 80-seat dining room, a cocktail bar, a patio, as well as an area for private dining.
However, the grand opening of this permanent all-day cafe and restaurant has been delayed due to unforeseen construction issues.
Profile quality ★★★★★ 2.5/5
- The app imports information straight from a user's Facebook profile, but doesn't verify to see if the FB account is legitimate
- Profiles show "Language Badges"
- 'Christmas Markets'
- Profiles are moderately detailed
- Profile pictures are visible to everybody for free
- You can edit your profile information later
Bumble profiles are visible to all members on the platform. Profiles show basic information such as name, age, and location. Users can also add short introductions and show their dating preferences. Bumble now has a "Language Badge" that allows users to showcase which languages they speak. Members can choose up to five options from over 100 languages. Bumble has also included 'Christmas Markets' to its list of interests to encourage festive dating during yuletide seasons.
It has photos, and other related information inside that helps out if you want to get to know a person more.
Bumble will take most of the profile information from Facebook for members who created their accounts there. On the other hand, members who create the account using their phone numbers will have to input some of the information manually.
The profile can be a good start if you want to feel whether you will hit it off with a member. Bumble lets its users post 30-second audio prompts and videos to their profiles. Users can replace their main profile images with short videos, with the audio muted if they wish.
The Bumble app
- Available in Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- Free to download
- Easy to use interface
- Can be used simultaneously with other applications
- Compatible with any devices
Bumble is available for iOS and Android users. The app is free to download and is compatible with almost all devices. It has an easy-to-use interface and works well with other applications.
Our field test ★★★★★ 3.0/5
"With other dating sites, I got a lot of unwanted attention in the form of indecent proposals and sometimes, even nude pictures! I joined Bumble because I didn't want to deal with any of that. The app allows me to message only the guys I'm interested in. The only downside though, is that the profiles on this app are completely lacking in information, so it's hard to tell which ones are creeps and which ones are decent guys based on their looks alone. If they just added more information on a user's profile page, I would totally love this app." - Allie, Librarian's Assistant, 22
Design & usability
Design and Usability
In terms of design, Bumble really has it down pat. The colour schemes are beautiful without being too flashy, and the layout is simple and user-friendly. With every feature just a tap away, it's very easy to navigate as use, even for people who aren't tech-savvy.
Bumble also has commendable points under the usability department. Its many features do not fail to keep users entertained. It provides a lot of options for its users; they can use the site to look for a serious relationship while giving them freedom to use it as a way to look for friends first. It's a one-stop-shop social network tool.
Special features
Although Bumble is a free online dating app, users can spend money for special perks that can give them more visibility and popularity on the platform.
BumbleBff +
If dating is not your type, you can also use the site to find friends. Just switch from the regular Bumble mode to BumbleBff to search for people who are only looking for platonic relationships and nothing more.
BumbleBizz +
For people who aren't looking for personal connections, but business ones. Think of it as a dating app version of LinkedIn. Instead of looking for a date, you can look for people to fund your startup, search for contractors and suppliers, gain network connections, increase your knowledge about your niche and gain access to valuable resources for your industry.
SuperSwipe +
If you want to make it known that you are really interested in a person, you can do a SuperSwipe, which can be bought using Bumble coins. SuperSwipe is similar to a regular swipe right, except that the other party will be notified that you paid for a SuperSwipe to get their attention. It means that you must really like them if you will spend money just to get their attention.
Bumble Hive +
Every now and then, Bumble sponsors real life events in the form of Bumble hive. The event is open to all Bumble dating, BFF and Bizz members and you can use your Bumble profile as an entrance ticket into these events. Bumble Hive is an opportunity for members to not only meet up with other users for fun, friendship, flirts or dating, but business-minded members can also use the event to gain potential business partners, investors and other connections. The event also have symposiums and conferences headed by expert speakers on various topics such as building your career or how to pitch your ideas successfully.
The BeeHive +
Bumble's blog, the BeeHive, is a great resource for everything dating-related. From guides on how to make your profile more appealing, to Bumble updates and event announcements, the BeeHive has everything you need to stay up-to-date.
Backtrack +
Get back accidental swipes through this feature. You may have it by upgrading to premium.
Virtual Dating Badge +
Bumble lets your profile sport a "Virtual Dating" badge to signify that you are ready to interact via video or voice call. Since Bumble has always been about exchanging witty banter via chat, these added features are indeed a huge step forward. Through the video chat or voice call functions, Bumble users can be more intimate with their matches.
Snapchat Lenses for Bumble video call +
The premium dating site has partnered with another social media app Snapchat to add fun AR backgrounds during a Bumble video call. However, users will not be able to add beauty filters to change their appearance to make sure that they display their honest selves during calls.
Women Incognito Mode +
‘Incognito Mode’ will allow female users to access the app without being seen, and only becoming visible to the men who they’ve liked. This feature will be available to female premium members by Q3 of 2021.
Trauma Support in Partnership with Bloom +
Bumble users who have experience sexual assaults or relationship abuse can get in touch with the Bumble feedback team and get access of up to six free therapy sessions with Bloom. Safety has always been Bumble’s mission and with this principle, they want to create a safe and equitable environment for their community.
"Sober" Badge +
Bumble has a "Sober" badge allowing users to celebrate their drinking preferences and sobriety on their profiles. The app asked members their drinking and smoking preferences during account registration but Bumble deemed these were not enough representation of the community.
Consumer Store & Apparel Range +
The launch of Bumble Shop is the popular app’s first public venture into the consumer retail space. The app has released a capsule collection of Bumble Basics, including t-shirts, hats, sweaters, accessories, and games. These items are now available for purchase at the official Bumble website.
Audio & Video Prompts +
Bumble users may now add 30-second audio prompts and videos to their profiles. Users can replace their main profile images with short videos, with or without audio.
Private Detector +
Bumble’s privacy software on the platform detects if you’ve been sent an inappropriate, lewd photo on the site. Upon spotting it, the feature will give you the power whether or not you’d want to view it. Private Detector will warn you that an image sent to you may contain nudity and if you do not wish to see it, it will give you the option to decline.
Complimentary Features +
Users may send a quick message to someone without having to match using the compliments option. Singles can only send one free Compliment every day.
The Compliments feature will display as a yellow symbol with a heart inside a speech bubble beneath a user's profile. Sending this brief message count as a right swipe, so users should send it to those they wish to match.
Partnership with StopNCII Organisation +
The organisation uses innovative technology to remove intimate images while not receiving the images themselves.
Partnership with StopNCII Organisation +
The organisation uses innovative technology to remove intimate images while not receiving the images themselves.
Reproductive Rights +
The platform will now enable users to have a ‘reproductive rights’ badge on their profile to display support for reproductive rights.
Message-Focused AI Tools +
These tools guide you in crafting engaging and authentic profile bios and other essential details. They suggest phrases and keywords that reflect your personality and what you're looking for, optimizing your profile to attract the right kind of connections.
Collaboration with Unprude +
Bumble collaborates with Unprude, a sexual therapy app in the Philippines, to promote sexual health and open communication among Filipino women. Timed with Sexual Health Awareness Month and Unprude’s first sexual wellness summit, the partnership reflects a cultural shift in a predominantly conservative country.
Opening Moves +
The "Opening Moves" feature simplifies starting conversations. Previously, in heterosexual matches, only women could send the first message. Now, with "Opening Moves," women can choose from pre-made prompts or questions that their matches can respond to. This reduces the pressure to come up with a new opener each time and provides a more balanced approach to initiating conversations.
ID Verification +
You can now authenticate your identity using a government-issued ID. This feature is currently available in 12 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, India, and Australia. Once verified, you'll receive a profile badge, and you can filter matches by verification status. You can even request that your matches complete the verification process.
Share Date +
This feature allows you to share details of your upcoming dates, including the time, location, and the person you are meeting, with trusted contacts. You can update these details in real time, enhancing your safety during meet-ups.
Review Before You Send +
Aimed at preventing inappropriate messages, this tool flags potentially offensive content before you send it. Initially launched for Bumble’s Compliments feature, it has now been expanded to regular messaging to help foster a more respectful communication environment.
In-app advice center +
Bumble’s in-app advice center is a new feature that offers you quick, swipeable access to 20 expert-led articles and short videos on topics like building confidence, staying authentic, and moving from chatting to meeting in person. Presented in a story-style format similar to Instagram Stories, the content is designed to ease dating fatigue and provide emotional support directly within the app.
AI Profile & Matching Tools +
AI Photo Picker Tool
Helps you choose better photos by suggesting which ones to use and pointing out images that may not work well, like unclear shots or photos where your face isn’t visible.
Message-Focused AI Tools
Gives simple ideas on what to write in your bio and prompts so your profile feels more natural, clear, and interesting.
AI Profile & Matching Tools
Combines these improvements to help you attract better matches and connect with people more easily, making it faster to move from chatting to real-life dates
Plans +
This feature lets you RSVP and pay to attend curated in-person group dating events. The location is revealed only after payment, and after the event, attendees can reconnect and match with each other back on the app.
Cancelling your Bumble subscription
How you can cancel
- Via customer support
Contact details
| Company | Bumble Trading Inc. |
|---|---|
| feedback@team.bumble.com | |
| Address | 1209 N. Orange Street Wilmington, DE 19801 |
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Subscriptions renew automatically — cancel at least 1 day before your current term ends.
Money-back guarantee
- Bumble does not offer a money-back guarantee
Do your credits expire?
Credits you buy on Bumble do not expire.
Bumble FAQ
When did Bumble app come out?
The Bumble app was released in December 2014.
If Bumble is focused on women, does that mean homosexual men can't join the site?
Homosexuals are welcome on the site and in fact, anyone can be a member. For Homosexual and platonic relationship, any party can initiate the conversation and the other party must reply within 24 hours before the connection expires.
Help! I can't find Bumble app on the Playstore?
If it does not appear on Google Play or the Apple Store, the app is probably not available in your country. To check, you can go to Bumble's website using your phone's browser and tap on the link to the app's download page.
What is the Bumble Hive?
The Bumble Hive is a series of events by Bumble. Read more about it in our Special Features section
What is Bumble?
Bumble is a location-based social dating app that facilitates communication between interested users.
Is Bumble free?
Bumble is a free online dating app, with the option to purchase an upgraded membership.
Does Bumble use AI?
Yes, Bumble uses AI tools to help users improve their profiles, including bio suggestions and photo feedback to increase match quality.
Can I join Bumble without Facebook?
Currently, the app only accepts registrations via Facebook, so you can't join if you don't have a Facebook account.
Does Bumble app post to Facebook?
Although Facebook imports and uses information derived from your Facebook account, it does not post anything on your feed.
I did not mean to swipe left! How can I undo the action?
To undo your last action, you can just shake your phone to backtrack.You can have up to 3 backtracks at one time. One you've used up 1 backtrack, you have to wait 3 hours for it to refresh.
How can I change the information on my Bumble profile?
Since Bumble only imports information found in your Facebook profile, you have to change your info on Facebook itself. Any changes made to your Facebook may take 24 hours before they take effect on Bumble.
How do I sign up for Bumble?
You can create an account either by using an existing Facebook profile or by providing your phone number.
How much is Bumble dating app?
You can have the Bumble app for free by downloading it on your device.
What is BumbleBFF?
BumbleBFF is a mode in the app that will let you search for friends and other platonic relationships if you are not interested in dating.
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