Hinge is optimized for serious relationship-seeking with profile-focused matching and conversation starters, while OkCupid emphasizes broader compatibility through detailed questionnaires and algorithmic matching across casual to committed relationships. Hinge's 2024 data shows 4 out of 5 users are looking for relationships, compared to OkCupid's more balanced user base.
Hinge vs OkCupid — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Relationship-focused dating app with detailed profiles, prompts, and video features designed for meaningful long-term connections.
Compatibility-driven dating platform using extensive questionnaires and algorithmic matching.
Primary User Intent. Matching Algorithm. Photo Requirements. Monthly Subscription Cost (US). Messages Without Match. Estimated Monthly Active Users. Profile Verification Rate
Choose Hinge if you're specifically seeking a serious relationship and want to match with intentional daters in a safer, more curated environment with higher verification rates. Choose OkCupid if you value detailed compatibility matching, want more messaging freedom, prefer lower costs, or are open to various relationship types from casual to committed.
Hinge: Lower (profile-focused) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: Serious relationships | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: Varies (either party) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: Free + Premium optional | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: 3-5 prompts mandatory | OkCupid: N/A
Reported Marriage/Partnership Conversion Rate
Hinge: ~27% (2 in 3 LTR goal) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: ~42% (first message) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: 80+ prompts | OkCupid: 2,000+ questions
Hinge: Mandatory (3 prompts + photos required) | OkCupid: Optional (minimal profile possible)
Hinge: 10-15 curated matches | OkCupid: Unlimited browsing
Hinge: 8 limited likes | OkCupid: Unlimited
Hinge: ~3 million | OkCupid: ~4.5 million
Hinge: 12 years (founded 2012) | OkCupid: 20 years (founded 2004)
Hinge: Yes - Hinge Video Date | OkCupid: Yes - Video Calls
Hinge: ~200 prompted answers | OkCupid: 3,000+ optional questions
Hinge: Yes, match required first | OkCupid: No, message anyone
Hinge: 4.2 stars (287K reviews) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: 3000+ characters (across multiple prompts) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: 86% (serious-focused) | OkCupid: N/A
Hinge: N/A | OkCupid: Multiple essays (5,000+)
Hinge: N/A | OkCupid: 30+ detailed questions
Hinge: N/A | OkCupid: Optional verification
Hinge: N/A | OkCupid: Unlimited messaging
Hinge: N/A | OkCupid: Limited messaging, basic search
Harassment Reduction vs Traditional Apps
Hinge: N/A | OkCupid: 12-15 fields including essays
Hinge vs OkCupid — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Hinge vs OkCupid. Contains 82 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Hinge vs OkCupid — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Hinge vs OkCupid.
Which app is better for finding a serious relationship?
Hinge is significantly better for serious relationship-seeking, with 80% of users explicitly looking for relationships (vs 55% on OkCupid). Hinge reports a 14% marriage rate within 2 years compared to OkCupid's 5%, making it the most statistically successful for committed relationships. However, OkCupid's 3,000+ compatibility questions can enable deeper matching if you invest time.
Hinge has a 23% higher photo verification rate (85% vs 62%), stricter photo requirements (must show face), and a more curated user base focused on serious dating. This reduces catfishing and fake profiles. However, both apps have safety features; OkCupid's advantage is you can vet profiles through messaging before matching. Neither is inherently 'unsafe' if you follow dating safety practices.
Can I message someone without matching on either app?
No on Hinge — you must match first, which ensures mutual interest. Yes on OkCupid — you can message anyone in your search results instantly. This is OkCupid's major advantage if you want to initiate conversations freely, but Hinge's match-first approach reduces unwanted messages by approximately 40%.
OkCupid's base subscription is $9.95/month, roughly 50% less expensive than Hinge's $19.99/month. OkCupid's free tier also allows messaging without subscription, whereas Hinge requires paid access for most features. Long-term, OkCupid saves significant money for casual daters.
How long does it take to set up a profile on each?
Hinge profiles take approximately 8 minutes to complete with 2-3 photos and 4-5 prompted answers. OkCupid can take 25+ minutes if you engage with compatibility questions, though this is optional. Hinge's streamlined setup means faster matching; OkCupid's depth rewards thorough completion with better algorithmic matching.
Primary User Intent: Hinge has 80% seeking relationships, while OkCupid has 55% seeking relationships.
Matching Algorithm: Hinge has Profile-based with prompted answers, while OkCupid has Quiz-based with 3,000+ questions.
Photo Requirements: Hinge has Minimum 2 photos, must show face, while OkCupid has At least 1 photo recommended.
Consider: Monthly Subscription Cost (US)
Monthly Subscription Cost (US): Hinge has $19.99/month, while OkCupid has $9.95/month.
Messages Without Match: Hinge has Not allowed - matches required, while OkCupid has Allowed for all users.
Consider: Estimated Monthly Active Users
Estimated Monthly Active Users: Hinge has 3.2 million (2024), while OkCupid has 1.8 million (2024).
Profile Verification Rate: Hinge has 85% photo-verified users, while OkCupid has 62% photo-verified users.