Is Bumble Really Free in 2025? Unpacking Costs and Premium Features
Dating apps are the modern matchmaker, and Bumble stands out with its women-first approach and vibrant community. But let’s cut to the chase: is Bumble really free in 2025, or are you stuck paying to find love? As someone who’s swiped through the dating scene, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about Bumble’s costs, premium features, and whether you can actually use it without opening your wallet. Let’s dive in.
What’s Bumble All About?
Bumble launched in 2014, founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd, a former Tinder exec who wanted to shake up online dating. Unlike other apps, Bumble empowers women to make the first move in heterosexual matches, giving it a feminist edge. With over 50 million users worldwide and 735,000 downloads in the U.S. alone as of mid-2024, it’s a powerhouse in the dating world. Bumble offers three modes: Date (romantic connections), BFF (friendships), and Bizz (networking). But the big question is—can you use it for free?
Is Bumble Free to Use in 2025?
Yes, Bumble is free to download and use, but there’s a catch. The free version gives you core features, but premium perks like unlimited swipes or seeing who liked you come at a cost. Here’s what you get with the free version:
- Profile Creation: Set up your profile with photos, a bio, and details like interests or zodiac signs.
- Swiping: Swipe right to like or left to pass, though you’re limited to a daily swipe cap (exact number undisclosed but typically around 25-50).
- Messaging: Women can message first in heterosexual matches; same-sex matches allow either party to start. No paywall here.
- Basic Filters: Apply two filters per mode (e.g., height or smoking habits) to narrow down matches.
- One Extend Per Day: Extend a match’s 24-hour window to give women more time to message.
These features are enough to get started, but the free version has limits. If you’re in a big city like New York or LA, you’ll hit the swipe limit fast. And without premium, you can’t see who’s already liked you, which feels like playing the dating game on hard mode.
Bumble’s Premium Features: What’s Behind the Paywall?
Bumble offers two paid tiers in 2025: Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium. These unlock features to make dating smoother, but are they worth it? Let’s break them down.
Bumble Boost
Bumble Boost is the lower-tier subscription, designed to enhance your experience without breaking the bank. Prices vary by subscription length:
- Weekly: $8.99
- Monthly: $24.99
- Three Months: $49.99 ($16.66/month)
- Lifetime: $139.99 (one-time payment)
Features:
- Unlimited Swiping: Swipe as much as you want, perfect for urban daters.
- Bumble Extend: Unlimited extensions for matches, giving women extra time to message.
- Bumble Beeline: See who’s liked you before swiping.
- Bumble Backtrack: Undo accidental left swipes.
- Unlimited Filters: Customize your search with as many filters as you want.
Is It Worth It? If you’re swiping heavily or want to save time by seeing likes upfront, Boost is a solid choice. The lifetime option is tempting for long-term users, but casual daters might stick to the free version.
Bumble Premium
Bumble Premium is the deluxe package, offering everything in Boost plus exclusive features. Pricing is higher:
- Weekly: $17.99
- Monthly: $39.99
- Three Months: $79.99 ($26.66/month)
Additional Features:
- Bumble Spotlight: Boost your profile to the top of the stack for 30 minutes, increasing visibility.
- Bumble SuperSwipe: Show extra interest with a premium “like” (five free per week).
- Bumble Travel: Change your location to match with people in other cities.
- Incognito Mode: Hide your profile from non-matches for extra privacy.
Is It Worth It? Premium is best for serious daters or those in competitive markets. Spotlight can get you noticed in crowded areas, but features like Travel are niche. If you’re not traveling or don’t care about privacy, Boost might suffice.
Bumble Coins
Bumble also offers an in-app currency called Bumble Coins for one-off purchases:
- Spotlight: 2 Coins ($1.99)
- SuperSwipe: 1 Coin ($0.99)
- Travel Mode: 5 Coins ($4.99)
Coins let you test premium features without committing to a subscription. They’re pricier per use but great for occasional boosts.
Can You Get Premium Features for Free?
Bumble occasionally offers free trials of Boost or Premium, typically lasting 7-14 days. Check the app’s promotions tab or your email for offers. Some users report getting trial pop-ups after signing up or being inactive. But there’s no guaranteed hack to get premium features for free long-term. Unlike Tinder, Bumble doesn’t have a known glitch to reveal likes without paying. If you see blogs promising “free Bumble Boost,” be wary—they’re often outdated or scammy.
One workaround: maximize the free version. Use your daily Extend wisely, craft a killer profile, and swipe strategically to avoid hitting the limit. You can also try Bumble during off-peak hours (like early mornings) when competition is lower.
Pro Tip: Want to optimize your Bumble profile? Check out our guide on 9 Tips to Improve Your Bumble Profile for actionable advice to stand out.
How Does Bumble Compare to Tinder?
Bumble and Tinder are neck-and-neck in the dating app race, but their free versions differ. Tinder’s free version also limits swipes and hides likes unless you pay for Tinder Plus or Gold. However, Tinder offers one free Super Like daily, while Bumble’s SuperSwipe requires coins or Premium. Bumble’s women-first messaging feels more empowering for some, but Tinder’s larger user base (over 70 million globally) might offer more matches in rural areas. Both apps are free to start, but Bumble’s vibe leans more toward relationships than hookups.
Should You Pay for Bumble in 2025?
Whether Bumble’s paid features are worth it depends on your goals and location. If you’re in a big city, swiping a lot, or want to see likes upfront, Boost or Premium can save time and boost matches. But if you’re casual, patient, or in a smaller town, the free version is plenty. Here’s a quick guide:
- Stick to Free: You’re testing the app, don’t swipe much, or are fine with basic features.
- Get Boost: You want unlimited swipes or Beeline to streamline your experience.
- Get Premium: You’re serious about dating, travel often, or want max visibility.
Start with a free trial or a week of Boost to test the waters. You can always cancel if it’s not worth it.
Tips to Maximize Bumble’s Free Version
Don’t want to pay? No problem. Here’s how to get the most out of Bumble for free:
- Perfect Your Profile: Use clear photos, a witty bio, and fill out all prompts to attract matches.
- Swipe Smart: Be selective to avoid the swipe limit and improve your algorithm ranking.
- Use Extends Wisely: Save your daily Extend for high-potential matches.
- Time Your Swipes: Swipe during peak hours (evenings) for more active users.
- Leverage Filters: Use your two free filters to focus on dealbreakers like age or distance.
FAQs About Bumble’s Costs
Is Bumble completely free?
Yes, you can use Bumble for free with basic features like swiping, messaging, and two filters per mode. Premium features require a subscription or coins.
Can I see who liked me on Bumble for free?
No, the Beeline feature (showing who liked you) requires Bumble Boost or Premium. There’s no reliable hack to see likes for free in 2025.
How much is Bumble Boost in 2025?
Bumble Boost costs $8.99/week, $24.99/month, $49.99 for three months, or $139.99 for a lifetime subscription.
Is Bumble Premium worth it?
Bumble Premium is worth it for serious daters who want features like Spotlight or Travel. Casual users might find Boost or the free version sufficient.
Final Thoughts: Is Bumble Worth It?
Bumble’s free version is robust enough for casual daters, offering swiping, messaging, and basic filters without a dime. But if you’re serious about finding a match or live in a competitive dating market, Boost or Premium can give you an edge. Start free, test the app, and upgrade only if you need the extra firepower