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Our Review

DatingsScout.hk Author Chris Pleines
From: Chris Pleines
 • Reading Time: 6 minute(s)

Bumble is an online dating app developed in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe, a former Tinder employee. As such, the two apps share a lot of things in common except for one big difference - in Bumble, women are in control. Once matches are made, women get to message the men first, after which the men will reply if they are interested.

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 Mag

Bumble has recently launched its new offline publication project called Bumble mag. This magazine is distributed offline, and anyone in the United States can get a copy for free when you request it through the app. This magazine has different sections that talk about friendship, dating, and business.

Is Bumble the right dating app for you? We have listed the app's pros and cons to help you decide whether you will enjoy the app or not.

New members at Bumble in April 2024 in comparison

Here you can see how membership figures at Bumble are developing compared to others

Bumble Members

Members
170,000 from Hong Kong
Members activity
700 active weekly
Gender Proportion
60 %
40 %
  • Over 6,300,000 visits per month worldwide
  • More than 20,000 site visits are from Hong Kong
  • 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.

Females
Males

Bumble Age Range and Age Distribution

  • 18-24
  • 25-34
  • 35-44
  • 45-54
  • 55+

How to Sign Up for Bumble

Bumble Registration
  • Users can register using their phone number or Facebook account
  • You don't need to provide personal information as the app imports all info straight from your Facebook profile
  • It only takes 1-2 minutes to create your account
  • You immediately get suggested matches after you link the app to your Facebook
  • The process is very user-friendly

The signup process is very easy, especially if you already have a Facebook account. You don't even need to provide any information, because Bumble takes all of your Facebook info and imports it into the app. Before you can't sign up if you don't have a Facebook account and predictably, a lot of potential users complained about this. Bumble has since then changed their rules and now you can sign up using your phone number.

You can either use your Facebook account or your phone number to create an account. It is going to ask for your location which you will need to set on your phone's location settings.

Location is needed so that Bumble can show you who is nearby and provide you a match within your vicinity. A profile photo is also required to finish the registration process.

Overall, the registration process is smooth and easy to accomplish.

Making Contact on Bumble

Bumble Match
  • 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
  • All members can send messages for free
  • There is a chatroom

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, and 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.

Bumble Profile Quality

Profile Settings
  • You can see other users' profile pictures without a paid subscription
  • All photos uploaded to your profile are public
  • All profile information is public by default
  • Fake profiles can be reported by other users
  • 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'
  • The profiles are poorly detailed
  • The profile information can be changed later
  • Profile pictures are visible to everyone for free

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.

Bumble Real Life Review

"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 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.

Bumble Costs and Prices

Free Features
  • Profile creation
  • Match suggestions
  • Chat and messaging service
  • One re-match with an expired connection per day
  • Free Bumble app download
  • Compliments
Premium Features
  • Extend connections for 24 hours
  • Re-match with expired connections
  • SuperSwipe
  • See a list of people who already swiped right

Is Bumble expensive or cheap?

In comparison to other providers Bumble is average.

Duration / Credits / CoinsCostsTotal
Pack of 1 Bumble coins
?
Bumble Boost GBP6.99Bumble Boost GBP20.99Bumble Boost GBP20.99Bumble Boost GBP3.99Bumble Boost GBP41.99Bumble Boost GBP7.49Bumble Boost GBP2.49Bumble Boost GBP7.99
1 Coin18.00 HKD / Coin18.00 HKD
Pack of 5 Bumble coins
5 Coins13.60 HKD / Coin68.00 HKD
Pack of 20 Bumble coins
20 Coins9.90 HKD / Coin198.00 HKD
bumble-price
Payment Options
  • Credit Card
  • PayPal
  • Via Mobile Phone

Bumble Boost:

  • 1 day - HKUSD 25
  • 3 days - HKUSD 53
  • 4 days - HKUSD 68
  • 5 days - HKUSD 73
  • 6 days - HKUSD 78
  • 7 days - HKUSD 203
  • 14 days - HKUSD 408

BumbleBoost subscribers get the followiing 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.

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. 

Reproductive Rights

The platform will now enable users to have a ‘reproductive rights’ badge on their profile to display support for reproductive rights.

Our rating

Signing Up: 3.0 / 5
Making Contact: 3.0 / 5
Profile Quality: 2.5 / 5
Real Life Review: 3.0 / 5

Editor's Conclusion

DatingsScout.hk Author Chris Pleines
Chris Pleines
Founder of Datingscout and Author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies"
For an app that supposedly empowers women, the execution feels a tad underwhelming. The logic behind it is great - allowing women to make the first move protects them from receiving unwanted attention. However, although control is given to women, they are not given enough information to make an educated decision. With the app's limited profile information, it's almost impossible to tell the good members from the bad ones based on what's written on their profile. The app feels appearance-dFor an app that supposedly empowers women, the execution feels a tad underwhelming. The logic behind it is great - allowing women to make the first move protects them from receiving unwanted attention. However, although control is given to women, they are not given enough information to make an educated decision. With the app's limited profile information, it's almost impossible to tell the good members from the bad ones based on what's written on their profile. The app feels appearance-driven, so it's a good option for people looking for hookups and casual dates. For people looking for long-term relationships, the app may not be as efficient.If you prefer an online dating platform where both men and women can converse freely without deadlines or limiting conditions, check out our Dating Apps category for more choices.riven, so it's a good option for people looking for hookups and casual dates. For people looking for long-term relationships, the app may not be as efficient.If you prefer an online dating platform where both men and women can converse freely without deadlines or limiting conditions, check out our Social Dating Apps category for more choices.

Bumble FAQ

Free Features

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.

Facts

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
Bumble Hive L.A.

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.

Usability

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.

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 using their website or by downloading their app.

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.

Costs

How much is Bumble dating app?

You can download the Bumble dating app for free, but you can choose to upgrade it to premium.

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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E-Mail:feedback@team.bumble.com
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