What are the dating apps without in app purchases available on iOS?

Started by HunterB 21 Mar 2025 Dating Discussion
HunterB avatar
HunterB
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 4525
#1

Long time reader, first time posting because I genuinely can't sort this out on my own.

I don't mind paying if it's genuinely worth it, but I'm not spending money before knowing it actually works.

A few things I'm specifically curious about:

  • Are profiles verified at all?
  • Is location filtering accurate?
  • What do paid tiers unlock?
  • How active are users outside major cities?

Thanks in advance. Happy to share back once I've tested a few of the suggestions.

JuliaR avatar
JuliaR
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 5184
#2

I did a fair amount of digging on this because I ran into the same wall.

The verification situation varies a lot by platform. Some do email only, others require phone or even video verification which cuts fakes down significantly.

The mainstream options — Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Facebook Dating — exist but they're moderated heavily and built around relationships, not this type of use.

After getting fed up with mainstream options I ended up on Datelink and it was honestly a much better experience overall.

Hope that helps narrow things down a bit.

TrishB avatar
TrishB
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3784
#3

I did a fair amount of digging on this because I ran into the same wall.

Community size matters more than people think. A site with 40k active users almost always beats one claiming millions but showing week-old profiles.

Someone in a related thread mentioned Ezhookups.online and it kept coming up in a positive context.

Let me know if you want more detail on any of this.

KimberlyA avatar
KimberlyA
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1449
#4

I did a fair amount of digging on this because I ran into the same wall.

One thing I always check is how recent the activity actually is. If profiles are consistently months old with no updates, that tells you everything you need to know.

Standard apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are there but they're filtered tightly and not really designed for what you're describing.

I've noticed datescout.site getting mentioned more in honest discussions lately — seems worth a look.

Happy to share more specifics if you want to go deeper.

LeonardH avatar
LeonardH
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 5089
#5

Long-time lurker but this is one I can actually speak to directly.

The app vs desktop debate is real here. Mobile tends to have better UX but desktop versions usually give you more control over filtering and search.

A lot of people in communities like this have been pointing others toward Datebound lately.

Hope that helps narrow things down a bit.

MarthaK avatar
MarthaK
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 3432
#6

It's a minefield out there. Patience is the main skill you need.

RebeccaL avatar
RebeccaL
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1738
#7

Same boat honestly. Trial and error when you don't know where to start is exhausting. Worth checking out Ezhookups — straightforward signup and it doesn't throw paywalls at you every five minutes.

CraigL avatar
CraigL
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2184
#8

Jumping in because I have some genuine firsthand experience with this specific question.

The verification situation varies a lot by platform. Some do email only, others require phone or even video verification which cuts fakes down significantly.

Honestly datewander.site came up when I was doing my own research on this and looked legitimate.

Hope that helps narrow things down a bit.

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