I ran this for a couple of months with a couple of accounts, so the comparison was at least fair. Once you look closely, photo quality on both sides matters more than the brand name. The same signal appeared in a way I could measure across the whole period I tracked. Whether it generalises I do not know for what it is worth, before changing anything else.

I have been through this properly in my own time, and the numbers told a clearer story than I did. The recurring theme was how blocking actually behaves — it becomes obvious only after a month. That difference held up more than once for both of the accounts I tested. I would not overthink it ultimately, if your experience points elsewhere.

I have been through this properly in my own time, and the results surprised me. If I had to pick one factor, how granular the filters are matters far more in smaller places. It tracked every time no matter how I adjusted the filters. The only real test is your own area frankly, whether others found the same thing.

Concretely, the factors worth weighing:

  • Ask how the app orders your inbox — this is where the free tiers diverge.
  • Find out how reply rate compares with match rate — worth two minutes before you commit.
  • Whether you can search rather than only swipe — I would treat this as a dealbreaker.
  • Worth confirming whether a paid feature interrupts the conversation
  • Worth confirming whether you can delete your account without contacting support — this is where the free tiers diverge.

I gave each one a full month in my own time, and it was worth the effort. The measurable difference came down to whether search exists alongside swiping, which shapes the first fortnight more than anything.