HER is the better choice for individuals seeking a dating and social platform specifically designed for lesbian, queer, bisexual, and sapphic women, as well as non-binary and transgender people. Bumble is a more general dating app with a broader user base and additional features for friendship and professional networking, but it may not provide the same level of community and inclusivity as HER for queer women and non-binary individuals.
| Attribute | HER | Bumble |
|---|---|---|
| User Demographics | Designed for lesbian, queer, bisexual, and sapphic women, as well as non-binary and transgender people. Welcomes cis women, trans women, trans men, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming people. Over 50% of users are estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old. | Popular among Gen Z and millennials, with the average user around 26 years old. Over 70% of users are under 35. Approximately 60% men to 40% women. Other sources mention the male users consisting of 76%. Welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, though straight users make up a majority (81%). Around 24% of Bumble users have completed a postgraduate degree. |
| Matching Algorithm Accuracy | Considers preferences, interests, and past behavior to suggest matches. Analyzes user preferences, engagement patterns, and behavioral data to suggest compatible matches. | Considers user preferences, profile completeness, and engagement. A complete and accurate profile helps the algorithm find better matches. A 'Discover' feature showcases compatible profiles based on shared interests and dating intentions. |
| Profile Customization Options | Allows users to customize their profiles with pronouns, gender identity, sexual orientation, and "Pride Pins". Users can also add lifestyle details like whether they are sober, religious, or want kids. Profiles allow users to share what they're looking for, such as hookups, monogamous relationships, or friendships. You can add photos, "Pride Pins," and link your Instagram and Spotify accounts. | Users create profiles by uploading photos, writing bios, answering prompts, and adding badges. |
| Safety and Verification Features | Provides verification badges and allows users to control their privacy settings. Verifies female Facebook and Instagram profiles. Employs a multi-step verification process, including photo verification and identity checks. Users are encouraged to verify their profiles and filter for other verified profiles. | Offers photo verification and ID Verification. Bans guns and other weapons in profile pictures. A 'Private Detector' feature blurs lewd images. Uses AI to identify spam, scam, and fake profiles. |
| Communication Features | Supports text, photos, GIFs, and video calls in chats. | In heterosexual matches, only women can initiate conversations. In same-sex matches, either party can initiate. Offers video and voice call options. Suggests opening lines. Allows users to send photos and captions. |
| Subscription Cost and Features | Offers a free version with options for a premium subscription. Premium features include unlimited likes and matches, the ability to see who likes you, advanced filters, and an ad-free experience. HER Premium subscription prices start at $14.99 USD/month. | Offers Bumble Boost, Bumble Premium, and Bumble Premium+. Features include rematching, extending matches, backtracking, unlimited swipes, Spotlights, access to 'Beeline', advanced filters, Travel Mode, Incognito Mode, Priority Likes, access to the Trending tab, and a daily visibility boost. Costs vary by location and subscription length. |
| Number of Active Users | Over 13 million users worldwide. Has reached over 300 million matches. | Over 50 million monthly active users worldwide. Approximately 4.3 million monthly active users in the United States. |
| Geographic Reach | Available in over 125 countries. Localized in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Thriving communities exist in the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Thailand, and Brazil. | Available in over 150 countries. Significant usage in the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Germany. |
| Reporting and Blocking Features | Users can block specific users and report those who violate community guidelines or make them feel uncomfortable. The platform allows users to report profiles or interactions that raise red flags. | Has a Block & Report system for users who feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Users can report suspicious, offensive, harassing, or fraudulent behavior. |
| Privacy Settings and Data Security | Users can control their privacy settings. HER's privacy policy states that users can use an alias and that providing personal information is optional. HER gives all users the right to access and delete their data. Requires strong passwords, provides two-factor authentication, and uses encryption technology. Users can control profile visibility and delete their accounts. | Requires account verification, encrypts data in transit, and complies with data protection regulations like GDPR. Users can limit profile visibility and use Incognito Mode. |
| Community Features | Combines dating with social media functionality, featuring a feed where users can share posts and interact. The app hosts events and offers groups focused on various interests. There are over 30 communities to join. | Offers Bumble BFF for finding friends and Bumble Bizz for professional networking. Bumble BFF and Bizz collectively comprise 10–15% of total engagement. |
| User Interface and Experience | HER's interface resembles a hybrid between social media and a dating app. | Interface is considered clean, intuitive, and user-friendly. Designed to be used with one hand. Uses visual cues and animations to enhance the user experience. |