Been sitting on this question for a while — figured this community would have the best take. Tinder Gold is arguably the biggest ripoff in app history. The free version works with patience.
Free dating apps have gotten better but the best features are still paywalled on most. Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when getting to know someone new.
Match quality on free plans is decent if you're in a populated area and use filters well.
Apps I've been looking at:
- Tinder
- Badoo
- Lovoo