A Free Bumble Alternative Built Around Shared Values
TL;DR
Souldaters is worth trying if you want a dating and friends app that is completely free, matches you through shared tribes and lifestyle, and lets either person start the conversation after a mutual match. Bumble is still a strong choice if you value its women-first approach to opening conversations and want a larger, established user base.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Souldaters | Bumble |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 100% free, no paid tier | Free basic version; paid subscriptions add features |
| See who liked you | Free for everyone | Generally part of paid tiers |
| Who can message first | Either person, once matched | Women-first approach in many matches; details have changed over time |
| Messaging | Only after a mutual match | Only after a mutual match |
| Match expiry | Matches do not expire | Time limits on some matches (varies) |
| Values & lifestyle matching | Tribes plus diet, drinking, exercise, makeup fields | Profile badges for lifestyle and interests |
| Hard dealbreaker filters | Free (only vegans, sober, non-smokers, want kids…) | Basic filters free; advanced filters in paid tiers |
| Friends mode | Built into the same profile | Friend-finding offered as a separate Bumble product |
| Community size | New (launched 2026), growing | Large, established user base |
Competitor features and pricing change often; check Bumble's own site for current details.
Why look for a Bumble alternative?
Bumble became popular by changing one thing about app dating: in matches between women and men, women were given the first move. Many people love that. Others go looking for alternatives for different reasons. Some find the time pressure on new matches stressful. Some would rather not pay to see who liked them or to unlock advanced filters. And many want an app that matches people on values and lifestyle, not only on photos and a short bio.
If you are vegan, sober, health-oriented, spiritual, a single parent, or you simply prefer to show up without makeup, you may want a place where those things are part of the matching itself.
What does Bumble do well?
- A clear first-move model. Bumble's women-first approach has given many women more control over who they talk to. The exact rules have evolved over time, including options to set an opening question.
- Established community. It has a large user base in many countries, so there are usually plenty of profiles.
- Mutual matching. Messages only happen after both people like each other.
- Verification and safety focus. Bumble offers photo verification and has been vocal about safety and respectful behavior.
- Lifestyle badges. Profiles can show details like exercise, drinking and what you are looking for.
How is Souldaters different from Bumble?
Completely free, for everyone
There is no premium tier on Souldaters. You can see who liked you, use every filter, join any tribe and message any match without paying. There are no boosts, so nobody can buy their way to the top of your feed.
Either person can start the chat
On Souldaters, once you have both liked each other, the chat opens for both of you. There is no countdown on matches, which suits people who prefer a slower pace or who only open the app a few times a week. The protective part comes from the mutual match itself: nobody can message you unless you liked them too.
Tribes: matching around what you actually live by
Members join tribes such as vegan, health-oriented, spiritual, single parents and dozens more, and anyone can start a new one. Tribes appear on profiles, have their own discussion boards, and raise your soul-match compatibility score with people who share them. Each suggestion comes with readable reasons, so the percentage is never a mystery.
Dealbreakers as real, free filters
You can require only vegans, only vegans and vegetarians, non-smokers, sober or non-drinkers, no-makeup or minimal-makeup, people who exercise often, only verified members, people who share a tribe, or people who do or do not want kids. These are hard filters, and they cost nothing.
Friends and dating in one place
Bumble offers friend-finding as a separate product. On Souldaters, you choose dating, friends only, or both on a single profile. Friend matches work with the same mutual "wave" first, so you can look for a running buddy or new-city friends without any ambiguity. See how to make friends as an adult for ideas.
What does a slower, values-first pace feel like?
Because nothing on Souldaters is timed, you can take a day to think about a match before writing. Because tribes have public pages and discussion boards, you can also get a sense of a community before you ever like anyone: read what members of a tribe talk about, join the conversation, and let connections form around shared interests rather than a single photo. Many people find this takes the edge off the "perform quickly or lose the match" feeling that fast apps can create. If you are prone to dating fatigue, our guide on avoiding burnout has practical ideas for a calmer routine.
What are the trade-offs?
Souldaters is new, having launched in 2026. That means fewer members than Bumble in many areas, and strict filters can shrink your options further while the community grows. It is an installable web app today, with native iOS and Android apps coming. Some women specifically want the structure of a women-first rule; if that is important to you, Bumble offers it and Souldaters does not.
Features and pricing of other apps change often; check their site for current details.
Which one is right for you?
| Souldaters may suit you if… | Bumble may suit you if… |
|---|---|
| You want every feature free | You like a women-first opening rule |
| You want to match on diet, sobriety, faith or lifestyle | You want a large, established pool |
| You prefer no time limit on matches | You are happy with paid extras |
| You want dating and friends on one profile | You want a native store app today |
How to switch from Bumble to Souldaters
- Create a free account and pick dating, friends, or both.
- Reuse your best Bumble photos, but add at least one that shows your everyday self and something you enjoy.
- Answer three prompts with specifics. Mention the things your tribes are about: the recipe you cook every Sunday, the trail you keep returning to.
- Join the tribes that truly fit, and fill in diet, drinking, exercise and kids honestly so filters work for you.
- Set only the dealbreakers you really mean, and loosen them if your area is still quiet.
Need inspiration? Our dating profile bio examples are a good start.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good free alternative to Bumble?
Souldaters is a fully free option with no paid tier, mutual matching, tribes for shared values and a built-in friends mode. Hinge and OkCupid also have free versions if you want larger general-purpose apps.
Do women have to message first on Souldaters?
No. Once two people have liked each other, either person can send the first message. Nobody can message you unless you liked them too.
Do matches expire on Souldaters?
No. Matches stay open until one person unmatches or blocks, which closes the chat permanently.
Is Souldaters really free?
Yes. There is no premium plan, no paywall and no paid boosts. Seeing who liked you and using every dealbreaker filter are free.
Can I find friends on Souldaters like on Bumble BFF?
Yes. You can choose friends only, or both friends and dating, on a single profile. Friend matches also need a mutual wave before chat opens.