Badoo has emerged as one of the most popular dating platforms worldwide, boasting over 100 million active users—far exceeding many other dating sites and apps.
But does a large user base necessarily make Badoo better than its competitors? Is Badoo truly worth your time? Let’s dive into our honest Badoo app review to find out.
About Badoo
- Languages: English
- Total Downloads: 100M+
- Average Rating: 4.1★
- Free to use: Yes
- Content rating: 18+
- Desktop App: Yes
- Pricing: $12.99 – $59.99 per item
- Video Calls: Yes
- Address: https://badoo.com/
The Badoo app has a global presence, with users spanning over 150 countries.
How does the Badoo app work?
Badoo offers a variety of free features, with the primary requirement being a successful match with another user.
You can customize your location to find people nearby or in distant locations. One standout feature is the roulette-style matchmaking called ‘Badoo Encounters,’ which allows you to connect with users from far-off places. When creating your profile, you can also upload a 15-second video clip showcasing your personality and preferences.
Profiles with video clips tend to gain more visibility, giving you an advantage in Badoo’s profile scoring system.
While Badoo shares the same goal as other dating apps—connecting people—the functionality and features it offers are quite distinct. In many ways, Badoo operates differently from other dating apps, even though the core purpose remains the same.
Sign-up and Profile-Making Process
Badoo is accessible via both app and web versions, allowing you to create an account and use the platform in either format.
To sign up, simply tap on ‘Sign in with Badoo’ and enter your email address, phone number, and password in the required fields. Once you click the ‘Sign In’ button, your account will be created.
You also have the option to register using your Facebook or Google account, eliminating the need to remember an additional password.
After logging into your account, the app may prompt you to share your location. You can choose to accept or decline this request.
Next, you’ll be asked to provide some basic information, such as your gender and city. You can fill in these details or skip them for now. Once completed, you’re ready to start using the Badoo app.
The User Interface
The user interface of Badoo features a navigation bar accompanied by four buttons that grant access to its core functionalities:
- Discover Who’s Nearby: This section displays nearby users. To view a member’s profile, simply tap their image to see a brief bio, location, and verification status. You can also filter your search based on location, age range, and gender preferences.
- Play to Match: Here, you can browse full-size photos of potential matches and swipe right on those you’re interested in. To view additional pictures, swipe down to see all the images they’ve uploaded.
- Message Center: This area allows you to manage your connections and chat with them all in one place. By tapping the ‘All Connections’ button, you can view your likes, favorites, and more.
- Profile: In this section, you can adjust your account settings, view your account information, or verify your profile by linking your social media accounts, such as Facebook or Instagram.
Overall, the Badoo interface is modern and user-friendly. All options are easily accessible, making it straightforward for anyone to navigate the app.
There are no hidden settings or features that require special knowledge; everything is easy to find. While ads are present, they are not intrusive enough to detract from the user experience.
Overall, the UI of the Badoo app is functional and contemporary, though it may not be the most visually striking.
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Badoo App Features
What makes the Badoo app popular is its ability to create a casual atmosphere through its minimalistic yet quirky features.
While some of these features may not significantly aid in finding what you’re looking for, they certainly add an element of fun. Here are a few notable features Badoo offers:
- Highlight: If you want your messages to stand out at the top of someone’s chat screen, the Highlight feature can be particularly useful. This increases your chances of receiving a prompt response, though it is available only through a premium membership.
- Stickers: Stickers are essentially enhanced emojis that can be purchased with credits for use in conversations. You can easily access your customized stickers via the emoji menu. While most stickers require Badoo credits to buy, some are exclusively available to premium members.
- Encounters: As mentioned earlier, Encounters serve as the initial stage of matching on the Badoo app. Here, you can express interest in singles you find attractive. You also have the option to send a smile, which functions similarly to a super like in other dating apps.
- Invisible Mode: This feature allows you to browse for singles in your desired area without being seen. Note that Invisible Mode is available only for premium members.
Overall, these features contribute to Badoo’s appeal, making it a fun platform to explore connections.
Profile Quality: Genuine or Fake?
After using the Badoo app, we found that while there are many genuine users, they can sometimes be hidden beneath a sea of scammers and catfishers.
As with most dating platforms, fake profiles are a common issue, exposing users to potential fraud. However, we were impressed by Badoo’s strict policies on appropriate behavior, which include identity verification and robust social media filtering.
These measures have significantly reduced the presence of trolls, leaving a sizable pool of authentic singles to interact with. That said, fake profiles still exist, which is concerning because, despite the verification process, scammers can still find ways to infiltrate the platform.
Overall, the quality of profiles is good, but we advise staying vigilant against scammers, even though they are less prevalent compared to other dating apps.
You may also like the SweetMeet app review.
Is Badoo app Free?
The Badoo app offers numerous free features that allow members to interact with each other, but subscribing to the premium membership unlocks additional perks.
Here’s a breakdown of the features available to both free and premium users:
Free Membership Features:
- Access to search options
- Ability to message paid accounts
- Profile verification
- Viewing other profiles
- Participation in the ‘Encounters’ matching game
Paid Membership Features:
Badoo refers to its premium subscription as ‘Superpowers,’ offering exclusive benefits that enhance your visibility and increase your chances of finding a match. Premium features include:
- See who liked your profile
- See who added you to their Favorites list
- Browse profiles anonymously
- Undo your last swipe
- Chat with Badoo’s most popular users
- Contact new users before anyone else
- Have your messages prioritized in recipients’ inboxes
- Unlock exclusive stickers
- Enjoy an ad-free experience
Upgrading to a premium membership provides a range of features designed to elevate your Badoo experience and improve your odds of meeting someone special.
Badoo Pricing
Badoo Premium:
- 1 Week: $3.00
- 1 Month: $12.99 – $13.84 (depending on promotions)
- 3 Months: $26.34
- 6 Months: $39.57
Badoo Premium Plus:
- 1 Week: $13.71
- 1 Month: $27.40
- 3 Months: $54.88
- 6 Months: $82.32
Please note that this pricing may vary depending on your location and over time, but it’s an average price you can expect.
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The Real-life Experience
After months of using the Badoo app, we’ve found that it’s best suited for singles who are interested in casual dating or meeting others based primarily on physical attraction.
The app’s playful, game-like features make it appealing for those seeking a lighthearted dating experience.
If you’re looking for serious commitment, however, Badoo might not be the best platform.
In our experience, most users are in their late teens or early twenties, so if you’re over 35, this app may not align with your expectations or preferences.
On the positive side, Badoo is a secure platform. It prioritizes the safety of its user’s personal information, making it a good option for those who are concerned about privacy and security while using a dating app.
We’ve met a fair number of good people on Badoo, but only a small percentage seemed interested in serious dating.
Overall, our experience with the app was decent, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. However, it’s important to remember that this is just our personal experience, and yours might differ.
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Is Badoo better than Tinder?
When it comes to casual dating, Tinder takes the crown. Both Tinder and Badoo match singles primarily based on appearance and are often labeled ‘hook-up apps.’
In terms of user numbers, Badoo has won with over 481 million registered users since its launch, making it one of the most downloaded dating apps worldwide.
So, which one is better? The best approach is to try both and see which suits your needs. Both apps are highly rated and boast millions of active users. If you’re looking for relaxed, casual dating, either app will serve you well.
From our experience, getting a match on Badoo is easier, and it offers slightly more features than Tinder.
Overall, both apps are solid choices, but Badoo edges out as a better option in some aspects.
Consider checking out the Mingle2 review.
Pros and Cons of Badoo Dating App
Pros
- Offers various communication options, including video calls.
- Most members are genuine.
- Uses verification to minimize fake profiles.
- Strict policy against explicit content, with media monitored before delivery.
- Free to contact anyone without a subscription.
- Includes several unique features.
Cons
- Fake profiles still exist.
- Limited features.
- Matches rely more on photos than compatibility.
- Not ideal for serious dating.
- Most active in specific regions.
Conclusion: Is Badoo worth it?
The Badoo app tends to attract a younger crowd, catering more to the needs of younger users compared to older adults.
Given its youthful user base, Badoo is often compared to Tinder, as both are popular for casual dating and hookups.
That said, Badoo still has a significant number of users over 35 looking for serious relationships. However, they may face challenges finding potential partners in this environment.
Badoo sets itself apart from other dating apps with added features and multiple layers of security, giving it an edge and making it a preferred choice in many countries.
If you’re seeking something more serious and based on compatibility, Badoo may not be the best option. However, if the focus on casual connections doesn’t bother you, it’s definitely worth trying.
FAQs
1. Is Badoo good for serious relationships?
Badoo is a mixed bag for serious relationships. While many users seek casual connections, there are also some individuals looking for long-term partners. However, it’s important to note that Badoo is generally more geared towards casual dating rather than serious commitments.
2. Is Badoo app safe or not?
Badoo implements safety measures like profile verification and reporting features. However, user safety can vary. It’s essential to exercise caution, avoid sharing personal information too quickly, and trust your instincts. While Badoo offers tools for safety, staying vigilant is important.
3. Can you chat on Badoo for free?
Yes, you can chat on Badoo for free, but there are some limitations. Free users can send and receive messages, but access to certain features requires a paid subscription.
4. Which country uses Badoo?
Badoo is popular in several countries, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. It has a global user base, but these regions tend to have a higher concentration of active users.
5. Are there fake profiles on Badoo?
Yes, like many dating apps, Badoo also has fake profiles. While the platform has measures to verify users, some fake accounts still exist.
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That concludes our Badoo app review. If you still have any questions or doubts, please feel free to ask us in the comments section.
Do you agree or disagree with the points we’ve highlighted? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
