Our verdict
Badoo is one of the oldest dating sites and remains big in Europe and Latin America. It mixes swiping with browsing people nearby and is cheap to upgrade.
Bottom line: Badoo is worth a try if you live outside the US or want a low-cost site for chatting and casual dates.
Great for: Meeting people nearby, internationally
Not ideal for: People looking for marriage-minded matches in North America.
Badoo at a glance
| Audience | Broad ages, strongest outside the US |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Chatting and casual dating |
| Free version | Yes — Swiping (Encounters), People Nearby, Messaging, Video chat, Photo verification |
| Paid from | ≈ $5/week (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large international audience
- Free version is generous
- Web version available
- Cheaper than most rivals
Cons
- Smaller community in the US
- More fake or inactive profiles than premium sites
- Mostly casual intent
- Credits system can be confusing
Key features
- Encounters
- Tinder-style swiping to find mutual likes.
- People Nearby
- Browse members close to your location and message them.
- Video chat
- Built-in video calls to check that a match is real before meeting.
- Photo verification
- Verified profiles get a badge after a pose check.
How much does Badoo cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Swiping (Encounters), People Nearby, Messaging, Video chat, Photo verification |
| Badoo Premium | ≈ $5–15/week or cheaper monthly | See who liked you, Undo votes, Invisible mode, Priority messages |
| Credits | Pay as you go | Boost visibility, Extra features à la carte |
Prices are indicative US prices checked September 16, 2026. Apps often charge different amounts by country, age, platform and plan length — confirm the final price in the app before paying.
Want the full breakdown and ways to save? Read our Badoo pricing guide and free trial options.
Is Badoo safe?
Photo verification and video chat help, but be extra careful with profiles that quickly ask to move to another messenger.
Before meeting anyone, follow our verification checklist.
Not sure Badoo is right for you?
These alternatives may suit you better depending on your goals. See all Badoo alternatives.
Best for: Meeting lots of people fast
- Huge, active user base almost everywhere
- Free version lets you match and chat
- Very fast and easy to use
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $10/mo
Best for: Women who want more control
- Less unwanted messaging for women
- Relationship-minded user base
- Strong verification and safety features
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $15/mo
Best for: Casual to serious dating on a budget
- Large international user base
- Mix of swiping and browsing
- Web and app
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $20/mo
Compare Badoo
Badoo FAQ
Is Badoo free?
Yes. Swiping, browsing nearby people and messaging are free. Premium and credits unlock extras.
Is Badoo popular in the US?
It has users in the US, but it is much bigger in Europe and Latin America.
Is Badoo safe?
It offers verification and reporting tools. As with any free site, watch for fake profiles and never send money to matches.