“I’ve been using Badoo since 2015. I was a free member for a year but upgraded my membership to lifetime premium as I see that the app is going nowhere but the app in the next decade. Until now, it proves to be an excellent investment. I have met a lot of women through the app—most were looking for a casual hook up, which I was very open to. I’ve also met a few girls who were into serious dating. I dated once for six months, but I had to leave the city, and we couldn’t keep up with LDR. Right now, I’m seeing a woman I also met through chance at the app’s Encounters game. It was the appearance that initially brought us together, but we connected once we started talking. We’ve been dating for a week, and I don’t know. I just have a really good feeling about this.”
- Alvin, 28, LA
Badoo Review UK October 2026
- Encounters feature for quicker member matching
- Majority of users from European countries
Badoo UK in 10 seconds
- A social media network and dating site good for people looking for love, friendship, or casual relationships
- Majority of users are late teens and young adults
- Majority of users come from European countries
- There are occasional technical issues when accessing the mobile app
- App has a high percentage of member activity
- Many special features are available
- Contacting features are free to use, but a premium membership can enhance your experience
Find out if Badoo is the right service for you or if there are better options.
Better than Badoo
Who is Badoo for, and not for?
- Singles who are into casual flirting
- Those looking for love, friendships, and profound connections
- People looking for casual dating with no strings attached
- Those searching for erotic adventures
- Older singles who want to find love and find long-term commitment
- People who dislike quick matchmaking
Badoo pros & cons
- Contacting features are free to use by everyone
- Many active members on the app
- Most, if not all members are legitimate
- Many special features
- Occasional technical errors on the app
- Not much active members in some countries
- Mostly successful for casual dating only
What Badoo really costs in the UK
Although you can make use of Badoo's core features for free, you can also enjoy more benefits by signing up for Badoo's premium membership.
Badoo uses credits as an in-service currency. You can purchase credits to enjoy some perks, such as more visibility, removing feature limitations, and others.
Credits can be used for the following user perks:
- Be the first entry to show up on match search results
- Get your photo included in the featured users' tab
- Your profile shows up more often in Badoo Encounters
- Purchase gifts to catch attention
- Use emojis and stickers in chat
- Raises your Badoo Encounters quota
- Raises chat quota to 5
- Notify users when you are online
You can set the system up to auto-refill your credits whenever they go below a certain amount.
How to cancel your Badoo subscription →
Is Badoo right for me?Who is signed up on Badoo in the UK?
Exclusively on DatingScout: online member numbers for dating services are usually far off, so we estimate how many people are really on Badoo from traffic data and interest, updated monthly, with history.
Badoo caters more to the younger generation, which complements their “fresh and hip” setup and thrust towards mobile dating.
The dating site, with its users mostly on the lookout for hookups and flings, is often compared to Tinder. However, it does have its fair share of those over 35, who are looking for more committed connections.
Older members looking for a serious relationship might feel out of place with fewer match potentials.
Last data update: October 2026
How does Badoo work?
Search for members nearby your location through searching People Nearby
Swipe matchmaking available called Badoo Encounters
Message for free with your successful matches
Signing up at Badoo
★★★★★ 3.0/5
Required information
- Name
- Date of birth
- Location
- Your gender
- Reason for signing up
- Partner's gender
- Profile picture upload
Optional information
- Personality test
Verification
- Photo upload required
Making contact on Badoo
★★★★★ 4.0/5
- There is a nearby search function
- Lots of contacting features to use for free
- Roulette-type matchmaking available
- Send songs
- Everybody can send messages for free
- Badoo has a chat function
- Unlimited messaging is free for successful matches
Profile quality
★★★★★ 2.0/5
- Badoo has an extensive photo verification process to ensure a user's identity
- Profile verification process requires users to connect their account to their social media account or phone
- Users are unable to take screenshots while on the app
- State your "Dating Intentions"
- Profiles are moderately detailed
- Profile pictures are visible to everybody for free
- You can edit your profile information later
The Badoo app
★★★★★ 4.0/5
- The design is organised, simple, and pleasing to the eyes
- The functionality is intuitive and user-friendly
- App has more features than the website version
- Badoo app allows location proximity matching
- Mobile app has chat features and a special featured called ‘Bumped into’
- Occasional technical errors such as the inability to log in, send messages and view certain screens
- Available to download in the App Store and Google Play Store
One of the biggest reasons why Badoo's desktop version looks outdated and lacklustre is because the company itself is focusing more on its mobile app. Since it is geared towards finding dates or easy and quick hookups, going mobile would be the most logical move. This way, you can look for possible friends, chatmates, flings, and one night stands anytime, anywhere.
Badoo has put in more effort into the mobile app compared to its desktop counterpart. The profile layouts are great, unlike its browser counterpart. Also, there are more features and things to do in the app so that you can meet more people on the go.
Our field test
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Design & usability
Since Badoo prides itself on being a social media platform with a focus on dating, its layout is similar to other social media platforms like Facebook. However, the design falls short in comparison. As previously mentioned, your profile dashboard looks like a cluttered mess, and the design is too simple. The way your profile looks when viewed by others is slightly better, though not by much.
In terms of accessibility, the site is user-friendly. Badoo login is quick and easy. In just one click of a button, you can sign in and out of Badoo in a jiffy.
The sidebar menu allows you to access most of its features with a mouse click. As for features you can access from the main page of your profile, it's possible to miss some of them because of the layout's simplicity.
Essential parts of your profile don't stand out as the site doesn't make use of eye-catching colour schemes or fonts.
Special features
For special features, we give Badoo a 3 out of 5.
A hybrid between a social networking platform and an online dating site, Badoo has several unique games and features that other websites don't have.
The only downside is that it caters only to people looking for casual dates and hookups, since most engage members based on their looks, without really putting any emphasis on interests, viewpoints, intelligence or personality.
Finding people 2
Badoo EncountersFree
This allows you to look for matches easily.
VisitsFree
Check which members visited your profile in Visits.
Showing interest 4
LikesFree
You get email and browser notifications when someone likes your profile.
FavouritesFree
Put preferred users on your favourite lists. You can also see who put you on theirs.
CrushPaid
Crush is an instant notification that you can send to a member to let them know you like them by clicking on heart with an arrow icon on the top of their profile. You use your credits to successfully send a Crush.
Send a SongFree
Members can now send their favourite tracks to each other via Apple Music to create meaningful connections.
Profile and visibility 3
Profile ScoreFree
This allows other members to rate your pictures. The higher your score is, the more visible your profile would be.
MoodsFree
Moods is a special feature which gives users the option to share what’s on their minds. This can either be based around their current emotions or what kind of date they want to pursue.
Badoo Secret AwardsFree
Badoo Secret Awards are private badges you earn by accomplishing certain Badoo achievements such as reaching a high profile score, having the most connections, and having the most conversations on the app.
Safety and privacy 3
Private Detector TechnologyFree
This feature automatically detects and blurs unsolicited nude images. Recipients have the option to immediately report the sender without having to view the picture first.
Rude Message DetectorFree
Badoo has increased its security systems by adding a rude message detector feature. This software carefully recognizes rude, abusive, homophobic, and discriminatory content and allows users to directly report the conversation through a pop-up notification.
Screenshot Block FeatureFree
Badoo implements a screenshot block feature that discourages users to share private information and photos without permission. Android users can no longer take screenshots and iOS users will get a warning message once they take one.
Other extras 2
Games and Profile FeaturesPaid
Aside from Encounters, there are several other games available:
- Lookalikes - Using your photo, Badoo determines which members you look similar to. If you find a particular user attractive, you can search for their lookalikes so you can see others with the same features.
- Gifts - You can purchase gifts for other users. Using credits, you can also send emojis to get their attention.
Would You RatherFree
This is an interactive game feature where users who opt in are matched together asked a series of questions as a way to get to know each other and find out what they have in common.
Final results
“Badoo does a good job connecting members who are attracted to one another. With its Encounters feature, the matching of members is sped up and done so with utmost efficiency. However, Badoo may not be the best for people who are searching for a lifetime partner, or a serious relationship.”
Alternatives: Better than Badoo
Badoo head to head
Compare Badoo with other dating sites
14 Badoo experiences from real users in the UK
- Free basic access without payment
- Successful relationship leading to engagement
- Positive regard for user privacy
- Fake profiles, bots, and scammers
- Paid features and messaging restrictions
- Few replies and limited genuine conversations
- Poor support and unexplained account blocks
- Sexual harassment during live chats
Nothing
Everything. Even this "article" om responding to is one of Badoo's many, many fake accounts/reviews. Badoo themselves actually use bots to create fake profiles, using photos stolen from social media pages. Most of the profiles are fake and ALL fake profiles are CREATED BY BADOO THEMSELVES! Badoo also uses an illegal pre checked box to get your money. They have stolen mine and many other people's money. Badoo and their staff are fraudsters and thieves who think nothing of engaging in criminal activities.
Free to use.....
They allowed my profile to be hacked... Went to log in and got a message saying.. Wrong password... Thought I'd typed it wrong.....Did it again....Same message.... Tried to do a password reset... Using forgot password feature... It then said my e-mail address was wrong... It wasnt.... By now I'm getting annoyed.... I'd been on the site for a long time so knew my details were correct.... I then complained to Badoo....And they said I'd broken some violation rule....What a load of rubbish ! I've always been polite to anyone I've spoken to on the site.... And don't use rude words. So how can Badoo explain that my password was somehow wrong.....Reason...Because they allowed it to be changed ..... And I did'nt receive an e-mail to tell me it had....So to me member/profile security on the site is'nt very good.... And the violation excuse was how they tried to deny it.... Plus they did'nt even tell me what the so-called violation was either... I did get this from them on... Wed 02/02/2022 16:08 Your account has been blocked Badoo doesn’t work if we treat each other badly, and some of our users have reported that you’re breaking our Terms and Conditions. That is certainly not the case..... But earlier....Wed 02/02/2022 12:17.... Welcome back to Badoo Good to see you again, Nathan Since your last visit a whole bunch of new girls in East of England have joined Badoo and would love to meet you. Welcome back..... I'd never left.... I think the above more than proves that Badoo allowed my account to be hijacked....
Its free!!
Most men on here are married and pretend to be single, or in a relationship, or just looking for sex!
Cancelling your Badoo subscription
How you can cancel
- Via your profile settings on Badoo
Contact details
| Company | Badoo Trading Limited |
|---|---|
| Address | The Broadgate Tower, Third Floor, 20 Primrose Street, London EC2A 2RS |
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Subscriptions renew automatically, cancel at least 1 day before your current term ends.
Money-back guarantee
- Badoo offers a money-back guarantee with a full refund
- You have 14 days to cancel and get your money back
If you wish to cancel and request a refund you must contact Badoo via its Feedback Page. Please note that if you choose to download any of the Content which forms part of any paid for service within the 14 day period, you may lose the right to a refund.
Do your credits expire?
Credits expire after 6 months.
Is Badoo right for me?Badoo FAQ
Where is Badoo based?
Badoo has offices in London (UK), Moscow (Russia), and Malta.
What's Badoo all about?
To differentiate itself from other dating platforms, Badoo refers to itself as a dating-driven social media site. Unlike dating sites, Badoo doesn't use matching and compatibility algorithms and matches users based on distance and interests alone.
Where's the best place to download the Badoo app?
For security purposes, it's better to download the Badoo dating app through legitimate sources such as the Google Play Store, Apple Store, and Windows store. There are platforms where you can download the latest Badoo .apk files, but it's difficult to ascertain which downloads are legit, and which will give your phone a virus.
What are Badoo Secret Awards?
Secret Awards are private badges that members can get. They're hidden because they don't appear on your account. This is mostly to notify users of their achievements on Badoo. You can get awards for getting the highest-profile score and having the most connections (most conversations).
What are Badoo Encounters?
Encounters work similarly to Tinder's style of speed dating. Matches show up on your screen one-by-one, and with a mouse click or swipe, you can show your interest or reject the match before moving to the next one.
What is Badoo Live? Is Badoo live still available?
With Badoo Live, you could host live streams on the platform or the app or watch the live streams of others. You could comment on their streams and also follow them - or gain followers yourself by actively using the feature. In April 2020, Badoo announced that the feature was removed. They stated that they wanted their users to "focus on connections" rather than "spending time viewing streams". –
Are Badoo profiles real?
If you see a blue checkmark below a user's photo, it means that they are verified users, and more often than not, these types are real. Although Badoo has a strict photo verification system, some fake profiles still squeeze through the cracks and make it into the platform. For females, the surest way to guarantee that the person you're talking to is who they say they are, you can request for a selfie through chat.
What is Badoo Encounters?
Encounters is at the core of the Badoo experience. Photos of members who match your interests will be shown to you, and you decide if you want to meet them. Just set your search criteria, flick through your choices, and see who you like.
You can increase how often you appear in Encounters when other Badoo users are looking at it. Just get some Extra shows and watch your popularity rise.
How can I find out who likes me on Badoo?
The "Liked You" folder shows you all the people who voted 'Yes' when they saw you in Encounters. You can access your "Liked You" folder by activating Badoo Premium.
How can I find my matches on Badoo?
Your matches are the people who voted 'Yes' for you and who you liked, too, in Encounters. You can access their profiles directly from "Messages" to start chatting and make friends. So that you're able to differentiate between matches and messages from users you have not matched with yet, matches will have a heart icon on them.
What is the Crush feature on Badoo?
Sending a Crush means that you can let other users know how much you like them by clicking on the heart with an arrow icon on the top right of their profile.
Sending a Crush to someone means that they will be able to check out your profile straight away, and you can use Credits to send Crushes to as many users as you like! Note that there is no Undo when sending a Crush.
What do I do if I want to "unregister'' myself from Badoo?
You can terminate your registration at any time by going to the "Settings" Control of Badoo. After clicking the "Delete Profile" link, Badoo will retain your account for 30 days if you changed your mind and want to reactivate it. Once the 30 days are up, the deletion of your Badoo account is permanent.
What are Badoo gifts?
Gifts are icons that can be bought using Badoo credits and sent to other users to catch their attention. These are virtual equivalents of real gifts, so instead of giving a girl flowers, you can purchase the flower sticker instead.
What are Badoo Superpowers?
Badoo Superpowers is just another name for Badoo premium, which gives users exclusive perks that can increase their visibility and make them more popular on the dating website.
Can I report violators of the Badoo Terms and Conditions?
Yes, you have a right to privacy so you can report any abuse or violation of a member to the Badoo team by filling out the Feedback page. Make sure to include examples of the actions the user did so Badoo can act accordingly.
Another option is to visit the user's profile and click the "Report Abuse" link. Choose the reason for the complaint and submit.
All of a sudden, I can't access my Badoo profile. What's going on?
If you suddenly can't access your Badoo profile, it's most likely that your account got suspended for violating Badoo's Terms and Conditions.
You did not find your question? Ask us!
Thank you for your question. We will answer it as soon as possible.
Security
- Does Badoo sell your data?
- No, Badoo does not sell your data.
- Was Badoo hacked in the past?
- No, Badoo was never hacked.
- How accurately does Badoo track your location?
- Badoo tracks your exact location.
- Do your Badoo profile pictures or profile information appear in Google Search Results?
- No, your Badoo photos and personal information will not appear in Google Search Results.
- Who can view your pictures on Badoo?
- All Badoo users can view your pictures.
- Is your phone number required for signing up at Badoo?
- Yes, a phone number is required for signing up at Badoo.
- Can you erase your personal data on Badoo?
- Yes, Badoo provides an option for users to erase their data.
Why can you trust us?
- We have been testing and publishing online dating reviews for over 17 years
- We have carefully reviewed over 3,579 dating services
- Our dating site reviews and results are objective and independent in contrast to many other comparison sites
- We update our reviews every month based on new site/app offerings and feedback from our readers
- We are the Author of the Book "Online Dating for Dummies" - read more on our About Us page
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