"I think Huggle is a good app. It is very simple, and straightforward. This is my go-to app every time I do a little out-of-town. Every year, I travel to places I have never been and this app has helped me gain new friends along the way. It is a breath of fresh air since most of the location-based apps are more focused on helping people find romance and I'm not into those kinds of things. I prefer establishing friendships and this app has given me what I need. Though I must say, I was pretty disappointed with how bad the suggested locations are. I don't know if it's my phone's problem or the app's, but every time I try to check into a not so popular location, the app will suggest a different place away from where I was at. If this was the app's problem, I hope they fix it quick because they can't make their selling point glitchy! That would make their users want to switch to a different app. But I still love it and I'm still hoping they'll improve the app." Digital Nomad, 24
Huggle Review UK November 2026: Scam or real dates?
Find out if Huggle is the right service for you or if there are better options.
Better than Huggle
What Huggle really costs in the UK
This dating application is free for Android, iPhone, and Windows phone users. All of its useful features are available for free as well. These include the discovery option, finding matches, unlimited swipes, location check-ins, messaging, and many more. There are mentions of the Huggle Premium on the app's 'Help Center', but it seems inaccessible at the time of this review. We did some research as to the premium's availability in other countries, but some users have reported that the premium feature is not available in their area.
Who is signed up on Huggle in the UK?
Most of the members are from the United States, but there are people from other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Irelands, and Morocco.
The population is mostly on the younger side, but the membership is almost even across all age groups even in the 65 plus group. There are more males than females but the difference is not very significant as males make up 55 percent of the population. In terms of sexual orientation, the members are mostly straight singles looking for dates or friends.
| Women | Men |
|---|---|
| 45% | 55% |
| 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-54 | 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
22% 18-24 |
32% 25-34 |
21% 35-44 |
15% 45-54 |
10% 55+ |
Making contact on Huggle
★★★★★ 3.0/5
- Swipe features for passing and liking match recommendations
- Only suggests match based on mutual places
- Messaging is free for matches who like you back
- Discover option is available for people who have recently been to your favourite locations
- Pictures of other members are visible for free
Profile quality
★★★★★ 3.0/5
- Has multiple ways to verify profile
- Strict on photos you upload on your profile
- Your profile can be linked to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn account
- Only needs basic information (Age, Name, Language, and Current Location) and a little paragraph about yourself
- Profile Information is editable
Our field test
★★★★★ 3.0/5
Design & usability
The app comes in a calm shade of blue and white. Its design is modern and trendy for people who are looking for friends or relationships.
The functions are simple and easy to understand. It works just like most matching apps. Even if it is your first time on the app, you'll be able to find your way easily.
Special features
Huggle has the following special features to make your stay worthwhile and even more fun:
Finding people 1
TimelineFree
The timeline has the record of the places you have been. It shows you new check-ins from people who have recently been to your favourite places.
Messaging and contact 1
Send Photos and Videos to MatchesFree
Unlike other apps, where basic text messaging is the only option. Huggle lets you send images and videos to your matches anytime.
Safety and privacy 1
Import PlacesFree
1 Minute Photo Verification
Other extras 1
Huggle has added a creative photo verification process. The app shows you a pose that you have to copy as you take a selfie. They will then analyze your selfie for a minute, and reveal whether you got verified or not.
Final results
“Huggle is an interesting mobile application that helps you connect with people who like the same places as you. It helps you find better 'quick' matches, but at the same time narrows down people you can/might meet. However, since it is more popularly known as an app that allows you to find friends, it might not really be the app for those seeking romantic relationships. Although it has a large membership and a lot of interesting features (even for standard accounts), the chances of finding your true love here are probably unlikely. Yes, you might find genuine connections, but most of the time, such connections might just platonic (or a short-time fling). Therefore, if you're into serious commitments, then you might want to check other Dating Apps that focus on finding you a romantic love.”
Alternatives: Better than Huggle
Compare Huggle with other dating sites
| Activity |  Huggle3.0Read review |  Academic Singles5.0Read review |  ThaiMatch4.5Read review |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Huggle is a friendship and dating app matching people by places they have recently visited | Academic Singles is a matchmaking site for educated singles that pairs people by personality | ThaiMatch is an online dating platform for singles looking for Thai partners, available in 56 countries |
| Activity | 300,000 members | 190,000 members | 130,000 members |
| Costs and prices | Free | Premium 3 months: 39.99 GBP / month 6 months: 29.99 GBP / month 12 months: 19.99 GBP / month | VIP 1 month: 20.27 GBP / month 6 months: 14.90 GBP / month 12 months: 10.16 GBP / month |
| Free features | — | Profile creation Personality test Browse other profiles Receive matches | Create an account All features free for females One message for males every 10 minutes Dating blogs Tinder-like swiping feature Search tool |
| Premium features | — | View photos Send unlimited messages Read all your messages See who visited you Add users to favourites | Send unlimited messages for males Boost your profile Remove ads |
| Right for me?Read review | Visit Test winnerRead review | Visit ThaiKissesRead review |
Huggle experience reports
Huggle FAQ
What is Huggle?
Huggle is a mobile social app that connects people based on the places they go, things they do, what they are interested in, and how they live their lives.
Who runs Huggle?
It has recently been acquired by one of the biggest dating apps in the world, Badoo. Huggle was first founded by Valerie Stark and Tina Sanders.
When did the Huggle app start?
The app was inspired by the story of how the founders met (through Instagram geo-location) and created an app that specifically finds people based on the locations they go. It took six months to build the app and it had its first soft launch in 2015. It was then officially launched in July 2016.
Is there an age restriction for this app?
Only people who are 18 years old and above are allowed to create an account for Huggle. Registration application from a minor will automatically be terminated.
How do I verify my account?
There are multiple ways to verify an account. First, go to your profile and click the "Account Verification" section. This will lead you to different options on how to verify an account. Listed below are ways to verify your account:
- Photo : If you select this, the app will show you a picture of someone striking a pose and you will have to take a photo of you copying the pose. After submitting your photo, the app will analyze it and determine if you are verified or not.
- Phone Number : Type in your mobile number on the empty field where you should put your number. After clicking verify, the app will try to call the number you provided. Once the phone rings, you will be automatically verified.
- Facebook : Facebook verification is the first process you will take since you can only use the app if you have a Facebook account. So if you have already signed in to your Huggle account, this section will be verified as well.
- Google+ : You can choose to verify your account via Google+. If you click this option, it will ask you to log in to your Gmail account. But if you have multiple Gmail accounts logged in to your phone, the app will let you choose which email you are going to use.
- Instagram : You can also connect your Instagram to your Huggle and verify your account.
- Twitter : If you are a Twitter user, you can use your account to verify. Just tap the Twitter icon and a popup will appear asking you to sign in to your twitter account.
- LinkedIn : LinkedIn accounts can be also used to verify your account. Just sign-in to your LinkedIn profile through your Huggle application and you will automatically be verified.
- Huggle Premium : Your profile will automatically be verified once you upgrade to premium.
Are there many Fake accounts in Huggle?
The photo verification process helps in keeping fakes and bots away. This also helps prevent peen pictures and catfishing.
How can I report a user?
To report a user, open the profile you wish to report and scroll down to the bottom of the page. You will find an option to "Block or Report" tap it and then choose the appropriate action. The misuse of this feature could lead you to be banned from Huggle forever.
How can I add someone to my Favorites?
You can mark someone as "favorite" by tapping the star icon next to their name in the Connections folder. You'll know if you have successfully added a user in your "favorites" list if the star icon is now filled with color.
Will deleting my messages delete my match as well?
Yes, deleting a message thread will remove your match with a certain person. But that will only affect your end, that means your conversation is still on his/her end. You will only be able to contact them again if they contact you first.
How large can my photos be, and what types of files can I upload?
Huggle accepts JPEG and PNG files with a size limit of 128MB and dimensions that are at least 200x200 px.
How can I add photos to my profile?
To upload a photo, open your profile page and tap on the camera icon at the top left corner. Select a source where you want to get photos from or simply take a new one by tapping the camera icon.
How can I rotate my photos?
You cannot rotate photos once it has been uploaded to the site. Upload a photo with the right orientation. If you need to rotate a picture you like, do it on your device before uploading.
How does video chat work?
The video chat feature is only available when you already have a conversation thread with someone. To use video chat, open the conversation and click on the video icon on the top right corner.
How can I change my location?
Your location is automatically generated by the GPS receiver on your device. The only way to change your location is if you travel and literally change your location. You can, however, change the settings to hide or show your distance.
How can I search for people in People nearby?
Go to the "People nearby" icon and select the filter icon at the top right corner of the screen. You can adjust your filter based on age, gender, and whether you want to chat, make friends, or date.
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