Explore Hily’s AI-driven features, user experiences, and potential drawbacks in 2026. Is this innovative online dating app the right match for you, or should you consider alternatives?

Hily Dating App Review: How Their Matching Works, Features, Pros, Cons, & Cost

With countless online dating apps available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one deserves your time and attention. Since you’re here, you must’ve heard of the Hily dating app somehow. Luckily for you, we did our homework and are here with an honest review, answering any questions you might have about Hily. 

What is the Hily Dating App?

The Hily dating app is a platform co-founded in 2017 by Yan Pronin and Alex Pasykov. What distinguishes this app is its use of AI technology, which Hily aims to prioritize compatibility over perceived attractiveness alone. 

What does Hily stand for?  

What kind of name is Hily? Well, it’s an acronym, and it stands for, “Hey, I like you.” 

What are Hily Dating App’s Reviews like? 

So, what do actual Hily users have to say about it? We scoured popular review sites to bring you this honest review. Read on to see if people are enjoying their user experience on Hily or if they’d recommend looking elsewhere. Keep this in mind, though: more often than not, it’s dissatisfied users of a dating app who will take the time to write a review. 

Hily Dating App Reviews on Reddit

Hily reviews on Reddit are overwhelmingly negative, with folks complaining that the app is a “ghost town” and “filled with bots.” Some users suggest the platform feels like a waste of time, with one even declaring it the “worst dating site by far.” Complaints about scammers and bot accounts are common themes in these discussions. 

Hily Dating App Reviews on Trustpilot

Hily has over 400 reviews on Trustpilot, but the platform has temporarily removed its rating due to concerns about fake reviews and violations of its guidelines. Among legitimate reviewers, many praise Hily’s customer service and user-friendly interface, though some complain about having to pay for premium features.  

Hily Dating App Reviews on App Store

Hily reviews on the App Store are also overwhelmingly positive, with over 285K reviews resulting in an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5. Like the Trustpilot reviewers, folks on the App Store express satisfaction with Hily’s customer service and ease of use. Others report less positive experiences, such as spending hours on the app without getting any replies or experiencing occasional glitches.    

Hily Dating App Reviews on Google Play

Hily reviews on the Google Play Store are very much in line with those on the App Store and Trustpilot. The app has 188K reviews on the Play Store, averaging 4.2 stars out of 5. Fans of the site remark on the site’s easy navigability and report success in finding dates using it. Others complain — and this complaint is common across review sites — about having to pay for certain features.  

Hily Dating App Reviews From Publishers

Some publications devote full essay-style reviews to Hily. We look at a few examples below. 

Naomi Narrative Review

Naomi Narrative published a piece titled “Tired of Tinder? One Girl’s Honest Review of the Hily Dating App.” Naomi loves Hily. She met a great guy on it, and she liked him so much that she deleted the app. In terms of her experience using the app, Naomi praises its ease of use, profile-boosting features, and profile verification system. Her critiques include the fact that the app doesn’t have an option for bisexuals and that the user base isn’t as big as it might be for more established apps like Tinder or Bumble. 

Victoria Milan Review

Victoria Milan published a review by writer Mertcan Yalcin, which predominantly sings the app’s praises. Yalcin heaps particular praise on Hily’s customer service. 

The Independent Review

The Independent declares Hily to be “the smart, free dating app that you should know about.” The review praises Hily’s innovative features and use of machine learning. 

Hily Dating App Reviews on Pissed Consumer

Well, it’s probably no surprise that reviewers on “Pissed Consumer” aren’t too happy with Hily. Based on 58 customer reviews, the app averages 2.0 stars out of 5. 81% of the Hily reviews on this site are negative.

Does Hily Dating App have any complaints, lawsuits, or scandals? 

Fortunately, Hily hasn’t had any major complaints, lawsuits, or scandals. However, like most dating apps, it’s important to practice safe dating habits and watch out for potential scam accounts. For tips on staying safe while using dating apps, check out our guide on safe online dating practices.

So is the Hily Dating App Legit? 

Yes, the Hily dating app is totally legit! While some users report issues with bot accounts and scammers (common problems across most online dating platforms), Hily itself is a legitimate service available on both the App Store and Play Store.

How does Hily Dating App Work? 

Hily is easy to sign up for — you can do so using a Snapchat or Facebook account. Upon signing up, you’ll be able to add your profile picture and bio to your Hily account. Then comes the part that makes Hily special: You will answer questions in a personality test. Then you can use the app on your Android or iOS device.

On Hily, once two people have liked each other, they can start messaging. But the first message must be sent within 48 hours of the match, or the match will expire. It’s your call whether you want to extend the match or match with this person again in the Finder section.

The AI technology behind Hily finds mutual interests by asking you questions, then links people the AI deems more likely to be compatible. 

What is the technology behind Hily? 

The co-founders of Hily emphasize that AI machine learning is the driving force behind the app’s success. When you complete your personality test and use the swiping feature, send messages, and interact with profiles, the app is honing in on your interests and preferences. That way, Hily presents you with matches you’re actually compatible with, helping you find your perfect match. 

Key Features of Hily Dating App

Understanding what Hily offers — both for free and behind the paywall — can help you decide if it’s worth downloading. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with a basic Hily account:

Free Features:

• Profile creation and browsing
• Basic swiping functionality
• Matching with other users
• Limited messaging capabilities
• Story sharing
• Stream viewing

Premium Features:

• Unlimited likes and swiping
• See who liked you
• Advanced filters for better compatibility matching
• Icebreaker messages to start conversations
• Live photo verification to avoid scam accounts
• Profile boost to increase visibility
• Unlimited messaging
• Read receipts

Is Hily a hookup app or for serious relationships? 

You can use Hily to find a hookup or a serious relationship! But its emphasis on real compatibility might make Hily a better bet for something serious and long-lasting rather than casual encounters.

How Much Does Hily Cost? 

As of November 2025, Hily offers a 7-day free trial for new users to test premium features before committing to a paid subscription. After the trial period, subscription pricing varies based on the length you choose:

• Weekly subscription: $24.99/week
• 3-month subscription: $74.99 (approximately $25/month)
• 1-year subscription: $119.99 (roughly $10/month)

• You are free to cancel at any time without penalty. Keep in mind that if you don’t cancel before the 7-day trial ends, you’ll be automatically charged the weekly subscription rate.
  

Can you match on Hily for free?  

You can download and use Hily for free. Doing so will enable you to check profiles, match, share stories, view streams, and more. To unlock premium features, though, you need a paid subscription. If your subscription ever expires, you can still use the free version of the app, or even regain access to premium features in the Daily Roulette, provided you log in daily.

Pros and Cons of Hily

Every dating app has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick overview of what makes Hily stand out and where it falls short:

PROS AND CONS OF HILY

Pros	Cons
• AI-driven matching technology • Competitive subscription pricing • User-friendly interface • Personality-focused matching • Live photo verification • Daily Roulette feature • Available on iOS and Android	• Smaller user base • Limited free features • Bot and scam concerns • 48-hour message deadline • Geographic limitations • Limited orientation options

Is Hily Dating App Worth the Money? 

Only you can decide whether Hily is worth the money for you. If your dating life is important to you and you’re looking for a compatibility-focused approach, it might be worth the investment. However, consider the following: 

• If you live in a major metropolitan area, you’re more likely to find a large user base.
• If you value AI-driven matching over manual swiping, Hily’s approach may appeal to you.
• If you’re on a budget, the free version offers basic functionality, though premium features significantly enhance the experience.
• If you’re concerned about bots and scammers, be aware this is an issue across most dating platforms.

Hily vs. Tinder

One thing Hily and Tinder have in common is that both parties must match with each other for a conversation to begin — this is sometimes called a “mutual opt-in format.” Both are also swipe-based apps. Tinder, as a more popular and widely used online dating app, has a wider pool of potential matches to select from. However, Hily’s AI-driven compatibility matching may provide higher-quality matches for those seeking serious relationships.

What is Hily Dating App’s success rate?

Hily doesn’t publish a specific success rate. However, based on user reviews across the App Store and Play Store, many users report positive experiences and successful matches, though results vary significantly by location and individual effort.

Verdict: Hily Dating App vs. Professional Matchmaking

The Hily dating app offers an interesting middle ground in the online dating world. Its AI-driven approach to compatibility sets it apart from simple swiping apps like Tinder and Bumble, and its affordable pricing makes it accessible to most users. The app’s emphasis on personality matching rather than just photos is refreshing, and features like live photo verification help combat the scam and bot problem that plagues many dating platforms.

However, Hily still faces common issues inherent to all online dating apps: a smaller user base than industry giants, the time investment required for swiping and messaging, and the reality that many users may not be serious about finding a serious relationship.

Hily works best for:

• Tech-savvy singles who appreciate AI-driven matching
• Those living in larger cities with more active users
• People willing to invest time in swiping and messaging
• Budget-conscious daters looking for affordable premium features

Hily may not be ideal for:

• Busy professionals with limited time for swiping
• Those in smaller cities or rural areas
• People frustrated with bot accounts and scammers
• Singles seeking a more curated, hands-off dating experience

Why Professional Matchmaking Outperforms Dating Apps

While the Hily dating app and similar platforms offer convenience and affordability, they still require significant time and effort with no guarantee of finding a compatible partner. This is where professional matchmaking services like Tawkify truly shine.

Here’s what makes professional matchmaking different:

• Personalized human touch: Unlike Hily’s AI algorithms, Tawkify employs real matchmakers who get to know you personally, understand your unique needs, and handpick matches specifically for you. No more endless swiping or wondering if your perfect match is even using the app.
• Pre-vetted, relationship-ready singles: Every match is carefully screened and verified — eliminating concerns about bots, scammers, or people who aren’t serious about finding a relationship. With Tawkify, you know everyone you meet is genuinely looking for a serious relationship.
• Time efficiency: Instead of spending hours per week swiping through profiles, crafting icebreaker messages, and going on dates with incompatible matches, Tawkify does the heavy lifting. You simply show up to dates with carefully selected matches.
• Proven success: While Hily doesn’t publish success rates, Tawkify boasts an 80% success rate with over 200,000 successful connections. Our matchmakers’ expertise and personalized approach consistently deliver better results than algorithm-based matching.
• Quality over quantity: Dating apps encourage endless swiping, leading to decision fatigue and superficial judgments. Tawkify focuses on quality introductions with truly compatible partners, making each date count.

If you’re serious about finding a lasting relationship — not just another dating app match — professional matchmaking offers a proven, efficient alternative to the Hily dating app and other online dating platforms.

Ready for a Better Way To Find Love?

Stop wasting time on dating apps and let Tawkify’s expert matchmakers do the work for you. With personalized matches, verified relationship-ready singles, and an 80% success rate, finding your perfect match has never been easier.

Find Your PersonWith Tawkify Today

FAQs

Still have questions about how the Hily dating app works? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Is Hily safe to use?

Yes, Hily is generally safe, but like all online dating platforms, users should practice caution. Use the live photo verification feature, never share personal financial information, and meet in public places for first dates. For more tips, read our guide on safe dating practices.

How do I delete my Hily account?

To delete your Hily account, go to Settings > Account Settings > Delete Account. Keep in mind that deleting your account is permanent and cannot be undone.

Can I use Hily without Facebook?

While Hily offers sign-up through Facebook or Snapchat for convenience, you can also create an account using just your email address.

What’s the difference between Hily and other dating apps?

Hily’s main differentiator is its AI-driven compatibility matching system that learns from your behavior to suggest better matches over time. Unlike simple swiping apps, Hily aims to prioritize personality compatibility.

Does Hily work in my area?

Hily is available worldwide on both iOS and Android devices. However, the number of active users varies significantly by location, with larger metropolitan areas typically having more robust user bases.