With so many dating apps out there, have you ever wondered which ones are worth trying, which have a low match rate, and which are rife with scammers? Here, we list some of Malaysia’s most popular free dating apps and their authentic reviews. While these apps might be popular, do they actually give you matches? Let’s discover the best way to meet new people in Malaysia!

Tinder – World’s Most Popular Dating App

Tinder, the world’s most popular dating app, needs no introduction, even among Malaysians. With 5.5 billion matches and counting, it’s the go-to platform for all the singles in the world. Enjoy up to 100 daily free matches. While great for casual encounters with a diverse user base, Tinder’s limited profile information may hamper serious relationship seekers. Plus, remember that premium plans are pricier for Malaysians aged 30+. That said, the free plan on Tinder is hard to beat and remains the holy-grail dating app for casual hangouts among Malaysians.

Someone’s review on Trustpilot:

“It’s already hard enough to get a decent match. Full of fake women. But the latest feature is the most ridiculous thing ever: You have 2 days to send/reply your matches, after that your matches EXPIRES!!! Even after paying the most expensive subscription…”

Hinge – TikTok Viral Dating App

Hinge, the viral dating app from TikTok, is ideal for Malaysians seeking meaningful relationships. Unlike casual-focused apps, Hinge prioritizes genuine connections. It implements a thorough screening process during registration to ensure commitment to long-term relationships. Users must upload at least six photos with a daily limit of ten likes, encouraging quality over quantity. While not as popular in Malaysia, Hinge is worth trying for those seeking serious relationships. It offers a chance to build genuine and lasting connections beyond casual encounters.

Someone’s review on Trustpilot:

"Better than most other similar apps. I like that you don't have to do the whole swiping nonsense before being able to speak to someone. It gives aesthetically challenged people such as me a bit more of a chance!"

OkCupid – OG of Online Dating

OKCupid, the OG of dating sites, is incredibly popular in Malaysia and known for its diverse and vibrant user base. The platform attracts individuals from various ethnicities and backgrounds, making it a preferred app for those seeking specific ethnic connections. Users can find matches based on shared interests and compatibility by verifying phone numbers and answering detailed questions during sign-up. With its extensive user profiles and high-quality pictures, OKCupid is the dating app for Malaysians looking to embrace more diversity in their search for meaningful connections.

Someone’s review on Trustpilot:

“This website is a hit and miss. I encountered some genuinely nice guys here and went on a few dates, but unfortunately, those connections didn’t progress into anything more. On the other hand, there are numerous individuals on this platform who are solely interested in casual hookups or wasting their time sending explicit photos to women.“

Coffee Meets Bagel – Women-Centric Dating App

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is popular in Malaysia for its emphasis on high-quality matches and unique features. Designed with women’s experiences in mind, CMB gives them more control and discourages unsolicited messages, which is why it boasts a larger female user base than most other dating apps. The app also offers some special features, such as the daily “Lunchtime,” during which users can receive more match suggestions. The app’s curated daily selection of potential matches appeals to individuals seeking long-term relationships and fosters meaningful conversations, resulting in a higher match rate. CMB is best for those in Malaysia seeking romance, a fling, or a partner.

Someone’s review on Trustpilot:

"I just started using Coffee Meets Bagel a few weeks ago, and I've met such high-quality men who are serious and genuinely seeking a long-term relationship. It's so exciting to encounter such nice individuals. I've tried other apps, but they didn't have the same caliber of people. I am really pleased with my experience so far! We'll see what happens! :)"

Paktor – Singpore-Born Dating App

Founded in Singapore in 2013, Paktor distinguishes itself from other dating apps with unique features tailored to Asian users. Users can specify their cultural backgrounds, traditions, and interests to showcase their identity and connect with like-minded individuals. The “Shake to Chat” feature enables instant matching with nearby users shaking their phones simultaneously. Paktor also offers a “Paktor Points” system, rewarding engagement and providing in-app perks. The app also integrates offline social networking, bridging virtual and real-life dating through events. However, many users have reported limitations in the app’s free functions, and paid features often experience bugs.

Someone’s review on Google Play:

“Everything is hidden behind a paywall. The app is crippled unless you pay money, and it’s laden with dark patterns that prey on your emotions to compel you to make payments. You receive random chat requests, but chatting requires payment.”

Badoo – Unfiltered Dating App

Badoo celebrates genuine self-expression, countering the uncertainty of contemporary dating with authentic, unfiltered conversations. Unlike other platforms, Badoo encourages open dialogue without the fear of shadow bans, enabling users to express diverse thoughts openly. With a rapidly expanding user base, this chat-based app is ideal for those with unique perspectives. However, it does come with a downside; swipes are reportedly arbitrarily limited. Badoo’s customer representatives answered on Quora that the cap is based on several factors, with some users reporting as low as 3-4 swipes per hour before being prompted to purchase premium.

Someone’s review on App Store:

"There is so many paywalls to talk to someone. Meanwhile they allow fake profiles so you don’t feel like there’s not enough people on the app."

Tan Tan – Biggest Chinese Dating App

Founded in 2014 as a Chinese dating app, Tan Tan 探探 swiftly became a hit, claiming the title of the world’s largest Asian singles community. It gained immense popularity in Malaysia, especially among the Chinese community, as seen in the unofficial Malaysia Facebook group, “Tantan Confessions Malaysia.” Here, users discreetly spill the tea on their online dating stories, both good and bad. It’s worth noting that most Tan Tan users in Malaysia speak Chinese and may adhere to specific traditional Chinese values. Understanding their perspective could significantly enhance your chances of finding a match.

Someone’s review on Google Play:

“It’s quite good, although there are many inactive users and numerous fake profiles. However, I’ve managed to get genuine matches and even went on a date.”

Omi – Singapore-Born Personality Dating App

Omi – Singapore-Born Personality Dating App

Founded in 2018, the Singapore-based Omi App has become a favourite among teenagers and young adults seeking romance, casual hangouts, or friendship. The app prioritizes safety through photo verification and AI facial recognition. Omi aims to find the best match for users using advanced big data algorithms. It also incorporates various personality test elements, such as MBTI and interactive mini-quizzes, where matches must answer three questions to initiate conversations, ensuring compatibility and adding to the fun. However, some users have reported that Omi is primarily a ‘pay-to-play’ app, with limited matches allocated for free users.

Someone’s review on Google Play:

“Unlimited swipes are available, but to be matched with others, you have to pay a monthly fee. It’s kind of different from other dating apps where you have limited swipes but can still chat when matched. It does have a nice zodiac compatibility feature.”

Bumble – Women-Led Dating App

Bumble – Women-Led Dating App — Photo: Bumble Official Website

Tired of always crafting the perfect icebreaker? Give Bumble a shot. It’s a women-led dating app where females take the lead in initiating conversations. In a society where traditional norms often prevail, Bumble stands out as it empowers women to make the first move, providing a platform where Malaysian women can confidently initiate connections. When you match, women have a limited time window to start the chat; otherwise, the match disappears. Bumble also requires access to users’ locations and uses that to display nearby matches, which is especially helpful for those living outside KL.

Someone’s review on Google Play:

"Sometimes the location doesn't seem to work correctly, but overall I have had positive experiences. I've met some of my best friends through bumble!"

More Ways to Meet People in Malaysia

1) Telegram & Facebook Groups

Finding like-minded individuals is easier within hobby-focused groups. These groups often arrange regular meet-ups like book clubs or coffee gatherings for new openings. Don’t have a hobby? It’s never too late to pick up one—reading, for example, is an affordable and enriching choice (see BookTok!).

2) Facebook Dating

Facebook offers its own online dating service, Facebook Dating, allowing you to create a dating profile within the Facebook App. While not as popular as apps like Bumble or Tinder, it has been rolled out in selected markets, including Malaysia. It’s worth a try.

Online Dating Safety Tips

1) Reverse Image Search

A simple reverse Google image search on your matches’ profile pictures can be incredibly helpful. Often, you can determine if they are using stolen photos of overseas celebrities and models, a common catfishing practice.

2) Use a Secure Messaging App

While it’s generally discouraged to move chats off the app before meeting in person due to the risk of scams, we understand that some dating apps limit free chat features. If you continue conversations off-app, use a secure messaging app like Telegram that doesn’t reveal your phone number.

3) Avoid Going to a Second Location

We cannot emphasize this enough: always meet your matches in public during your first date, and never agree to go to a second location unless you’re absolutely certain. For women, there’s the risk of assault, and for men, there are other dangers, too. Some individuals, especially self-proclaimed ‘entrepreneurs,’ love luring matches to seminars. At best, you’ll waste your time; at worst, you might get involved in a multi-level marketing scheme without realizing it. Stay cautious and prioritize your safety.

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