What is Happn?

This is one of the fastest-growing – app-only – young adult dating sites in the world. The site focuses on matching people based on their location and is great for those living in big cities or the suburbs. The app helps to match you with people you have passed in the street or who frequent the same areas you do – as well as your chosen preferences. The app was created in 2014 and is available on all iOS, Android, and Windows devices – but doesn’t offer a desktop version or website. The dating app was created in Paris, France – but has grown to have over 3 million registered users worldwide.

Happn Australia has a good amount of pros as one of the fastest-growing dating apps in the world – however, our site review found several cons come with using the site. Whether you’re thinking about online dating in general or thinking of trying the site and you’re not sure whether or not it’s good, our review pros and cons are great for helping you make up your mind.

Pros / Cons
  • Uses location to match you with people who are often in the same places as you
  • Location based
  • Invisibility mode (can hide location when and if you want)
  • High number of users
  • Can use Facebook profile to create a profile
  • No search function for free members
  • Most members in the USA
  • No desktop version
  • No verification or screening
  • Can’t send a message without mutually liking each other
  • Need to be within 250m to send message to new matches
  • Limited profiles
  • Low number of Happn Australia users

Membership Base

The site was created and launched in 2014, as a location-based online dating app – with the mission of helping singles who pass in day-to-day life to meet again. The app connects singles that are local to each other using location services – but, more importantly, have passed within 250 meters of where you are. The algorithm tracks your location, so you will only ever be introduced to local members. e you will only ever be introduced to local members; there are over 1 million active users per week. The app has almost 5.5 million users in the USA, 420,000 monthly visitors globally, and almost half a million users in Australia. There are more men than women on the site – but the split is close to other dating apps – with 40% women and 60% men. The majority of the site’s users are aged between 25 and 35, but our review found members in all age groups.

Profiles

On the site, you will find many profiles with singles suitable for you. Just register and start your search.

Search Features on Happn.com

As with many new dating sites and apps, the site doesn’t offer a search function – instead opting for a swipe option based on photos rather than personality matches. As we found in our review, you set your preferences for a match when you join the dating app. As you move around during the day, the app automatically notifies you of the matches who reach your criteria – allowing you to like them back (or not) and start messaging. To send a message, both you and the person you’re interested in will need to “like” each other before sending a private message. Premium users can see a list of who “liked” them already – meaning you can take shortcuts, and instead of waiting to come across your match, you can like the ones you like as soon as they like you and begin messaging without the wait.

Messaging

There are limited messaging options on the site – as users are limited to only messaging other users when they have “liked” each other, and there are no chatrooms on the site. When it comes to messaging “crushes”, users can use both text and voice notes to make contact while private messaging – as well as sharing songs and playlists from Spotify. Premium users on Happn can also send “FlashNotes” – these notes let you react to specific things listed on a user’s profile, and if you’re not ready to come up with a message, you can send a blank note to let your “like” know you’re interested in then. As a user, if someone else sends you a FlashNote, you can accept and begin chatting, or reject and you won’t come across each other’s profiles again.

How Much Does Happn Cost?

Our Happn dating site review found a range of options for free and paid users – however, to make the most of the site, a paid account often leads to a better user experience, more matches, and success on the site. If users don’t want to commit to premium memberships or subscriptions, Happn coins (which give you access to premium features) can also be purchased to enhance your experience on the site.

What Are the Advantages of Premium VS Free

On many dating sites and apps, it’s not possible to send messages to other users without a premium account – however, with Happn, you can enjoy the majority of features – including chatting – without having to pay a cent.

Free:

  • Matching
  • Send likes
  • View other profiles
  • Post profile status
  • Message crush

Paid:

  • Send 10 hellos per day
  • Be in control of privacy settings
  • Remove ads
  • Schedule when you’re “invisible”
  • CrushTime (in-app game to connect with people you’ve recently crossed paths with)

Is There a Happn App?

This is a dating app that doesn’t offer a web-based alternative. The application can be downloaded across mobile and tablet devices – whether you use iOS, Windows, or Android and is free to download. As an app-only dating site, the app works well and allows the site to track your location on the go and introduce you to more likes.

Verdict

As one of the most sparsely populated countries globally, Australia isn’t the best place to use dating sites that focus on a 250-meter radius. While the app might be perfect in a big city – for a hookup and probably nothing more – it’s not good to find long-term connections or for people outside the city center. With our review, we found it difficult to continue conversations after a match – and many of our responsive matches weren’t interested in a date in person. There are many bot accounts on the app, but they are easy to spot – check out our other reviews to find a better Australian dating app or site for you.

FAQ

Is Happn a legitimate website?

Yes – this is often considered “the new Tinder” and is legit – but maybe not the best place to look for love in Australia.

Is Happn free to use?

Yes – but to make the most of the app and its functions, a premium account or “coins” is recommended.

Is Happn any good?

The site works on location – specifically a 250 meter radius – and it works based on looks and physical attraction rather than things in common.