Our team of experts diligently research and review all of the products and services we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may receive a commission. Learn more here.
The Once dating app flips the script on swiping culture, offering a more curated experience that goes beyond superficial first impressions. Instead of an endless pile of profiles, Once serves you just one match per day. You heard that right—24 hours to focus on one person, encouraging more meaningful connections.
Harnessing the power of personalized matchmakers—yes, real-life matchmakers and advanced algorithms, Once aims to take the “overwhelm” off the table when it comes to online dating.
What sets the Once dating app apart is its commitment to authenticity—with beneficial features, it filters out the noise to provide a genuine space for people looking for real relationships. But is Once a game-changer in the love arena? We aim to find out in our complete review of the Once dating app for 2024!
| Sign-Up Time: | 5 minutes |
| Cost: | $5.99 – $19.99 per month |
| Membership Pool: | 200,000+ |
| Overall Rating: |  |
- Once Dating App Rating
- Overview of Once
- Once Cost and Premium Membership
- How to Sign Up with Once
- Alternatives to Once
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Once App Rating
Overall Rating
Once is coming in with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5!
In our comprehensive review, we’ll delve into key categories that make or break a dating app experience: User Interface, Match Quality, Safety Features, and Cost. Each category will be scrutinized and rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being exceptional and 1 falling short of expectations.
Our ratings are designed to give you a holistic understanding of what the Once dating app brings to the table. We’ve rigorously tested each feature to provide an unbiased evaluation you can trust, and this platform ended up with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5!
Ease of Use 
Navigating Once Dating App is refreshingly straightforward, making it accessible even to those who might not be tech-savvy. Its clean design and intuitive user interface eliminate the usual dating app clutter, allowing you to focus on what matters most—finding a meaningful connection. The app directs you seamlessly from registration to daily matches, with key features just a tap away. All in all, the ease of use for this app is a strong point, earning it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 in this category.
Features 
The Once dating App sets itself apart with a unique set of features tailored to facilitate meaningful connections; the cornerstone is its daily match system, which presents you with a single profile to focus on for 24 hours. This encourages thoughtful engagement rather than the quick swipe culture. Another highlight is the blend of human matchmakers and algorithms to curate your daily match, adding a personal touch to the digital experience.
Additional features like in-app messaging, profile rating, and compatibility indicators contribute to a well-rounded dating experience. When it comes to features, Once offers a balanced mix that complements its mission of meaningful dating, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 in this category.
Cost
Once Dating App operates on a freemium model, meaning you can download and use its basic features at no cost. These include receiving your daily match and sending messages. However, to unlock perks like additional matches and read receipts, you’ll need to purchase “Crowns,” the platform’s in-app currency.
While the basic experience is pretty robust, users may find the premium features worthwhile for an elevated experience. Compared to other premium dating apps, the cost is competitive, earning Once a 4 out of 5 in the cost category.
Match Quality
Features
The app uses a combination of algorithms and human matchmakers to find potential pairs. Users receive their daily match at noon and have 24 hours to decide whether they want to “like” or “pass” on their match. Once a mutual “like” occurs, a chat window opens, allowing for conversation.
When it comes to match quality, the Once dating app takes a different approach that pays off; by focusing on just one match per day, the app encourages meaningful interactions and reduces swipe fatigue. The matchmakers and algorithms work together to ensure that your daily match is tailored to your preferences and behavioral data, resulting in more compatible pairings.
However, the limited number of daily matches could be a double-edged sword—for those who prefer more options and control over their dating life, this might be a limitation. But if you value quality over quantity and are patient in your search for a meaningful relationship, Once excels in this category, earning a 4.5 out of 5.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security are paramount in the world of online dating, and the Once dating app takes this seriously—it has strong privacy settings, allowing you to control who sees your profile and how your data is used.
While these features go a long way in ensuring user safety, no platform can be 100% secure, so always exercise caution when meeting someone for the first time. With its proactive measures in place, Once scores a solid 4 out of 5.
Customer Service
Customer service is often an overlooked aspect of dating apps, but it’s crucial for a smooth user experience. Once Dating App offers multiple channels for customer support, including an in-app FAQ section, email support, and social media contact options. Responses are generally prompt, and the support team is knowledgeable and helpful to users.
However, there is room for improvement as the app currently lacks live chat support or a phone number for users to call—given the existing support options and areas for growth, Once earns a 3.5 out of 5 in the Customer Service category.
General Overview
Founded in 2015, Once Dating App has made a name for itself by bucking the trend of endless swiping. Its focus on creating meaningful connections has attracted a user base that skews a bit older, with the average age falling between 25 and 35. The gender ratio is fairly balanced, with a slight lean towards a female user base, making it appealing for those seeking a more equitable dating experience.
Fast Facts
- Year Founded: 2015
- A super intriguing aspect of the Once dating app is its “Rate Your Date” feature. After you go on a date with someone you met through the app, you have the option to rate your experience on the DL (privately).
- Average User Age: 25-35
- Gender Ratio: 45% men to 55% women
The Once Dating App caters to a slightly older and more balanced audience, making it a refreshing choice for those tired of the usual swipe-and-go dating apps.
Once Cost and Premium Membership
There are four tiers of premium membership subscription plans that range from one month to an entire year. Check out the table below to see the length and price of each one!
| Length | Price Per Month | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
1 Month | $19.19 | $19.19 |
3 Months | $9.99 | $29.99 |
6 Months | $7.49 | $44.99 |
12 Months | $5.99 | $71.99 |
Payment will be charged to your iTunes or Google Play Account at the time of purchase.
In addition to premium memberships, Once dating app users can make use of one-time in-app purchases known as coins or “Crowns,” which enable them to pay for a basic chat (5 coins per message) with others and send virtual gifts (varying from 29 to 2199 coins, depending on the gift).
In-App Purchases:
- 40 Coins package: $11.99
- 150 Coins package: $29.99
- 670 Coins package: $99.99
- 1660 Coins package: $199.99
Does Once Offer Free Trials?
Traditional free trials allow new users to access full premium membership benefits for a short period of time, but first, users have to give the platform their payment information. If the free trial isn’t canceled before it expires, the account automatically becomes a paid premium membership, and the customer is charged. Most dating apps, including the Once dating app, allow new users to create a profile for free and use a limited number of features.
On the Once dating app, there is no standard “free trial,” but we stumbled upon a little loophole during the course of this review–if you delete your account, the app tries to entice you to stay was a free three-day membership!
Standard (Free) Features
- Create your Once dating app profile
- One “Perfect Match” a day
- 9 likes per day
- Start 5 conversations for free
- Watch users streaming live
- 50 welcome coins
Premium Membership Features
- 3 Perfect Matches Daily – Instead of just the one perfect match, when you upgrade to a premium membership, you get three per day!
- Unlimited Chatting – Premium members are able to initiate chats with any other member and message for free.
- See Who Likes You – This feature enables users to find out who has liked you and been sniffing around your dating profile.
- Unlimited Likes – Premium members can like as many dating profiles as they want!
- Read Receipts – Know when a user has seen your message with read receipts.
- Match Preferences – The Match Preferences feature gives you the chance to answer a detailed questionnaire that will help the matchmakers find the best possible partners for you!
- Extra Coins – Premium users receive an extra 45 coins with a subscription and 10 coins every day!
Do Once Memberships Renew Automatically?
Yes–if you have a premium membership, your account will be billed within 24 hours before the last day of the current term unless auto-renew is disabled at least 24 hours beforehand. Users have the ability to manage their subscriptions to opt out of automatic renewal at any time from their Account Settings after upgrading to a premium VIP membership.
Should You Join?
Are you wondering if the Once dating app is the right fit for you? In the next section, we’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages so you can decide whether Once’s unique approach is good for your dating goals.
Reasons to Join
While we’ve found specific reasons to join the Once Dating App, it’s worth noting that there are likely many other factors that could make this platform the right choice for you–these are just the ones that stood out to us!
Feedback Loop
The “Rate Your Date” feature allows you to provide feedback on your dating experiences, which the app uses to refine future matches for both you and the community.
Curated Matches
The Once dating app focuses on quality over quantity, providing you with one carefully selected match per day. This encourages more thoughtful interactions and deeper connections.
Balanced User Base
With a fairly even gender ratio and an older average user age, the Once dating app offers a mature dating environment that may be more conducive to finding a meaningful relationship.
Time-Efficient
The one-match-a-day model saves you from endless swiping and decision fatigue, making the dating process less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
Reasons Not to Join
And although we really like this platform, we’ve found a few reasons that might give you pause before joining the Once dating app.
Limited Matching Choices
The one-match-per-day system may not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer having multiple options and the ability to actively search for matches.
Time Commitment
The 24-hour window to focus on one match could be seen as a limitation, especially for busy individuals who may not log in daily.
No Instant Gratification
If you’re looking for quick matches and immediate interactions, the slower pace of Once may not meet your expectations.
So-So Customer Support
While the app does offer email support and an FAQ section, it lacks immediate customer service options like live chat or a helpline, which could be a drawback for some users.
The Sign-up Process
As we do with every dating app we review, we created an account and did the whole sign-up so we can guide you through the process!
We created our dating profile in about 5 minutes using an iOS device, but the steps are the same for Google/Android users.
Step #1: Go to the App Store and Search for the Once: Perfect Match Dating App
Go to either the App or Google Play Store, search for the Once dating app, and hit the “GET” button to download and install on your device.
Step #2: Select Your Sign-In Method and Add Basic Details About You
To sign up and create a dating profile on the Once dating app, choose a sign-in method. You can register with email, Apple ID, or Google.
Enter your basic details; your birthday, gender, and the gender you’d like to be matched with.
Step #3: Upload Profile Photos
Brief description of the step with screenshot(s).
Step #4: Add Your Vibes!
So you can get the best compatible matches, choose from a vast array of vibes and interests, and the matching algorithm can get to work for you!
Step #5: Agree to Once Dating App Guidelines & Activate Free Profile Boost
Read the guidelines of the Once dating app community and click “Agree.” Be kind!
As a bonus for signing up, you get a free 24 hour profile boost—this means you’re catapulted to the top of the search results for a whole day!
Step #6: Verify Your Email & Start Matching
You’re so close! All that’s left to do is to verify your email by clicking on the link the Once dating app team sends to you, and then you can start searching for compatible matches.
Step #7: Upgrade to a Premium Membership (Optional)
This last step is optional, but we recommend it so you get the best possible dating experience while using the Once dating app. Even if you don’t upgrade now, you can always do so later.
Alternatives
If the Once dating app does feel like it will live up to your dating expectations, there are so many other reputable platforms you can try!
We’ve compiled a list of top alternatives that could be a better match for your dating journey—look below and see if one of them could be your perfect platform.
Christian Mingle
eharmony
Elite Singles
Jdate
Zoosk
FAQ
In our FAQ section, we tackle the most frequently asked questions we’ve gotten from our readers so we can give you a quick snapshot of the most important things potential users want to know about the Once dating app.
The Once dating app is absolutely a legit platform–founded in 2015 and headquartered in Switzerland, we consider it a specialized dating platform due to the once-a-day “Perfect Match.”
The Once dating app wants to provide a more meaningful online dating experience by offering its members one carefully selected match per day–the idea is to promote quality over quantity, encouraging users to engage on a deeper than superficial level rather than mindlessly swiping through profiles.
Matches are curated using a combination of algorithms and real-life human matchmakers! They consider factors like location, age, interests, and past activity on the app to select a match that will be compatible with your dating profile.
After you’ve gone on a date with a match, you have the option to rate your experience anonymously on the Once dating app–this feedback is used to improve the quality of future matches for both you and the broader user community!
“Crowns” (or coins) are the Once dating app’s in-app currency, which you can buy in various packages. They can access premium features like getting more matches per day, viewing read receipts in chats, or getting some personalized attention from the team of matchmakers.
Yes! You can download and use basic features like getting a daily match and limited messaging for free, although we recommend upgrading to a premium membership if you want to invest in achieving your dating goals.
The Once dating app operates on a freemium model, allowing free access to basic features–the premium features, accessible via “Crowns” or monthly premium subscriptions, are competitively priced compared to other dating apps.
Yes, unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current term, premium memberships will be charged to the payment method on file within 24 hours of the membership’s expiration date.
If you want to cancel your membership and you purchased it through the Once dating app website, contact customer service.
• If you bought it through the App Store, go to Your Account – Subscription and choose the subscription you want to cancel.
• If you bought it through Google Play, go to My Subscriptions and choose the subscription you want to cancel. Then click Manage. Terminate subscription
The Once dating app customer support is available through email (support@getonce.com) and an in-app and website FAQ section. However, the platform currently lacks live chat or phone support options.
