Coffee Meets Bagel Review 2024: Is This Dating App Worth Your Time?

If you’re looking for a dating app that offers quality over quantity, Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) might be just what you need in 2024. Known for its unique “slow dating” approach, CMB provides users with a limited number of curated matches daily to promote more meaningful connections. In this review, we’ll delve into how Coffee Meets Bagel works, its costs, features, and whether it could be the right choice for singles looking for serious relationships.

What is Coffee Meets Bagel?

Coffee Meets Bagel was launched in 2012 by three sisters—Arum, Dawoon, and Soo Kang—who aimed to create an alternative to the swipe-heavy culture of other dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. It is designed to foster serious relationships by providing a limited number of carefully curated matches every day, encouraging users to focus on building connections rather than endlessly scrolling through profiles.

How Does Coffee Meets Bagel Work?

Coffee Meets Bagel operates on a unique model where every day at noon, users receive a limited number of potential matches, or “Bagels.” These matches are selected based on the user’s preferences—such as age, height, location, religion, and ethnicity—along with the app’s algorithm, which also considers user activity and engagement.

Key Features:

1. Daily Curated Matches: Coffee Meets Bagel limits the number of matches a user receives each day to avoid overwhelming them. This allows for more meaningful interactions, as users can take their time evaluating each potential match.
2. Discover Section: For those who want more options beyond their daily matches, the Discover section allows users to search for additional profiles that may not have been included in their daily selection. However, interacting with these profiles may require the use of “Beans,” the app’s virtual currency.
3. Beans and Flowers System: “Beans” are the app’s currency that users can earn by logging in regularly, referring friends, or completing certain tasks within the app. Beans can be spent on sending virtual gifts called “Flowers” to express interest in a potential match, reopening expired conversations, or boosting profile visibility.
4. Premium Membership: The premium subscription unlocks additional features such as seeing who has liked your profile, sending more Flowers, receiving read receipts on messages, and accessing detailed activity reports on potential matches.

Is Coffee Meets Bagel Free or Paid? Understanding the Pricing Model

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) offers both free and paid options, providing flexibility depending on your needs and how much you are willing to invest in finding a match. The free version gives users access to basic features such as receiving daily matches, sending limited likes, and basic messaging capabilities. However, many of the app’s most attractive features are reserved for premium members, who gain several additional benefits.

The premium membership of Coffee Meets Bagel has different pricing tiers depending on the duration of the subscription:

1. 1-Month Plan: Costs approximately $34.99 per month. This plan is ideal for those who want to try the app without committing long-term.
2. 3-Month Plan: Priced at around $24.99 per month (totaling $74.99). This plan offers a slight discount, making it more cost-effective for users willing to commit for a few months.
3. 6-Month Plan: The most cost-efficient option at $19.99 per month (totaling $119.99). This plan provides the greatest savings and is suitable for those who are serious about using the app over a longer period.

In addition to the standard premium plan, CMB also offers a Mini Membership for those who want a more budget-friendly option. The Mini plan costs $14.99 per month, $10 per month for three months, or $9 per month for six months. However, this plan does not provide full access to all premium features, such as the “Likes You” feed or additional Flowers (virtual gifts) in the Discover section.

Premium members on Coffee Meets Bagel enjoy several advantages, including full access to the “Likes You” feed, which shows everyone who has liked your profile. They also receive a monthly profile boost for higher visibility, eight free Flowers per month to express interest without spending Beans (in-app currency), detailed activity reports, and advanced filtering options to find the most compatible matches. These features are designed to increase the chances of finding a suitable match and make the dating experience more efficient and enjoyable.

While Coffee Meets Bagel is more expensive than some other dating apps, the premium membership is often considered worthwhile for those looking for serious relationships, particularly in large cities with a high density of singles. The additional features and insights provided by the premium plans can help users save time and avoid matches that are unlikely to lead to meaningful connections​

Who is Coffee Meets Bagel Best For?

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is a dating app designed for singles who prioritize meaningful relationships over casual encounters. It is particularly well-suited for a specific demographic of users who are looking for quality connections rather than the quantity of matches. Here’s a closer look at who might find Coffee Meets Bagel most beneficial:

1. Singles Seeking Serious, Long-Term Relationships: CMB is ideal for those who are tired of swipe-heavy apps like Tinder or Bumble and are looking for a more serious, long-term relationship. The app is built around a “slow dating” philosophy, which encourages users to take their time in getting to know each other. Instead of presenting a never-ending list of profiles, CMB curates a small number of daily matches (“Bagels”), which promotes more thoughtful and meaningful interactions. This makes it a perfect choice for people who are ready to invest time and effort in finding a significant other.
2. Professionals in Their 30s and 40s: The app’s demographic skews older compared to many other dating apps. According to user data, approximately 60% of Coffee Meets Bagel users are between the ages of 30 to 49. This age group tends to be more serious about finding long-term partners, and many are established professionals who value quality over quantity in their dating life. CMB’s focus on limited, curated matches each day appeals to busy professionals who don’t have the time to sift through hundreds of profiles daily. It allows them to focus on candidates who are more likely to be compatible.
3. Women Seeking a Safer and More Thoughtful Dating Experience: Coffee Meets Bagel is particularly popular among women because it offers a more controlled and safer environment. The app’s design inherently reduces the number of unsolicited messages and potential harassment, which is often a problem on more open-ended platforms. Women tend to outnumber men on this app, and features like Activity Reports and the ability to see who has liked them before making a decision provide an additional layer of comfort and security. The app’s unique system of giving women more control over their interactions can help create a more respectful and engaging dating experience.
4. Singles Living in Urban Areas: Coffee Meets Bagel works best for singles living in urban centers such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, where the app has a larger pool of active users. Since the app relies on a curated selection of daily matches, the probability of finding a compatible partner increases in cities with a high density of singles. For those in smaller towns or rural areas, the limited number of daily matches might feel restrictive, but in larger cities, users can enjoy a wider range of potential partners.
5. Users Looking for a Balance Between Traditional and Modern Dating: Coffee Meets Bagel strikes a balance between traditional dating values and modern technology. It appeals to those who enjoy the convenience of online dating but dislike the superficiality and fast-paced nature of swipe-based apps. The app’s daily match system is reminiscent of traditional matchmaking, where each introduction is given more weight and consideration. Users who prefer taking their time to evaluate their matches and engage in meaningful conversations rather than quick, casual swipes will appreciate this approach.
6. Singles Who Prefer a Diverse and Inclusive Environment: CMB is known for its inclusivity, offering comprehensive options for gender identities and sexual orientations. The app welcomes all users, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, by providing multiple gender and orientation choices during the sign-up process. This inclusive atmosphere makes CMB a good choice for singles who value diversity and are looking for a welcoming community.
7. Individuals Tired of Casual Dating Culture: The app’s focus on serious relationships and its mechanisms to prevent casual encounters make it ideal for those who are frustrated with the casual dating culture. For users who are tired of apps filled with ghosting and non-committal interactions, CMB offers a more respectful and intentional dating experience. Features like the “Activity Reports,” which show user engagement levels, help users avoid wasting time on people who are less likely to respond.
8. Tech-Savvy Singles Who Appreciate Detailed Analytics: Coffee Meets Bagel offers premium features like Activity Reports that provide data on how active potential matches are, their response rates, and their overall engagement levels. This data-driven approach can be appealing to tech-savvy singles who like having more information to help guide their dating decisions. For those who appreciate having detailed analytics at their fingertips, CMB provides a unique way to maximize their dating efforts.
9. Men Interested in Meeting High-Achieving Women: Coffee Meets Bagel is often seen as a good platform for men who are looking to meet professional, high-achieving women. The app’s culture and design attract women who are serious about finding a meaningful relationship and who value quality over quantity. This creates an environment where men who are genuinely interested in forming connections with like-minded women can stand out.

Success Rate and User Experience

Coffee Meets Bagel has facilitated over 50 million matches and 25 million introductions since its launch. The app has a user base of approximately 11 million in the United States alone, with around 400,000 new members joining each month. These figures suggest a reasonably active user base, particularly in major cities.

However, the app’s success rate may depend on how users engage with it. To get the best results, regular logins and interactions are encouraged, as the app prioritizes users who are actively engaged.

Pros and Cons of Coffee Meets Bagel

How to Make the Most of Coffee Meets Bagel

If you’ve decided to give Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) a try, you’re likely looking for more than just a casual fling. The app is designed to foster meaningful connections, but like any dating platform, your success largely depends on how you use it. Here’s how to maximize your experience and make the most out of every “Bagel” you receive.

1. Complete Your Profile with Care

Your profile is your first impression, and on Coffee Meets Bagel, where you only get a few matches each day, it’s crucial to make it count. Don’t rush through the setup—take your time to craft a profile that truly represents who you are. Here’s how:

• Use Clear and Varied Photos: Include at least five photos to showcase different aspects of your life. Use a mix of solo shots, candid moments, and pictures that highlight your interests or hobbies. Avoid heavily filtered images or group photos where it’s hard to tell who you are. The goal is to give potential matches a genuine glimpse into your life.
• Write an Engaging Bio: Coffee Meets Bagel allows you to fill out prompts such as “I am…”, “I like…”, and “I appreciate when my date…”. Use these prompts to show off your personality. Instead of generic statements like “I love to travel,” be specific. For example, say, “My last adventure took me hiking through the Swiss Alps, and I’m already planning the next trip!”
• Be Honest About What You’re Looking For: Whether you’re seeking a serious relationship, something casual, or just exploring, make sure your intentions are clear in your profile. This helps attract the right matches and avoids potential mismatches.

2. Engage Regularly and Be Proactive

Consistency is key on Coffee Meets Bagel. Since you receive a limited number of matches daily, it’s important to engage with the app regularly to keep your profile active and visible. Here’s how to stay engaged:

• Log in Daily: Coffee Meets Bagel’s algorithm favors users who are active. By logging in every day, you increase your chances of being matched with other active users. Plus, regular logins can help you earn Beans, the app’s in-app currency, which you can use to enhance your dating experience.
• Respond Quickly: If you get a match, don’t let the opportunity slip away. According to CMB’s data, messages sent within the first three hours of matching are 52% more likely to receive a response. Start the conversation while the match is still fresh, and keep the momentum going by responding promptly.
• Use Icebreakers Effectively: CMB allows you to include icebreaker questions in your profile. These can be fun, light-hearted ways to start a conversation and can set the tone for your interactions. When replying to a match, refer back to something specific in their profile or icebreaker to show that you’re genuinely interested.

3. Leverage the Discover Section

While CMB’s daily matches are tailored to your preferences, the Discover section offers an opportunity to explore profiles outside of your usual criteria. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Search with Purpose: Use the Discover section to find additional matches that might not appear in your daily batch. You can filter these searches based on specific criteria like age, location, and activity level. This is a great way to broaden your options and meet new people.
• Invest in Beans Wisely: Sending a “Flower” in the Discover section requires Beans, which can be earned or purchased. Use your Beans strategically by sending Flowers to profiles that genuinely interest you. This not only highlights your profile to them but also shows that you’re willing to invest in making a connection.

4. Consider Upgrading to Premium

While the free version of Coffee Meets Bagel offers plenty of features, upgrading to a premium membership can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s why it might be worth it:

• See Who Likes You: Premium members can access the full “Likes You” feed, allowing you to see who’s already interested in you. This can save time and help you focus on potential matches who are more likely to reciprocate your interest.
• Get Detailed Activity Reports: Premium users can view Activity Reports, which provide insights into how often a potential match uses the app, how quickly they respond to messages, and other useful data. This information can help you decide whether a match is worth pursuing.
• Send More Flowers: With a premium membership, you can send up to 8 Flowers per month in the Discover section without spending additional Beans. This increases your chances of standing out and making a meaningful connection.
• Boost Your Profile: Each month, premium members receive one profile boost, which increases their visibility for 48 hours. This feature can result in up to 5x more profile views, making it easier to connect with more people.

5. Stay Positive and Patient

Finding the right match takes time, especially on an app like Coffee Meets Bagel that emphasizes quality over quantity. It’s important to stay patient and maintain a positive outlook throughout your dating journey:

• Don’t Get Discouraged by Limited Matches: The daily match limit is designed to help you focus on fewer, more meaningful connections. If you don’t hit it off with your first few matches, don’t worry—consistency and patience are key.
• Keep an Open Mind: While it’s important to know what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Use the Discover section to explore profiles that might not match your usual criteria—you might be surprised by who you connect with.
• Enjoy the Process: Online dating can sometimes feel like a chore, but it’s important to have fun with it. Enjoy the process of getting to know new people, and don’t put too much pressure on finding “the one” right away.

Final Verdict: Is Coffee Meets Bagel Worth Your Time in 2024?

Coffee Meets Bagel offers a unique approach to online dating by focusing on curated matches and meaningful connections. If you’re looking for a serious relationship and prefer a slower, more thoughtful dating experience, CMB could be worth your time and investment. However, its reliance on premium features and limited daily matches may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a larger pool of potential partners.

Eloise Bouton

Journalist, feminist, author, a specialist in LGBTQI+ issues

I am a freelance writer and editor who specializes in dating and relationship advice. I am passionate about helping singles find the love of their life, and I am dedicated to providing the best possible service.