Upward: Christian Dating App icon
Upward: Comprehensive Review of the Christian Dating Platform

by Affinity Apps, LLC

Upward is a faith-based dating app designed specifically for Christian singles seeking meaningful relationships. The platform connects users based on shared religious beliefs, values, and interests through a streamlined interface.

Detailed Review

Upward positions itself as the leading Christian dating application in the United States, having held the top position in its category during 2020 and 2021. Developed by Affinity Apps, LLC, the iOS application serves as a dedicated platform for Christian singles seeking relationships grounded in shared faith and values. The app's mission centers on creating a faith-based community where believers can connect based on religious compatibility rather than superficial attributes. The application's core functionality operates through a familiar swiping interface where users can indicate interest in profiles that display religious affiliation, denomination, and personal values. Profile creation includes specific faith-based parameters such as church attendance frequency, theological beliefs, and worship preferences. The matching algorithm prioritizes religious compatibility alongside geographic proximity and shared interests. Free users can browse profiles and send limited messages, while premium subscriptions unlock features like seeing who has liked your profile and advanced filtering options. User experience reflects a clean, minimalist design that emphasizes profile content over flashy graphics. The interface prioritizes ease of navigation with intuitive swiping gestures and clear profile organization. Real-world usage patterns show that users typically engage in evening browsing sessions, with increased activity around weekends and religious holidays. The app incorporates safety features including profile verification and reporting mechanisms to maintain community standards aligned with Christian values. User feedback reveals polarized experiences, with many reporting successful matches leading to long-term relationships. Reviewer 2021 ipad pro user (August 18, 2025) reported meeting their future spouse within a month of using the app, while Mista Waldo (August 14, 2025) described initially skeptical but ultimately successful results. However, WhimsicalCali (August 16, 2025) expressed frustration with premium pricing and matching relevance, noting concerns about profile authenticity and distance limitations in the matching algorithm. The application demonstrates particular strength in creating a targeted environment for faith-based matching, though limitations include geographic constraints in less populated areas and subscription requirements for full functionality. Upward proves most effective for denominationally specific Christians seeking partners with aligned theological views, particularly those in urban areas with larger user bases. The platform serves best as a supplementary tool alongside traditional church community interactions rather than a complete replacement for organic meeting opportunities.

Key Features

  • Faith-based matching algorithm prioritizes religious compatibility through detailed denomination and belief parameters in profile creation
  • Free messaging system allows basic communication while premium subscriptions unlock advanced features and unlimited interactions
  • Geographic filtering enables users to set distance preferences for matches within specific mileage ranges from their location
  • Profile verification system helps maintain community authenticity through photo confirmation and belief statement requirements
  • Swiping interface with religious compatibility indicators provides familiar navigation while emphasizing faith connection metrics
  • Denomination-specific search filters allow users to narrow matches by specific Christian traditions and worship styles

Why Users Love It

Targeted faith-based community
Streamlined matching interface

Perfect for: Christian singles seeking faith-centered relationships through digital platforms

Screenshots

Upward: Christian Dating App screenshot 1Upward: Christian Dating App screenshot 2Upward: Christian Dating App screenshot 3Upward: Christian Dating App screenshot 4Upward: Christian Dating App screenshot 5Upward: Christian Dating App screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Upward: Christian Dating App's performance in Social Networking over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#48

Best Rank

#45

All-time high

Average Rank

#47

30-day average

User Reviews

anybody j
Sep 12, 2025

We met on upward and it was immediate hit. Our profiles is what connected us. I strongly encourage everyone to really fill out their profile and provide detail, verify your photo and trust in God. We are now engaged We met on upward and it was immediate hit. Our profiles is what connected us. I strongly encourage everyone to really fill out their profile and provide detail, verify your photo and trust in God.

camilajc
Sep 15, 2025

I met my ex boyfriend here, we broke up, but we were together for a year Amazing I met my ex boyfriend here, we broke up, but we were together for a year

Trentrb
Sep 17, 2025

I met the sweetest girl ever on this app! We have so much in common, religious beliefs, political beliefs, everything. So thankful for it :) Met the girl of my dreams on this app I met the sweetest girl ever on this app! We have so much in common, religious beliefs, political beliefs, everything. So thankful for it :)

Mista Waldo
Aug 15, 2025

Downloaded this app one day even though I thought ratings apps were a joke and a waste of time and for people who can’t socialize and meet like normal people, yet here I am almost two years later about to marry the woman of my dreams, the app proved me wrong in the best way possible, if you are sick of all the riff raff in your area and wanna meet someone who’s serious and intentional about their relationship and faith, this is it. Peace homies✌️✌️✌️✌️ I am totally speechless… Downloaded this app one day even though I thought ratings apps were a joke and a waste of time and for people who can’t socialize and meet like normal people, yet here I am almost two years later about to marry the woman of my dreams, the app proved me wrong in the best way possible, if you are sick of all the riff raff in your area and wanna meet someone who’s serious and intentional about their relationship and faith, this is it. Peace homies✌️✌️✌️✌️

Lookin Out Shorty
Aug 12, 2025

Recently I see that Upward has changed the Christian religious category of non-denominational to non-confessional. The majority of new Christian’s are Pentecostal , adhering to scripture and believing in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, in nature but attend nondenominational churches. Let me make this observance, there are no denominations in the Holy Bible, just followers of Christ, or the Way. I think Upward is doing its users a gross disservice to ”title” them no longer non-denominational but “non-confessional.” Let me ask you this Upward, what are you indeed trying to confess about your users, because if I am not mistaken non-confessional means to not confess Jesus at all. Debug or do right by your user some of which are not yet knowledgeable and new to Christ Jesus. Upward needs to get the titles right and do their research lest they lose users. Recently I see that Upward has changed the Christian religious category of non-denominational to non-confessional. The majority of new Christian’s are Pentecostal , adhering to scripture and believing in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, in nature but attend nondenominational churches. Let me make this observance, there are no denominations in the Holy Bible, just followers of Christ, or the Way. I think Upward is doing its users a gross disservice to ”title” them no longer non-denominational but “non-confessional.” Let me ask you this Upward, what are you indeed trying to confess about your users, because if I am not mistaken non-confessional means to not confess Jesus at all. Debug or do right by your user some of which are not yet knowledgeable and new to Christ Jesus.

App Details

Developer

Affinity Apps, LLC

Platform

ios

Rating

4.4

Last Updated

9/7/2025