Raya vs. Hinge: Complete Comparison of The Dating Apps

Is there someone who has not tried their luck on online dating apps to find the love of their life? Well, maybe everyone. In 2026, dating apps can be your safe escape to not go through the endless lonely Valentine's Day in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.

So, in pursuit of the best dating apps for our next relationship, we came across two major dating apps, Raya and Hinge. Where one is one of the most exclusive dating apps catering to the needs of the elite, the other is a more mainstream platform with a larger user base and an entirely different dating scene across Canada.

Today we will compare everything from the user experience to matchmaking algorithms to help you decide which app is right for your lifestyle.

So, whether you're looking for love, casual hookups, or serious relationships, join us as we explore the extraordinary worlds of Raya and Hinge dating apps in the current 2026 landscape.

How Does Raya Work?

Raya is an exclusive dating app for elite singles available on the App Store only. The app is often considered the "Soho House" of dating, where you need a top-tier creative job and a sizeable Instagram following to get the highly scrutinized committee's acceptance. This is particularly popular among the creative crowds in Montreal and Vancouver.

Despite being a platform for Hollywood’s A-listers and international elites, it operates similarly to other dating apps once you are inside. However, getting into Raya requires a lengthy application procedure in which a committee considers many aspects, such as your "overall Instagram influence" and who nominated you, before making a final decision.

If you're deemed worthy of acceptance, you get to try your luck in the same dating pool as supermodels and celebrities in the entertainment industry.

The Raya profile has no traditional "About" section, but you can upload a few photos, fill in a short bio, and connect your profile to your Instagram account. You can skip the bio, but a linked Instagram account is mandatory.

The major difference in a Raya profile is that it plays a slideshow of the user set to a song of your choice. Once you have set up your account and liked someone, hit the heart button, and if they like you back, you can start chatting.

Raya has the strictest privacy guidelines, where screenshots are strictly forbidden at all costs. Raya only offers paid membership which matches ambitious singletons with like-minded people working in similar creative fields globally.

How Does Hinge Dating App Work?

Hinge is a top-rated app in Canada designed to be deleted, meaning it tends to help users build serious long-term relationships so that they won't need a dating app anymore.

It is available for download on both the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store and is free to use, although there are premium upgrades available for those who want to speed up the process.

To sign up for a Hinge account, you must provide the standard name, email, date of birth, and location. You'll also get the option to give more details about yourself, including your height, religion, and political beliefs. The app does not focus only on pictures; rather, profiles are built around prompts and quotes.

Aside from basic information, you must answer three "prompts" that serve as great conversation starters and let you express your true personality to potential partners.

Users can reject or accept people based on their profiles. To start a conversation, you can either send the best opening lines to your match or leave a comment on one of their photos or prompts.

Comparison of Raya and Hinge

Raya and Hinge are both popular dating apps in Canada, but they have key differences in features, pricing, and user experience. Here's how they stack up in 2026:

Features

Raya is much more exclusive than Hinge, geared specifically towards those in creative industries with a highly curated user base.

Raya offers features such as "Community," where members can network with other creatives, "Concierge" for more personalized matchmaking, and "Explore," which allows users to see profiles globally rather than just in their immediate Canadian city.

Hinge is more geared towards people looking for a long-term relationship and offers features such as "We Met," for date feedback, and "Most Compatible," which provides a daily match based on your specific preferences.

Hinge's free membership includes basic filters, eight daily likes, and one "Rose" per week to stand out.

Premium users on Hinge receive unlimited likes, advanced filters (like education or family plans), and "Travel Mode" to see profiles in different locations across Canada or the world.

Pricing

While Hinge offers a robust free version, Raya requires a paid subscription for all accepted members. In 2026, the Canadian pricing for these tiers is approximately as follows:

Raya Pricing (CAD):

• Standard Membership: Approximately $26.99 per month.
• Raya+ Membership: Approximately $69.99 per month.

Unlike Raya, Hinge follows a freemium model. For those who want more, Hinge offers subscription-based pricing for Hinge+ and HingeX:

Hinge Pricing (CAD):

• Hinge+ Membership: Approximately $34.99 per month.
• HingeX Membership: Approximately $64.99 per month.

User Experience

Both Raya and Hinge have user-friendly interfaces, but the "vibe" is very different. Raya is an invite-only app with an upscale, private feel. Because of the rigorous screening process that only admits about 8% of applicants, the community feels very tight-knit.

On the other hand, Hinge is the perfect choice for Canadians who are not into hookup culture. It emphasizes thoughtful connection. By limiting the number of daily likes for free users, Hinge encourages more intentional interactions rather than mindless swiping.

Conclusion

If you are indecisive between the best dating apps out there in 2026, Hinge and Raya are two of the strongest options. Both offer dynamic features to help you find an ideal partner.

But both dating apps cater to different types of people. If you are frustrated with casual hook-ups and are looking for something serious in Canada, Hinge is your best bet. It encourages detailed profiles and shared values.

However, if you want a partner from the creative elite or the entertainment industry, and you value extreme privacy, then Raya is the community for you. Raya focuses on quality over quantity, and its users in 2026 typically seek meaningful, high-profile connections.