# Merlin Dating vs Dating Decoded

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dating Decoded at none against Merlin Dating's 12. Merlin Dating's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merlin Dating sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Dating Decoded asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merlin Dating | Dating Decoded |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-dating/id1532219463/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7** | — |
| Positive reviews | 30.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 174 MB | 168 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Ivan Limarev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532219465) | [Absolutely Digital Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1636612117) |

## What reviewers say

### Merlin Dating

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merlin-dating/id1532219463)

This AI-powered dating assistant analyzes photos to predict compatibility and relationship potential. It offers personalized dating tips to help users navigate conversations and dates, aiming to reduce anxiety and build confidence for successful relationships.

**Highlights:** AI-powered compatibility analysis, Predicts relationship potential (flirting, short-term, long-term, family), Personalized dating tips, Analyzes personality from photos, Reduces dating anxiety and boosts confidence, Works across other apps

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PLUS for a month | $1.99 | per month |
| GOLD subscription for a month | $6.99 | per month |
| PLUS for a year | $7.99 | per year |
| PLATINUM -50% for a month | $7.99 | per month |
| GOLD subscription for a year | $14.99 | per year |
| PLATINUM for a month | $14.99 | per month |
| PLATINUM -50% for a half year | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| Half-year subscription GOLD | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| PLATINUM for a year | $29.99 | per year |
| PLATINUM -50% for a year | $29.99 | per year |
| Half-year PLATINUM subs. | $49.99 | per 6 months |
| Celebrity compatibility | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Unique and innovative concept for compatibility analysis
- 🎯 Accurate personality trait recognition
- 👥 Helpful for understanding relationship compatibility
- 🧠 Precise character analysis and descriptions
- 💬 Useful tool for assessing people in relationships and friendships

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- ⏳ Constant loading issues and hanging screens
- 🔐 Authentication problems and SMS code failures
- 📱 Poor technical implementation despite good concept
- 💰 Subscription model with non-functional features

**Reported bugs**

- App hangs on loading screen indefinitely
- Bio questions cause app to freeze completely
- SMS verification codes not arriving
- Code length mismatch (6-digit request vs 4-digit SMS)
- Photos rejected despite meeting requirements

**Requested features**

- Swipe-based photo navigation instead of scrolling
- Descriptions for personality trait characteristics
- Profile deletion option
- Ability to view previous analysis without re-uploading
- Improved language and account persistence across sessions


### Dating Decoded

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dating-decoded/id1543839047)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merlin Dating free?

Merlin Dating is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Dating Decoded free?

Dating Decoded is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Merlin Dating or Dating Decoded have ads?

Dating Decoded shows ads; Merlin Dating does not.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*