# Merlin Dating vs Hookd | Dating Elevated

The clearest difference is ads: Merlin Dating at none against Hookd | Dating Elevated's shown. Merlin Dating also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 weeks) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Hookd | Dating Elevated's advantage is review sentiment (60% vs 31%) and monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merlin Dating sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Hookd | Dating Elevated sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Merlin Dating ships an update every 2 weeks, Hookd | Dating Elevated every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merlin Dating | Hookd | Dating Elevated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 174 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Ivan Limarev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532219465) | [Hookd Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699708846) |

## 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


### Hookd | Dating Elevated

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hookd-dating-elevated/id6454675429)

This app offers a mindful dating experience for singles seeking specific connections. Choose your dating mode, avoid ghosting with time-bound communication, and connect with others who share your intentions. It prioritizes respectful interactions with built-in safeguards.

**Highlights:** Mindful dating experience, Choose dating modes (Short-Term, Casual, Serious), Scroll and double tap to like, Explicitly stated intentions, Time-bound communication to avoid ghosting, Message limits before image sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ai Profile Assessment | $0.49 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merlin Dating free?

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

### Is Hookd | Dating Elevated free?

Hookd | Dating Elevated is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Merlin Dating or Hookd | Dating Elevated have ads?

Hookd | Dating Elevated shows ads; Merlin Dating does not.

### Which is updated more often, Merlin Dating or Hookd | Dating Elevated?

Merlin Dating ships an update every 2 weeks, and Hookd | Dating Elevated every 4 weeks. Most recently, Merlin Dating was updated on October 15, 2026 and Hookd | Dating Elevated on October 10, 2026.

---

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