Comparison

When We First vs Laila

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

When We First

This dating app offers a human-centered approach to finding meaningful connections. It combines expert matchmakers and dating coaches with advanced algorithms to help users create standout profiles, receive personalized advice, and secure guaranteed dates. Access a partner marketplace for additional dating support services.

Highlights
  • Human Button for matchmaker access
  • Personalized profile help and setup
  • Dating coaching and advice
  • Guaranteed dates
  • Expert algorithms
  • Partner marketplace access
  • VIP membership options
Read full description

When We First: Look Beyond the Likes! Tired of swiping endlessly with no real connection? Welcome to When We First, the dating app that brings a real human touch back into the world of online dating. Whether you're busy with work or ready to find something meaningful, we've created a revolutionary experience to help you meet genuine people—with the help of real matchmakers. What Makes Us Different? At When We First, we believe finding love is personal. That's why we built an app with real people in mind. With our exclusive Human Button, you can connect with real matchmakers and dating experts for: • Personalized Profile Help & Setup: Struggling to make your profile stand out? We don't just review profiles—we can set them up for you! Get help from experts who know how to highlight your best traits and make you shine. • Dating Coaching: Receive real-time dating advice from professionals who guide you through everything from your first message to your first date. • Guaranteed Dates: Looking for something real? With matchmaking services, we guarantee dates based on your preferences and personality. How It Works 1. Create Your Profile: Share your interests, what you're looking for, and let us know a little about you. 2. Click the Human Button: Need help? Our matchmakers are standing by to review or set up your profile, offer guidance, or work with you one-on-one to ensure you're ready for meaningful connections. 3. Start Dating: See quality profiles prioritized by your relationship goals, and connect with real people who align with what you're looking for. 4. Upgrade for VIP Access: Unlock premium services for deeper matchmaking, dating insights, and exclusive date opportunities. Why When We First? • Real Matchmakers and Expert Algorithms: Our algorithm isn't just based on random swipes; it's designed by experienced dating experts to help you find genuine connections. • More Insights, More Connections: Unsure how you're doing online? We provide real-time dating insights, help you select your best photos, and guide you toward making stronger connections. • A Personal Touch: Whether you need help crafting that perfect first message or preparing for a big date, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Marketplace Access Our customers gain access to an exclusive partner marketplace, where you can connect with professionals such as photographers, image consultants, wellness gurus, astrologers, and restaurant partners. These experts help you look and feel your best throughout your dating journey. From professional photos to curated date spots and tailored wellness advice, our marketplace ensures you're ready for every step. VIP Membership Ready to take things to the next level? Upgrade to our VIP membership and unlock premium features like: • Introductions to Real-Life Matches: Get introduced to matches who align with your relationship goals and meet in real life. • Exclusive Matchmaking Services: VIP members receive priority access to customized matchmaking services, including weekly coaching and guaranteed dates. Join the Movement! When We First is more than just a dating app—it's the first app built by a real matchmaking expert. By blending cutting-edge technology with personalized human insight, we create real connections. We're reintroducing what it means to find love in a digital world—with expertise and care. Download When We First today and experience the difference. Love starts here.

About

Laila

This app facilitates real-life connections by allowing users to post date ideas and find matches interested in joining. It aims to reduce online dating fatigue by focusing on shared activities and bypassing endless small talk.

Highlights
  • Post ideal date ideas
  • Find matches for dates
  • Skip small talk
  • Make real-life connections
  • Fight dating burnout
  • Event-based approach
Features
Read full description

Laila: The +1 Market for First Dates A first-date app, not a dating app. Post a date, people apply, you pick one. That's it. Tired of endless swiping and small talk? Laila is built for the part you actually want: the first date. How Laila works: - Post a date. A dumpling crawl in Chinatown, an art exhibit, a wine bar in the West Village, a Sunday morning long run. The plan is the idea. - People apply. Anyone in your city who wants to go on that exact date applies to be your +1. - Pick one. The host picks. One spot, one +1. Locked in. The Trending Dates Leaderboard See what your city is actually planning. Trending dates rank live by how many people are applying. The most-wanted first dates rise to the top. Open the app, see the dates, see the buzz. Public dates, private profiles Anyone can browse the leaderboard, no signup required. Profile photos stay blurred until both sides opt in. Open at the top. Controlled at the close. Why Laila: - Skip the small talk. The date is the conversation starter. By the time you meet, you already know what you're doing. - Real first dates, not endless DMs. The plan is locked. You actually meet. - Beat dating burnout. No swipe spirals. No graveyards of half-conversations. Post, apply, pick, go. For first dates that actually happen Laila is the +1 market for first dates. Whether you want a casual coffee or a real night out, post the date you want and let the right person apply. Download Laila. Post a date. Pick your +1. Stop swiping, start dating. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

When We First4 screens
Laila4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Laila at 4.0 against When We First's 3.6. On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. When We First sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $50.00 per 7 days and Laila sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Laila holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 56 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of When We First's written reviews are positive against 63% of Laila's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
When We First versus Laila: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWhen We FirstLaila
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (19 ratings)4.0 (56 ratings) — better
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews63.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1956 — better
Update frequencyFortnightlyFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.0.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size128 MB45 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperWhenWeFirst Inc.Laila Dating Inc

Customer experience

When We First

All ratings19 ratings
Positive63.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative36.8%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative42.9%

Laila

All ratings56 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral5.4%
Negative23.2%
Written reviews27 reviews
Positive63.0%
Neutral3.7%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

When We First

Subscriptions5
  • Premium Membership$50.007 Days
  • Advantage Membership$59.001 Month
  • Elite Membership$100.007 Days
Show 2 more
  • Premium Membership$174.991 Month
  • Elite Membership$350.001 Month
One-time5
  • 3 Green Flags$8.00
  • Trusted Badge$10.00
  • Get Endorsed$10.00
Show 2 more
  • 10 Green Flags$22.00
  • 20 Green Flags$30.00
2 purchases

Laila

Subscriptions1
  • Laila Premium$9.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime access$20.00

Questions

Is When We First free?
When We First is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Laila free?
Laila is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, When We First or Laila?
Laila is rated higher. When We First averages 3.6 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Laila averages 4.0 from 56 ratings.
Do When We First or Laila have ads?
Neither When We First nor Laila shows ads.
Which is updated more often, When We First or Laila?
When We First ships an update fortnightly, and Laila fortnightly. Most recently, When We First was updated on October 23, 2026 and Laila on October 15, 2026.

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