Comparison

When We First vs SwiPaws

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

SwiPaws

Connect with nearby dog owners and their pets for playdates. Build profiles for yourself and your dog, swipe to find matches, and chat to plan meetups. Features a special mode for shy or reactive pups.

Highlights
  • Dog and owner profiles
  • Swipe-based matching
  • In-app chat for planning
  • Training Mode for shy dogs
  • Filter by dog size and personality
  • Safety features and reporting tools
Read full description

SwiPaws — Playdates for dogs. Friends for their humans. Finding the right playmate for your dog shouldn't be hard. SwiPaws connects you with compatible dogs and owners nearby, so every meetup starts with something in common. Swipe, match, and plan a park day, a walk, or a low-key hangout. It's not dating — it's play-dating! How it works: • Build a profile for your dog and yourself • Swipe to discover dogs nearby — Woof the ones you like • When it's mutual, you match and can chat right in the app • Plan a meetup and make a new friend (on four legs and two) SwiPaws was created by a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer who believes every dog deserves a chance to make friends — at their own pace. Introducing Training Mode Got a shy, nervous, or reactive pup who's still learning? Turn on Training Mode to connect with patient, understanding owners. No judgment, just support. Because socializing should be safe and positive for every dog. Made for real connections: • Smart matching with dogs and owners near you • Filter by size, energy, personality, and lifestyle • Private in-app chat — get to know someone before sharing personal info • Block, report, and unmatch anytime • Discover dog-friendly events and adoption resources Safety first, always Your comfort comes first. In-app messaging keeps your info private, our safety tips help you meet smart, and our tools put you in control. Join the pack and find your dog's new best friend today!

Screenshots

When We First4 screens
SwiPaws4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: SwiPaws at 5.0 against When We First's 3.6. SwiPaws also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10). When We First's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (19 vs 1). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. SwiPaws asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SwiPaws holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: When We First has 19 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

When We First ships an update fortnightly, SwiPaws every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
When We First versus SwiPaws: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWhen We FirstSwiPaws
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (19 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings19 — better1
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.0.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size128 MB49 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperWhenWeFirst Inc.FREDERICK DECLAN JOLOWSKI

Customer experience

When We First

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

SwiPaws

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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
None

SwiPaws

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is When We First free?
When We First is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SwiPaws free?
SwiPaws is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, When We First or SwiPaws?
SwiPaws is rated higher. When We First averages 3.6 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while SwiPaws averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do When We First or SwiPaws have ads?
Neither When We First nor SwiPaws shows ads.
Which is updated more often, When We First or SwiPaws?
When We First ships an update fortnightly, and SwiPaws every 2 months. Most recently, When We First was updated on October 23, 2026 and SwiPaws on October 25, 2026.

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