Review Methodology — How We Test Dating Apps in the Philippines

When we write about dating apps, we don’t just copy information from the web — we test them like real users.
At LovePinoy, our reviews are written by Filipinos, for Filipinos. Each app goes through a real-world testing process so we can tell you what’s fun, what’s frustrating, and what’s actually worth your time.

Our review methodology explains exactly how we test dating apps, what we look for, and how we decide the final scores you see on our pages.


Why We Built This System

The dating culture in the Philippines has its own rhythm. Between long-distance relationships, working abroad, and meeting people through social media, we realized that global review sites didn’t reflect the local experience.

So, we created our own Filipino dating site review process — built around real activity, local pricing, and authentic user behavior. We focus on one question:
👉 “Would this app actually help a Filipino find a real match?”


Step-by-Step: How We Test Each Dating App

We don’t just open an app for a few minutes. Our team uses each platform daily for at least one to two weeks, across different cities — usually Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Here’s what the process looks like:

  1. Download and Setup
    We install both Android and iOS versions. We check the registration flow, login options, and how friendly the design feels on smaller phones.
  2. Profile Creation
    We make real-looking local profiles (Tagalog names, natural selfies, real bios). No fake personas or AI photos — only what a normal user would upload.
  3. First Week of Use
    We explore the free version, see how fast matches appear, and track real conversations. We note how many people reply and what kind of messages we receive.
  4. Premium Features
    Once we understand the basics, we subscribe to the paid plan to test all extra tools — boosts, filters, likes, video calls, etc.
    This helps us evaluate value for money, especially since some apps cost more in pesos than in other countries.
  5. Community & Safety Check
    We test the “Report” and “Block” features, contact customer support, and see how fast issues are handled. Dating should feel safe — that’s non-negotiable.
  6. User Opinions
    Finally, we compare our experience with real user feedback on Play Store, App Store, and Reddit communities to see if others share similar results.

Our Rating Criteria

Every dating app we review receives a final score from 0 to 10, based on five key factors.
This helps readers understand not only which app is popular, but why it deserves attention.

CriteriaWhat We Look ForWeight
User Experience (UX)Design, speed, app stability25 %
Real PeopleAuthenticity of profiles, spam or bots25 %
Local ActivityActive users in the Philippines20 %
Value for MoneyPricing fairness, free vs. paid balance15 %
Safety & SupportModeration, reporting, data protection15 %

A beautiful interface means nothing if most profiles are inactive.
That’s why we weigh real engagement just as heavily as looks.


What Makes Our Reviews Unique

Our reviews aren’t written from an office overseas. They’re tested right here in the Philippines.

We observe when people are most active (usually evenings and weekends), how conversations start, and how cultural habits influence dating behavior.
We also compare subscription prices in pesos and look for special local features like mobile wallet payments or Tagalog localization.

In short — our reviews are 100 % locally tested and culturally aware.


Editorial Independence

Some of the dating apps featured on our site (like FilipinoCupid, Hily, or Tinder) may include affiliate links.
If you choose to sign up through our link, we may earn a small commission — but that never affects our scores or opinions.

Our writers are independent, and we turn down offers that try to influence ratings.
If an app is bad, we’ll say it clearly. If it’s great, we’ll explain why.


Continuous Updates

The dating app landscape changes fast — new features launch, prices shift, and sometimes whole apps disappear.
That’s why we revisit our Filipino dating app reviews every few months.

Each review includes a “Last Updated” date, so readers know when the information was last verified.

We also update screenshots, screenshots, and overall ratings if something big changes — like a new matching algorithm or a redesign.


Want Us to Review a New App?

We’re always open to suggestions!
If there’s a new dating app gaining attention in the Philippines — whether local or international — drop us a message through our Contact Page or email editor@lovepinoy.com.

We’re especially interested in testing Filipino-made dating platforms and apps with community-driven features.


Our Promise to Readers

We built LovePinoy to be an honest, practical guide for anyone exploring love and connection online.
Every review we publish is written by a real person who actually used the app — not AI, not marketing scripts.

We don’t tell you what to think.
We show you what we experienced — and let you decide if it’s right for you.

Because love may be digital now, but sincerity still matters. 💛