Head-to-head
DOWN vs Instinct
DOWN
55
Winner
Instinct
Instinct
80
Choose Instinct for a generally better user experience and higher satisfaction.
Instinct scores higher in user satisfaction and overall experience compared to Down. While both apps have free versions, Instinct's paid features seem to offer better value, leading to a more positive reception among users.
Head to head
DOWN Down offers various options for casual connections but has limitations like distance settings and frequent spam messages.
Instinct Instinct provides a streamlined experience but has been criticized for hidden paywalls and fake profiles.
DOWN Users find Down's interface easy to navigate, but some report glitches and issues with messaging.
Instinct Instinct is praised for its streamlined design, though some users find it frustrating when features are locked behind paywalls.
DOWN Down users report significant issues with fake profiles and app malfunctions.
Instinct Instinct users also mention fake profiles and scams, but the app generally receives higher ratings for reliability.
DOWN Down's users frequently complain about the high costs associated with messaging and features.
Instinct Instinct's users express similar frustrations about costs but feel they get more value from the app overall.
DOWN Down users report poor customer service and lack of assistance with issues.
Instinct Instinct users also mention a lack of support, especially when facing account issues.
Pick DOWN if
you prefer a casual dating experience and are willing to navigate some app issues.
Pick Instinct if
you want a more polished experience with better user satisfaction and are okay with potential paywalls.
Evidence note: Both apps have a free tier, but Instinct's paid users tend to report more satisfaction, while Down's free users often express frustration with limitations and ads.
Frequently asked
What are the costs associated with each app?
Down is free with in-app purchases, but many users complain about high costs for messaging and features, while Instinct also offers a free tier but requires payment for essential features, leading to frustrations about hidden costs.
What reviewers actually said
Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.
- [R3] DOWN Down: I’ve had a great experience using Down. The app is easy to navigate, and it’s straightforward to connect with people who are looking for the same type of relationship. I appreciated that conversations felt genuine, and the matching process was smooth. The clean design and simple features made it enjoyable to use without feeling overwhelming. If you’re looking to meet new people in a relaxed
- [R18] DOWN Issues: No option to adjust the distance from your location and the profiles you are shown are seemingly random huge distances from you. Now and then you’re randomly shown a profile in your area. Sometimes when adjusting the age range, larger or smaller, it breaks the search and suddenly there’s no profiles available.
- [R72] Instinct my honest opinion: i’m getting really sick and tired of having to pay just to see who likes me like that’s annoying or correction who matches me it’s more like a scam. Anything else like I get people trying to get their money but still
- [R92] Instinct Scam: This app is a scam. It makes you keep buying more features like booosts and sparks to get seen but your profile still never gets seen or interacted with. Right off the bat, it looks like 5 people liked your profile, but in order to see their profiles you have to upgrade. So after you pay for an upgrade, you look at those profiles and can see they are just fake profiles to make you pay for
- [R2] DOWN Amazing: Very good layout, good color scheme, real people and real results , I’m happy with my purchase from this app, it’s as easy as 123!!
- [R37] DOWN Impressive Dating App: I really like how simple it is to navigate. A very straightforward application. It lets users know exactly what they are looking for on both ends.
- [R62] Instinct Awesome: Really enjoy the app it’s so streamline and easy
- [R79] Instinct Instinct app: Awesome app really works
- [R10] DOWN Fake people in this app: There are so many fake people here and scammers
- [R40] DOWN BEWARE, All fake bots: All the profiles I encountered were completely fake bots. Total waste of time and money. Deleted after an hour and requested a refund which was denied.
- [R70] Instinct It’s a scam: Don’t waste your time. There aren’t any real people on there.
- [R112] Instinct Scam.. do not buy: All the likes I had turned out to be fake profiles or someone from Africa. They tricked me into paying to make me think I had actual matches. Do not buy!!!!
- [R22] DOWN Money: In order to use app or message u need to pay. Per message…LoL
- [R36] DOWN Bad: Can’t even see who liked you without paying so what’s the point
- [R110] Instinct Bad: The subscription prices are way too high and they are especially not worth it when no one else wants to pay for it either, despite it needing to be required to proceed with anything. Talk about an impasse. And why does this app have so many 5 stars?
- [R56] DOWN Wouldn’t bother: Have to apply another subscription when they’re taking 20 pound a month off me as it is. I was talking to 2 girls then I suddenly get ghosted because I need to apply another subscription.. money grabbers
- [R118] Instinct Can’t access profile: Went to check my messages and app wants me to log in and it goes through the entire sign up process now. Did my profile get deleted? No customer service or email
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store