Grindr Tests $499 AI ‘EDGE’ Subscription

By: Michael Jacobs – Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT News

LAS VEGAS — (February 11, 2026) — Grindr is testing a new premium subscription tier powered by artificial intelligence that could cost users as much as $499 per month, marking one of the most ambitious experiments in LGBTQ+ dating technology to date.

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According to a report from Business Insider, the new membership—called EDGE—is built around Grindr’s proprietary AI system known as “gAI,” which is designed to streamline matching, messaging, and relationship building.

In a recent blog post, Grindr Chief Product Officer AJ Balance described the initiative as part of the company’s long-term strategy to become an “AI-first” platform.

“EDGE is designed for users who want a more efficient, higher-signal experience—less scrolling, better conversations, and stronger follow-through,” Balance wrote.

AI-Powered Dating Experience

The EDGE subscription is intended to function as a digital “wingman,” offering users enhanced tools to navigate conversations and connections more effectively.

Key features currently being tested include:

Personalized match recommendations
Conversation summaries and recaps
Profile insights and behavioral analysis
Improved messaging guidance

According to Balance, these tools are focused on helping users move beyond endless swiping and toward more meaningful outcomes.

“Together, these features are about outcomes, not novelty,” he said. “Connecting with greater confidence, better conversations, and more momentum.”

Pilot Program and Pricing

Grindr has already piloted the AI-powered subscription in Australia and New Zealand and is now expanding testing to select cities in the United States and Canada.

Screenshots shared online indicate that weekly prices range from $80 to $200, placing annual costs as high as $6,000 for some users.

Despite the premium pricing, Grindr emphasized that EDGE remains optional and that existing subscription tiers will continue to operate at significantly lower price points.

Privacy and User Control

With growing concerns around AI and data privacy, Balance stressed that user control remains central to the platform’s design.

He noted that:

AI features can be disabled in privacy settings
Sensitive health data is excluded from AI use
Users retain authority over how their information is processed

Grindr stated that gAI will impact the entire user journey “from discovery, to messaging, to reconnecting,” while maintaining strict privacy safeguards.

How It Compares to Other Apps

The pricing structure places EDGE far above most mainstream dating platforms.

Top-tier plans from competitors such as Bumble and Hinge typically range between $19.99 and $100 per month, making Grindr’s AI tier one of the most expensive in the industry.

Industry analysts suggest that Grindr is targeting high-engagement users who are willing to pay a premium for advanced matching tools and time-saving features.

Part of a Broader AI Strategy

Grindr first revealed plans for an “AI wingman” in October 2024 as part of its broader digital transformation.

CEO George Arison previously told The Wall Street Journal that AI-driven features are expected to reach most of the platform’s nearly 15 million users by 2027.

The company has also made recent headlines for introducing temporary privacy protections for LGBTQ+ athletes during international sporting events, reinforcing its focus on user safety.

A New Era for LGBTQ+ Dating Platforms

The EDGE pilot reflects a growing trend among dating platforms toward personalized, AI-driven experiences that promise greater efficiency and stronger connections.

While it remains unclear how many users will embrace the premium pricing, Grindr’s experiment signals a major shift in how digital dating services may evolve in the coming years.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into social platforms, the success—or failure—of EDGE could help shape the future of LGBTQ+ online communities.

For continuing coverage of LGBTQ+ technology, digital culture, and community trends, follow JRL CHARTS LGBT News — your trusted source for modern queer media and innovation.