Looking for a Christian alternative to Upward? SALT is a dating app where every member is a Christian. It’s the largest independent Christian dating app in the world, made by Christians for every single Christian.
In September 2026, Upward relaunched as a marriage-focused app open to all faiths. That works for some people. But if you want to date someone who shares your faith, you may want an app built around it.
TL;DR
- Upward is now open to singles of any faith. SALT is for Christians only.
- SALT is free to meet, match and chat, with optional Premium features.
- SALT has community features alongside dating: SALT Social and Table live audio events.
- SALT is available in more than 50 countries and 20 languages.
- Switching is simple, but cancel any Upward subscription through Apple or Google first.
Why are Christians looking for an Upward alternative?
Upward is no longer a Christian-only app. Since its 2026 relaunch, members don’t need to identify as Christian. The shared goal is now marriage and family, not faith.
For some Christians, that’s fine. For others, shared faith is the starting point. They want to talk about church, prayer and keeping God at the centre without first checking whether a match believes.
Upward is also removing its Social tab, so it’s now dating only. If you valued a community space alongside dating, that’s gone too.
In short: Christians who want faith to be the common ground are looking for an app built around it.
Want the full story? Read Is Upward Still a Christian Dating App?.
SALT vs Upward: how do they compare?
The biggest difference is who each app is for. SALT is faith-first. Upward is now values-first.
| SALT | Upward | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Christians only | Marriage-minded singles of any faith |
| Ownership | Independent | Match Group (owner of Tinder and Hinge) |
| Free to match and chat | Yes | Yes, with paid upgrades |
| Community features | SALT Social feed and Table live audio events | Social tab being removed |
| Dating features | Likes, Intros, voice notes, video calls | Chivalry Mode, Marriage Timeline, Core Values |
| Verification | Selfie verification for every member | Profile verification available |
| Reach | 50+ countries, 20 languages | Mainly US-focused |
In short: Choose SALT if shared faith matters most. Choose Upward if you want marriage-focused dating and are open to other faiths.
What makes SALT the Christian alternative to Upward?
SALT was built by Christians, for Christians, from day one. Faith isn’t a filter on SALT. It’s what everyone has in common.
Everyone shares your faith
Every member signs up to the SALT Values when they join. Profiles include faith-based questions and badges, so you can see what matters to someone before you match.
It’s for every denomination
SALT welcomes Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, non-denominational Christians and many more. You choose how much your denomination matters to you.
Community, not just dating
SALT Social is our in-app community feed, where members share advice, songs and questions. Table is our live audio events platform, covering faith, singleness, dating and much more. Both are free, and both let you meet people without the pressure of a first date.
Safety comes first
Every member completes selfie verification. Our moderation team reviews profiles, and you can report anyone who worries you.
Free to meet, match and chat
You don’t need to pay to use SALT. SALT Premium is optional and unlocks extras like Global Search, Private Mode and up to 10 Intros a day.
In short: SALT gives you a Christian-only space to date, plus a community to belong to.
How to switch from Upward to SALT
Switching takes a few minutes. The one step people miss is cancelling their old subscription.
- Cancel any Upward subscription. Do this through your Apple or Google account settings. Deleting the app doesn’t cancel a subscription.
- Download SALT. It’s free on the App Store and Google Play.
- Create your profile. Sign up with Apple, Google, Facebook or email, then complete selfie verification.
- Fill out your profile. Add photos, answer the profile prompts and pick your badges. The more you add, the more conversation starters you give people.
- Set your preferences. Choose your age range and distance, then start meeting single Christians.
In short: Cancel Upward through your app store, then set up a full SALT profile.
Need profile tips? Read How to write a great Christian dating profile (with examples).
FAQs
What is the best Christian alternative to Upward?
SALT is a strong choice if you want everyone on the app to share your faith. It’s the largest independent Christian dating app, with members in more than 50 countries.
What apps are like Upward?
If you liked Upward’s focus on serious relationships but want a Christian-only space, SALT is the closest fit. It also adds community features like SALT Social and Table.
How do I cancel my Upward subscription?
If you subscribed on iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile, then Payments and subscriptions. Cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date.
Does deleting Upward cancel my subscription?
No. Deleting the app doesn’t stop payments. You need to cancel through your Apple or Google account.
Is SALT free?
Yes. You can meet, match and chat for free. SALT Premium is an optional paid upgrade.
Can I use SALT if I’m not in the US?
Yes. SALT is available in more than 50 countries and in 20 languages.
Is SALT safe?
Every member completes selfie verification, and our moderation team reviews profiles. You can report or block anyone from their profile.
Ready to try SALT?
SALT is free to download on iOS and Android. Join over a million single Christians who are meeting, dating and building community with God at the centre.
Leave a Reply