Best for: Meeting lots of people fast
- Huge, active user base almost everywhere
- Free version lets you match and chat
- Very fast and easy to use
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $9.99 (US App Store)
Comparison
Stir vs Hinge: Which Is Better? (2026)
Stir is built only for single parents, with a scheduling tool for busy weeks; Hinge is a large mainstream app with free messaging and detailed profiles.
Quick verdict
It depends on what you want. Choose Stir if you want everyone to be a parent too and need help matching schedules. Choose Hinge if you want a much bigger pool and free messaging.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Stir | Hinge |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.7 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best for | Single parents who need dating to fit a busy schedule | Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s |
| Audience | 18+, single parents and people open to dating them | 18+, mostly 24–40, relationship-focused |
| Typical goal | Relationships | Serious relationships |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | ≈ $19.99 for 1 week (US App Store) | ≈ $16.99 (US App Store) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android |
| Community | Single parents only | Everyone |
| Scheduling | Stir Time | No |
| Free messaging | With mutual matches | Yes |
Scores
Stir
- Match quality
- 3.5
- Features
- 3.9
- Value for money
- 3.4
- Safety
- 4.0
- Ease of use
- 4.0
Hinge
- Match quality
- 4.6
- Features
- 4.3
- Value for money
- 4.0
- Safety
- 4.2
- Ease of use
- 4.5
Stir: pros and cons
Pros
- Built for single parents
- StirTime scheduling
- Free matching and chat
- From Match Group, on web and in apps
Cons
- Smaller than mainstream apps
- Not everyone is a parent unless you filter
- Subscriptions are non-refundable
- Few details in its help center on free limits
Hinge: pros and cons
Pros
- Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
- Strong focus on real relationships
- Free version is usable, with free faith and ethnicity filters
- Good for LGBTQ+ daters
Cons
- Few daily likes, and one incoming like at a time, on the free plan
- Waitlist for new members in some regions
- Smaller user base than Tinder outside big cities
- No web version, and no calling in the app
Pricing compared
Stir paid plans start at ≈ $19.99 for 1 week (US App Store); Hinge paid plans start at ≈ $16.99 (US App Store). Prices vary by country and plan length — see Stir pricing and Hinge pricing.
Neither feels right? Consider these
Best for: A big, well-moderated swipe app
- Big pool, with 100M+ Google Play downloads
- Photo verification required in the US
- Free in-app voice and video calls
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store)
Frequently asked questions
Is Stir better than Hinge for single parents?
Stir is more understanding of parenting; Hinge has far more people. Many single parents use both.
Who owns Stir and Hinge?
Both belong to Match Group.