Plenty of Fish · Alternatives

Dating Sites Better Than POF for Your Goals

Plenty of Fish isn’t for everyone. Here are the best dating sites to try instead, depending on what you want.

When to look for Plenty of Fish alternatives

POF is big and free to start, and if it brings you dates, stay. People look for dating websites similar to POF, or better ones, because of fake profiles, limited First Contacts, mixed intentions or search results that keep widening beyond their settings.

If you want free messaging on the web

OkCupid is the closest alternative: free to start, on the web and in apps, with matching based on answers to questions. See Plenty of Fish vs OkCupid.

If you want something more serious

Hinge is free to match and message, and its profiles are built around prompts and dating intentions. Match has a long track record with serious daters, and free members can chat with their matches. If you want a site to do the matching, eHarmony is built on compatibility.

If you want a faster swipe app

Tinder has the biggest pool in most places. If you mainly use Meet Me, you’ll feel at home.

If you never want to pay

Facebook Dating has no paid plans at all. Our free dating sites ranking compares the wider field.

If you’re over 50

OurTime and SilverSingles are built for older singles, which saves filtering through a broad pool. See our over-50 dating sites ranking.

If you live in the country

POF’s size helps in rural areas, but FarmersOnly brings together people who share a country way of life in the US and Canada. See our rural dating sites ranking.

Comparison table

SiteRatingBest forFree versionPaid fromLink
OkCupid 4.0 Matching on values and answers as well as photos Yes ≈ $10/mo Visit
Hinge 4.5 Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s Yes ≈ $16.99 (US App Store) Visit
Match 4.2 Serious daters who like to search Yes ≈ $19.99 (US App Store) Visit
Tinder 4.0 Meeting lots of people fast Yes ≈ $9.99 (US App Store) Visit
Facebook Dating 3.7 Trying online dating without paying anything Yes No paid plans Visit
Bumble 4.2 A big, well-moderated swipe app Yes ≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store) Visit
Badoo 3.7 Meeting people nearby on a budget Yes ≈ $13.99/week for Premium (US) Visit
eHarmony 4.4 Serious relationships and marriage Limited shown after you sign up Visit

The best alternatives

1

OkCupid

4.0

Best for: Matching on values and answers as well as photos

  • Match percentage based on real answers
  • Free messaging with matches
  • Over 60 gender and orientation options, plus pronouns
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $10/mo
2

Hinge

4.5

Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s

  • Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
  • Strong focus on real relationships
  • Free version is usable, with free faith and ethnicity filters
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $16.99 (US App Store)
3

Match

4.2

Best for: Serious daters who like to search

  • Large, relationship-minded community
  • Free members can chat with their matches
  • Strong search, on the web and in apps
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $19.99 (US App Store)
4

Tinder

4.0

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)
6

Bumble

4.2

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)
7

Badoo

3.7

Best for: Meeting people nearby on a budget

  • Generous free version for matching and chatting
  • Built-in video and voice calls
  • Photo and ID verification
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $13.99/week for Premium (US)
8

eHarmony

4.4

Best for: Serious relationships and marriage

  • Strong focus on long-term compatibility
  • Detailed quiz and compatibility scores
  • Free Basic membership with no time limit
Free version
Limited
Premium
shown after you sign up

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Plenty of Fish?

OkCupid is our top Plenty of Fish alternative for most people. The best choice depends on your goals.

Is there a free alternative to Plenty of Fish?