Our verdict
Stir is Match Group’s dating app for single parents. Its Stir Time scheduler helps you find someone whose free evenings match yours, and every member understands that parenting comes first.
Bottom line: A thoughtful niche option for single parents in the US. Pair it with eHarmony or Match for a bigger pool.
Great for: Single parents who need dating to fit around the kids
Not ideal for: People without children or those outside the US.
Dating built around parenting
Stir is Match Group's dating app for single parents, launched in 2022 for a simple reason: millions of single parents were using apps that treated children as a footnote. On Stir, everyone is a parent, so nobody needs to explain why a date has to end by nine or why Tuesday is impossible.
The standout feature is Stir Time, a scheduler where you share when you are free — say, the weeks the kids are with your co-parent — and see whether someone you like has matching availability. For parents juggling school runs, custody arrangements and work, it removes much of the back-and-forth.
Stir has also partnered with Garbo to offer background-check tools, which reassures parents who are careful about who they introduce into their family's life.
Who it suits: single parents in the US, from their late twenties to fifties, who want a relationship with someone who understands family life.
What to keep in mind: the pool is smaller than mainstream apps, the paid plans are not cheap, and messaging for free is limited to mutual matches.
Our tip: fill in Stir Time honestly, even if your free evenings are few. It filters out people whose schedules would never line up, which saves you from promising conversations that cannot turn into dates.
Stir at a glance
| Audience | Mostly 25–55, single parents, US |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Relationships |
| Free version | Yes — Profile and browsing, Messaging with mutual matches, Stir Time scheduling |
| Paid from | ≈ $17/mo (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for single parents
- Scheduling tool
- Backed by Match Group
- Web and apps
Cons
- Smaller than mainstream apps
- Paid plans are pricey
- US-focused
Key features
- Stir Time
- Share when you are free and see whose schedule fits — built for co-parenting weeks and school runs.
- Single parents only
- Everyone understands that the kids come first.
- Background checks
- Stir has partnered with Garbo to offer background-check tools.
How much does Stir cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Profile and browsing, Messaging with mutual matches, Stir Time scheduling |
| Standard | ≈ $17+/mo | More ways to connect |
| Premium | ≈ $18–40/mo | See your instant matches, Message before matching, Profile boosts, Move your like to the top |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked September 23, 2026. Apps often charge different amounts by country, age, platform and plan length — confirm the final price in the app before paying.
Want the full breakdown and ways to save? Read our Stir pricing guide and free trial options.
Is Stir safe?
Keep details about your children private until you know someone well, and meet in public.
Before meeting anyone, follow our verification checklist.
Not sure Stir is right for you?
These alternatives may suit you better depending on your goals. See all Stir alternatives.
Best for: Serious relationships and marriage
- Strong focus on long-term compatibility
- Serious, older user base
- Less time wasted on swiping
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $25/mo
Best for: Serious daters who like to search
- Large, relationship-minded community
- Powerful search filters
- Web and app versions
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $25/mo
Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s
- Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
- Strong focus on real relationships
- Free version is usable
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $30/mo
Compare Stir
Stir FAQ
Is Stir free?
You can browse and message mutual matches for free; paid plans add features like messaging before matching.
What is Stir Time?
A scheduling feature that shows whether your free time lines up with someone you like.
Who owns Stir?
Match Group, the company behind Match, Tinder and Hinge.