Our verdict
Stir is Match Group’s dating app for single parents. Its StirTime scheduler helps you find someone whose free evenings match yours, and it’s free to match and chat.
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 a busy schedule
Not ideal for: People who don’t want to date someone with children.
What Stir is
This Stir review covers Match Group’s dating app for single parents, launched in 2021. It’s available on iPhone and Android and on the website at stir.com. The pitch is simple: everyone here knows that kids come first, so you don’t have to apologize for your schedule or brace for someone losing interest when you mention them.
It isn’t strictly for parents, though. Stir says it welcomes anyone who doesn’t see kids as a deal-breaker. If you’d prefer to meet only other parents, you can turn on a filter to hide non-parent profiles. Your own profile then won’t be shown to non-parents either (Stir).
How the Stir dating app works
You answer questions on personality and values, and Stir recommends people based on what you want, what they want and how your answers compare. You like or pass, and once you both like each other, you can chat for free.
The feature that sets it apart is StirTime. You mark the times you’re free, such as evenings without the kids, and you can see when your free time overlaps with another member’s, if they’ve filled theirs in. For parents juggling custody schedules, that saves a lot of back-and-forth.
What’s free on Stir
Stir says you can match and chat for free (Stir). Paying adds a list of who likes you, the option to message before you match, and more. See what Stir costs.
Who you’ll meet
Mainly single moms and dads, along with some people who don’t have kids but are open to dating someone who does. Stir doesn’t publish member numbers or an age breakdown, and it’s a good deal smaller than the big apps, so your local pool matters. Run a free search near you before paying. Our single parents ranking and single moms ranking compare the options.
Is Stir legit and safe?
Yes. It’s run by Match Group, and the iPhone app is rated 4.3 out of 5 from about 58,000 ratings in the US App Store (checked November 1, 2026). Stir offers SMS verification and, in some markets, optional identity verification, plus a video-selfie check. It’s partnered with the anti-sexual-violence group RAINN. Stir also says it never asks for your login, and that there’s no official support phone number.
As a parent, you have extra reasons to be careful. Don’t share your kids’ names, school or photos until you know someone well, and don’t introduce them early on. Stir’s help center has a page of safety tips for parents, and our romance scam guide covers the money side. Also check Expanded Discovery, which can show your profile on other Match Group services: go to Settings → Your Privacy Choices → Match Group Data Sharing.
Stir vs Hinge
Hinge has far more people and is free to message, but it’s not built around parents. You can filter for people with kids only on its paid plans. See Stir vs Hinge.
Our tip
Fill in StirTime first, because it’s the main reason to use Stir instead of a bigger app, and be honest about your availability. A short video call during naptime or after bedtime will tell you more than a week of texting.
Stir at a glance
| Audience | 18+, single parents and people open to dating them |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Relationships |
| Free version | Yes — Profile and recommendations, Matching and chat, StirTime scheduling, Filter to hide non-parents |
| Paid from | ≈ $19.99 for 1 week (US App Store) (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
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
Key features
- StirTime
- Share when you’re free and see when your time overlaps with someone else’s, which suits custody schedules.
- Built for parents
- Designed for single parents, and open to people for whom kids aren’t a deal-breaker. You can hide non-parents.
- Private Mode
- A paid option that shows your profile only to people you’ve contacted.
How much does Stir cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Profile and recommendations, Matching and chat, StirTime scheduling, Filter to hide non-parents |
| Basic | Shown on the subscription page | See who likes you, Message before you match, Private Mode, One Boost and one Super Like a month |
| Premium | ≈ $19.99 for 1 week, $29.99 to $39.99 for 1 month, $59.99 for 3 or $71.99 for 6 (US App Store) | See who likes you, Unlimited messages and read receipts, Rewind, One Boost a month and a weekly Super Like |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked November 1, 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?
Stir offers SMS and video-selfie verification. 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 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)
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)
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
Best for: Free messaging and searching a big pool yourself
- Free messaging with matches
- Huge, broad membership
- You can search and filter yourself
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $19.99 (US App Store)
Best for: Over 50s who like to browse
- Built for people over 50
- Very easy to use
- Free to search and like
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $19.99 for 1 week (US App Store)
Compare Stir
Stir FAQ
Is Stir free?
Yes. You can match and chat for free. Paid plans add a list of who likes you and the option to message before you match.
What is StirTime?
A scheduling feature that shows when your free time overlaps with someone else’s, if they’ve filled theirs in.
Is Stir only for single parents?
It’s designed for them, but it welcomes anyone for whom kids aren’t a deal-breaker. You can turn on a filter to hide non-parents.
Who owns Stir?
Match Group, the company behind Match, Tinder and Hinge.