1
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)
Stir · Alternatives
Sites Like Stir for Single Moms and Dads
Stir isn’t for everyone. Here are the best dating sites to try instead, depending on what you want.
When to look at Stir alternatives
Stir understands family life, and if it shows you parents nearby, it’s worth keeping. People look at sites like Stir because the pool near them is small, or because they want a site that does more of the matching.
If you want more people
Match belongs to the same company and has far more members. You can search by whether someone has or wants kids, and free members can chat with their matches. Hinge is bigger too, and it’s free to message. See Stir vs Hinge.
If you want a site to do the matching
eHarmony uses a compatibility quiz, and its members tend to want something long-term. It’s useful if you have little time to browse, though you’ll pay to talk properly.
If you want to pay nothing
Plenty of Fish lets you search and message your matches for free. Facebook Dating has no paid plans at all. See our free dating sites ranking.
If you’re divorced or widowed
You may find more people in your situation on sites aimed at your stage of life. Our divorced singles ranking and widows and widowers ranking go through them.
If you’re over 50
OurTime and SilverSingles are built for older singles, and many members have grown-up children. Our single parents ranking compares the whole field.
Comparison table
| Site | Rating | Best for | Free version | Paid from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Serious daters who like to search | Yes | ≈ $19.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| Hinge | Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s | Yes | ≈ $16.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| eHarmony | Serious relationships and marriage | Limited | shown after you sign up | Visit | |
| Plenty of Fish | Free messaging and searching a big pool yourself | Yes | ≈ $19.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| OurTime | Over 50s who like to browse | Limited | ≈ $19.99 for 1 week (US App Store) | Visit | |
| Zoosk | Casual to serious dating on a budget | Limited | ≈ $29.99 (US App Store) | Visit |
The best alternatives
2
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
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)
5
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)
6
Best for: Casual to serious dating on a budget
- Mix of swiping, browsing and daily suggestions
- Web and app with one account
- Photos reviewed before they appear
- Free version
- Limited
- Paid from
- ≈ $29.99 (US App Store)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Stir?
Match is our top Stir alternative for most people. The best choice depends on your goals.
Is there a free alternative to Stir?
Yes — see our best free dating sites and apps.