Mainstream
Free-first site and app where you can message without paying.
POF is one of the few sites where free members can message anyone. The trade-off is a mixed crowd and weaker safety features.
| Best for | Budget daters who want to message for free |
|---|---|
| One month | About $19.99 |
| Lowest price | From about $11/mo · Plan names and prices vary by source. |
| Free version | Up to 8 photos, browsing, and sending and receiving messages, with ads and basic search. |
| App | iPhone and Android |
| Owner | Match Group |
| Founded | 2003 |
Ready to try Plenty of Fish?
From about $11/mo. You can start free.
The prompt-based app "designed to be deleted."
Best for Daters in their 20s and 30s who want a relationship, not endless swiping
Swipe app with some of the strongest safety tools.
Best for Women who want more control over who contacts them
The biggest swipe app, for everything from casual to serious.
Best for Younger daters who want the largest pool
Plenty of Fish costs about $19.99 for one month, or from about $11/mo on a longer plan. Plan names and prices vary by source. Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change, so confirm at checkout.
Up to 8 photos, browsing, and sending and receiving messages, with ads and basic search. The free version is enough to meet people.
Plenty of Fish's safety features include: Message filtering and moderation; Limits on large age gaps. It scores 5.5 out of 10 for safety and privacy in our ratings.
Budget daters who want to message for free. Good for trying online dating without spending anything; be extra careful with who you meet.