The 5 best single parent dating sites compared
Prices below are the current entry points I confirmed as of August 2026. Most are free to join; the "free to message" column is what separates the usable free apps from the paywalled ones.
| Site | Best for | Starting price | Free to message? | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eHarmony | Serious compatibility | Paid; from ~$36/mo | No (paid only) | 4 / 5 |
| Elite Singles | Educated professionals | Paid; from ~$32/mo | No (paid only) | 3.5 / 5 |
| Single Parent Meet | Largest single-parent site | Free; premium to message | Limited on free | 3 / 5 |
| Single Parent Match | Niche single-parent | Free; premium (reply free) | Reply to premium free | 3 / 5 |
| Stir App | App built for single parents | Free; premium | Limited on free | 3.5 / 5 |
How I tested these single parent dating sites
I tested every site here the same way: I built a real profile, explored the matching and scheduling features, and judged how well each one fits a life that already revolves around your kids before scoring it. Where messaging sat behind a paywall, I paid so I could judge the real experience, not the free preview.
I scored each single parent site on five things: how many real single moms and dads are actually on it, how well it respects a busy parent's time, how honest the pricing is, how strong the safety and verification tools are, and whether it led to real matches. Sites that just bolted a filter onto a generic app scored lower than those built for parents.
eHarmony: best for serious compatibility
My verdict: eHarmony is the best pick for single parents who want a serious, family-compatible relationship rather than casual swiping. Its 32-dimension compatibility system matches on values and lifestyle, which matters a lot when kids are part of the picture, and a dedicated trust-and-safety team keeps the crowd genuine. It's a paid site from around $36 a month, and the signup is long, but that friction attracts committed daters. Read my full eHarmony review.
Stir: best app built for single parents
My verdict: Stir is the best dedicated single-parent app, built by Match Group specifically for parents. Its standout feature, Stir Time, helps you find matches who understand your schedule, and a parents-only filter means everyone gets the realities of raising kids. It's free to join with a premium tier. As a purpose-built app with Match Group's user base behind it, it's the most convenient pick for busy parents. Read my full Stir review.
Elite Singles: best for educated professionals
My verdict: Elite Singles is the best pick if you're a single parent who wants an equally driven, educated partner. Its personality-test matching surfaces career-minded, relationship-serious people, and the crowd skews professional. It's a paid site from around $32 a month with a limited free tier. It's not single-parent specific, but the quality and seriousness of matches make it a strong fit for parents short on time. Read my full Elite Singles review.
Single Parent Meet: best for the largest single-parent pool
My verdict: Single Parent Meet is the largest dating site dedicated to single parents, so it has the best odds of an active local crowd of moms and dads. It's free to join with a premium tier required to message freely. The design is dated compared to modern apps, but the sheer focus on single parents and the size of the community make it a reliable starting point. Read my full Single Parent Meet review.
Single Parent Match: best niche pick with free replies
My verdict: Single Parent Match is a niche site where you can reply to messages from premium members for free, which lowers the barrier to getting started. The signup is short (under 10 minutes), profiles look legit with verification options, and it's open to non-parents interested in dating parents. There's no mobile app and pricing runs a bit high, but the free-reply feature is genuinely useful. Read my full Single Parent Match review.
How much do single parent dating sites cost?
Single parent dating sites range from free-to-join niche sites to paid mainstream ones. eHarmony (from ~$36/mo) and Elite Singles (from ~$32/mo) are paid platforms that require a subscription to message, while Single Parent Meet, Single Parent Match, and Stir are free to join with premium tiers for full messaging. Single Parent Match even lets you reply to premium members free.
For time-strapped parents, the paid sites often pay off because their matching and paywalls attract serious daters, meaning less time wasted. Start free on Stir or Single Parent Meet to test your area, then invest where the right people reply.
How single parents can date safely and efficiently
The biggest challenge for single parents is time, so lean on apps that respect it: Stir's scheduling features and eHarmony's compatibility matching cut down on aimless swiping. Be upfront in your profile that you're a parent; it filters for people who are genuinely open to it, and surveys suggest a large share of singles are.
Keep your kids and your dating life separate until a relationship is serious: don't put your children in your profile photos, keep their names and school private, video chat before meeting, meet first in public, and never send money to a match. Protecting your family comes first, and any good partner will respect that.
Frequently asked questions about single parent dating sites
What is the best dating app for single parents?
Stir is the best app built specifically for single parents, with a parents-only filter and scheduling features, while eHarmony is the best for a serious, family-compatible relationship. Elite Singles is a strong pick if you want an educated, professional partner.
What dating apps do single moms use?
Single moms use dedicated apps like Stir and Single Parent Meet, serious sites like eHarmony and Elite Singles, and mainstream apps such as Hinge and Bumble where they state their parent status and filter accordingly. Many combine a dedicated app with a larger mainstream one.
Where do single moms meet single dads?
Single moms meet single dads on parent-focused apps like Stir and Single Parent Meet, where everyone shares the single-parent experience. They also connect through mainstream apps, kids' activities, school communities, and mutual friends.
Are single parent dating sites free?
Some are free to join, like Single Parent Meet, Single Parent Match, and Stir, though messaging usually needs a premium upgrade. eHarmony and Elite Singles are paid sites. Single Parent Match is notable for letting you reply to premium members for free.
What percent of men would date a single mom?
Surveys vary, but a large share of single men, often around half or more in polls, say they're open to dating a single mom. Being upfront about your parent status actually helps by filtering for people who are genuinely comfortable with it.
Are single parent dating apps safe?
The established ones are legitimate, but protecting your kids is the priority. Keep children out of your profile photos, don't share their names or school, video chat before meeting, meet the first time in public, and never send money to a match.