In my professional opinion, dating should be a more relaxed and thoughtful journey where we take the time to get to know potential partners. While Plenty of Fish does offer a wide range of dating options, with 150 million registered users worldwide, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
That being said, this app is particularly beloved by mature singles, as around 15% of Americans aged 45-54 use it regularly. But remember, there are other great dating apps and sites catering to this age group, and the big numbers alone don't necessarily make it the top choice among the best online dating sites..
A Quick Look at the Top 5 Best Alternatives to Plenty of Fish:
- Zoosk - Best dating site and app overall
- eharmony - Best for long-term relationships
- Match - Best for a variety of relationship styles
- EliteSingles - Best for intellectual matches
- OurTime - Best for singles over 50
Our Top 5 Best Alternatives to Plenty of Fish
1. Zoosk
Best dating site and app overall
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- Best for - Casual flings and hookups
- Starting price - Free trial, membership from $29.99/month/1 year subscription
- Recommended age range - 25-45
- Communication options - Messaging, sending smiles and likes
Zoosk is a true example of a platform that attracts people who aren't necessarily serious about dating. One of its standout features is Carousel, which lets you quickly flip through potential matches and decide which ones you'd like to chat with.
It includes live streams and sets up a stage for virtual speed dating. While you're browsing, the app remembers characteristics of partners you've liked before, learns about your preferences, and sets you up with similar people.
What Makes Zoosk a Good Alternative to Plenty Of Fish?
Zoosk offers a user-friendly platform with attractive visuals for a diverse user base. Its Behavioral Matchmaking technology personalizes match suggestions, giving you exactly what you're looking for. With a wide international user base, it suits long-distance dating interests, and its mobile app allows convenient on-the-go connections with potential matches, improving the overall dating experience.
Pros:
- Personalized dating insights and reports
- Profile verification
- Over 35 million users
Cons:
- Limited free options
- Limited match suggestions
2. eharmony
Best for long-term relationships
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- Best for - Finding lasting relationships
- Starting price - Free basic plan, membership from $29.95/month/6 month subscription
- Recommended age range - 30-50
- Communication options - Messaging, video chat, icebreaker messages, sending smiles
eharmony has many options with 15.5 million users, and about 11% of the women and 13% of the men using the site are 45 years or older. Most people on this site are looking for long-term relationships.
eharmony uses advanced algorithms that aim to match you with your perfect partner based on a compatibility quiz and personality profile you create. The site then ranks users and matches them based on compatibility formulas. After hitting a match, you're free to visit their profiles and message them.
What Makes eharmony a Good Alternative to Plenty Of Fish?
eHarmony distinguishes itself from Plenty of Fish by offering a comprehensive and holistic matchmaking approach. By letting users choose things like their beliefs and values, it helps people connect on different levels and really get to know their potential matches. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want genuine, long-lasting relationships.
Pros
- Safety features
- Intuitive design
- Detailed matchmaking system
Cons
- Extensive questionnaires
- Not great for hookups
» Which one is right for you? Dating vs relationships.
3. Match
Best for a variety of relationship styles
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- Best for - Finding a broad and varied range of options
- Starting price - Free, membership from $19.99/month/1 year subscription
- Recommended age range - 25-55
- Communication options - Messaging, video chat, sending likes
Match has 21.5 million users, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. In addition, 37% of these users are aged 50+, so mature adults will not feel alone on this app.
Match is also a great option for LGBTQ singles, as it allows you to identify according to many different gender identities and sexual orientations on your profile. Users fill out questionnaires about their personalities and lifestyles so that they can be matched with the best possible prospects.
What Makes Match a Good Alternative to Plenty Of Fish?
Match offers a wide range of potential matches, standing out for its personalized matchmaking that considers physical and personal preferences through detailed profiles and filters. Prioritizing user safety with rigorous verification processes, Match creates a secure dating environment. For those searching for meaningful, long-term connections, Match's focus on quality, personalization, and safety makes it a compelling choice, setting it apart as a strong alternative to Plenty of Fish.
Pros:
- Many users over 50
- Detailed profiles
- Unlimited video chatting
Cons:
- Limited free options
- Non-refundable auto-renew subscriptions
4. EliteSingles
Best for intellectual matches Visit Site
- Best for - Educated singles over 30
- Starting price - Free trial, membership from $31.95/month/1 year subscription
- Recommended age range - 50+
- Communication options - Messaging, commenting, sending smiles, likes, photo requests
EliteSingles is aimed at the more ambitious people in the crowd, with 85% of its users possessing an above-average education. Each of their 13 million users went through a science-based personality test when signing up that was designated to help determine your matches more accurately.
The site also offers dating tips created and curated by psychologists specializing in relationships. The effort they put in to make this platform systematically precise shows in the reports—around 2,500 users start relationships each month with this app.
What Makes EliteSingles a Good Alternative to Plenty Of Fish?
EliteSingles is a superb alternative to Plenty of Fish, especially for educated individuals. It uses advanced matchmaking tools like a detailed personality test to help you find compatible partners. You also get daily AI-generated match suggestions, which is handy if you're short on time. Just keep in mind that EliteSingles memberships can be a bit pricey. If you value intelligence in a partner, it's a good option to consider.
Pros:
- Science-based compatibility test
- Manually verified profiles
- 90% of users are over 30
Cons:
- Long signup process
- Limited gender and sexual orientation options
5. OurTime
Best for singles over 50
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- Best for - Finding love at age 50+
- Starting price - Free, membership from $7.49/month
- Recommended age range - 50+
- Communication options - Messaging, video chat, commenting, sending likes
OurTime is one of the best senior dating sites, so there is no need to sift through a bunch of profiles of people outside your age range. It includes numerous filters that let you fine-tune your search, as well as interactive features to enhance your dating experience even more.
The site works by showing you photos of other suitable users, and you can then mark them as "I'm interested"—and this will let the other person know you want to "flirt" with them. Another fun feature is the option to send token-bought digital gifts and show your affection in a more traditional way.
What Makes OurTime a Good Alternative to Plenty Of Fish?
OurTime's community understands the unique experiences and preferences of older daters, creating a comfortable and secure platform for building meaningful relationships. What sets OurTime apart is its focus on creating a dating environment tailored to the needs and interests of mature singles.
Pros:
- Simple sign-up process
- Easy-to-use app user interface
- Audio and video files on profiles
Cons:
- Minimal profile-building requirements
- Lack of matching questionnaire
Plenty of Fish Alternatives: Find Your Perfect Match
Taking the plunge into the dating world can be challenging, especially when you've hit a certain age or re-entering the dating scene after a divorce. Whether you're an experienced dater or looking for a partner who shares your life experiences, the dating apps I've recommended above may have the perfect formula for success.
But if not—don't lose hope. We're all unique individuals, and while navigating the dating landscape may take longer than expected, you can still have fun along the way.
» Looking for LGBTQ singles? Check out our top picks for the best gay dating sites and apps.
