Dating as a single parent is hard. These dating apps make it a little easier.

Who it's for:

Niche dating apps can be great for finding your people, but if you're in a small town or simply like casting a wider net, choosing a popular app may be the move. Folks who don't have the time (or funds) to build out a profile on Match or eharmony should consider Hinge. Plus, if the more laidback, swipe-based approach appeals to you, then you'll enjoy using Hinge. This app is famous for its focus on relationships — it's the app "designed to be deleted," after all — and most users are genuinely there to make a real, lasting connection.

Why we chose this:

Hinge feels casual enough to pick up only when you have the time, but serious enough that you actually match with people who are interested in making a connection. Free users are limited to eight likes per day, so you won't get stuck endlessly scrolling through profiles — or feeling like someone matched with you because they're liking every profile they come across.

While it's not specifically designed for parents, that time-saving feature does come in handy, as does the spot on your profile where you can indicate if you have kids, and if you'd like more kids in the future. Hinge is also known for its prompts to show off your personality, which make for a useful vetting tool. In the same vein, the app's integrated voice and video chat make it easy to go on a virtual date without a) giving out your personal info and b) using your precious limited time (and babysitting resources) to meet up with someone you might not click with.

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who's it for:

If you want to date someone who understands single parenthood from the jump, then Stir is the answer. Not only is the platform specifically designed for single parents (although others can join), you can also limit your matches exclusively to other parents if that's what you're looking for.

Why we chose this:

Stir was designed specifically for single parents, and it shows. Beyond having a user base made up primarily of single parents or folks who are open to dating parents, profiles include features that tackle the problem of limited availability. For instance, if you choose to share your "StirTime" on your profile (aka the times you're usually available), you can see other users' StirTimes — the app even highlights your mutual availability.

Like most other dating apps, there's a section to share your relationship goals, ranging from casual to more serious. Unlike other apps, there's also a section to say if you're open to phone or video dates before actually meeting up, essential for parents short on time. Speaking of time, the simple interface means you can check on matches quickly without checking a thousand different tabs and notifications.

Who's it for:

OkCupid was one of the first dating apps to actually acknowledge that queer people exist, giving users the option between 22 gender identities and 12 sexual orientations. For parents who might find other dating spaces a bit on the cis and heteronormative side, OkCupid has got you covered.

Why we chose this:

In addition to being a queer-friendly space, OkCupid has a ton of profile customization, including a field for you to indicate if you have kids and if you want more. Not only is this a great way for you to get that info out there, but it's also useful for other users to filter you in or out, depending on how they feel about being with someone who has kids. OkCupid's filters aren't 100% strict though, unless you set a preference as a "dealbreaker," which does require you to pay money.

Unlike other OG dating sites like Match and eharmony, OkCupid is still pretty functional for free users. Without paying a dime, you can match with people, message your matches, and see your daily curated set of compatible matches, which could be a real timesaver if you only have a few minutes in the day to check a dating app.

Check out our full review of OkCupid.

Who's it for:

You don't really casually date on Match. That's largely due to the fact it costs you a pretty penny to use — or $34.99 to be exact. While it requires some investment, it does mean that people on there are usually looking for something serious and committed.

Match has been around since 1993, and its user base tends to skew on the older side compared to the Tinders and Bumbles of the dating app scene. However, that can be a real plus for single people in their 30s and 40s.

Why we chose this:

Match is an investment. You'll definitely invest time in building out your profile and money in actually using it, but Match's formula is designed to give you results for doing both. There's a huge user base on the site, and a search feature lets you filter for users who want (or already have) kids. Of course, this is also something you can indicate on your own profile.

There are time-saving ways to use the site. Under the "Meet" tab on the app, you can opt in to seeing certain users for 72 hours and 72 hours only, with the idea that you'll actually plan to meet up. If that time constraint feels a bit intense for your lifestyle, no need to worry. Match also allows users to meet and talk at their own pace, and the site's focus on lasting relationships sparks more confidence that you're not wasting your time. Like Hinge, Match also has integrated video calls via the Vibe Check feature.

Who's it for:

If you're dying to sink your time into a dating app that's not likely to yield you much success, Zoosk is your best bet.

Why we don't like it:

You've likely heard of Zoosk because it's a dating app OG — it was one of Facebook's first apps in 2007. According to Zoosk, the website has 40 million users, but according to our experience testing the site, spam accounts seem to make up a sizable number of active users.

Beyond the user base, the site is needlessly confusing to get around, and nearly every feature — messaging included — requires payment, and plans start at $34.99 per month. Even for the best dating sites out there, that's a steep price. Zoosk also has features to send out mass greeting messages, and even automate responses for greetings you receive, which is great if you're goal is to message as many people as possible, but not so great if you're actually trying to make a meaningful connection. Being a parent can be overwhelming enough, so trust us, you don't need to let this spammy, confusing, and overpriced site anywhere near your dating life.

Check out our full review of Zoosk.