Dating after 50 often means longer conversations, clearer intent, and sometimes website-first subscriptions instead of casual app swiping. This page answers the commercial question only: What do major options cost, and can you message for free?
Pricing from our pricing hub and free tiers from free hub — last cross-checked June 2026. The numbers below use US App Store visible SKUs or official public pages where possible; when a platform does not publish a clean duration table before checkout, we say so. For full rankings and reviews, see Best dating apps for over 50.
Price & Free Messaging Table (June 2026)
| App | Best for 50+ | Current public price signal | Free messaging? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SilverSingles | 50+ exclusive pool | Checkout required; public roundups cite broad total ranges only | No | Paid-only to communicate; do not rely on old monthly-equivalent tables |
| OurTime | 50+ browse-and-search dating site | iOS IAP shows Premium / Access SKUs from $19.99–$99.99; boosts / Super Likes $7.99–$14.99 | Limited preview; upgrade for standard benefits | OurTime help notes 1-, 3-, and 6-month packages; package totals are charged in full |
| Match.com | Largest 40–60 mainstream pool | US App Store shows $44.99 1-month Basic/Standard and $129.99 6-month Bundle | Limited / plan-dependent | App Store copy mentions chat with recommended matches; broader controls still require Premium |
| eHarmony | Marriage-minded, curated matches | US App Store visible SKUs: Basic $59.99–$179.99; PREMIUM light $179.99–$349.99 | No | App Store does not expose clean durations; confirm billing period at checkout |
| Hinge | Quality matches, skews 25–40 but 35+ active | Free tier; visible iOS paid SKUs include $14.99–$34.99 labels | Yes (mutual matches) | ~8 likes/day on free; paid SKU durations vary |
Confirm exact checkout prices in your region — senior-focused brands often push multi-month bundles, and iOS / Android / web checkout can differ.
SilverSingles Pricing
| Plan | Public price signal |
|---|---|
| Basic | $0 profile / limited access |
| Premium | Checkout required |
| Public roundup cross-check | Broad total ranges only; use as orientation, not a quote |
Free tier: Profile setup and personality test preview — no ongoing messaging without Premium.
Worth it if: You want a 50+ only pool and dislike sorting through younger profiles on mainstream apps.
SilverSingles review → · Platform page →
OurTime Pricing
| SKU group | US App Store visible prices |
|---|---|
| Premium Feature / Premium | $19.99-$39.99 |
| Access to Premium Features | $37.99-$99.99 |
| Premium Subscription | $39.99 |
| Super Like / Boost add-ons | $7.99-$14.99 |
Free tier: Profile creation and preview access. OurTime's help center describes upgraded membership for standard benefits like email and live chat, so confirm what your account can send before relying on the free tier.
Worth it if: You want a 50+ focused browse-and-search experience rather than SilverSingles' personality-test model.
OurTime review → · Platform page →
Match.com Pricing
| SKU / plan label | US App Store visible price |
|---|---|
| 1 Month Basic / Standard | $44.99 |
| 6 Month Bundle | $129.99 |
| Other Match subscription SKUs | $19.99–$129.99 |
| Boost / Top Spot add-ons | $2.99–$19.99 |
Free tier: Create a profile and browse. Match's App Store copy now says some recommended-match chat is available without a subscription, but broader messaging, filters, and visibility tools still sit behind Premium or add-ons.
Worth it if: You want the broadest verified 40–60 pool and accept subscription-only conversation.
Match review → · Match vs eHarmony →
eHarmony Pricing
| SKU group | US App Store visible prices |
|---|---|
| eHarmony Basic | $59.99, $119.99, $129.99, $139.99, $179.99 |
| PREMIUM light | $179.99, $219.99, $249.99, $349.99 |
Free tier: Compatibility questionnaire and onboarding — messaging unlocks with Premium.
Worth it if: You want fewer, compatibility-filtered matches and are okay confirming a longer commitment at checkout. Do not treat older 6/12/24-month monthly-equivalent tables as current unless eHarmony's checkout shows the same duration and renewal terms.
How much does eHarmony cost? →
Hinge for 50+ (Budget Option)
Hinge is not a senior-only site, but many daters 35–55 are active in major metros.
| Tier | Cost | Free messaging? |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Yes — with ~8 likes/day |
| Hinge+ / HingeX visible iOS SKUs | $14.99–$34.99 visible labels; checkout confirms duration | Same messaging; unlimited likes / visibility features depending on tier |
Tradeoff: Smaller density of 50+ users than SilverSingles or Match, but $0 to talk to mutual matches.
Is Hinge free? → · Hinge vs Bumble free →
Free Tier Reality for 50+ Daters
Honest summary:
- SilverSingles, OurTime, Match, and eHarmony — expect to pay before broad real conversation. Free tiers are previews or limited communication, not full dating.
- Hinge — rare mainstream option with usable free messaging, but age pool skews younger.
- POF — free messaging exists, but quality and scam noise can be higher; not 50+-exclusive.
There is no major completely free + 50+-exclusive + low-scam product. You trade cost, pool size, or age focus.
Recommendations by Goal
Marriage or long-term, budget for premium: eHarmony — structured matching, high intent.
Largest mainstream pool ages 40–60: Match.com — biggest verified cohort.
50+ only, willing to pay for focus: SilverSingles — every user in your demographic.
50+ browse-and-search, less personality-test driven: OurTime — familiar dating-site flow with an age-focused pool.
Try before subscribing: Hinge free tier — test messaging without a monthly bill (metro dependent).