Plenty of Fish UK Review: Real Experiences, Hidden Features & Tricks

Plenty of Fish (POF) bills itself as one of the best dating apps in the UK, and we probably know the reason. It is likely due to its free service. But do free dating sites work? Or are they just a waste of time? 

Free dating sites can be sketchy with tons of fake profiles, flooded with people of the same gender or singles who aren’t serious about a relationship. So, is it the same case with Plenty of Fish UK? Or is it any better than Tinder, Bumble, or OkCupid?     

Well! No one would answer them better than those who use it firsthand. So, we picked a few singles from our team who have been using POF for a long time and asked for their help to create this comprehensive review of the Plenty of Fish app. 

We had asked about their experiences of using the app, and put everything together in this guide to give our verdict on its features, pricing plans, safety, legality, and sign-in experience. And don’t forget to check out our tips, especially if you’re new to online dating.

Quick Summary

What is Plenty of Fish (POF)?

Plenty of Fish is one of the mature online dating services in the UK. It was launched in 2003, the era when smartphone apps were even a thing. However, it has transitioned into modernity with the launch of both Android and iOS apps. However, there is still a browser version for those who prefer oldskool. 

According to the Business of Apps, POF has about 10 million active users, 15% of whom are subscribed to premium membership. 

POF is known for being completely free to use without any conditions. Unlike many dating apps, you don’t need to pay just to chat. It is used by millions of people in the UK looking for anything from friendship and casual dates to serious relationships. The best part is that it is easy to set up, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get started. 

What’s New in the POF App?

If you have used Plenty of Fish before, you will notice the app looks cleaner now. The design is simple, and it feels easier to move around. It’s a new update, the Live! Feature is the best addition. You can go live or watch others streaming. It helps you get a better feel for someone before messaging them.

Another thing I liked is the new profile prompts. Instead of writing a long bio, you can answer small questions like “What’s your idea of a perfect day?” It makes profiles feel more real and less boring. The app also gives better match suggestions now, especially if you have added more info to your profile.

POF also added some security updates, like photo verification. So, it is a bit safer than before. You can also now swipe, like, or skip quickly, just like Tinder.

Overall, the updates make the app smoother and more user-friendly. It feels like POF is trying to keep up with modern dating apps while keeping things easy for people who don’t want too many flashy features. 

Plenty of Fish (POF) Sign-up Experience (with screenshots)

Signing up on POF is simple, but it’s not the smoothest experience I have had on a dating app. The moment you log in, you see a counter showing how many people are chatting right then. It looks cool, but it’s not clear what “chatting” really means. 

You might think the app will guide you step by step through the sign-up, but instead, it throws a lot of questions on one screen. It can feel a bit rushed, especially if you are new to dating apps.

After that, you go through a CAPTCHA, just like on many other platforms. Then comes a long list of questions about your dating preferences. Some of these are basic, but a few are different, like whether you drive, what your ambition level is, and even questions about your family background. 

One thing that caught my attention was the “Not Single/Not Looking” status. I wasn’t sure why that was there on a dating app, but it didn’t block me from continuing.

You are also asked to write a short bio, list some interests, and upload a photo. Once that’s done, you can start looking at profiles. POF does give you a quick reminder not to share personal details like your full name or phone number, which is a good touch. After signing in, you have to save your Plenty of Fish login details to sign in again. 

Free vs Paid Features (What You Actually Get in POF UK)

We have many team members who were using both the free and paid versions of POF in the UK, and to be honest, the free version gives you enough to get started. You can create a full profile, upload photos, and most importantly, message people without paying. That’s something many apps don’t allow these days.

But once you use it for a while, you will start noticing the limits. For example, you can’t see if someone has read your message. You also don’t get to see who viewed your profile unless you upgrade. If someone has marked you as a favourite, the free version won’t tell you either.

But when you upgrade to the paid versions (called POF Plus or POF Premium), you get a few extra tools. It lets you see who liked or viewed you, and you could also stand out more in search results. There’s also an option to send a special message that shows up at the top of the person’s inbox. That may help you get replies faster.

To be honest, the paid version is helpful, especially if you want more control or better chances at matching. But if you’re just starting or want to try it out first, the free version is more than enough.

Is Plenty of Fish UK Safe to Use?

Yes, Plenty of Fish dating site is mostly safe, but you still have to be careful. The app has introduced a few features for enhanced security on the platform. For example, they now ask users to verify their photos, which makes it easier to spot fake profiles. I also noticed warnings in the app that remind you not to share personal details like your phone number, full name, or address on your profile or in chats. 

Still, not every profile feels real. Some people don’t have photos or write weird messages, so you can usually tell when something feels off. I just avoid replying to anything that doesn’t seem normal.

You can block or report users easily. POF also lets you share your date plans with friends using a safety feature. So yes, the app has improved, and it gives better security now. But like with any dating app, it’s still up to you to stay alert and trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away.               

5 Best Tips for Using Plenty of Fish (POF)

Here comes the best part. We asked our team to share some tips out on their experience that worked for them and might help others too. So, here are the top 5 tips to increase your dating chances on POF UK. 

• Take time with your profile: Add a clear photo and write something real in your bio. You don’t have to write a lot, just enough to show who you are and what you’re looking for. People really do read it.
• Be honest: Say what you want clearly. If you are looking for something serious or just a chat, mention it. It saves time and avoids confusion later. You will have better responses when you are upfront.
• Use the search filters: POF gives you good filters like age, location, lifestyle, and interests. Using them will help you find people who actually match what you are looking for, especially around my area.
• Don’t copy-paste messages: Try to write a proper message out of your feelings, even if it’s short. Mention something from the person’s profile. It shows you are interested and not just messaging everyone.
• Be patient: You might not get replies right away, and that’s okay. You have to learn not to take it personally. Keep using the app and talking to people who seem genuine.

Top 5 Alternatives to Plenty of Fish in the UK

When I asked my team about the better POF alternative, I found it wasn’t the only app they were using. Sometimes, one app can feel a bit quiet or full of the same faces, so switching helps. If you are in the UK and looking for other options, here are 5 dating apps they have personally used and think are good alternatives to POF.

1. Tinder

Tinder is probably the most well-known dating app out there. It is mostly based on swiping right if you like someone, left if you don’t. It is very active, especially in busy UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. 

Most people I came across were looking for casual chats or dates, but there are serious users, too. It is easy to use and great if you want to meet people quickly. Just keep in mind, you will need to put effort into your profile photo since it's mostly picture-focused.

2. Bumble

Bumble has a different approach. When a match happens, only women can send the first message. I actually liked this because it reduced unwanted or spammy messages. The design is clean, and I found more genuine conversations here. 

You also have just 24 hours to start chatting, which keeps things active. I used it while visiting Edinburgh and got good matches. Bumble has options for finding friends or networking, too.

3. Hinge

Hinge is one of my personal favourites. It focuses on building real conversations by letting you like specific parts of someone’s profile, not just their pictures. The prompts help you share more about your personality, which makes it easier to connect with people on a deeper level. 

Although it is not as advanced as Tinder, that’s what I liked it feels calmer. I matched with more thoughtful users here, especially those looking for something serious. It also shows people near your location, which is helpful in the UK.

4. Muddy Matches

Muddy Matches is a bit different; it is made for people who enjoy rural life, farming, or the countryside. I discovered it when I got tired of apps that focus only on city life. Most people on Muddy Matches are down-to-earth and looking for something stable. 

If you are into outdoor stuff like walking, farming, or just country living, it is a good fit. It might not be as busy as the bigger apps, but the users feel more genuine. I found people from places like Yorkshire and Somerset using it actively.

5. Zoosk

Zoosk has been around for a long time, kind of like POF, but it feels a bit more polished. I found it easy to set up, and it gives you matches based on your activity, what you like, who you message, etc. 

It is a mix of casual and serious dating, so you will see a wide range of users. What I liked was the smart matching system, which felt more tailored over time. It also has a good number of UK users, and I had active chats without needing the paid plan right away.

Conclusion

After using the Plenty of Fish UK app for a fair amount of time, I’d say it has both ups and downs. On the good side, it’s one of the few dating apps where you can still message people completely free, which is rare these days. The user base is large, especially across different UK cities and towns, and the new features like “Live!” and profile prompts make the app feel more current.

But it’s not perfect. The sign-up process feels outdated and a bit heavy. Some profiles don’t seem genuine, and unless you upgrade, you miss out on features like seeing who viewed or liked you. The design has improved, but it still feels clunky at times compared to apps like Hinge or Bumble.

If you’re just starting with online dating, POF is a good place to test the waters without spending money. Although it is not the best for serious matchmaking, you can find decent conversations and even real connections if you are patient.

On a bigger note, while using POF and other apps, I realised how big the online dating market in the UK has become. There is room for new platforms that focus on trust, simplicity, or even specific communities. If you're a business owner or looking for new opportunities, investing in or launching your own dating app could be a smart move.

At Mtoag Technologies, we help build custom online dating apps tailored to your market idea. The UK dating scene is active, and the space is still growing. With the right features and audience targeting, your app could be the next big thing.

FAQs

Is Plenty of Fish Still Free in the UK?

Yes, Plenty of Fish (POF) is still free to use in the UK. You can create a profile, browse matches, and send unlimited messages without paying. Some extra features, like seeing who viewed your profile, require a paid upgrade, but basic dating tools remain completely free.

Is POF Better than Tinder in 2025?

POF and Tinder serve different types of users. In 2025, POF offers more detailed profiles and free messaging, while Tinder focuses on quick swipes and casual connections. If you are looking for deeper conversations or long-term dating, POF may be a better fit than Tinder.

Can I Search Users by Username on POF UK?

POF has removed the direct username search feature for most users. You can still find people through filters like age, location, and interests, but searching by exact username is no longer available on the free version of POF UK.

Is POF Good for Serious Relationships in the UK?

Yes, POF can work for serious relationships in the UK. The app lets you set your dating intent, and many users are looking for long-term partners. It also offers in-depth profiles and match filters to help find people who share your values and goals.

Is POF a Dating or Hookup Site?

POF is mainly a dating site, but it’s used for both dating and casual hookups. The platform gives users the option to choose what they are looking for.

Does POF Require a Photo?

No, uploading a photo is not required to create a POF account, but it is strongly recommended. Profiles with photos get more views and replies. Without a photo, your account may also appear less trustworthy or be flagged as incomplete by other users.

Does POF Hide Your Profile?

Yes, POF allows users to hide their profiles manually through the settings. Once hidden, your profile will not show up in search results or match suggestions. This feature is helpful if you want privacy or need a break from getting messages.

Does POF Need Your Phone Number?

POF may ask for your phone number during sign-up or verification, especially to confirm your identity or recover your account. While it is not always required at the start, adding your number can improve security and account recovery options.

Are There Fake Profiles on Plenty of Fish?

Yes, like many free dating platforms, POF does have some fake or spam profiles. However, they have added features like photo verification and profile reporting to reduce this. Always be cautious, avoid sharing personal details, and report anything that looks suspicious.