RentAFriend alternative: how Rent a BFF differs
Looking for a RentAFriend alternative, or hesitating between the two? Here are the differences that really matter when you book a friend by the hour, based on facts noted on their site and on ours. In both cases it is friendly company, nothing more.
Blog · Updated on 12 November 2026
Information about RentAFriend noted on 12 November 2026 from their site. It may change, so check with them before you decide.
The differences, point by point
To contact a friend
RentAFriend : A subscription of $19.99 a month or $179 a year to get the friends' contact details.
Rent a BFF : No subscription. You browse profiles and send a request without paying; the 15% booking fee is paid online only once the request is accepted.
Checking profiles
RentAFriend : The site says it does no verification of friends or members.
Rent a BFF : BFFs can have their identity verified, and the “identity verified” mention appears on those profiles. So you can see the difference before you choose.
Paying the friend
RentAFriend : The member pays the friend directly.
Rent a BFF : The same for the BFF's rate: it is paid directly to the BFF, on the spot. The 15% fee goes through the site, and it is refunded if you cancel more than 24 hours ahead.
What Rent a BFF also offers
- A site made for your phone, so you can book from the street or the metro.
- 9 languages: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish and Japanese.
- A clear frame: friendly and platonic, between adults, in a public place.
How to choose
The simplest way is to compare for yourself: read their terms and ours, look at the profiles, then pick what makes you comfortable. Whichever service you use, meet in a public place and tell someone close to you about your outing.
What it is not
Rent a BFF is not a dating site or a paid companionship service: it is friendly company between adults, by the hour, for an outing you chose. More details in renting a friend against loneliness and on the pricing page.
See the profiles near you
Browse published BFFs and send your request, with no subscription.