Amata vs Peanut

Pricing

Both Amata and Peanut fall in the Free price range. Amata: Free to download, premium plans likely available. Peanut: Free with optional Peanut Plus subscription ($8.99–$99.99).

Format & matching

Amata uses groups of 1:1, compared to Peanut’s 1:1 and groups, and Amata relies on algorithm-based matching while Peanut uses interest-based matching.

How they work

Amata: Download the app and start a conversation with your AI matchmaker. It asks about your lifestyle, values, what you're looking for, and what you're not — building a real picture of who you are beyond a photo grid. When the AI finds someone it thinks is a strong fit, it introduces you both. If you're both interested, Amata handles the logistics: it checks your availability and books a table at a curated restaurant. You show up, have the date, and then debrief with your AI afterward. Every piece of feedback sharpens future matches.

Peanut: Download the app and create a profile with your name, location, and stage of motherhood — whether you're trying to conceive, pregnant, or raising kids of any age. Set your interests and what you're looking for (advice, playdates, local friends, or just someone to talk to). Peanut shows you other women nearby who match your criteria. Swipe to wave, and if you both wave, you're matched and can start chatting. From there, you can join group conversations on specific topics, participate in community Q&A threads, or set up in-person meetups.

What to love

Amata: The AI matchmaker learns from every conversation and date, getting smarter over time. Eliminates the worst parts of dating apps: swiping, small talk, and ghosting. Handles all the logistics — availability, restaurant booking, everything. Feels more like being set up by a friend than using an app. Focus on intentional dating filters out people who aren't serious.

Peanut: Largest dedicated community for mothers — 5 million+ users means you'll actually find people nearby. Stage-based matching (TTC, pregnancy, newborn, toddler, etc.) connects you with women in the same chapter. Swipe mechanic feels natural and low-pressure for introverted new moms. Group discussions and Q&A threads provide real support beyond just friend-matching. Selfie verification and moderation create a genuinely safe space.

Reality check

Amata: iOS only — no Android or web app yet. Limited to NYC, Sydney, and Melbourne for now. Relies heavily on AI judgment, which won't always get it right. Small user base compared to mainstream dating apps means fewer potential matches.

Peanut: Heavily focused on motherhood — not useful if you're looking for general adult friendships. Free tier is limited; seeing who waved at you and premium filters require Peanut Plus. Some areas have sparse user density, especially outside major metros. The Bumble-style swiping can feel transactional when you're sleep-deprived and just want a friend.

Søren's take

On Amata: Amata is doing something genuinely different in a space that badly needs it. Instead of handing you a deck of profiles to swipe through, it acts like a matchmaker who actually listens. The AI conversation approach is smarter than a personality quiz — it picks up on nuance. The fact that it books the date for you removes so much friction. The catch is availability: with only three cities and an iOS-only app, your dating pool is limited. But if you're in one of those cities and you're done with swipe culture, Amata is worth trying.

On Peanut: Peanut fills a gap that honestly shouldn't exist — new mothers are among the most socially isolated people in any city, and most friendship apps aren't built for them. The stage-based matching is smart: a mom with a newborn and a mom with a five-year-old have very different lives. The community features (groups, Q&A, resources) elevate it beyond a simple matching app. If you're a new mom feeling isolated, download this before anything else on Søren.