Base vs Peanut
Base and Peanut are both friendship apps that help you meet people in real life, but they take different approaches. Here’s how they stack up across pricing, format, cities, and more.
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026
At a glance
Pricing
Base is priced at $$$ ($100/month + event costs extra), while Peanut comes in at Free (Free with optional Peanut Plus subscription ($8.99–$99.99)).
Format & matching
Base uses groups of 6-12 per event, compared to Peanut’s 1:1 and groups, and Base relies on algorithm-based matching while Peanut uses interest-based matching.
How they work
Base: Head to base.club and fill out their application form. You'll select your city, choose a personality archetype (Artist, Scholar, Sage, Explorer, Leader, Healer, or Alchemist), and share what you're looking for — community, intellectual conversation, networking, or inspiration. Every applicant has a one-on-one call with the membership team before being accepted, so this isn't a sign-up-and-go situation. Once you're in, Base matches you to weekly events: intimate Circles with guided conversation prompts on the table, curated Experiences like tastings or workshops, and matched dinners at rotating venues across your city. The algorithm learns your preferences over time based on your attendance and feedback.
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
Base: Personality-based matching creates genuinely interesting tables. Vetted membership keeps the quality of conversations high. Variety of event formats — dinners, circles, and experiences — keeps things fresh. Available in 10+ US cities with more launching in 2026. The archetype system adds a fun, intentional layer to the matching.
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
Base: $100/month is steep, especially since event costs are extra on top. Application and vetting process means you can't just sign up and go tonight. No iOS or Android app — everything runs through the website. Limited to US cities for now — no international availability.
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 Base: Base feels like what you'd get if Soho House and Timeleft had a baby — the exclusivity of a members' club with the personality-matching smarts of a modern social platform. The vetting process is a double-edged sword: it keeps out the LinkedIn pitch-bro energy, but it also means you can't impulse-join after a lonely Tuesday. At $100/month plus event costs, it's not cheap, but the people who thrive here are the ones who show up consistently and let the matching algorithm learn them. If you're in one of their cities and want curated, intellectually stimulating social experiences without the cringe of traditional networking, Base is worth the application.
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.
