GoodRec vs InterNations

Pricing

GoodRec is priced at Free (Free for pickup games; league fees vary by sport and location), while InterNations comes in at $$ (Free basic membership; paid plans vary by location and subscription period).

Format & matching

Both apps use groups of Varies, and both use interest-based matching.

How they work

GoodRec: Download the app and pick your sport — soccer, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and more. Set your city and browse available pickup games and leagues near you. Each listing shows the time, location, skill level, and how many spots are open. Tap to join a game, and show up ready to play. You can also join organized leagues with scheduled seasons and standings. After playing, rate the experience and connect with other players you met on the field.

InterNations: Sign up and set your city — InterNations has communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse upcoming events near you, from casual drinks to cultural outings to professional networking nights. Join interest-based groups (hiking, photography, new parents, whatever you're into) to find people on your wavelength. RSVP to events and show up — most are organized by volunteer community ambassadors. You can also post in forums, send messages, and connect one-on-one with people nearby.

What to love

GoodRec: 400,000+ players across 50+ cities means you'll actually find games near you. Covers pickup games and organized leagues — casual and competitive in one app. Open to all skill levels and genders, so nobody feels excluded. Free to join pickup games with no subscription required. 1,000+ games happening every week across the network.

InterNations: Enormous reach — 420+ cities means it works almost anywhere in the world. Events are well-organized and span professional, social, and cultural categories. Interest-based groups let you find your niche within a large community. Strong for professional networking alongside social connections. Free tier is genuinely usable for browsing events and groups.

Reality check

GoodRec: Sports-focused — not useful if you're looking for non-athletic social activities. Game availability varies significantly by city and sport. League fees can add up depending on the sport and season. No personality matching or social features beyond the games themselves.

InterNations: Paid membership is required to message people or see who's attending events. Skews older and more professional — not the place for a rowdy night out. Event quality depends heavily on local ambassadors, which varies by city. The interface feels more web-era than modern app-first.

Søren's take

On GoodRec: GoodRec solves a very specific problem that anyone who's moved to a new city knows well: you want to play pickup basketball or join a soccer league, but you don't know anyone with a team. The app cuts through all of that — browse, tap, show up, play. The 50+ city footprint and 400K user base mean this isn't vaporware; there are actually games happening. The limitation is obvious: if you're not into sports, this isn't for you. But if you are, GoodRec is the fastest path from 'I wish I could play' to actually playing.

On InterNations: InterNations is the 800-pound gorilla of expat networking. If you've moved abroad and want to meet people who understand the experience of navigating a new country, this is the most reliable option by sheer scale. The events are the real draw — well-organized, usually at interesting venues, and consistently attended. The downside is that the free tier feels like a teaser, and the paid plans aren't cheap. It also leans more professional-networking than casual-hangout, so if you're looking for a party, look elsewhere. But for building a real social foundation in a new city abroad, InterNations is hard to beat.