An alternative to Parship, just as serious, only lighter

Parship and Velvet share the essential thing: the wish for a serious relationship. So people looking for a Parship alternative are not questioning that goal. Often, they want to change how they get there.

Three concrete reasons can lie behind that choice. First, the length: the Premium subscription runs for at least 6 months, which is a long time if you want to try things out first. Then the approach: a full questionnaire takes time, and not everyone recognises themselves in a personality profile. Finally, the region: Parship covers all of Switzerland, whereas you may above all be looking for someone near you, in French-speaking Switzerland.

Parship is operated by PE Digital GmbH, in Hamburg, and has a Swiss site in French. After signing up, each member answers a questionnaire of around 80 questions. From it, Parship draws 32 personality traits, which are used to suggest compatible singles.

Signing up is free. On the Basic plan, you receive partner suggestions, but their photos remain unrecognisable and you can only reply once to a message from a Premium member. The Premium subscription unlocks unlimited messaging and access to your suggestions' photos. It runs for 6, 12 or 24 months, from CHF 44.90 a month, paid in one go (price checked on the Parship site on 12 November 2026). All Premium subscriptions renew automatically.

On safety, Parship says every profile is checked manually, with verification by text message. An optional, free verification by mobile phone, ID-Check, adds a shield to the profile.

If what you value about Parship is its serious audience and contact between compatible people, you will find the same principles on Velvet. What changes is how profiles are presented to you and how long you commit for.

• You keep a clear goal: the type of relationship you want is one of your criteria.
• You keep compatibility you can read at a glance: every profile suggested shows your affinity as a percentage.
• You gain a shorter process: your criteria cover your goal, age, distance, lifestyle and interests, with no long questionnaire.
• You gain a limited selection: a few profiles chosen every day, rather than a list to work through.
• You gain flexibility: the Découverte plan lasts just one month.

Velvet is a premium dating site for French-speaking Switzerland. Nobody can message you without your consent: a conversation only opens when the interest is mutual. Your profile is visible only to logged-in members, never to search engines, and you can hide it at any time. Members who wish can have their identity verified and receive a badge.

All three plans give the same full access; only the length changes. Découverte costs 89 CHF a month, Premium 239 CHF for 3 months, Elite 889 CHF a year. Payment is charged in euros by CCBill.

The new platform opens soon. Pre-registering is free and requires no bank card. It gives you 15 days on us, which start the first time you log in and must be activated within 30 days of opening.

If you have a Parship subscription running, read your order confirmation: it states the notice period before automatic renewal. Note that date before committing elsewhere.

You can also pre-register with Velvet right now, without paying anything. Your 15 days on us only start the first time you log in after we open: you choose the moment.

Parship remains a sensible option for those who like a structured approach and are happy with a subscription lasting several months. If you live in French-speaking Switzerland and prefer a few profiles chosen every day, a clear affinity score and a commitment from just one month, Velvet is a Parship alternative that is just as serious.