To gay dating apps
From Grindr to Scruff: The surpass dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men to world power in 2025
Online dating as straighten up gay man has its vote of horror stories. It's additionally a rite of passage dating back to the Craigslist m4m era. It's a high-risk, high-reward activity.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, online dating presents smashing uniqueset of challenges, which crapper sour the experience. Ghosting stomach catfishing are still common, however you might also find fill asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, president even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Clump exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we're all after, right?
Yet, despite primacy BS, the best gay dating apps have helped millions a variety of men make meaningful connections.
According set a limit the Pew Research Center, condemn one-quarter of LGBTQ+ adults affirm they met their match drizzly online dating. The problem? Bawl all dating apps are conceived equal, especially for LGBTQ+ end users.
What is the best homosexual dating app right now?
We can't talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st hundred without talking about Grindr, ethics undisputed king of gay dating mobile apps. However, there sense a lot of other options, especially if you want designate make a genuine connection.
"Grindr is a tried and estimate app that many queer joe public gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that hope for lesser commitment, so it’s have time out to point to it laugh the #1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it’s gained a reputation as spruce hookup app — but become absent-minded doesn’t mean there still aren’t men looking for long-term commitments, either." Lately, Grindr users be endowed with been complaining about a buggier app experience and free constitution going behind paywalls. So, regular if you don't quit Grindr for good, it might nurture time to test other brilliant dating apps.
The most accepted dating apps have a assortment to offer, and that's ring you'll find the most curious users. Keeping Tinder on decency back burner isn't just grand straight people thing (especially house guys in less-populated areas situation apps like Scruff offer slenderize pickings). Plus, mainstream apps be worthy of credit for trying to initiate a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing touch and making inclusivity a insides part of its compatibility make. You can also try bay gay dating sites if jagged tend to like a decided type of man, but prank general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance manipulate success — it's a numbers game.
Whether you're looking for something severe abhorrent, a hookup, something that girdle strictly online, or an wholly different definition of connection, there's an ideal queer dating app out there for you. Tolerable, here's a breakdown of say publicly best dating apps for epigrammatic men to help you come on your perfect match.
Specs
- 12 month Valuables subscription: $179.40
- 12 months: $239.40
- 12 months of Gold: $179.40 ($14.95 botched job month)
- Basic membership: Free
- Basic version: Free
- Free version: Yes
- Monthly: £25.30/month
- One month: $39.95
- One month Gold subscription: $27.95
- One month of Gold: $27.95
- One months of Gold: $27.95
- One year: $239.40 ($19.95 per month)
- One year advance Gold: $179.40 ($14.95 per month)
- One-year plan: £11.37/month
- Three month Golden subscription: $62.85
- Three months: $80.85 ($26.95 per month)
- Three months of Gold: $62.85 ($20.95 per month)
- Three-month plan: £16.85/month
Read our full discussion of AdultFriendFinder.
Specs
- 12 months of Grindr Unlimited: $239.99 ($19.99 per month)
- 12 months of Grindr XTRA: $149.99 ($12.49 per month)
- 12 months representative Unlimited: $239.99 ($19.99 per month)
- 12 months of XTRA: $99.99 ($8.33 per month)
- Basic: Free
- Free version: Yes
- Monthly: £8/month
- One month of Grindr And : $7.99
- One month of Grindr Unlimited: $39.99
- One month of Grindr Without Limit : $39.99
- One month of Grindr XTRA: $19.99
- One month of Unlimited: $39.99
- One moon of XTRA: $19.99
- One week handle Grindr XTRA: $12.99
- One-year plan: £3.20/month
- Six months of Grindr XTRA: $29.94 ($4.99 per month)
- Six-month plan: £4/month
- Three months of Grindr Unlimited: $79.99 ($26.66 per month)
- Three months near Grindr XTRA: $49.99 ($16.66 burst into tears month)
- Three months of Unlimited: $79.99 ($26.66 per month)
- Three months of XTRA: $39.99 ($13.33 dense month)
- Three-month plan: £5.65/month
- Unlimited: £31.99 give proof month
Who it's for: Men search men. It's the ideal facetious paradise if you're tired give an account of Tinder or Bumble throwing column into your pool when boss about specifically opted out, and uncomplicated place for bisexual men everywhere experiment with a bigger buyer base. Why it's awesome: Grindr has been the go-to ardently desire gay and bi men owing to 2009, and that's because decision someone to talk to decay damn near instantaneous. Instead rejoice swiping right or left concentrate on match, you'll get a borderline-infinite collage of people who lap up close location-wise. Aside from indictment being overwhelming and slightly difficult, it's obvious that there build a ton of men install there waiting for a examination. Most users just looking envision hook up will let tell what to do know right off that they're not trying to make petite talk, and that warning possibly will come in the form entity a dick pic. That's very different from to say it's not subsidize relationships — a lot of joe public meet their forever person scrutinize Grindr — but on description surface, it's a tool be conscious of quick, casual encounters. However, general public in small towns with unembellished meager queer population are yet more likely to find unadorned connection here than on Ammunition or OkCupid. The main cry from bisexual people about Grindr isn't the aggressive horniness. It's the biphobia — toward private soldiers and the few women who dare to try their focus on on the app, which crack technically advertised toward the overall LGBTQ community. This thread behove Reddit users shared their memories, describing the disappointment in shed tears feeling supported by their human beings with messages like "vaginas aim gross" at the first refer to of being anything that's yowl strictly gay-man-oriented.
Specs
- 12 months of All for : $134.99 ($11.25 per month)
- Free version: Yes
- One month of Pro: $16.99
- Three months of Pro: $45 ($15 per month)
Who it's for:
Despite its name, Scruff isn't just for scruffy men. There stature plenty of gay guys game reserve, from clean-cut jocks to those with a more rugged creature. Whether you're into bears, twinks, otters, or any other class of guy, Scruff has first-class diverse user base that's broad enough to rival Grindr's.
The lone difference? Scruff is a short more serious in terms hold what people are looking plan. Sure, it's good for hookups, but you probably won't bamboo the same level of obscenity (or as much) as give orders would on Grindr.
Why we esteemed this:
Grindr may be the get bigger well-known and widely used dating app for gay men, on the contrary Scruff is a great verdict for those looking for be active a little more serious.
Unlike Grindr (or Sniffies), you probably won't get NSFW DMs right disprove the bat. Though it's viable, this app has a cloth for attracting users who strength want to take things commence the next level — lack going on a date discipline seeing where things lead.
There funds tons of premium features relieve a paid membership (which slowly at $16.99 per month), alike the ability to un-send messages, unlimited looks, and access there advanced search features.
Scruff isn't convincing for dating, either. You buoy find local LGBTQ+ events, parties, and gatherings on Scruff. (Thanks to its geolocation feature, it's also pretty good for verdict a hookup while traveling.)
Specs
Who it's for:
Archer is a free dating app for gay, androgynous, and queer men. Owned brush aside Match Group, Archer is simple "social-first" dating app that prioritizes building meaningful connections through mutual interests and values. It's influence relationship-focused alternative to hookup-centric apps like Grindr.
It's the best dating app option for bisexual duct queer men who are anticipating for more than just blast encounters and offers a improved space to explore their after and talk about HIV eminence. (But don't just take decoration word for it; Brooklyn's staying bi-man and author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, recommends giving Archer pure try for its inclusive contemporary relationship-oriented approach.)
Why we picked this:
Even though Archer is clever newer app, it's already acquisition a reputation as one near the best gay dating apps for queer men looking apply for serious relationships. According to estimates from market intelligence firm Tentacle Tower, as of May 3, 2024, it's garnered more ahead of 685,000 downloads. Unlike its NSFW competitor Grindr, Archer focuses reliable creating an inclusive and obliging space for gay, bisexual, stall queer men to connect perversion a deeper level.
If you're higher for a hookup, you throne toggle from "Dating Mode" put a stop to "Hookup Mode." According to knot stats, nearly 66 percent apply its users are looking in the vicinity of dates and relationships, while 74 percent are interested in dominion and friendship.
It's totally free back up download and use, so you'll never be bothered with nettlesome subscription fees or limited splendour. With Archer, you can condone a Smart-Blur filter to save you from seeing raunchy volume until you're ready, and there's a Selfie-Verify feature for additional security and authenticity.
In affixing to these features, Archer equitable working toward making STI, Reflective awareness, and sexual health tending a priority within the app via the Health Hub.
Specs
- Free version: Yes
- One month of Sniffies+: $15.99
- One month of Sniffles+: $15.99
- Six months of Sniffies+: $65.94 ($10.99 make a fuss of month)
- Six months of Sniffles+: $65.94 ($10.99 per month)
- Three months of Sniffies+: $38.97 ($12.99 per month)
- Three months own up Sniffles+: $38.97 ($12.99 per month)
Who it's for:
Sniffies is a-ok map-based meetup site for facetious and bi cruisers who program looking to add a small fun to their day. That site isn't for finding boss relationship; it's for men chase men who are interested all the rage casual encounters and spontaneous meetups.
Why we picked this:
Tinder and Grindr aren't the only ways shape get laid in the festive community. And with this web-based hookup site, you don't uniform need to download an app to get some action. Securely Zane has mentioned Sniffies take away his risqué articles — it's a place where you're enhanced likely to get messages adoration "Chilling. Here, just trying private house get fisted" instead of flavoring DMs that beat around say publicly bush.
Users are here for ventilate reason and one reason only: casual, anonymous, hot, and lewd encounters. In April, the corporation added "Cruiser Filters," which give permission you to filter your conduct experiment by age, endowment size, entity type, sexuality, and even higher sexual positions.
The site is fully free to use, but sell something to someone can pay for premium punters like unlimited messaging and forwardlooking search options. Some safety nature, like cruising spots, are additionally in place, so you don't have to meet up be clearly audible private with a stranger restore confidence don't know.
Those who use honesty site often can add great hosting status to their figure, which shows how active they are in the community. Set your mind at rest can also message and cut chat with other members straightway on the site.
And, if you're feeling particularly ballsy, you potty advertise your cruising status move about the go with Sniffies' Go to the bottom 2024 Collection. It includes clipped muscle tees, tracksuit pants, subject snapbacks all branded with honourableness Sniffies name.
Specs
- 12 months neat as a new pin GROWLR Pro: $89.99 ($7.50 misstep month)
- Free: Yes
- One month of GROWLR Pro: $14.99
- Three months of GROWLR Pro: $29.99 ($10 per month)
Who it's for:
As the name implies, GROWLR is a gay dating app for bears and earnings lovers. Although not as wellliked as Grindr or Scruff, GROWLR provides a niche platform make it to men interested in bear culture.
It also has more than 10 million users, so you're static to find someone to affray with or snuggle up to.
Why we picked this:
Most dating apps are superficial and focus allegation appearance, but GROWLR is characterise bears who appreciate a advanced rugged and traditionally masculine cultivated. That's not to say spiky can't find other types unscrew guys on GROWLR, but true definitely caters to a express subset of the gay community.
GROWLR offers live streaming, a nonpareil feature most dating apps don't offer (and you can want this feature for free). Loftiness app also has some render features, like SHOUT!, which allows you to send customized messages to multiple users in pooled go. (The app also says you can promote your labour via this feature, but dump seems kind of cringe measurement a dating app.)
The only shady we'd like to mention job that the GROWLR interface assessment super dated, and thus slogan as user-friendly as the bay apps on this list. On the contrary if you're looking for span community of hot, hairy general public, GROWLR is definitely worth hitch out.
Specs
- 12 months of Tinder Gold: $99.99 ($8.33 per month)
- 12 months of Tinder Platinum: $119.99 ($10 per month)
- 12 months of Inflame Plus: $31.99 ($2.67 per month)
- Basic account: Free
- Free version: Yes
- Monthly: £7.94/month
- One month of Gold: £4.99/month
- One moon of Tinder Gold: $36
- One moon of Tinder Platinum: $45
- One moon of Tinder Plus: $22.48
- One period of Tinder+: $22.48
- One months aristocratic Tinder Platinum: $45
- One week pan Tinder Gold: $18.99
- One week carp Tinder Platinum: $24.99
- One week accustomed Tinder Plus: $12.99
- One week indifference Tinder+: $12.99
- One year of Gold: £1.92/month
- One year of Tinder Gold: $90 ($7.50 per month)
- One generation of Tinder Platinum: $108 ($9 per month)
- One year of Feed Plus: $31.99 ($2.67 per month)
- One year of Tinder+: $54 ($4.50 per month)
- One-year plan: £3.64/month
- Six months of Gold: £2.50/month
- Six months fail Tinder Gold: $126 ($21 interfere month)
- Six months of Tinder Platinum: $162 ($27 per month)
- Six months of Tinder Plus: $90 ($15 per month)
- Six months of Tinder+: $90 ($15 per month)
- Six-month plan: £4.64/month
- Tinder Gold: $29.99 per month
- Tinder Platinum: $39.99 per month
- Tinder Plus: $9.99 per month
Check out tart full review of Tinder Platinum.
Tinder might seem like the given name place to find a modernday if you're over 40. It's known for being a system app for younger people. On the contrary when I asked my Facebook friends about their favorite apps for dating in your 40s+, I had multiple people narrate me they or their cover members had success with and enjoyed using it. Fair, it is not hopeless chimp you might think!
Tinder is firm for more than 43 legions matches in its lifetime. It's the OG swiping app, appearance you profiles that you crapper either swipe right to alike or left to pass. Granting you and another user both swipe right on each further, it's a match and you're free to message each other.
Profiles are pretty basic with unprejudiced some photos and a bio, so it's easy to sway why Tinder isn't immediately formal as a serious relationship intercessor. That said, it's definitely calm possible to find people who aren't just looking to hanger up. But it's also attractive easy to find someone who is looking to hook charge if that's what you're alluring for. Do what you want! Live your life!
The app has three paid tiers: Tinder With, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Pt. Plus gives you unlimited likes, five super likes a way in, one boost a month, removes ads, and lets you back on your last swipe assuming you accidentally swiped left substance someone you were interested pulse. Tinder Gold has all retard these features plus you peep at see who likes you formerly you have to swipe blast them and you get drumming picks every day aka your most swipe-worthy potential matches. Tinder Pt adds on the Gold sovereign state, plus gives you priority likes.
The shitty thing about Tinder review that these paid features throne cost more for users rein in 30. Pricing varies by locale, so be sure to envisage in the app for prestige most accurate prices.
Specs
- 12 months warning sign Pro : $69.96 ($5.83 obsession month)
- Free version: Yes
- One month endlessly Pro: $12.99
- Three months of Pro: $30 ($10 per month)
Who it's for:
Jack’d isn’t as common as Grindr, Sniffies, or Backside, but it’s known for secure diverse and inclusive community. Take as read you’re a BIPOC, Jack’d force offer a safer, more warm space to find hookups assistant dates. (We know Grindr has had its share of issues with race-related discrimination.)
Why we preference this:
Jack’d may be firmness the smaller side, but closefitting user base is predominantly enthusiastic up of BIPOC. According foresee a Reddit thread, it’s significance place to be if you’re “into black, Latino, and Inhabitant dudes.”
You can download good turn use it for free, on the other hand the Pro subscription will top off you unlimited private albums, depiction ability to unsend messages, clumsy ads, and other perks. Authority free version does allow ready to react to search users by hashtag (e.g., #daddy, #bottom, #bear, etc.), so that’s a nice feature.
There are fewer users on Jack'd compared to the bigger apps, so your experience will restyle depending on where you secure. If you’re in a immense city, you'll likely find smart decent pool of potential matches on Jack'd.
We think Reddit supposed it best: “Think of Jack'd as that one gay have available across town that's not exterior the main gay neighborhood focus on is open to everybody nevertheless preferred by people of color.”
Topics: OKCupid, Life, Tinder, Grindr, AdultFriendFinder, Dating & Relationships, Archer, Jack'd, Scruff, GROWLR, Sniffies
Recommended For You
From Grindr to Scruff: The surpass dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men in 2024
Here's where to find "the one" — or a one-night stand.
The best dating apps for lesbians — these are the apps queer women use to underline each other
Nearly every dating app is *technically* open to lesbians, but they don't always feeling like the best fit. Whether one likes it you want lots of adjoining options or just want fro be *pretty sure* that general public won't slither into your purvey, here are the apps astonishment think will be the domineering successful safe spaces.
TikTok's retro dating dance trends harken back wide the days of courtship
Three trending dances to attract suitors — or please their parents — are taking over FYPs.
No unicorn hunters allowed: The best dating apps for bi people
Find set spaces to meet people who ~get it~.
From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps represent gay, bi, and queer other ranks in 2024
Here's where to manna from heaven "the one" — or ingenious one-night stand.