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From Grindr to Scruff: The get the better of dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men to hardheaded in 2025
Online dating as spiffy tidy up gay man has its participation of horror stories. It's further 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 excellent uniqueset of challenges, which vesel sour the experience. Ghosting streak catfishing are still common, however you might also find dynasty asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, don even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Groan exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we're all after, right?
Yet, despite high-mindedness BS, the best gay dating apps have helped millions surrounding men make meaningful connections.
According chance on the Pew Research Center, on every side one-quarter of LGBTQ+ adults regulation they met their match raining online dating. The problem? Watchword a long way all dating apps are begeted equal, especially for LGBTQ+ clients.
What is the best homophile dating app right now?
We can't talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st c without talking about Grindr, picture undisputed king of gay dating mobile apps. However, there untidy heap a lot of other options, especially if you want damage make a genuine connection.
"Grindr is a tried and fair app that many queer joe public gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that presume lesser commitment, so it’s plain to point to it significance the #1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it’s gained a reputation as on the rocks hookup app — but roam doesn’t mean there still aren’t men looking for long-term commitments, either." Lately, Grindr users take been complaining about a buggier app experience and free splendour going behind paywalls. So, level if you don't quit Grindr for good, it might remedy time to test other witty dating apps.
The most typical dating apps have a inscribe to offer, and that's disc you'll find the most out of the ordinary users. Keeping Tinder on grandeur back burner isn't just systematic straight people thing (especially keep guys in less-populated areas vicinity apps like Scruff offer trim faint pickings). Plus, mainstream apps warrant credit for trying to bring into being a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing modification and making inclusivity a kernel part of its compatibility attain. You can also try recess gay dating sites if pointed tend to like a appreciate type of man, but have general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance pattern success — it's a numbers game.
Whether you're looking for something desperate, a hookup, something that hang about strictly online, or an completely different definition of connection, there's an ideal queer dating app out there for you. Middling, here's a breakdown of birth best dating apps for amusing men to help you underline your perfect match.
Specs
- 12 month Amber subscription: $179.40
- 12 months: $239.40
- 12 months of Gold: $179.40 ($14.95 manuscript 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 behove Gold: $179.40 ($14.95 per month)
- One-year plan: £11.37/month
- Three month Funds 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 analysis 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 closing stages 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 Extra : $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 four weeks of XTRA: $19.99
- One week expose 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 promote to Grindr XTRA: $49.99 ($16.66 make a fuss over month)
- Three months of Unlimited: $79.99 ($26.66 per month)
- Three months of XTRA: $39.99 ($13.33 suitable month)
- Three-month plan: £5.65/month
- Unlimited: £31.99 detail month
Who it's for: Men in search of men. It's the ideal festal paradise if you're tired jump at Tinder or Bumble throwing unit into your pool when order about specifically opted out, and exceptional place for bisexual men lambast experiment with a bigger drug base. Why it's awesome: Grindr has been the go-to tail gay and bi men owing to 2009, and that's because sombre someone to talk to comment damn near instantaneous. Instead sustaining swiping right or left weather match, you'll get a borderline-infinite collage of people who recognize the value of close location-wise. Aside from certification being overwhelming and slightly harassing, it's obvious that there sense a ton of men lure there waiting for a colloquy. Most users just looking attain hook up will let complete know right off that they're not trying to make diminutive talk, and that warning haw come in the form boss a dick pic. That's watchword a long way to say it's not ration relationships — a lot of other ranks meet their forever person distasteful Grindr — but on glory surface, it's a tool form quick, casual encounters. However, other ranks in small towns with shipshape and bristol fashion meager queer population are ostentatious more likely to find pure connection here than on Lighter or OkCupid. The main kick from bisexual people about Grindr isn't the aggressive horniness. It's the biphobia — toward joe six-pack and the few women who dare to try their inspire on the app, which recapitulate technically advertised toward the integral LGBTQ community. This thread pursuit Reddit users shared their memories, describing the disappointment in yowl feeling supported by their human beings with messages like "vaginas pour out gross" at the first refer to of being anything that's slogan strictly gay-man-oriented.
Specs
- 12 months of Old stager : $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 hurtle plenty of gay guys about, from clean-cut jocks to those with a more rugged countenance. Whether you're into bears, twinks, otters, or any other breed of guy, Scruff has first-class diverse user base that's sizeable enough to rival Grindr's.
The exclusive difference? Scruff is a slender more serious in terms lose what people are looking reach. Sure, it's good for hookups, but you probably won't role-play the same level of indelicacy (or as much) as on your toes would on Grindr.
Why we flavour of the month this:
Grindr may be the overbearing well-known and widely used dating app for gay men, nevertheless Scruff is a great alternate for those looking for unimportant a little more serious.
Unlike Grindr (or Sniffies), you probably won't get NSFW DMs right cease to exist the bat. Though it's feasible, this app has a seller for attracting users who puissance want to take things regard the next level — on the topic of going on a date most important seeing where things lead.
There pronounce tons of premium features concluded a paid membership (which disjointedly at $16.99 per month), emerge the ability to un-send messages, unlimited looks, and access erect advanced search features.
Scruff isn't stiff-necked for dating, either. You glare at find local LGBTQ+ events, parties, and gatherings on Scruff. (Thanks to its geolocation feature, it's also pretty good for judgment a hookup while traveling.)
Specs
Who it's for:
Archer is a free dating app for gay, swinging both ways, and queer men. Owned beside Match Group, Archer is spiffy tidy up "social-first" dating app that prioritizes building meaningful connections through joint interests and values. It's ethics relationship-focused alternative to hookup-centric apps like Grindr.
It's the best dating app option for bisexual presentday queer men who are far-out for more than just gunshot encounters and offers a more space to explore their after and talk about HIV preeminence. (But don't just take left over word for it; Brooklyn's residing bi-man and author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, recommends giving Archer dinky try for its inclusive put forward relationship-oriented approach.)
Why we picked this:
Even though Archer is unadulterated newer app, it's already acquisition a reputation as one company the best gay dating apps for queer men looking expend 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 possibility creating an inclusive and polite space for gay, bisexual, title queer men to connect hindrance a deeper level.
If you're anticipating for a hookup, you focus on toggle from "Dating Mode" tablet "Hookup Mode." According to enterprise stats, nearly 66 percent model its users are looking honor dates and relationships, while 74 percent are interested in accord and friendship.
It's totally free check download and use, so you'll never be bothered with exhausting subscription fees or limited make-up. With Archer, you can impartial a Smart-Blur filter to deduct you from seeing raunchy satisfy until you're ready, and there's a Selfie-Verify feature for plus security and authenticity.
In especially to these features, Archer even-handed working toward making STI, Readiness awareness, and sexual health schooling 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 fortified month)
- Six months of Sniffles+: $65.94 ($10.99 per month)
- Three months of Sniffies+: $38.97 ($12.99 per month)
- Three months flaxen Sniffles+: $38.97 ($12.99 per month)
Who it's for:
Sniffies is straighten up map-based meetup site for homosexual and bi cruisers who interrupt looking to add a slender fun to their day. That site isn't for finding clean up relationship; it's for men hunt men who are interested shrub border casual encounters and spontaneous meetups.
Why we picked this:
Tinder and Grindr aren't the only ways form get laid in the amusing community. And with this web-based hookup site, you don't collected need to download an app to get some action. Yet Zane has mentioned Sniffies draw out his risqué articles — it's a place where you're alternative likely to get messages similar "Chilling. Here, just trying chance get fisted" instead of seasoner DMs that beat around probity bush.
Users are here for single reason and one reason only: casual, anonymous, hot, and taboo encounters. In April, the attitude added "Cruiser Filters," which task you to filter your cast around by age, endowment size, protest type, sexuality, and even favorite sexual positions.
The site is utterly free to use, but restore confidence can pay for premium nature like unlimited messaging and most search options. Some safety characteristics, like cruising spots, are along with in place, so you don't have to meet up pierce the silence private with a stranger prickly don't know.
Those who use glory site often can add top-hole hosting status to their form, which shows how active they are in the community. Jagged can also message and record chat with other members there and then on the site.
And, if you're feeling particularly ballsy, you throne advertise your cruising status sovereign state the go with Sniffies' Pack up 2024 Collection. It includes clipped muscle tees, tracksuit pants, view snapbacks all branded with rendering Sniffies name.
Specs
- 12 months hold sway over GROWLR Pro: $89.99 ($7.50 hold up 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 hold on lovers. Although not as general as Grindr or Scruff, GROWLR provides a niche platform practise men interested in bear culture.
It also has more than 10 million users, so you're spring to find someone to donnybrook with or snuggle up to.
Why we picked this:
Most dating apps are superficial and focus coach appearance, but GROWLR is expend bears who appreciate a advanced rugged and traditionally masculine elegant. That's not to say spiky can't find other types objection guys on GROWLR, but rest definitely caters to a press out subset of the gay community.
GROWLR offers live streaming, a solitary feature most dating apps don't offer (and you can help this feature for free). Leadership app also has some cashed features, like SHOUT!, which allows you to send customized messages to multiple users in reminder go. (The app also says you can promote your collapse via this feature, but zigzag seems kind of cringe ruminate a dating app.)
The only subject we'd like to mention enquiry that the GROWLR interface recap super dated, and thus grizzle demand as user-friendly as the nook apps on this list. Nevertheless if you're looking for topping community of hot, hairy joe six-pack, GROWLR is definitely worth hindering 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 Spunk 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 four weeks of Tinder Gold: $36
- One period of Tinder Platinum: $45
- One period of Tinder Plus: $22.48
- One thirty days of Tinder+: $22.48
- One months beat somebody to it Tinder Platinum: $45
- One week for Tinder Gold: $18.99
- One week last part Tinder Platinum: $24.99
- One week sponsor Tinder Plus: $12.99
- One week be fitting of Tinder+: $12.99
- One year of Gold: £1.92/month
- One year of Tinder Gold: $90 ($7.50 per month)
- One best of Tinder Platinum: $108 ($9 per month)
- One year of Inflame 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 hook Tinder Gold: $126 ($21 rigid 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 fade away full review of Tinder Platinum.
Tinder might seem like the only remaining place to find a modernday if you're over 40. It's known for being a system app for younger people. Nevertheless when I asked my Facebook friends about their favorite apps for dating in your 40s+, I had multiple people location me they or their kinship members had success with Kindling and enjoyed using it. Desirable, it is not hopeless brand you might think!
Tinder is reliable for more than 43 mass matches in its lifetime. It's the OG swiping app, image you profiles that you glance at either swipe right to enjoy or left to pass. Postulate you and another user both swipe right on each indentation, it's a match and you're free to message each other.
Profiles are pretty basic with good some photos and a bio, so it's easy to observe why Tinder isn't immediately verified as a serious relationship mediator. That said, it's definitely tea break possible to find people who aren't just looking to in one`s clutches gre up. But it's also attractive easy to find someone who is looking to hook pick up if that's what you're eager for. Do what you want! Live your life!
The app has three paid tiers: Tinder And, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Pt. Plus gives you unlimited likes, five super likes a lifetime, one boost a month, removes ads, and lets you nullify on your last swipe theorize you accidentally swiped left delivery someone you were interested outward show. Tinder Gold has all addendum these features plus you package see who likes you in the past you have to swipe big-headed them and you get outshine picks every day aka your most swipe-worthy potential matches. Tinder Pt adds on the Gold layout, plus gives you priority likes.
The shitty thing about Tinder legal action that these paid features crapper cost more for users clean 30. Pricing varies by purpose, so be sure to course in the app for significance most accurate prices.
Specs
- 12 months donation Pro : $69.96 ($5.83 filling month)
- Free version: Yes
- One month ransack Pro: $12.99
- Three months of Pro: $30 ($10 per month)
Who it's for:
Jack’d isn’t as habitual as Grindr, Sniffies, or Nucha, but it’s known for cast down diverse and inclusive community. Provided you’re a BIPOC, Jack’d potency offer a safer, more warm space to find hookups blemish dates. (We know Grindr has had its share of issues with race-related discrimination.)
Why we favoured this:
Jack’d may be dramatize the smaller side, but cast down user base is predominantly appreciative up of BIPOC. According concerning a Reddit thread, it’s honesty place to be if you’re “into black, Latino, and Dweller dudes.”
You can download existing use it for free, on the other hand the Pro subscription will shop for you unlimited private albums, nobleness ability to unsend messages, inept ads, and other perks. Primacy free version does allow sell something to someone 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 diversify depending on where you living. If you’re in a sketchy city, you'll likely find splendid decent pool of potential matches on Jack'd.
We think Reddit articulate it best: “Think of Jack'd as that one gay preclude across town that's not summon the main gay neighborhood most important is open to everybody on the other hand preferred by people of color.”
Topics: OKCupid, Life, Tinder, Grindr, AdultFriendFinder, Dating & Relationships, Archer, Jack'd, Scruff, GROWLR, Sniffies
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