From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men
Overview
Best Grindr alternative
Scruff
Jump to Details
Best for serious relationships
Archer
Jump to Details
Table of Contents
Online dating as a gay man has its share of horror stories. It’s also 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 a unique set of challenges, which can sour the experience. Ghosting and catfishing are still common, but you might also find people asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn’t be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Not exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we’re all after, right?
Yet, despite the BS, the right queer dating app can genuinely help you find meaningful connections. Whether you’re after a hookup, friendship, or “the one,” these gay dating platforms are where millions of men connect (Pew Research found that about one in four LGBTQ+ adults met their partner online). The key is figuring out which LGBTQ+ dating apps in 2025 are actually worth your time and energy.
What is the best gay dating app right now?We can’t talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st century without talking about Grindr, the undisputed king of gay dating mobile apps. However, there are a lot of other options, especially if you want to make a genuine connection.
“Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so itâs easy to point to it as the No. 1 app,” Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. “However, like Tinder, itâs gained a reputation as a hookup app â but that doesnât mean there still arenât men looking for long-term commitments, either.” Lately, Grindr users have been complaining about a buggier app experience and free features going behind paywalls. So, even if you don’t quit Grindr for good, it might be time to test other gay dating apps.
The most popular dating apps have a lot to offer, and that’s where you’ll find the most queer users. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn’t just a straight people thing (especially for guys in less populated areas where apps like Scruff offer slim pickings). Plus, mainstream apps deserve credit for trying to create a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing change and making inclusivity a core part of its compatibility scoring.
You can also try niche gay dating sites if you tend to like a certain type of man, but in general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance of success â it’s a numbers game.
Whether you’re looking for something serious, a hookup, something that stays strictly online, or an altogether different definition of connection, there’s an ideal queer dating app out there for you. So, here’s a breakdown of the best dating apps for gay men to help you find your perfect match.
Our Pick
The Good & The Bad
It’s totally free to sign up and get started on Grindr
Grindr works on both iPhone and Android devices
The app has a massive user base, which means lots of potential connections
You don’t have to sign up with Facebook, but you can if you want to
Grindr’s location-based matching makes it easy to find a hookup in under an hour (if that’s what you’re looking for)
Grindr for Equality actively supports LGBTQ+ safety around the world
You may run into bots and performance issues on Grindr
The amount of NSFW chat can be pretty intense
Live chat is for paying users only
You can’t upload more than one photo at a time, which is annoying
There are reports of biphobia and hate towards queer people on there
Grindr’s had data breaches in the past
Who it’s for
Grindr isn’t just a popular gay dating app for hookups and casual encounters. It’s the king of gay dating apps, and it’s become a big part of modern gay culture. It’s mostly for gay men who are looking to get laid now, and it has a massive user base.
Although bi, trans, and queer people are welcome on the app, the majority of users are gay men.
Why we picked this
Grindr is the gay dating app for men, but the company also advocates for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole through efforts like The Grindr for Equality campaign, which advocates for the sexual health and safety of LGBTQ+ people in unsafe countries.
Thatâs not the only thing the appâs doing on the user front, though. Within the past two months, the company added two new features: “Taken on Grindr,” an optional watermark timestamp for photos snapped in the app (presumably to vouch for their realness and recency), and “Profile Hide,” which lets you make your profile invisible to specific users before chatting â handy for dodging that coworker or ex you spot on the grid.
Grindr is also taking steps to improve user safety and privacy with its newly launched Safety & Privacy Center. This in-app hub gives users more control over their data, offering clear explanations of privacy settings and easy access to resources, including LGBTQ+-specific guidance.
In terms of usability, Grindr still isn’t swipe-based like some other hookup apps. Instead, you’ll see that signature location-based grid â a collage of guys who are close to your location. As soon as you hop on the app, you’ll see tons of men waiting to talk â for starters. They’ve also rolled out “Right Now” in major cities (like NYC, LA, and London as of early 2025), a separate feed where posts about wanting to meet up immediately expire after an hour, leaning into the app’s fast-paced reputation. But it’s true: Grindr has been having some issues lately. Users are complaining about bugs (apparently due to some recent updates gone wrong) and new paywalls blocking features like “taps.” It kinda feels like they’re choosing money over keeping users happy, which is a total bummer.
Do note that Grindr lacks the boundaries other apps provide â most users are just looking to hook up and will let you know they’re not in it for small talk. (That warning may come in the form of a dick pic and not in as many words.) Some of the app’s users have a reputation of not being so welcoming to bisexual users, and it isn’t exactly known for being free from racism, either.
That’s not to say you can’t find a lasting relationship on Grindr â a lot of men do meet their forever person on Grindr â but on the surface, it’s a tool for a quick, casual hookup. FWIW, men in small towns with a meager queer population are more likely to find a connection here than on Tinder or OkCupid.
Details
Scruff
Best Grindr alternative
The Good & The Bad
Signing up for Scruff is fast and free
With its big user base, you’ve got a solid chance of finding matches
Scruff isn’t just for “scruffy” guys; you’ll find all sorts of dudes on there
The travel features make it easy to find connections when you’re on the move
Scruff shows you LGBTQ+ events happening near you
Paying for Scruff unlocks extras like stealth mode and advanced search filters
Scruff users have reported the app crashing on them
The pop-up ads can really kill the vibe
You’ll find a lot of profiles where guys clearly didn’t put in any effort
Who it’s for
Despite its name, Scruff isn’t just for scruffy men. There are plenty of gay guys here, from clean-cut jocks to those with a more rugged look. Whether you’re into bears, twinks, otters, or any other type of guy, Scruff has a diverse user base that’s large enough to rival Grindr’s.
The only difference? Scruff is a little more serious in terms of what people are looking for. Sure, it’s good for hookups, but you probably won’t get the same level of raunchiness (or as much) as you would on Grindr.
Why we picked this
Grindr may be the most well-known and widely used dating app for gay men, but Scruff is a great alternative for those looking for something a little more serious.
Unlike Grindr (or Sniffies), you probably won’t get NSFW DMs right off the bat. Though it’s possible, this app has a rep for attracting users who might want to take things to the next level â like going on a date and seeing where things lead.
There are tons of premium features with a paid membership (which starts at $16.99 per month), like the ability to un-send messages, unlimited looks, and access to advanced search features.
Scruff isn’t just for dating, either. You can find local LGBTQ+ events, parties, and gatherings on Scruff. (Thanks to its geolocation feature, it’s also pretty good for finding a hookup while traveling.)
Details
Details
Archer
Best for serious relationships
The Good & The Bad
Archer is completely free to download and use
Users are required to selfie-verify their profiles, which adds a layer of security
The smart-blur feature helps keep potentially NSFW content from popping up unexpectedly
You can really personalize your profile with customized tags
Archer lets you connect through DMs, video calls, and community events
The in-app Health Hub gives you access to valuable medical and mental health resources
There’s no desktop version of Archer
Because it’s newer, you might encounter more bugs or glitches than on more mature apps
The selfie-verification, while a pro for some, can be an inconvenience for others
Depending on your location, the community events feature might not be very active
Who it’s for
Archer is a free dating app for gay, bisexual, and queer men. Owned by Match Group, Archer is a “social-first” dating app that prioritizes building meaningful connections through shared interests and values. It’s positioned as the relationship-focused alternative to hookup-heavy hitters like Grindr, targeting Gen Z and Millennial guys looking for something more substantial.
It’s the best dating app option for bisexual and queer men who are looking for more than just casual encounters and offers a safer space to explore their sexuality and talk about HIV status. (But don’t just take our word for it; Brooklyn’s resident bi-man and author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, recommends giving Archer a try for its inclusive and relationship-oriented approach.)
Why we picked this
Although still newer compared to legacy apps, Archer made waves by hitting over 1 million downloads within its first year (as of late 2024), cementing its reputation among queer men looking for serious relationships.
Unlike its NSFW competitor Grindr, Archer requires every profile to show a face. As Archer’s marketing lead, Michael Kaye, says, the app is about “celebration and showing your truest self.” This underscores its mission to create a more inclusive and respectful space for gay, bisexual, and queer men to connect on a deeper level.
If you’re looking for a hookup, you can toggle from “Dating Mode” to “Hookup Mode.” Still, company stats suggest most users lean toward commitment: nearly 66 percent are looking for dates and relationships, while 74 percent also value community and friendship
It’s totally free to download and use, so you’ll never be bothered with annoying subscription fees or limited features. With Archer, you can use a Smart-Blur filter to keep you from seeing raunchy content until you’re ready, and there’s a Selfie-Verify feature for added security and authenticity.
In addition to these features, Archer is working toward making STI, PrEP awareness, and sexual health education a priority within the app via the Health Hub.
Details
The Good & The Bad
Signing in to Sniffies is quick and easy
You don’t need an account to use it, which is great for staying anonymous
The real-time map helps you find nearby connections instantly
It’s focused on hookups and cruising, if that’s your thing
They offer a paid membership for extra features
The anonymity makes catfishing more likely on Sniffies
With the relaxed guidelines, you’ll probably run into a lot of NSFW content
Sniffies is definitely not the place to look for a relationship
Who it’s for
Sniffies is a map-based meetup site for gay and bi cruisers who are looking to add a little fun to their day. This site isn’t for finding a relationship; it’s for men seeking men who are interested in casual encounters and spontaneous meetups.
Why we picked this
Tinder and Grindr aren’t the only ways to get laid in the gay community. And with this hookup site, you don’t even need to download an app to get some action. (But as of March 2025, iOS users can download the Sniffies app!) Even Zane has mentioned Sniffies in his risquĂ© articles â it’s a place where you’re more likely to get messages like “Chilling. Here, just trying to get fisted” instead of vanilla DMs that beat around the bush.
Users are here for one reason and one reason only: casual, anonymous, hot, and raunchy encounters. (Though, due to Apple’s standards, app users are required to create an account.) Last April, the company added “Cruiser Filters,” which allow you to filter your search by age, endowment size, body type, sexuality, and even preferred sexual positions.
The site is totally free to use, but you can pay for premium features like unlimited messaging and advanced search options. Some safety features, like cruising spots, are also in place, so you don’t have to meet up somewhere private with a stranger you don’t know.
Those who use the site often can add a hosting status to their profile, which shows how active they are in the community. You can also message and video chat with other members directly on the site.
Details
GROWLR
Best dating app for bears
The Good & The Bad
Signing up for GROWLR is fast and free
It has a large user base for a niche app like this
You can chat, browse profiles, and view galleries for free
Connect with bears in real time through live video chat, with both free and paid options
Discover bear-related events happening in your area
Users report GROWLR is super buggy
The interface looks pretty dated
If you’re in a small town, you might not find many guys on there
Who it’s for
As the name implies, GROWLR is a gay dating app for bears and bear lovers. Although not as popular as Grindr or Scruff, GROWLR provides a niche platform for men interested in bear culture.
It also has more than 10 million users, so you’re bound to find someone to roughhouse with or snuggle up to.
Why we picked this
Most dating apps are superficial and focus on appearance, but GROWLR is for bears who appreciate a more rugged and traditionally masculine aesthetic. That’s not to say you can’t find other types of guys on GROWLR, but it definitely caters to a specific subset of the gay community.
GROWLR offers live streaming, a unique feature most dating apps don’t offer (and you can use this feature for free). The app also has some paid features, like SHOUT!, which allows you to send customized messages to multiple users in one go. (The app also says you can promote your business via this feature, but that seems kind of cringe on a dating app.)
The only thing we’d like to mention is that the GROWLR interface is super dated, and thus not as user-friendly as the other apps on this list. But if you’re looking for a community of hot, hairy men, GROWLR is definitely worth checking out.
Details
The Good & The Bad
It’s free to sign up and get started on OkCupid
You can use OkCupid on both iOS and Android devices
OkCupid has really inclusive identity options, covering gender-fluid, non-binary, and two-spirit identities
It factors in social justice views to help you find more compatible matches
You get a percentage match score based on shared (or differing) opinions
The recent redesign makes the app genuinely fun to use
The free version of OkCupid has ads
You can’t video chat within the app
It’s not great if you live in a rural area or small town
While it’s labeled as free, you need to pay for the really good feature
There have been reports of data breaches
Our review
Read our full review of OkCupid.
Who it’s for
OkCupid’s slogan is “Dating deserves better,” and they’re damn right â especially for the gays and the theys. Though it’s open to straight people too, the veteran dating site has shed the heteronormativity that still somewhat plagues eharmony and Match. It’s hip and well-informed while also maintaining a more intentional atmosphere than Grindr or Tinder.
Time and time again, OkCupid proves to be the blueprint for inclusivity in online dating. In 2014, OKC rolled out 22 gender and 13 orientation choices â years before such changes became a priority for competing sites.
Why we picked this
OkCupid didn’t just get a facelift during its last redesign â our team actually had fun swiping on the revamped app. Plus, OkCupid’s focus on encouraging users to share their perspectives on social and political issues feels practical in this day and age.
The app’s filters let you find guys who share your views on everything from gun control to vaccines, so you can bypass awkward first-date debates. You can also search for same-sex matches and filter by specific interests, making it easier to find guys who share your interests and passions. Plus, you can use these filters on the free version (which can’t be said for similar features on other dating apps).
It’s not all about the thirst traps here, either. OkCupid’s profile features let you showcase your personality (not just your looks). Whether you’re into gaming, activism, or obsessing over the latest drag queens, there’s room to find your person or community on OKC. You might find a smaller pool of folks than you would on Grindr or Tinder, but it’s a good place to go if you’re looking to make a longer-term connection and are focused on quality over quantity.
Details
Tinder
Most popular dating app
The Good & The Bad
It’s free to download and sign up
You can use Tinder on both iPhones and Androids
Tinder makes finding matches quick and easy
It’s extra fun to use when you’re traveling
They offer several premium options for extra features
You’ll find a massive user base no matter where you are
Guys looking for hookups are usually pretty upfront about it in their bios
The free version of Tinder is pretty limited, like with how many likes you get
You might still see straight people in your feed, which can be annoying
There’s no real matchmaking algorithm, it’s mostly based on looks and location
Get ready for some seriously bad bios and pickup lines
Our review
Read our review of Tinder Platinum.
Who it’s for
Of the 75 million people who actively use Tinder each month, not all are straight dudes holding up fish. Queer and trans folks head to Tinder because its dating pool is colossal â almost as colossal as queer people’s collective yearning for authentic connection (real).
Tinder pioneered the now-ubiquitous swiping function: Revolutionizing the world of online dating and boasting billions of swipes per day. You’ll probably see your neighbor or even someone you work with on the app. (Awkward! Predictable!) However, if you’ve exhausted your chances with all of the queer people you know in real life, this is probably where you can find the highest number of gay locals â especially in smaller towns.
Why we picked this
Despite all this, Tinder has made notable efforts to be more inclusive by partnering with GLAAD to personalize swiping (e.g., “show me, people of the same identity, first”) and ensure it better meets the diverse needs of the trans community. With more than 40+ gender options, users can feel more confident swiping through potential matches. And, with the app’s Relationship Goals feature, members can display a badge on their profile to let the world know what it is they’re looking for. You can also use the Matchmaker feature to introduce friends who you think would hit it off (or vice versa).
On the safety and features front, Tinder has tools to curb inappropriate messages with in-app warnings (and potential bans for repeat offenders). They’ve also rolled out ID verification options and an AI-powered “Photo Selector” designed to help you pick profile pics more likely to get right swipes. (Though we’re not entirely sure how safe it is.)
Most recently, showing their willingness to experiment (and perhaps fittingly launched around April Fools’ Day 2025), Tinder introduced “The Game Game,” an AI chat experience that lets users practice flirting vocally in deliberately “cringey” meet-cute scenarios with an AI persona. Whether “The Game Game” actually improves your flirting is debatable (it feels pretty gimmicky), but it might help make those potentially cringey first messages feel slightly less terrifying.
Details
Jack’d
Best gay dating app for men of color
The Good & The Bad
Signing up for Jack’d is free and easy
You can video chat, share photos, and search by location
Pro users get perks like anonymous browsing, seeing way more profiles, and no ads
Some of Jack’d’s features are locked behind a paid Pro subscription
It’s not as popular as apps like Grindr
There’s no desktop version of Jack’d
Who it’s for
Jackâd isnât as popular as Grindr, Sniffies, or Scruff, but itâs known for its diverse and inclusive community. If youâre BIPOC, Jackâd might offer a safer, more welcoming space to find hookups or dates. (We know Grindr has had its share of issues with race-related discrimination.)
Why we picked this
Jackâd may be on the smaller side, but its user base is predominantly made up of BIPOC. According to a Reddit thread, itâs the place to be if youâre âinto black, Latino, and Asian dudes.â
You can download and use it for free, but the Pro subscription will get you unlimited private albums, the ability to unsend messages, no ads, and other perks. The free version does allow you to search users by hashtag (e.g., #daddy, #bottom, #bear, etc.), so thatâs a nice feature.
There are fewer users on Jack’d compared to the bigger apps, so your experience will vary depending on where you live. If youâre in a big city, you’ll likely find a decent pool of potential matches on Jack’d.
We think Reddit said it best: âThink of Jack’d as that one gay bar across town that’s not in the main gay neighborhood and is open to everybody but preferred by people of color.â
Details
Figuring out which gay dating apps are genuinely worth your time takes more than just scrolling through the app store. That’s why the Mashable team gets hands-on, regularly testing these platforms ourselves.
Here’s how we do it:
Getting hands-on: We download the apps and go through the whole process â from signing up to actually using the features to chat and connect.
Checking for fakes: We create different kinds of profiles (sometimes even leaving them blank) to see how well the apps filter out bots and low-quality accounts. Nobody wants to waste time on fakes.
Focusing on the gay male experience: Since this roundup is specifically for gay men, we look closely at features important to the community. This includes things like:
Options for different relationship goals (hookups, dating, friends, LTRs).
How easy it is to find guys with similar interests or “types.”
Safety features relevant for men meeting other men.
How the app handles location sharing and privacy.
Real testers, real experience: Every app that gets a full review on Mashable is tested by our staff writers or experienced freelancers who know a lot about dating, relationships, and the LGBTQ+ scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grindr is the most popular gay dating app for men. It’s known for being hookup-centric and NSFW. If you want to get laid, and quick, Grindr is a go-to for most gay men.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Scruff tends to appeal to mature gay men who aren’t just looking to hook up but are interested in developing genuine connections and relationships. On the other hand, Grindr is known for its larger user base and more casual hookup-oriented atmosphere.
We believe Sniffies is the best hookup site for gay men right now. Made for location-based cruising, Sniffies lets you connect with other horny men seeking men in your area. The platform is also growing in popularity, and it’s an exciting place to make new connections in 2025 (especially since it just came out with an iOS app!). Grindr and Tinder make solid runner-ups, though.
Nothing has fully replaced Grindr’s sheer size and cultural grip, love it or hate it. It’s still the default for a lot of guys. But are people using other apps? Absolutely.
Scruff is the major alternative and often the pick if you want something a little less chaotic than Grindr. If youâre actually trying to find a relationship, Hinge and Archer are huge go-tos now. And Sniffies basically owns the map-based cruising scene for quick, anonymous fun. So, it’s less about one app “replacing” Grindr and more about guys using the right tool for the job â whether that job is finding Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now.
Lex used to be the place for raunchy personals, but since the companyâs rebrand as a social app instead of a dating app, itâs become a popular platform for queer folks to connect and build friendships.
While you can download dating apps specifically for older users, our top recommendation for silver foxes probably won’t surprise you: Yup, it’s still Grindr. It offers a lot of features that make it the best option for older gay men, including location-based matching for convenience and a massive user base. That means you’ll have better luck finding someone your age â or a younger guy who appreciates you.
While Grindr’s an easy choice if you want to find someone right now, it has a high level of NSFW content. If that’s a problem, you can try some of the other apps in our guide. The best app for each individual will vary according to preferences, so you may have to try a few of these apps before you find the best fit for you. And if you are a fan of NSFW content and old-school cruising, try Sniffies. For lasting connections, try Archer.
We didn’t include Bumble in our list of the best dating apps for gay men, but gay guys can still use Bumble. Bumble says it’s for everyone, and while the app is built around the idea of women making the first move, the app does allow same-gender matches, including for gay men. For same-sex and non-binary matches, either person can make the first move.Â
Hinge isn’t specifically for gay users, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find success on this app. While it’s not exclusively a gay app like Grindr, it offers a more curated experience for singles looking for something more than a casual encounter. You’ll find a wide range of users, and its emphasis on compatibility makes it a solid choice for gay men who want to make genuine connections.
There aren’t readily available, definitive studies that give a precise success rate for gay men on OkCupid. What we do know is that OkCupid stands out for its inclusive approach to gender and sexuality. The app offers a really wide range of gender identity and sexual orientation options, which can be a huge plus for anyone looking for a more nuanced and personalized dating experience.
Hornet used to be a popular social networking app for the LGBTQ+ community, but it’s become pretty useless in recent years (it’s buggy, bot-filled, and has a small user base in rural areas, according to numerous Reddit threads). A few former Hornet users say Kik is a better alternative for chatting, but honestly, Kik isn’t LGBTQ+-focused and could be potentially dangerous for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Well, the most obvious answer in 2025, especially since you’re reading this article, is dating apps! That’s literally what this whole list is about â finding connections without needing to yell over loud music. Whether you want hookups (Grindr, Sniffies), dates/relationships (Hinge, Scruff, Archer, OkCupid), or even just friends (Lex), there’s an app designed for it.
Joining LGBTQ+ sports leagues (kickball, volleyball, etc.), hobby groups (gaming, book clubs, hiking), volunteering for a cause you care about, or even going to queer community events or spaces can work too. And don’t underestimate telling your friends you’re open to meeting people â sometimes an intro is less awkward than a cold approach anywhere.
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, editor, SEO & content strategist. Aside from writing for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO â a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master’s degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School of Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online pubs, including National Geographic, Insider, Kinkly, and others.
