Top 10 free gay dating apps
Explore the top-rated LGBTQ+ dating apps, from Surge's AI-driven match suggestions to community-focused platforms like Scruff and Hornet. Find the perfect app tailored to your needs, whether it's for casual fun or long-term relationships.
Surge
With implacable 4.7/5 stars, Surge stands out as an exceptionally highly rated dating app. It welcomes all shades of the LGBTQ+ spectrum—gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer, ace, and much more. The design of the app is uniquely gay—allowing disappearing images, body profiles, kinks fields, and others while focusing on dating; it is much more than just a simple hookup tool. Surge is also featuring a bunch of artificial intelligence tools helping users to identify the most attractive profiles in the proximity, making it a particularly powerful dating tool.
Grindr
Grindr is the evergreen of gay dating. Featuring grind-like discovery features allows quick communication with users in close proximity. This is particularly handy if looking for a hookup. However, Grindr has been known to be used for relationship building. If you don’t mind occasional dickpick while looking for Mr. Right Grindr, this might be the place for you.
Scruff
A flag ship of NYC-based studio Perry Street is a strong player on the gay dating scene. While similar in design to Grindr, the product is focusing a little more on community building as opposed to quick action. While hosting a diverse community, the dating scene on scruff is a bit more mature. Hence, if you are in for a daddy, this might be just the place for you!
Hornet
A social network for LGBTQ+ people. Hornet is positioning themselves as more than a dating app. The app is aiming to be a social network especially designed for the gay community. Featuring grid-based discovery features and in-app life streaming make them somewhat unique players in the gay dating market. They have particularly strong standing in countries like Turkey, Brazil, or Taiwan. Making it the dating tool of choice for users all around the world.
Jack’d
Another gem from the Perry Street portfolio, is a well-known dating app in the community of color. Having strong standing, especially in the US, but increasingly present in markets around the world, makes it often an app of choice for people of color looking for love or fun.
Tinder
While not designed for the LGBTQ+ community exclusively, this catch-all dating app is a common choice for gay people all around the globe for a simple reason: there is a lot to choose from. While a nit less popular choice for casual fun, if you are looking to land a date, this might be a place to be. Especially given their AI features, it is easy to come across attractive users without too much swiping; these, however, are not free.
Bumble
Similar to Tinder Bumble is not a uniquely gay dating product. That being said, it remains a popular choice for gay users, especially if looking for a relationship. Advantage would be a rather large number of users. Disadvantage is missing features relevant for gay dating; do not expect to find top/bottom labels or “on prep” profile fields. Bumble also features a friend-finding tool that is commonly used for LGBTQ+ users trying to build a community.
Growl
Often labeled “Grindr for Bears,” is an app of choice for the gay bear community. Featuring grid-based discovery is a good tool if you are looking for either fun or dating. Considering their relatively sizable userbase, Growl might just be the app of choice for bear users or for users looking to date a bear.
Romeo
This app has been part of LGBTQ+ dating for ages. While a bit more traditional product, it still remains an app of choice on some large markets. Romeo is, for example, particularly strong in Germany. With their grid-based discovery and relatively detailed profile, Romeo might be the app you are looking for in markets where they have a strong presence.
DaddyHunt
Looking for a daddy or a sugar baby? This might be a place for you. Daddy Hunt is a niche dating app that aims to connect older men and their admirers. If you find yourself in one of these categories - this might be the place for you.
In today's diverse LGBTQ+ dating scene, there are numerous apps catering to different preferences and communities. From Surge's advanced AI tools to Scruff's community focus and Grindr's quick connections, each app offers unique features to suit a variety of needs. Whether you're seeking casual encounters, a serious relationship, or just to build friendships, there's an app tailored for you. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and the kind of connections you're looking to make.
