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Let’s cut to the chase about dating apps. We know Grindr is the original gay dating app and has millions of active users. For many of us, it was the first taste of online gay dating, but let’s be honest, it often falls short for those seeking something beyond quick hookups.
The scene has changed, and frankly, some of us are just over the toxicity, endless bugs, or plain fatigue that comes with the same old grid. That’s why we at Instinct Magazine Staff went digging around to test the alternatives. We wanted to find where the real connections happen, whether for casual hookups or something deeper, for gay men and all other identities — including MenNation.
Dating apps have fundamentally changed dating for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, offering a valuable resource where LGBTQ+ dating pools are often limited and difficult to navigate. We believe successful interactions on dating apps often require users to be upfront about their intentions.
Our mission here is to give you the blunt truth about other dating apps, focusing on quality, safety, and specific kinks or interests. We’ll explore the best apps like Grindr, offering honest insights into their features, costs, and overall vibe for gay dating. It is time to find your perfect match, your new friends, or your next adventure.
Best Apps Like Grindr (Free and Paid Options)
- MenNation — Best App Like Grindr For Explicit Gay Dating
- AdultFriendFinder — Best Grindr Alternative App For Adult Hookups Beyond Gay Men
- GaysTryst — Best App Like Grindr For Discreet Meetups
- Squirt — Best Free Apps Like Grindr Option With Unlimited Messaging
- Scruff — Best App Like Grindr Pick For Gay Men Who Travel
- Tinder — Best Mainstream Apps Like Grindr Alternative For Gay Men
- GROWLr — Best App Like Grindr For The Bear Community
- Hornet — Best Community-First Gay Dating App
- Mr. X — Best Niche Apps Like Grindr Choice For Daddies And Admirers
- HeeSay — Best Social-First Dating App For Gay Men In Asia
10 Best Apps Like Grindr for Gay Dating
1. MenNation – Best App Like Grindr For Explicit Gay Dating
MenNation launched in 1996 as a premier destination for gay and bisexual men, establishing itself early in the online dating world for gay men. It is part of the AdultFriendFinder network, which claims more than 100 million users across all its sites, providing a massive user base.
This hookup app offers both a free “Standard” membership and a paid “Gold” membership, allowing users to choose their level of access to features. Free members can view thumbnails, read blog posts, and watch live member webcams, offering a glimpse into the platform’s community and explicit content.
Gold membership, priced at around $34.95 to $39.95 for one month, unlocks full profile access, unlimited instant messaging, and priority listing in search results, making it easier to connect with new people and find casual hookups. The three-month package costs approximately $59.85, or roughly $19.95 per month, providing a discount for longer commitment.
An annual subscription offers the lowest monthly rate at approximately $14.95 per month, totaling around $179.40, allowing long term dating for a lower price point. Advanced search options provide filters for body type, endowment size, sexual orientation, and lifestyle preferences, helping gay men find highly specific matches quickly.
The site allows explicit content, including nude photos and videos, unlike mainstream dating apps, ensuring a no-holds-barred experience for users. Gold members can initiate contact with any user, expanding communication possibilities beyond the limited options for free members. The platform also advertises 24/7 customer support with email responses within 12 to 24 hours, giving members technical help and security
Pros
- Extensive search filters precisely match user preferences.
- Access to explicit content like live webcams provides immediate adult entertainment.
- Unlimited messaging for Gold members facilitates swift connections.
- A large user base from the AdultFriendFinder network means more guys to choose from.
- Priority listing in search results boosts profile visibility for paid members.
Cons
- Free member contact options are very limited, pushing users toward paid plans.
- Pricing can be a bit steep for shorter subscription periods.
2. AdultFriendFinder – Best Grindr Alternative App For Adult Hookups Beyond Gay Men
AdultFriendFinder, established in 1996, stands as one of the oldest adult social networks, making it a seasoned player in online dating for casual sex and new connections. This platform, owned by Various, Inc., boasts more than 100 million registered members worldwide, offering a huge user base for singles, couples, and swingers across all sexualities, including gay men.
The site allows explicit content, including nude photos and videos, unlike mainstream dating apps, providing an uncensored environment for adult dating. Free users can create a profile, view public photos, and watch live video broadcasts, giving them initial access to the community.
A prominent feature is the live webcam section, where members broadcast explicit content, fostering a vibrant live video culture. The platform utilizes a “points” currency system, allowing users to tip cam models or unlock specific content, directly engaging with content creators and exclusive material.
Gold membership costs approximately $39.95 for one month, providing unlimited messaging, full access to private galleries, and priority support for enhanced interaction. A quarterly subscription is billed at about $26.95 per month, reducing the cost for committed users, while an annual plan drops the price to roughly $14.95 to $19.95 per month depending on promotions.
AdultFriendFinder hosts extensive forums and blogs where users share erotic stories and advice, building a strong community around shared interests. A “ConfirmID” feature verifies user authenticity, sometimes rewarding users with free temporary upgrades, enhancing trust and safety within the vast network.
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Pros
- More than 100 million users ensure a broad selection for connecting with new people.
- Extensive live video content offers immediate entertainment and interaction.
- The “points” system allows for direct engagement with cam models and content.
- “ConfirmID” verification helps enhance user trust.
- It caters to all sexualities, including gay and bisexual men, providing an inclusive space.
Cons
- The sheer size and explicit content might overwhelm new users.
- A free version offers limited access to core communication features.
3. GaysTryst – Best App Like Grindr For Discreet Meetups
GaysTryst, operated by Together Networks Holdings Limited from the British Virgin Islands, specifically focuses on gay men seeking casual hookups and discreet encounters. We have noticed user reviews frequently mention a high volume of automated messages or “bots” designed to encourage subscription, which can be frustrating for those seeking genuine connections.
The platform often provides a 3-day trial membership for approximately $0.99 to $1.66 per day, allowing users to dip their toes in before committing to a full subscription. A standard one-month subscription then costs around $35.70, giving access to the full suite of features for gay dating.
Free users can register, use basic search functions, send “winks,” and view the “Like Gallery,” offering limited interaction with profiles. However, direct messaging is locked behind a paywall, meaning free users cannot send custom texts and must upgrade for full communication.
Full membership unlocks unlimited chat, full-size photo viewing, and video chat capabilities, providing complete access to communication tools and detailed profiles for meaningful conversations. Paid profiles display a “Looking For” section, detailing a user’s specific sexual preferences, which helps in finding suitable partners for casual hookups.
The site sometimes advertises a satisfaction guarantee that extends membership if no meetups occur, though terms apply, indicating an attempt to address user concerns about success rates. This demonstrates a commitment to helping users meet people and achieve their dating goals.
Pros
- A focused platform for gay men seeking discreet encounters.
- A trial membership option allows for low-cost initial exploration.
- “Looking For” section enhances match specificity for casual hookups.
- Full membership unlocks video chat for more personal interactions.
Cons
- Frequent reports of automated messages can detract from the user experience.
- Direct messaging is strictly a paid feature, limiting free user engagement.
4. Squirt – Best Free Apps Like Grindr Option With Unlimited Messaging
Squirt, launched in 1999, is more than just a dating app; it functions primarily as a cruising guide and hookup site for gay men seeking casual connections. The site features user-generated listings of physical cruising spots like parks, restrooms, and saunas, offering a unique approach to meeting new people and finding public sex opportunities.
Squirt is a free gay cruising and dating app that allows unlimited messaging between users, fostering open communication without a paywall for basic chat. In addition to text-based interactions, the platform also appeals to users interested in gay video chat–style connections, blending location-based cruising with more direct, real-time engagement. Users can post “cocktales,” which are erotic stories about their sexual encounters, adding a community-driven content element to the platform.
Basic access to Squirt is free, but a “Fan Club” paid membership exists for advanced features, providing enhanced functionality for committed users. “Fan Club” memberships can cost around $19.99 per month, with occasional 14-day trial promos, offering a chance to test premium benefits.
The platform operates mainly as a mobile-optimized website rather than a native app store application due to its explicit adult content, ensuring accessibility without app store restrictions. Profiles can be set to “uncensored,” allowing explicit public photos for maximum visibility and openness.
A “Travel” feature helps users find cruising spots in different cities before arriving, enabling connection with locals and planning hookups on the go. The platform has also collaborated with HIV/AIDS outreach programs to provide sexual health information, promoting safety within its community.
Pros
- Unlimited messaging in the free version encourages open communication.
- User-generated cruising spot listings offer unique, location-specific hookup opportunities.
- “Cocktales” and uncensored profiles create a community for sharing explicit content.
- “Travel” feature facilitates connections in new cities for gay men.
Cons
- The web-app format means no native app experience.
- The focus on cruising spots might not appeal to everyone.
5. Scruff – Best App Like Grindr Pick For Gay Men Who Travel
Scruff, founded in 2010, is often perceived as a more “gentrified” version of Grindr, attracting a different demographic. This app targets bears, muscle guys, and the queer community, fostering a strong community-first focus. Growing community-driven apps like Scruff and Hornet provide a less superficial approach to connections compared to purely hookup-based platforms or ts cam shows, which center more on live, visual interactions.
The app has more than 15 to 30 million members worldwide, providing a large user base for making new connections. Scruff distinguishes itself by not displaying third-party banner ads, ensuring a cleaner, more focused user experience without intrusive advertising.
Basic users can browse a grid of local guys, “Woof” (like) profiles, and send messages and photos for free, facilitating initial contact and gay dating. “Scruff Pro,” the premium subscription service, typically costs around $14.99 per month, with discounts available for longer commitments, making it more affordable for long-term dating.
Scruff Pro subscribers receive unlimited chat history, stealth mode, and access to up to 10x more profiles in the grid, enhancing privacy and connection opportunities. “Scruff Venture” is a travel feature that allows users to connect with locals in destination cities, providing a unique way to meet people while traveling the world.
“Scruff Match” offers a Tinder-like swiping feature to find mutual attractions, diversifying the ways users can engage and find dates. The app also includes a curated list of local LGBTQ events and parties, fostering real-world community engagement and opportunities to meet more guys. Specific search options for communities like “Poz” (HIV+), Military, and Transgender provide inclusive filtering, demonstrating a commitment to diverse user needs.
Pros
- Absence of third-party banner ads creates a cleaner user experience.
- “Scruff Venture” and “Scruff Match” offer unique ways to connect and travel.
- Specific community filters cater to niche interests within the queer community.
- It provides a less superficial approach to connections with its community focus.
Cons
- Premium features like unlimited chat history require a paid subscription.
- The user interface might feel less intuitive for those accustomed to simpler apps.
6. Tinder – Best Mainstream App Like Grindr Alternative For Gay Men
Tinder, launched in 2012, revolutionized online dating with its “swipe” mechanic, becoming widely popular among users looking for casual dating. The app has been downloaded more than 340 million times globally, establishing a massive user base that includes both straight people and a significant number of gay men and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Tinder offers three main paid subscription tiers: Plus, Gold, and Platinum, providing various levels of enhanced features. Tinder Plus includes unlimited likes, “Rewind” to undo the last swipe, and “Passport” to change your location, allowing for broader casual connections.
Tinder Gold encompasses all Plus features while adding “See Who Likes You” and five Super Likes per week, which increases matching efficiency. Tinder Platinum, the highest tier, includes “Priority Likes” and the ability to message before matching via Super Like, offering advanced tools for finding new people.
Pricing for these tiers is dynamic and can vary significantly based on the user’s age and location; for older users, Gold is often approximately $29.99 to $39.99 per month, and Platinum is about $39.99 to $49.99 per month, which can be a point of confusion for most people. An invite-only, ultra-premium tier called Tinder Select also exists, costing roughly $499 per month, for those seeking an exclusive experience.
The app incorporates photo verification technology to add a blue checkmark to confirmed real profiles, enhancing user authenticity and safety. Safety features also include a “Noonlight” integration for emergency assistance and a “Does This Bother You?” message filter, aiming to create a more secure environment for users, although it may not be the best for forming deeper connections.
Pros
- A massive global user base ensures plenty of people to connect with.
- The “swipe” mechanic offers an easy and quick way to find matches.
- “Passport” feature allows connecting with people in other cities.
- Photo verification and safety features enhance user trust.
Cons
- Dynamic pricing can lead to inconsistencies and higher costs based on demographics.
- It is popular for casual dating but often falls short for those seeking long term relationships.
- The focus on swiping can feel superficial for some users.
7. GROWLr — Best Gay Dating App For The Bear Community
GROWLr is designed specifically for “bears,” which are hairy, heavy-set men, and their admirers, effectively targeting the bear community for hookups and connections. The app reports having more than 10 million members worldwide, creating a substantial network for this niche group.
Originally founded by Coley Cummiskey and Frank Rollings, GROWLr was acquired by The Meet Group in 2019 for $12 million, leading to the integration of live video streaming features similar to other Meet Group apps. This allows users to engage with live content and connect with new people in real-time.
A Pro membership costs approximately $9.99 per month or $71.99 for a year, which breaks down to about $6 per month, making it an affordable option for long-term users seeking enhanced features. Standard users can chat, send photos, and view profiles for free, offering basic functionality to all members.
Pro members can browse invisibly, view locked private photos, and remove ads, providing increased privacy and an uninterrupted experience for those who pay. The “Shout” feature allows users to broadcast a message to many nearby users for a fee of approximately $4.99, enabling quick connections with more guys in the local area.
The “Flash” feature unlocks private media for a set period or action, adding an interactive element to sharing explicit content. Profiles can feature extensive public and private photo galleries, allowing users to showcase their interests and connect with others who share a similar interest.
The app also lists bear runs, bar nights, and other community events, fostering real-world connections and building a strong community for bears and chasers.
Pros
- Strong focus on the bear community ensures a targeted user base.
- Live streaming features provide dynamic interaction opportunities.
- “Shout” feature allows for broad local outreach and quick hookups.
- Pro membership offers good value for year-long commitments.
Cons
- “Shout” feature requires an additional fee.
- May not appeal to gay men outside the bear community or chaser preference.
8. Hornet — Best Community-First Gay Dating App
Hornet, founded in 2011, positions itself as a “queer social network” rather than just a dating app, offering a broader approach to connection for the gay community. While Hornet is an older app that has not gained much traction outside of specific regions, it still boasts more than 35 million users globally, providing a significant user base for its network.
A unique feature is the “Stories” feed, which displays news, articles, and user posts similar to Facebook, fostering community engagement beyond simple profile browsing. The app uses a virtual currency, often called “Honey” or “Awards,” to tip content creators and streamers, enabling direct support for community members.
Premium membership costs approximately $14.99 for one month, granting benefits like seeing who viewed your profile, removing ads, and setting “invisible” status, enhancing privacy and user control. This helps users manage their online presence and interactions more effectively.
The “Places” feature helps users discover safe and popular LGBTQ-friendly businesses and hangouts, connecting the online social network with real-world community spaces. Hornet also emphasizes user safety, particularly in countries where being gay is stigmatized or illegal, providing a secure environment for its members.
Profile detail allows for extensive self-description, including “Know Your Status” (HIV) fields, which promotes health awareness and transparency within the community. This commitment to detailed profiles and safety makes Hornet a valuable resource for queer individuals seeking social connection and support.
Pros
- “Stories” feed and virtual currency foster a strong social network aspect.
- “Places” feature helps users discover real-world LGBTQ-friendly locations.
- Strong emphasis on user safety and privacy, including “Know Your Status” fields.
- Premium features enhance privacy and control over profile visibility.
Cons
- Less traction outside specific regions might limit the local user base for some.
- The social network aspect may not appeal to those seeking only a hookup app.
9. Mr X — Best Niche App Like Grindr Choice For Daddies And Admirers
Mr. X, developed by DH Services, specifically targets “Daddies,” which are older men, and the younger men who admire them, carving out a niche in the gay dating market. The app claims more than 16 years of experience in the gay dating market, implying a launch around 2008 to 2009, making it a seasoned platform for age gap relationships.
The service strictly enforces an 18+ age restriction for all members, ensuring adult-oriented interactions. A one-month premium subscription costs $19.99, while a three-month subscription is priced at $39.99, offering a slight discount for longer commitments.
The annual subscription costs $119.99, providing the best value for long-term users seeking older men or younger men, for example. Premium features include “Invisible Mode,” allowing discreet browsing, and “Unsend” for messages, which provides more control over communications.
Premium users can change their location to browse men in other cities, enhancing travel planning and connections with more guys globally. Paying members can see a list of who has visited their profile, giving insights into interest levels and potential matches.
Users can filter the grid to show only members with public photos, streamlining searches for visual profiles and ensuring clearer expectations for what you are looking for. This focus on specific age dynamics and premium features makes Mr. X a distinct option in apps like Grindr landscape.
Pros
- Highly specialized niche for “Daddies” and younger admirers.
- “Invisible Mode” and “Unsend” features enhance user privacy and control.
- Travel feature allows connection with men in other cities.
- Ability to see profile visitors provides insights into who is interested.
Cons
- The niche focus may limit the overall user base for some.
- Premium subscription is required to unlock essential communication and privacy features.
10. HeeSay – Best Social-First Dating App For Gay Men In Asia
HeeSay, launched in China in 2012 by Ma Baoli (Geng Le), is often cited as the world’s largest gay social app by user count, with more than 54 million registered users globally The user base is predominantly Asian, with significant markets in China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, making it a powerful platform for connecting with new people in these regions.
A core feature is live video broadcasting, which is highly monetized via virtual gifts, providing a dynamic way for users to interact with streamers. The app uses “Beans” as a virtual currency for tipping streamers and buying features, directly supporting content creators and enhancing the user experience.
The app is free to download and use, with revenue driven largely by the live stream economy rather than solely through subscriptions, offering accessibility to a wide audience. A “Blued VIP” subscription exists, providing features like custom backgrounds and ad removal, for those seeking a more premium experience.
Blued also includes social features such as group chats, a timeline for posts, and topic discussions, fostering community engagement and meaningful relationships beyond simple dating. Profiles can be verified to prove user authenticity, adding a layer of trust to interactions within the app.
The parent company, BlueCity, offers services related to surrogacy and family planning for gay men through BlueBaby, showcasing a broader commitment to the LGBTQ+ community’s needs. The app supports multiple languages including English, French, Japanese, and Chinese, making it accessible to a global audience despite its Asian market dominance.
Pros
- The world’s largest gay social app by user count offers a massive pool of users.
- Heavy focus on live streaming and virtual gifts provides dynamic interaction.
- Free to download and use, making it highly accessible.
- Extensive social features foster community and meaningful connections.
Cons
- The user base is predominantly Asian, which may limit connections in other regions.
- Monetization through virtual gifts might encourage spending for desired interactions.
FAQs: Navigating the Gay Dating Scene
We often get asked about specific apps and scenarios outside the main lineup. Here is the blunt truth about some popular questions we hear about.
What gay dating app offers options for kink and fetish dating?
Recon is a popular app for those interested in kink and fetish dating, providing a dedicated space for these specific interests. For broader options including kinks and polyamory, Feeld caters to open-minded individuals and polyamorous couples exploring various sexual preferences.
Are there apps focused on long-term dating and meaningful relationships for gay men?
Hinge is known for its conversation starters and is seen as a more communicative dating app, promoting deeper connections. OkCupid is known for extensive gender and orientation options and personalized matching, which helps in finding suitable partners for long term dating and meaningful relationships.
Are there free gay dating apps that allow unlimited messaging?
Squirt is a free gay cruising and dating app that allows unlimited messaging between users, making it a solid free version option for direct communication. While many apps offer a free version, full messaging features often require a premium subscription—especially on sugar daddy apps.
What about location-based hookup apps that are not Grindr?
Sniffies is a newer app that overlays profile photos on a map for location-based dating, offering a direct alternative for casual hookups. This provides a similar geographical focus without the Grindr experience.
Which apps are popular in specific regions, such as Europe?
Planet Romeo is particularly popular in northern Europe, especially among German speakers, making it an ideal choice for connecting with gay men in that region. Blued dominates the Asian market, offering connections across Asia.
Are there any text-based or community-focused alternatives?
Lex is a text-based, community-focused app inspired by old-school personal ads, providing a unique platform for connections based on written profiles and shared interests. This offers a different kind of dating experience from photo-centric apps—more like what you’d find on some gay chat sites.
Apps Like Grindr: Conclusion
The dating app landscape clearly includes both location-based hookup apps and relationship-oriented social networks, showing no single app is perfect for everyone. Dating apps have allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to connect more freely and openly, enhancing their social interactions and offering a world of possibilities.
We have seen that many users find dating apps can lead to both casual hookups and meaningful relationships, depending on what they are looking for and which apps like Grindr they choose. Our best advice is to try out a few platforms to find your perfect tribe—whether that’s through swipe-based apps or gay hookup apps & sites — whether for serious connections or just some fun.
Remember, honesty about your intentions and prioritizing your safety are paramount. Be upfront in your profile and conversations, and always trust your gut. We believe these apps exist to help you connect and explore—whether you’re chatting, matching, or watching. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to knowing what you want and exploring the apps that best match your intentions, comfort level, and sense of connection.