I started writing about my experiences online dating in 2015. I’m not sure how many hours of my life have been spent swiping (both personally and professionally), but I feel confident saying I’ve created a profile on just about every online dating app and site of note. Yes, even the LGBTQ+ ones.
If you’re gay and single, I can’t say I’ve been exactly in your shoes. But I’ve been on your apps. Or a member of my review team has. We’ve reviewed all the big names, and this list is a compilation of our favorites.
Today, gay singles have more date options than ever before, and the apps have become an essential part of that experience. The following LGBTQ-friendly dating platforms are all free to join, so there’s no reason not to give them a go.
Best Overall Gay Dating Apps
Niche dating sites for gay men can be helpful, but we find more success stories come from mainstream dating sites and apps because they have a bigger pool and more robust technology behind them.
1. Match
Since 1995, Match has cultivated a diverse following and welcomed singles across the spectrum of sexuality. Gay men can rely on Match to hook them up with bears, queens, twinks, and other hot dates. Match's time-tested compatibility scores and search features can help men navigate the dating scene and find a partner who is everything they're looking for.
- Mutual matches can chat for free
- Millions of verified dating profiles seeking something serious
- Over a dozen gender identity options
- Browse Match profiles 100% free
You may not think of Match as a gay dating app, but it has evolved a lot since its launch in 1995. The dating site launched a companion app in 2014. And then in the 2020s, it unlocked free chatting between mutual matches, falling in line with popular apps like Tinder.
Pros
- Flexible for different identities
- Designed to foster deeper relationships
- Ironclad security features
Cons
- Free members can’t see who’s liked or viewed them
- No video features
- Might need to expand to a 50+ mile radius
Match members can identify as a “man seeking a man” or go to More Options to select nonbinary identifiers. You can also choose to view “Everyone,” which actually means “everyone who has said they’re interested in your gender identity.” You’re not going to see any straight profiles if you identify as a gay man.
Match offers a personality-driven matchmaking system where what you want and who you are matters the most. All gay singles have to do is set their preferences, swipe through matches, and wait for someone special to stand out.
2. eharmony
When it launched in 2000, eharmony was on a mission to find the formula for love. It started with straight couples, and now has expanded its algorithm to pair up same-sex couples. Gay men who can join the eharmony network to get serious about online dating and commit more time and effort into forming a new relationship.
- Detailed profiles focus on lifestyle and long-term goals
- Psychology-based personality test available for free
- Paid features include unlimited messaging and photo galleries
- Browse eharmony profiles 100% free
It’s true that eharmony wasn’t always known as the best gay dating site or app, but the service has come a long way in the last two decades.
Pros
- More serious commitment-focused people
- Information-rich profiles
- Ironclad security
Cons
- Subscriptions have a 6-month minimum
- Must pay to chat
Today, eharmony is considered gay-friendly because it is open to same-sex matches and has marketed toward LGBTQ+ folk who want to make a meaningful connection. The dating platform welcomes people of all ages, races, orientations, and backgrounds, and experts estimate eharmony is responsible for over 2 million marriages in the U.S.
It’s pretty easy to get the hang of eharmony’s compatibility matching system, which has proven effective for couples of all types. The match list can help a gay guy find his Mr. Right based on shared interests and values.
3. OkCupid
OkCupid is a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community. The dating site and app made headlines in 2013 when it introduced 22 gender options and 13 orientation options to dating profiles. Few dating platforms have gone to such lengths to ensure that it represents everyone across the sexuality spectrum, and we give it props for connecting gay, bi, and queer men around the world.
- Gay men can express themselves in lengthy profiles
- Expanded orientation options includes pansexual and demisexual men
- Match lists only show guys who meet your criteria
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free
OkCupid operates under the motto “Dating deserves better,” and the team truly means it. Since its launch in 2004, OkCupid has endeavored to create meaningful connections by identifying common ground through increasingly probing quiz questions and prompts.
Pros
- Tons of options for self-expression
- Free messaging
- Fun compatibility quiz questions
Cons
- Flaky chatters
- Mixed intentions
The app’s compatibility rating this is honestly scary accurate — assuming you’ve both been honest in your dating profiles — and it can help gay singles quickly assess who lines up with them on all the major issues, including political views and religious leanings.
Every year, OkCupid is responsible for creating over 91 million love connections.
Over the years, OkCupid has distinguished itself as an inclusive, friendly, and quirky dating space. In 2014, the platform even created 22 gender options and 13 sexual orientation options on its profiles, thus encouraging LGBTQ+ members to be who they are and find dates who love that about them.
4. Butterfly
Butterfly has established a supportive transgender dating network where single adults of all orientations are welcome. Whether you’re seeking new friends, a hookup, or something serious, you’ll be able to mingle at your own pace and comfort level. The moderators are proactive about keeping negativity and hate speech out of view, so trans people can feel safe on the app.
- 20+ gender identities available
- Anonymous free browsing
- Private photo exchanges
- Browse Butterfly profiles 100% free
Butterfly is an inclusive dating app designed to support transgender singles and everyone who’s open to dating trans people. Members can identify across the sexuality spectrum here.
Pros
- Profile verification
- Simple and streamlined interface
Cons
- Limits on free messaging
- Small niche dating pool
What I especially like about Butterfly is the extra safety features. All new users must go through a facial recognition step to ensure they’re real. This is much much more secure than the typical email verification or even text verification.
While Butterfly isn’t the biggest dating app I’ve ever encountered, it’s got a lot of great attention to detail and enough free features to make it worthwhile.
Best Gay Dating Apps With Free Chatting
Who doesn’t love free stuff? If not paying for messaging is your #1 priority for online dating, these dating apps are for you. I’d just warn you that oftentimes the free dating apps are more quantity than quality, but if you’ve got the time to swipe and vet matches yourself, by all means, live your cheapest life!
5. Grindr
Grindr is one of the top dogs in the gay dating scene. It's the name everyone recognizes, and many gay men choose it as their go-to dating app. The location-based matching system satisfies the desires of guys who want to hook up on the fly.
- Among the most popular gay social networks in the world
- Men connect via private and group chats
- View nearby profiles using real-time GPS data
- Browse Grindr profiles 100% free
Since its launch in 2009, Grindr has made a name for itself as the premier dating app for gay and bisexual men. This app is definitely more about hookups than relationships. While the app is technically open to singles with all sorts of dating goals, Grindr users tend to use it to find a one-night stand or eff buddy.
Grindr actually uses your phone’s location to find nearby singles in the gay community.
Pros
- Many active gay profiles
- Matchmaking by geolocation tech
- All mutual matches chat free
Cons
- Superficial judgments
- Lifestyle filters cost extra
- Swipe fatigue
“Grindr is for basically gay guys who are not pretending it’s for anything other than meeting up to have sex,” said comedian Billy Eichner, who’s gay and has used the app in the past.
The app Grindr relies on GPS data to locate the closest and hottest dating profiles in real time. It’s a great wingman if you’re prowling the bars and clubs, and it’s also useful for singles sitting at home and wishing they could flirt with some hotties.
6. Tinder
Tinder has helped millions of singles in the LGBTQ+ community mingle and pick up dates. The app has generated over 97 billion matches since 2012, and a good chunk of those were same-sex connections. Gay men can take advantage of Tinder's simple swiping system to up their flirting games.
- Fosters same-sex relationships between gay men in 190 countries
- Tinder gender settings include "just men" or "men and women"
- Premium members have unlimited likes and 5 Super Likes
- Browse Tinder profiles 100% free
If you’ve been single for a minute, you’ve almost certainly heard of Tinder. This dating app is by far one of the most famous (maybe even infamous) ways for singles to mingle.
Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has been responsible for more than 100 billion matches, and it is currently active in over 190 countries. Other niche dating apps can’t compete with this online dating giant.
Pros
- Great for casual dating
- Free chats with mutual matches
- Highly localized and active
Cons
- Swiping burnout
- Limits on profile views and likes
You probably know how the mutual-matching system works. You swipe, you match, and you chat — and then repeat. It’s a fast and fun way to sort through local profiles, and even if it seems a little superficial, we can’t deny that Tinder gets results.
The Tinder team estimates that it leads to about 1.5 million first dates every week. And a survey by The Knot found that of couples who met online, one in four met on Tinder.
Best Senior Gay Dating Apps
Once you reach a certain age, dating can seem like an impossible chore. NYPost author Erin Quinlan called it “hell on earth for middle-aged and senior singles.” We think that’s a bit extreme, and we’d encourage seniors who feel uncertain about dating apps like Grindr and Tinder to seek a more senior-friendly online community like the ones listed below.
If you embrace the process, do your research, and give it your all, you could find yourself surrounded by romantic possibilities.
7. OurTime
OurTime is a People Media site designed to satisfy straight, gay, and lesbian singles in their 50s and older. Many of these singles have been in serious relationships before and are looking for a second chance at love. Gay singles can take advantage of this senior-friendly network to land a date who has it all going on.
- A unique network of gay men over 50
- Straightforward mutual matching and searches
- Send flirts and likes for free
- Browse OurTime profiles 100% free
OurTime has to be one of the most successful and popular dating apps for singles over 50. OurTime has over 1 million singles in its network, and it has sparked countless friendships and relationships between singles of a certain age.
Pros
- Free messaging with matches
- Two-factor verification
- Mature daters
Cons
- No video or voice note features
- Some filters cost extra
You can identify as gay in your profile and immediately narrow your date options to age-appropriate LGBTQ+ singles in your area. OurTime gives its members the search tools based on age, location, and lifestyle, and all mutual matches can chat for free, so don’t be shy about sending out likes.
8. DateMyAge
DateMyAge encourages single gay men over 40 to widen their search for love. The worldly dating site offers match lists in 40 countries, and individuals don’t have to wait on a match to send a private chat. The pay-as-you-go credit system provides even more fun possibilities to up the romance over video dates and private conversations.
- No city limits on matching and messaging
- Search filters by appearance and lifestyle
- Credits can unlock videos, voice notes, stickers, and gift options
- Browse DateMyAge profiles 100% free
DateMyAge is an international dating site that launched in 1993 to support mature relationships for the over-40 crowd.
The site has a simple setup with the Search and Inbox being the only tabs to worry about. What I found stood out about DateMyAge was how lengthy and detailed the profiles could be. Even the messages tended to be long paragraphs rather than quick superficial hellos.
Pros
- Streamlined setup
- Mature, long-distance matches
- Pay-as-you-go credits system
Cons
- Limits of free chatting
- Very few rural profiles
Unlike Grindr where users have to pay to expand their search radius to other cities, DateMyAge offers a world of chatting opportunities from the beginning.
A man in San Francisco can chat up a gent in London or Hong Kong, and the platform automatically translates Spanish, Japanese, German, Portuguese, and French to help cross-cultural relationships.
9. SeniorMatch
SeniorMatch offers mature gay men a quality-driven alternative to Grindr, Tinder, and other hookup apps. Singles must be over 45 to join this senior dating site, so it's easy to meet an age-appropriate date. Check out SeniorMatch's blogs and forums for tips regarding online dating as a senior citizen.
- Identify as a man seeking men on your SeniorMatch profile
- Free messaging via the site and app
- Online dating forums create a community atmosphere
- Browse SeniorMatch profiles 100% free
Last but not least, SeniorMatch is a wonderful place for seniors seeking authentic connections. Since 2003, this dating site (and its companion dating app) has given singles a second chance at first love, and you don’t have to pay anything to see what it’s all about.
This is one of the most helpful dating communities for gay seniors. It has responsive customer support and fun voice note tools. The dating pool is on the small side, but that can be a nice way to ease yourself into online dating without being bombarded like you would be on apps like Grindr.
Pros
- 24/7 live customer support
- All photos verified
- Mature, slow-paced online dating
Cons
- Smaller user base
- Pricey upgrades starting at $34.99/mo
- Profiles don’t indicate when they were last online
SeniorMatch has over 2 million users, and all of them have been verified as genuine over-50 daters. The site hosts about 1.6 million conversations in the average month, and it has over 36,600 success stories to its name.
“We are dating and enjoying our moments together,” said one happy SeniorMatch couple. “We will take our time, and let it grow to the next level.”
Best Gay Hookup Apps
Hey, it’s great that so many countries are recognizing gay marriages, but just because you can get married, that doesn’t mean you have to rush down the aisle, right?
According to a Match survey, 25% of gay and lesbian singles don’t want to get married, and the typical gay man has had over 30 sexual partners in his lifetime. Hookup culture is alive and well in the gay dating scene, and these sites support sexual exploration.
10. MenNation
MenNation boasts having one of the world's largest men-only hookup community, and it has 93 million dating profiles to back up its claim. Since 1997, this gay dating site has made inroads in the LGBTQ community and supported sexually active singles and couples who want to find a partner for the night.
- Free registration and unlimited profile browsing
- Add online crushes to the Hotlist or My Network
- Enjoy private conversations in the Message Center
- Browse MenNation profiles 100% free
MenNation is a men-only dating site geared toward casual sex. Gay singles and gay couples can join the network for free and explore a sex-positive environment full of X-rated dating profiles, blogs, chat rooms, and videos.
Pros
- Live video streaming
- Free public posts and comments
- Nude photo galleries
Cons
- Costs money to send private chats
- Not all profiles have photos
MenNation claims to be the world’s largest gay hookup site, and that alone is reason enough to give it a go. It requires a valid email address and age verification, but that’s about it as far as personal disclosures. Photos are not required, but they’re encouraged.
Our reviewer noted that not all his matches were local, and he was overwhelmed by the amount of nudity on the site. Even turning on nudity filters didn’t catch it all. Be prepared to get an eyeful when browsing here.
11. Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison can help men discover and pursue same-sex relationships without anyone being the wiser. Over 80 million people have joined the affairs dating site in search of something new, and some men even use this judgment-free space to come out of the closet and explore their sexuality.
- Identify as “male seeking males” to narrow the field
- Men can blur or mask their faces in profile photos
- Every month, over 470,000 people create free accounts
- Browse Ashley Madison profiles 100% free
Ashley Madison is not just about affairs anymore. It’s about privacy and discretion. The dating site has become incredibly popular among LGBTQ+ daters because of the anonymity it provides with its photo-blurring tools and discreet app icon.
Pros
- No need to show face in photos
- Required profile verification
- Private photo galleries
Cons
- Men must pay for credits to chat
- No video or voice notes
New members can identify their dating attitudes (curious, adventurous, flexible, etc.) to set expectations for what lies ahead. Male members must use the credit system to send replies to incoming messages, and they can also send private photos and videos as well.
With over 90 million users across the world, Ashley Madison has proven that secret dating is more than a passing fad.
Adult Friend Finder has become a go-to dating resource for gay singles looking for no-strings-attached sex. The hookup site's erotic atmosphere and open-minded approach to dating has been a game changer for sexy singles and swingers all over the world. Whether you're gay, bisexual, or just curious, you can flirt with hot guys on the AFF network.
- Gay singles and couples can create profiles for free
- Enjoy live chat rooms and dating forums
- Flirt anonymously under a username
- Browse Adult Friend Finder profiles 100% free
Adult Friend Finder has been around since the 1990s, and it has surged in popularity as sex-driven daters become bolder in their search for excitement and stimulation. Today, the AFF community encompasses over 105 million profiles — and counting!
I can’t think of a more thrilling place for gay singles and swingers to explore their options, practice their pickup lines, and find sexy playmates.
Pros
- A ton of LGBTQ+ profiles
- Kink tags and groups
- Free to converse in the community newsfeed
Cons
- Some paywalls
- No photo verification
Adult Friend Finder is available to people who are gay, straight, lesbian, trans, queer, bi, fluid, poly, and just about anything else you can think of. Basically, if you want sex, you are welcome here.
The AFF site features over 19 million blog posts where individuals freely share their sexual experiences and fantasies. Whether you’re giving or receiving in the bedroom, AFF ensures you can lay it all out there and find a compatible sexual partner.
13. Fling.com
Fling.com is a free-wheeling hookup site where the “I’m seeking” options include women, men, couples, non-binary, or trans people. Members can also specify if the type of connection they desire (online flirting, group fun, new experiences, and more). LGBTQ+ singles can explore their sexuality without judgment and set their Naughty Meter anywhere from vanilla to freaky to let people know where they stand.
- Sort profiles by New Faces, Online Now, or Popular
- Profile verification options include photo checks
- Video chat rooms organized by interest and sexual desires
- Browse Fling.com profiles 100% free
Fling.com is a sex-positive dating platform where anything goes. During the signup process, you can identify as a gay, fluid, or transgender, and FriendFinder-X won’t bat an eye.
This is an active hookup site where messages are extremely flirtatious, and it doesn’t require a mutual match to reach out.
Pros
- Inclusive of all desires
- Search filters by appearance and kinks
- Some free communication tools
Cons
- Overcrowded dashboard
- No swiping or mutual matching
Hooking up is the name of the game here, and it doesn’t matter where you fall along the sexuality spectrum as long as you’re willing to be honest about it and get intimate with someone.
This discreet site has a community forum where everyone can chat for free, so that would be my first stop as a new member to see who’s active and up for a little fun.
What Are the Most Popular Gay Dating Apps?
There are a lot of popular gay dating sites out there, and if a small man-only dating app is what you’re after, we can recommend a few. We’ve tested the features, read customer reviews, and done a lot of research to ascertain which ones work… and which ones are all hype and no matches.
If you’re looking for the most popular dating apps for gay men, these apps should be on your radar (gaydar?).
| Gay Dating App | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Grindr | 145 million |
| Hornet | 100 million |
| Taimi | 31 million |
| SCRUFF | 30 million |
| JACK’D | 15 million |
| Surge | 8 million |
| Archer | 1 million |
If you want the most popular of all time. It’s got to be Grindr. As of 2026, the Grindr app had over 145 million users, and you can bet it’s only grown since then. On average, it sees between 13 to 15 million monthly active users.
Grindr excels at closing the distance between two men and creating romantic opportunities that are sometimes literally around the corner. That’s why we consider it one of the best gay dating apps of all time.
How Much Does Grindr Cost?
Grindr is one of the rare free gay hookup apps where you can swipe, match, and chat without paying anything. However, some guys want to up their flirtation game, so they start looking for extra advantages. That’s where Grindr XTRA comes in.
Subscription prices vary depending on whether you’re sticking around for one week or one year.
Grindr users who upgrade can see more profiles (up to 600), use more search filters (body type, sexual preferences, online now, etc.), send icebreakers, and favorite as many profiles as they want. Another subscription option is called Grindr Lite, which removes banner ads and lets Grindr users to view up to 300 profiles.
While Grindr XTRA is great for expanding your search for LGBTQ people, it’s not a sure thing. It doesn’t make another person more likely to talk to you. Many users say the most “worth it” feature is removing intrusive ads from the free experience.
Is Jack’d a Good App for Gay Men?
Jack’d launched in 2010 as a dating app for gay, bisexual, bi-curious, and queer guys, and it quickly got attention. Today, the gay men’s app supports a diverse network of over 15 million men in 2,000 cities worldwide.
I’d categorize that as “good for the gay niche.” But it’s laughably small in comparison to mainstream apps like Bumble with over 100 million users.
The Jack’d app offers an anonymous swiping scene with the usual match-based chatting. These short-but-sweet dating profiles tell you everything you need to know before striking up a match — you can even see how often he responds to messages in his inbox!
The core features are free, but members can upgrade to get more search filters, browse incognito, remove all ads, and send private videos.
In 2019, Jack’d was bought by Perry Street Software, which also owns SCRUFF. The software company has worked hard to make these dating apps more reliable, secure, and user-friendly.
“Perry Street Software will work with Jack’d members to create a platform that enables them to create authentic connections on their own terms, whether they are looking for friends, dates, a hookup, or more,” said Eric Silverberg, CEO of Perry Street Software.
What’s the Best App for Gay Relationships?
You probably know Grindr’s reputation isn’t for sparking a new marriage every night. For gay men who are hoping for more substance than eye candy, it can be frustrating to use the gay dating apps that operate basically as hookup apps.
That’s why I’d recommend going to the old-standbys of Match and eharmony for finding deeper connections.
These apps have both been around for well over two decades, and they’ve honed a match algorithm based on personal compatibility, not fast swipe impressions. These apps don’t cater exclusively to gay men, but they do cater to relationship seekers, so you’ll be in good hands.
Our smart calculator also excels at making personalized recommendations, so take the quiz to find a platform made for people like you:
This interactive calculator requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to use the Match Finder.
Our Methodology
As I mentioned before, I’ve created hundreds of dating profiles over the last decade of writing dating app reviews. And in that time, our editorial team has developed clear criteria for rating and ranking the best of the best.
When it comes rating an LGBTQ+ dating app, we are particularly looking for inclusivity and diversity of options. Here are the five key points:
- Affordability: Is the free experience satisfying? Are upgrades reasonably priced?
- Member Diversity: Did we see many profiles in different regions, age groups, and demographics?
- Identity Options: Did the site offer anything beyond male/female? Was it inclusive of bisexual, queer, and fluid identities?
- Communication Tools: Were there limitations on messaging? Did a lot of messages come in?
- Safety Features: Did we see any obvious fake profiles, catfish, or scammers?
These core elements receive a rating of up to five stars each, and we take the average of that to make up the Category Rating.
Dating apps are constantly changing their look and pricing, so our team has a set schedule for updating and retesting the platforms on our lists. We circle back to fact-check and reorganize the list, where necessary, taking new developments, current trends, and user traffic into account.
The Top LGBTQ+ Dating Apps Make Magic Happen Online
The LGBTQ+ community has embraced online dating in a big way. A Pew Research Center survey found that over half of LGB Americans (51%) have used a dating app. Just 28% of the straight population said the same.
The gay dating scene was once dominated by underground, private, and guilt-ridden affairs, but now it’s more known for rainbow jewelry, spunky haircuts, and sassy attitudes. Today’s gay singles have more acceptance in society, and they have more support from technology, so they can pursue the dates they desire.
We’ve listed some of our favorite gay dating apps to give you a head start as you search for a compatible partner. Don’t be afraid to use more than one app at a time — after all, dating is all about putting yourself out there and seeing what happens. Good luck!
