Gay dating websites, especially the free ones, have been game changers for the LGBTQ+ community. They offer a private, convenient, and easily accessible space for exploring one’s sexuality and meeting a rainbow of date prospects. Today, experts estimate that 65% of gay couples meet one another online.
With a little luck, you could be among them. We’ve ranked some of our all-time favorite online dating sites (all of which are free to try) to help a single person make a fresh start in the gay dating scene.
Go ahead and take a look at our expert reviews to decide which free gay dating sites are best for you.
Best Overall Free Gay Dating Sites
Let’s skip the prelude and cut right to the chase here. The following dating apps are headliners in the gay community, and, much like show-stopping divas, they belong out front. These inclusive dating apps have large membership bases, free matching, and lots of romantic opportunities, and that makes them the best of the best in our book.
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.
- Proud ally to the LGBTQ community
- Millions of verified dating profiles to browse for free
- Over 20 years' worth of success stories
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Match is our top pick in the online dating scene simply because no one can compete with its massive database and intelligent matchmaking system. Whether you’re gay, bi, queer, or just curious, Match is there for you.
Since 1995, Match.com has set the standard for what an online dating site should be, and the Match app launched to keep single people connected anywhere they go. All in all, Match Group is responsible for more relationships and marriages than any other dating site.
About 75% of Match members are over 30, and a majority of users are looking for something serious, which is why they’re willing to invest in a quality-driven dating site like this one.
Elite Singles has raised the bar in the online gay dating scene and become a rallying point for ambitious, intelligent, and commitment-minded singles around the world. This upscale dating site caters to gay men who are looking for more than just a one-night stand. Every month 2,500 singles find love thanks to the Elite Singles network.
- Caters to professional men in the LGBTQ community
- A smart, no-nonsense matching formula
- Over 2 million singles are active on the site every month
- Browse Elite Singles profiles 100% free »
Elite Singles caters to the cream of the crop in the dating scene. That means young professionals can find the high-caliber dates they deserve without a lot of hassle.
If you’re looking for a man to marry, you’ll find plenty of great prospects on Elite Singles. Over 85% of members have graduated from college, and over 90% say they’re looking for a long-term commitment.
The Elite Singles matchmaking system relies on a combination of profile information and personalized dating preferences that you can calibrate as you see fit. You can narrow the search results to only show people within a certain age range, for instance, or you can specify the religion, ethnicity, or drinking habits of your ideal partner. It’s free to play around with these match settings and view compatible profiles.
3. Zoosk
Zoosk is a fast-growing dating site that reaches singles of all ages and orientations. This global network facilitates romantic connections between gay men with its behavioral matchmaking algorithm, advanced search filters, and premium communication tools. Every day, Zoosk members send over 3 million messages on the site and build close relationships.
- Over 40 million members of all orientations
- Seamless social media integration
- Thousands of success stories in the LGBTQ community
- Browse Zoosk profiles 100% free »
Since 2007, Zoosk has created a fun, dynamic space where singles can get their flirt on 24/7. The dating site and app have a lot of free communication tools available to help active daters build a rapport and set up dates.
Over 40 million people have joined Zoosk so far, and these members send over 3 million messages in the average week. Gay guys who love to talk and discover shared interests will have a ball on this fast-paced dating website.
Unlike most online dating sites, Zoosk has search tools as well as a matchmaking system. You can be proactive and go after the men you want in chat rooms, or you can sit back and let Zoosk recommend someone good. Thanks to behavioral matchmaking, the site and app learn from your online activity, so the more dating profiles you like and view, the more accurate your match suggestions will be.
4. 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 is a forever free dating site and app where finding a compatible partner is both easy and fun. Free members can swipe, like, and message potential matches without paying for a subscription.
An LGBTQ+ single can let their freak flag fly on the OkCupid profile. The inclusive dating platform allows singles to take their pick from 13 sexual orientations and 22 gender options. Personality is at the heart of the OkCupid brand, and it provides an in-depth personality test, information-rich profiles, and scientific compatibility ratings to help singles connect with the right person.
OkCupid is responsible for creating 91 million matches per year, and its members go on over 50,000 dates per week.
Since 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has provided a platform where African American singles can find dates who live in their neighborhood or across the country. BlackPeopleMeet's curated matching system helps gay singles focus on the specific attributes they want in a partner, and the Black-only dating network gives new users plenty of diverse date options.
- Welcomes Black gay men of all ages
- Send flirts, favorites, and photo likes for free
- Premium members can send unlimited messages
- Browse BlackPeopleMeet profiles 100% free »
BlackPeopleMeet is a niche dating website designed to introduce Black and biracial singles. Its database is currently active in the U.S. and Canada, and men of all sexual orientations can create a free account.
Most of BlackPeopleMeet’s success stories come from couples who cultivated a long-distance relationship before getting engaged or married. These couples would never have met if not for the extensive reach of the dating site and BPM app.
Anyone seeking to diversify their match list should consider using BlackPeopleMeet’s advanced search tools. It has filters for same-sex matchmaking, so gay Black men can find a partner without leaving home.
6. 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 »
If you’re active in the gay community and online dating scene, you’ve probably heard a lot about Grindr already. Maybe you know some friends who use it, or maybe you’ve watched Conan O’Brien joke about it. Grindr is famous for being a popular gay hookup app, but it can also spur a long term relationship if you play your cards right and find the right guy.
We’ve heard success stories from gay and bisexual men who found their soul mates on Grindr, and 84% of users say they have found true love via the app.
Grindr uses location-based matching to facilitate instant connections between gay guys, and you can steer the conversation in any direction you want once the match is formed. If you want to upgrade your online dating experience, Grindr Xtra costs a few dollars a month and its most praised premium feature is the ability to swipe on gays outside your local city.
Plenty of Fish is a gay-friendly dating site and app with free communication features and match recommendations. The site takes your dating standards and personality traits into account as it suggests viable dates. If you identify as a "man seeking men" on Plenty of Fish, the sea of date prospects will only include gay men in your area.
- Gay men connect over common interests
- A smart match system based on psychological principles
- POF members send over 1 billion messages a month
- Browse Plenty of Fish profiles 100% free »
Plenty of Fish is a free dating site where relationships are driven by online chatting. The dating website has over 150 million registered members, and over 4 million are considered daily active users.
Every week, millions of flirty messages are sent (all for free) through Plenty of Fish’s waters. There are virtually endless match possibilities here, and you’re sure to find a gay person online by using the advanced search tools.
Plus, you can take POF’s personality test to get a psychology-driven assessment of your personal compatibility with gay guys on the dating platform. Thanks to the Chemistry Test, a gay man will know where he stands and how to assess potential matches.
8. 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 »
Tinder needs no introduction in the online dating scene. It’s the dating app that invented swiping, for Pete’s sake. In 2012, Tinder launched to a lot of fanfare because no other dating website or app had a mutual matching system that relied on both individuals to opt-in for a conversation.
Today, Tinder’s matchmaking system is the standard by which all the best gay dating apps operate. Critics may call it superficial, but this dating service works because it empowers singles to choose who they like and who can send them messages. Creepers need not apply.
Gay, queer, and bisexual men can use Tinder’s social networking tools to quickly sift through local date prospects and pick out the most attractive and compatible potential matches. Tinder has 9 sexual orientation options and over a dozen gender identity options to meet the needs of fluid and queer folks. You can download Tinder for free on Google Play or the App Store.
In 2016, Christian Mingle opened its doors to the LGBTQ community and began fostering same-sex relationships on the site. This was a big step forward and paved the way for many heartfelt love stories. Gay men can now mingle freely on Christian Mingle and find gay date prospects who line up with their values and lifestyle.
- Supports straight and same-sex relationships
- Nearly 4 million monthly users
- Discover attractive men in the LookBook
- Browse Christian Mingle profiles 100% free »
Christian Mingle hasn’t always been the most gay-friendly dating site out there, but it has changed its policy in recent years — prompted by a 2016 lawsuit — and allowed same-sex couples to meet on the dating website.
If your faith is important to you and you want a partner who understands that, then Christian Mingle can act as a sanctuary for faithful matchmaking. This God-centric space fosters loving relationships between gay people who share similar backgrounds, values, and lifestyles.
You can write in your Christian Mingle profile how often you attend church and what denomination you are a member of, and this personal information becomes the foundation for chats and potential matches on the web.
10. Bumble
Bumble isn't just a female-friendly dating app — it's also a gay-friendly dating app. The platform's swiping system works just as well for men seeking men. There aren't any rules about who can send the first message, but the chat will expire in 24 hours, so you don't want to wait too long to say hi.
- Gay users seeking dates and relationships
- Curated match suggestions based on mutual compatibility
- Over 10 billion swipes a month
- Browse Bumble profiles 100% free »
Bumble is a welcoming place for members of the gay community, and its user-driven tools make it stand out from apps like Grindr. Since 2014, the app has stood for progressive values and inclusive business practices, and it welcomes anyone seeking genuine relationships online.
On Bumble, women have to message men first to unlock the conversation, but Bumble’s gay population is under no such constraints. Either gay man can message the other one first once the match is formed — but someone has to say something within 24 hours or the conversation will disappear permanently.
“Bumble will function similarly to Tinder for gay men and lesbians. I think it is awesome that Bumble’s team recognized the reality that LGBT users would potentially download their app, and they did their due diligence,” said a gay man in a blog post.
Best Free Senior Gay Dating Sites
Once you reach a certain age, you probably don’t want to skulk around a bar or club into the wee hours, and meeting gay people at work probably isn’t an option either. Gay singles over 50 are much better off on gay dating chat rooms and gay apps where their sensibilities and preferences can be taken into account.
We recommend creating a dating profile on the following senior-friendly and gay-friendly sites to meet single gay men in the same age bracket.
11. SilverSingles
SilverSingles uses new-school technology to help old-school daters find love. Since its launch, this senior dating site has welcomed over-50 singles of all races and orientations. Once you identify as a "man seeking men" on the site, you'll find yourself surrounded by people who want the same things in life.
- Identify as "man seeking men" in your profile
- Free personality quiz and mature partner suggestions
- Over 20 daily matches in the "Have You Met?" section
- Browse SilverSingles profiles 100% free »
Silver Singles offers gay men a “fresh take on 50+ dating” by always putting quality above quantity. The online dating site may not have the largest user base, but the moderators ensure that every new profile is authentic (no fake profiles) and that every user is indeed over 50.
Once you’ve created a free Silver Singles profile, you’ll receive daily match suggestions based on your profile information, personality test, and dating preferences. You can go into your settings to set dating parameters around things like age, height, education, income, sexual orientation, and drinking habits.
Silver Singles allows gay people to be choosy in the online dating scene and pursue the men they want the most. Its user-friendly experience makes it superior to most traditional gay dating websites and gay dating apps in our book. Check out our Silver Singles review for more details.
12. 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 earned its position as one of the top senior dating services by consistently looking out for its users. The site and app have a lot of great free features, including unlimited likes and the ability to add photos to a personal gallery.
Many success stories have sprung from OurTime over the last few years. The dating site has had a life-changing impact on many seniors looking for a mature relationship. Many OurTime members have been divorced or widowed, and some haven’t dated in years or decades, but they find hope in this fast-growing network of singles.
“You did your part and brought me the man I was looking for,” said an OurTime user in a testimonial. “Your site is the best by far.”
13. 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 »
SeniorMatch has the numbers to back up its matchmaking features. The dating site has been around since 2003, and it has seen over 1 million registrations as well as more than 36,600 success stories.
Plus, every month, SeniorMatch supports over 1.6 million conversations between seniors looking for friendship, romance, and true love.
As a gay dating app, SeniorMatch is all about taking things slow, taking mature steps to a new gay relationship, and finding a single man who has similar interests and values.
Best Free Gay Hookup Sites
Dating isn’t always about finding The One — some single people are more interested in finding a one-night stand. That’s perfectly O.K. as long as everyone is clear about their expectations. Gay hookup sites and apps let single adults skip the small talk and get on the same page in the bedroom.
Everyone knows what they’re getting into when they join an adult dating platform, and the following dating websites cater to gay people seeking male companionship.
14. BeNaughty
BeNaughty is open to singles of all sexual orientations, and it doesn't require new members to define themselves as anything other than "seeking men" or "seeking women." If you fall in the "seeking men" category, you're in good company on this hookup site. Men can explore their interests and discover romance on this free-wheeling, fun-loving, fully X-rated dating site.
- Single men in the U.S., Canada, and Europe
- Fast-working and time-saving match and communication tools
- Gay men can sign up for free to find matches
- Browse BeNaughty profiles 100% free »
BeNaughty is a flirtatious and free-wheeling hookup site where gay singles and swingers can browse anonymously for dates. You’ll choose a username instead of using your first name, and that liberates people to express their sexual desires without censoring themselves.
Something we like about BeNaughty is that it has straightforward search filters for age, location, gender, body type, and appearance, but it also has a Like Gallery where the site recommends one profile at a time. You look at the photo and answer the question “Cute or Not?” to either form a match or move onto the next photo.
BeNaughty can open you up to some raunchy good times, and this hookup website open for business 24/7.
15. 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 »
As you may have guessed from its name, MenNation is a men-only hookup website with an international database. Millions of guys have created profiles here, and tens of thousands go online every day to mix things up and arrange sexual encounters.
Some MenNation members are content with sexting a gay guy who lives far away, while others seek a local hookup and pursue dates with anonymous hotties.
MenNation welcomes gay singles and gay couples who want to explore their options in a safe and discreet space. This is truly a men nation, and a queer person can find a lot to love here.
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 »
With over 100 million profiles, Adult Friend Finder boasts having the world’s largest community of sex-minded singles and swingers, and it offers a stimulating playground for adults seeking sexual release.
The AFF website has a lot of arousing content, including strip tease videos and erotic blog stories, and its discussion forum has over 14 million ongoing discussions.
You never quite know who you’ll meet on AFF — maybe you’ll find a sugar daddy or a threesome — and its exciting, sex-positive atmosphere can help gay, bisexual, and questioning singles come out of their shell.
17. FriendFinder-X
FriendFinder-X gives gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender men the chance to find romance in their area. The hookup site excels at connecting singles and couples who have similar sexual desires, and its live chat rooms often lead to stimulating sexual encounters in the real world. Anyone interested in meeting hot men can create a profile for free on FriendFinder-X and start chatting guys up.
- Singles, couples, and groups across the spectrum of sexuality
- Free membership includes unlimited profile browsing
- Helping millions of gay men hook up
- Browse FriendFinder-X profiles 100% free »
Last of all, FriendFinder-X does exactly what its name promises it’ll do by introducing sex-motivated singles, couples, and groups to their newest gay hookup buddy.
The hookup website caters to people of all sexual orientations, fetishes, and backgrounds, and there’s no need to be coy about what you want and who you desire. In many cases, FriendFinder-X users will outright state their intentions, their favorite sexual positions, and their dealbreakers, leaving very little to the imagination.
If you’re looking for casual sex, FriendFinder-X can certainly find willing playmates in your area.
FAQs: What are the Most Popular Gay Dating Sites?
Gay dating apps come in all different shapes and sizes, and they’re all pretty fantastic, if you ask us. It’s hard to pick which one is most popular because some niche sites can be extremely popular within niche communities, but they don’t have as big a following in other circles.
If you’re looking for a solid, mainstream gay dating site, then we’d recommend going with Grindr, which has over 27 million users.
Grindr became the world's first gay geosocial app in 2009, and it continues growing its all-male user base more than a decade later. The app uses real-time GPS data to locate nearby date prospects and give gay and bisexual singles a chance to connect while they're out on the town.
- Social networking for gay, bi, trans, and queer men
- Location-based matches spark instant chemistry
- Grindr Equality advocates for LGBTQ+ interests on the global stage
- Browse Grindr profiles 100% free »
Grindr has been around since 2009, and it has earned a great reputation as a go-to gay dating app. Many gay men use Grindr as their wingman at the local bar or club. The local match algorithm facilitates countless connections each night. It’s free to register a Grindr account, so you can see what all the fuss is about for yourself.
Are Gay Dating Apps Dangerous?
Online dating sites are no more dangerous than any bar, club, or date spot. Basically, it’s just another way of meeting new people. That doesn’t mean everyone you meet on a gay hookup site is going to be an instant winner — there are plenty of bad apples in any bunch — but you should be able to spot the losers if you use sound judgment and take precautions.
Most dating experts recommend vetting online dates in a one-on-one conversation over video or phone call before agreeing to meet for a first date. That way you can confirm you’re not falling for a fake profile, romance scammer, or catfisher — without even having to risk an in-person meetup.
Virtual dates are also much safer options for queer and transgender individuals who can run into threats and harassment just for being who they are.
Some gay men spend months chatting via text, while others set up a phone call or video call with their online crush. You should do whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident that the person is who he says, and never let anyone rush you into meeting before you’re ready. If a guy can’t respect your boundaries, he’s not worth dating.
Does eharmony Do Gay Dating?
Yes, eharmony is open to both gay and lesbian singles. This wasn’t always the case — the dating site was founded by a Christian theologian who wanted to strengthen marriages — but the dating company has evolved in the last few years.
Straight singles are very much still in the majority here, but you at least have the option to sign up as a man seeking men or a woman seeking women.
Since its launch in 2000, eharmony has endeavored to find the formula for love. Its 32-dimension personality test uses psychological truths to identify areas of compatibility between two individuals. The dating site's mission is to foster relationships that last, and every potential match has a reason behind it.
- Over 2 million people have found love here
- Users can filter their match recommendations by age or city
- Compatibility Quiz identifies common interests, lifestyles, and goals
- Browse eharmony profiles 100% free »
Since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2016, the dating world has seen a fundamental shift toward inclusiveness and diversity. Some dating sites have had to reevaluate their policies, and we’re glad eharmony came down on the right side of history by opening its doors to same-sex couples.
Is OkCupid Completely Free?
Yes, OkCupid is completely free to use for everyone. As a free member, you can send messages to anyone and chat for as long as you like.
In 2004, OkCupid's founders decided to create a fool-proof formula for love, and they launched a free dating site to delve into what personal attributes made relationships work. OkCupid members can send unlimited messages for free. It's easy to discover mutual interests and compatibility on the platform's information-rich dating profiles.
- Free, unlimited communication for everyone
- Singles can swipe or search for a compatible date
- Over 91 million connections every year
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free »
OkCupid is free dating site where you can find a one-time fling or a long-term partnership. It’s all up to you. One thing is for sure, though — you’ll never have to pay a cent to send a message or make a match on OkCupid, ever.
You can choose to upgrade to OkCupid’s A-List if you want to rank higher in search results or see who’s liked and viewed your profile, but this is entirely optional, and most users agree the A-List isn’t vital to the online dating experience.
The Best Gay Dating Sites Are Full of Opportunity
Thanks to modern technology, there’s no reason anyone has to spend Saturday night without a date. Gay dating websites and gay dating apps have made it easy for single men to connect with people who are actively looking for love and companionship. And they don’t have to come out of the closet to do so.
We’ve listed some of the most popular, helpful, and reliable dating sites for gay men on the prowl today, and every platform on this list is free to try with no strings attached.
Whether you’re interested in hooking up, falling in love, or just having flirty conversations, you can use the power of online dating to steer you in the right direction and help you meet gay, queer, and bisexual men. Happy flirting!
