Morgan Mandriota
22.02.2024
Whether you’re ready to settle down, or just looking for your next hookup, there’s a gay dating app for you. Before you commit to a specific LGBTQ+ app or site, read our in-depth reviews to find the right one for you.
With the digital love landscape constantly evolving, platforms like Grindr have led the charge since 2009, transforming how gay men find love and expanding the horizon for countless others. Even though it’s the go-to for many gay men, there are actually plenty of Grindr alternatives to choose from. Also, most of the best mainstream dating apps and sites have made lots of progress when it comes to LGBTQ+ dating, offering a broad spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity options, creating a more inclusive environment for everyone seeking love or connection.
This article sifts through the myriad of options to bring you 10 standout apps and websites for LGBT dating in 2024. Each one has been carefully reviewed to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Remember, if the first one doesn’t fit, there’s always another chance to find your match.
In collaboration with Morgan Mandriota from Top10.com, an expert in LGBTQ+ relationships, and with oversight from our experienced editorial team, our methodology focuses on a concise yet thorough evaluation of leading gay dating apps. We conducted hands-on testing of each app to ensure our insights reflect real user experiences. Our analysis included a blend of user feedback, industry data, and academic research. We evaluated apps based on crucial criteria and this streamlined approach provided a balanced and insightful overview, pinpointing the most effective and user-friendly gay dating apps around. Here are the in-depth criteria we used:
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of Zoosk’s subscription: From $10/month
Number of members: 40 million
Zoosk emerges as an inclusive, user-friendly dating app catering to a diverse audience, including the LGBTQ+ community. It’s particularly beneficial for gay individuals seeking various connections, from serious relationships to casual encounters. With over 40 million users and 30 million app downloads, Zoosk offers a vast pool of potential matches. Its standout features include a Behavioral Matchmaking™ system, SmartPick introductions, and a unique Carousel feature for discovering new profiles.
The app’s intuitive interface, comprehensive search filters, and options for connecting via messaging and virtual gifts make it a preferred choice. Despite its wide range of features, full access requires a subscription, but you can get a feel for it with a limited free account.
Why we chose Zoosk: We chose Zoosk for its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Zoosk’s robust security measures include a reliable reporting system that allows users to report harassment, hate speech, or inappropriate behavior. Each report is taken seriously, with actions ranging from warnings to suspensions or banning of offending accounts. Zoosk ensures a secure and tailored dating experience.
Our experience with Zoosk: Our experience with Zoosk was positively influenced by its smart matchmaking algorithm. This technology effectively analyzes user interactions to suggest highly compatible matches, making it a standout choice for the LGBTQ+ community.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of SilverSingles subscription: $27.95
Number of members: Over 25,000
It’s not always easy meeting gay singles over 50, but SilverSingles makes it comfortable and easy. This dating site allows LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages to sign up and meet a potential match, by using a matchmaking algorithm that pairs you with singles according to your individual preferences.
It doesn’t matter if you identify as gay, queer, bisexual, or any other orientation, SilverSingles will provide you with a safe, curated dating platform. A basic free membership will let you create a profile, see daily match suggestions, and find a potential date on the site with the search options. You can also send out likes and smiles to show your interest in someone on the site. While the basic free membership of SilverSingles allows profile creation and daily match suggestions, it limits communication options and detailed profile viewing. Upgrading to a paid subscription unlocks full communication tools, more detailed profile insights, and access to a more comprehensive list of matches, enhancing the overall dating experience and chances of finding a compatible partner.
Why we chose SilverSingles: Catering specifically to mature singles who are 50 and older, SilverSingles provides a safe and receptive platform for LGBTQ+ elders to find love and companionship. The in-depth personality test ensures compatible matches, helping to create meaningful connections.
Our experience with Silver Singles: Our experience on SilverSingles is that the platform offers a mix of positives and challenges. While we value responsive customer service and the excitement of encountering new individuals, we also face issues with the accuracy of match suggestions. It’s a journey of varied experiences, reflecting the diverse nature of the user base.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of Gaystryst subscription: $37.50
Number of members: Over 350,000
Gaystryst is a dating website for men looking for fun and casual hookups with other men. Unlike other gay dating apps and sites, this one doesn’t include women at all – it’s for gay guys only. The majority of users are from the U.S. and between the ages of mid-20s to mid-30s, but you can find plenty of men of all ages. Using filters to find your match and sending winks is free. However, if you want to send messages, the main form of communication on Gaystryst, you’ll have to pay, as this is a feature only available to premium members.
Why we chose Gaystryst: As an app specifically designed for gay singles, Gaystryst offers a safe and comfortable space for men to connect with like-minded individuals. It places emphasis on safety and privacy, making it an ideal choice for hassle-free gay dating.
Our experience with Gaystryst: On one hand, we appreciate its user-friendly interface and the opportunities it presents for connecting with gay singles. On the other hand, we’ve encountered challenges with promotional tactics throughout the app experience.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of HER subscription: $14.99
Number of members: 1+ million
Over the years, the pioneer in lesbian dating apps HER has developed into an all-inclusive platform for women and femmes of all types, identities, and sexual preferences. HER embraces and welcomes more than 18 gender identities and 17 sexual orientations on the profile selection list. HER’s app is easy to use, loaded with communication features, and even hosts local events for more community building.
Why we chose HER: We included HER on our list for its commitment to providing an inclusive platform for LGBTQ+ women. The app goes beyond dating, offering connections for friendship, networking, and discussions on queer news and events.
Our experience with HER: We loved HER’s “Communities” features. This unique aspect allows users to join smaller community groups within the app based on their interests or identities. For example, there are communities for different identities and interests like “Trans Womxn,” “Queer Womxn of Color,” “Bi Womxn,” and more, allowing users to connect on more specific, shared experiences. Additionally, HER’s event feature, which lists LGBTQ+ events in the user’s area and worldwide, is another standout aspect. This feature encourages real-life meetups and community engagement, extending the app’s utility beyond online interactions. We really liked that HER has features that make it more than just a dating app; they transform it into a social hub for LGBTQ+ women and queer individuals, emphasizing community building and shared experiences.
Archer is a new dating app on the market that stands out as a cutting-edge dating platform tailored specifically for gay, queer, and bisexual men. Its unique fusion of social media dynamics with dating app functionality offers an engaging user experience.
The app’s core features include free and unlimited instant messaging, photo sharing, and innovative social tags akin to an Instagram-style interface for profile displays. A commendable aspect of Archer is its emphasis on user safety, highlighted by selfie verification and smart photo blurring for sensitive content.
However, the absence of desktop access and video chat capabilities are noticeable limitations. It’s also worth noting that while the Archer app is currently free, in the near future, there may be changes in its pricing.
Why we chose Archer: Archer has an innovative approach in the digital dating realm, particularly for the queer community. Its blend of social media elements with traditional dating app features provides a fresh and interactive platform for gay, queer, and bisexual men. The application’s strong focus on safety, exemplified by photo verification and advanced AI for content moderation, sets a new standard in user security and trust. These factors and its user-friendly design and diverse community make Archer a compelling choice for those seeking meaningful connections.
Our experience with Archer: Archer delivered an impressive and user-centric experience. The sign-up process was straightforward, ensuring a seamless entry into the app’s ecosystem. The tagging system and customizable interface facilitated easy and enjoyable browsing, allowing us to explore profiles aligned with our interests. The overall experience with Archer was positive, marked by its engaging interface and commitment to user safety and community building.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of Grindr subscription: From $19.99 per month
Number of members: Over 13 million
Available for gay, bi, trans, and other queer singles, Grindr is one of the best dating apps for gay men with a reputation of men seeking hookups with other men. Thanks to its powerful geolocation feature, Grindr is a great social networking solution for people who’ve recently moved, relocated, are traveling, or seeking a quick fling in their area.
Why we chose Grindr: Grindr made our list due to its ground-breaking role as the first and most popular location-based dating app for gay, bi, trans, and queer individuals. The app’s commitment to serving the LGBTQ community and its advanced filtering options allows for finding tailor-made connections and experiences.
Our experience with Grindr: Grindr’s user-friendly interface offers a swift and straightforward signup process. Its geolocation feature helps finding local matches, streamlining the digital dating experience. While the app has abundant free features, we found that the XTRA membership enriched the experience by offering ad-free browsing and access to more potential matches.
Conversations flowed smoothly using Grindr’s chat feature, enhanced by functions such as photo sharing, a blocked list, and a built-in translator. However, the lack of a video chat function was a minor setback. Although occasionally, profiles lacked substantial details, fortunately, the “Tribes” labels, pinpointing users’ self-identified sexual health affiliations, assisted in gauging compatibility.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of OKCupid subscription: From $14.99
Number of members: Over 50 million
OkCupid stands out in the online dating world for its inclusive approach and detailed matching algorithm. It’s particularly appealing for its comprehensive free plan, allowing users to create profiles, search for matches, and message without cost. The platform is known for its depth in profiles and questions, offering a more nuanced approach to matchmaking, which is very useful for LGBTQ+ people looking to experiment, especially those interested in a non-monogamous relationship.
Why we chose OkCupid: OkCupid is committed to inclusivity, catering to a wide range of orientations and identities, including a dedicated section for the gay community, as well as those looking for open relationships. Its unique algorithm that factors in personal beliefs and preferences makes it a strong choice for meaningful connections.
Our experience with OkCupid: We found OkCupid to be a user-friendly and insightful platform. The depth of the questions and profile customization allows for a more tailored experience, helping to find more compatible matches. Even though it’s a mainstream platform that mostly caters to straight singles, we found that there are a lot of options to define searches based on sexual preferences and gender identity.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of Elite Singles subscription: $31.95
Number of members: Over 12 million
Elite Singles is an upscale dating sites for gay men who are serious about finding love. It uses personality tests and a smart matching formula in order to find the best possible matches for you. It caters to professional, intelligent, and ambitious men seeking long-term relationships rather than a single night of fun. Signing up is free, and allows you to use its great search function, but premium features like unlimited messaging is for subscribers only.
Why we chose Elite Singles: We appreciate Elite Singles for its intelligent matchmaking and compatibility-based connections, appealing to relationship-focused LGBTQ members. The “Have You Met?” feature presents additional, compatible matches that might have been missed during matchmaking, providing even more opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Our experience with Elite Singles: The platform’s commitment to connecting professional and highly-educated gay singles was immediately noticeable in the depth of the personality test required during signup. This comprehensive questionnaire is one of the standout features, as it’s the basis for their advanced matchmaking algorithm, promising more refined and compatible matches.
Although creating a profile was more time-consuming compared to other dating platforms, it undoubtedly allowed for a more curated matching experience. We appreciated the platform’s transparency, particularly visible in their detailed explanations of the psychological model used for their matchmaking and personality analysis.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of Hinge subscription: $10.99
Number of members: 1 million
Hinge calls itself the dating app that is meant to be deleted because it puts a heavy emphasis on serious relationships. Profiles are built on bold questions to quickly and effectively uncover personality quirks and offer conversation starters for matches. Hinge will ask you about your political affiliation and how you feel about legalizing weed and offers plenty of gender identification options as well.
Why we chose Hinge: Hinge was selected for its unique method of prompting users to share more about themselves through engaging prompts and questions. This allows for meaningful connections within the LGBTQ community by fostering genuine conversations and showcasing users’ personalities.
Our experience with Hinge: Throughout our use of Hinge, the app presented itself as inclusive and LGBT+ friendly. As a platform that prides itself on being designed to be deleted, it certainly lived up to its reputation for fostering credible connections for the LGBTQ+ community.
The aesthetic presentation of matches and the easy-to-use chat feature struck a positive note. The emphasis on liking specific profile elements fostered deeper conversations based on shared interests and facilitated meaningful connections. However, the daily limit on likes for non-premium accounts could sometimes hamper the overall experience.
Free Version: Yes
One month’s cost of BeNaughty subscription: $28.80 for men, free for women
Number of members: Over 700,000
As the name suggests, BeNaughty is a hookup app for casual encounters. You can find single people in your area, including plenty of members of the LGBTQ+ community. The kick with BeNaughty is it’s free for women. Sending winks and adding people to your favorite list is also free for men, but messaging someone requires a premium plan.
Why we chose BeNaughty: we chose BeNaughty for its casual and straightforward approach to online dating, making it a perfect platform for LGBTQ individuals seeking fun, no-strings-attached encounters. It encourages open-mindedness and offers various safe modes to ensure users’ privacy and comfort.
Our experience with BeNaughty: BeNaughty is straightforward to use, and the platform’s focus on immediate locality, age, and appearance enabled us to spot potential matches in mere minutes. The various connection options, such as video, voice, and private messaging, aided us in deciding who we might want to meet.
Dating as a member of the LGBTQ community can be fun, enjoyable, and successful if you know how to navigate the apps. Before signing up and spending time creating a profile, here are some things to ask yourself about the queer dating site you’re interested in:
Pricing is an essential factor to bear in mind when exploring a dating site or app. It’s important to consider the value for money offered by a platform, questioning whether its pricing matches the quality of features and services provided.
Do the site’s premium features warrant the additional expense, and will they improve your dating experience? Thus, understanding a platform’s pricing structure and the tangible benefits of any paid plans can guide you in making an informed decision.
The protection of your personal information and the level of privacy offered by a dating platform is of paramount importance. Opt for sites or apps that prioritize data security, implementing robust measures to safeguard user data.
Further, if remaining anonymous is a significant factor for you, check whether the platform supports this choice before committing. It can also be helpful to review the site’s privacy policies to ensure they align with your comfort level and expectations.
The inclusivity of a dating site or app can greatly enhance your online dating experience. This becomes particularly important when considering platforms for certain subgroups such as transgender dating and mature gay dating. The best services in these niches offer tailored experiences and specific features that cater to the unique needs of these communities.
For transgender individuals, platforms that validate and affirm their identity, providing a respectful and comfortable environment, are essential. Similarly, for mature gay individuals, a dating site that caters to their life stage, experience and preferences can significantly improve their dating journey. Overall, it’s important to ensure that the platform you select cherishes diversity and inclusivity, creating a welcoming space for all users.
The LGBTQ+ community, with its rich diversity of identities, has distinct needs and preferences when it comes to dating and social platforms. Acknowledging this, a variety of apps have been developed, each catering to different segments within the community.
Some apps are specifically designed for gay or lesbian individuals, offering spaces that understand their unique dating dynamics. Others are more inclusive, welcoming a broader spectrum of bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
This specialization extends to the intentions and desires of users as well. Choosing the best LGBTQ+ dating site often depends on personal goals, whether it’s seeking a tailored experience on a selective platform, exploring broader options on general gay dating apps, or finding a site focused on specific types of relationships like hookups, long-term partnerships, or casual ‘situationships.’
Many apps cater to all these preferences, allowing users to clearly specify their intentions on their profile pages or in conversations with potential dates. This approach not only facilitates meaningful connections but also respects and acknowledges the varied experiences and challenges faced by each subgroup, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding within the diverse LGBTQ+ community.
The range of options available ensures that the choice is yours to make, empowering you to find a platform that resonates with your individual needs and preferences.
While some gay dating sites and apps are entirely free, others are freemium, and the rest are totally paid. According to our research, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9.99 a month to $37.50 a month.
Here’s a breakdown of the monthly subscription pricing of gay dating sites and apps reviewed on this page, from least expensive to most expensive:
There are certain differences between dating site subscription plans. For instance, Free dating apps allow you to set up an account and date without cost, offering basic features like profile creation and browsing, though some extras like emojis might not be free. Freemium dating apps also offer free account creation and browsing but require payment for additional features, including initiating or maintaining conversations. Subscription-based apps charge a monthly fee, starting around $5, for full feature access, with potential discounts for longer commitments. Other apps operate on a pay-per-action model, charging credits for actions like chatting, sending pictures, or gifts, which can add up quickly, so it’s important to monitor spending on these platforms.
Online LGBTQ+ dating has become more convenient and accessible in the past decade than we ever dreamed it would be. While it’s easier than ever to meet up with someone for a date or a hookup, the relaxed state of gay dating requires extra vigilance.
Use strong, unique passwords for your dating app accounts and consider two-factor authentication where available. Be cautious with the personal information you share. Limit details that could compromise your privacy, like your full name, location, or workplace.
Recognize LGBTQ+ Dating Red Flags
Be wary of individuals who are hesitant to share their identity or photos, as this could indicate they are catfishing you. Pressure to meet in private locations, rapid escalation of intimacy, and dismissive attitudes towards your boundaries are major concerns. Additionally, be alert to signs of outing threats or blackmail. Overly aggressive or sexualized communication, inconsistent background stories, and requests for money using LGBTQ+ specific narratives are other red flags to watch out for.
If something feels off, it’s better to err on the side of caution. By staying vigilant and informed through these safety tips for LGBTQ+ dating, you can enjoy the exciting world of online dating while safeguarding both your personal and emotional well-being.
Gay dating presents unique challenges that can make it particularly hard to find a partner. The queer community often faces societal pressures that can lead to a guarded approach to dating, making it difficult to form genuine connections. Unrealistic expectations and the prevalence of hookup culture also contribute to the complexities of gay dating.
Also, many gay people do not have role models for the type of relationships they are seeking, which can make it challenging to define and pursue their romantic goals. Combining these factors can create a dating environment that feels daunting and, at times, insurmountable.
Despite these challenges, it’s important for individuals to continue working on themselves, stay vulnerable, and keep their hearts open to new connections. Building and maintaining healthy relationships requires effort and perseverance, and it’s essential to approach the dating process with love, positivity, and an open mind.
In recent years, the landscape of gay dating apps has evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of users. One notable trend is the rise of video dating features, which has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This allows users to have virtual dates, offering a safe and convenient way to connect and get to know each other.
Another significant development is the focus on community building within dating apps. Some platforms are now offering features such as forums, event listings, and interest-based groups, creating a sense of belonging and connection beyond just swiping and matching.
Moreover, there has been a noticeable shift towards users seeking more meaningful connections and long-term relationships, rather than just casual hookups. This reflects a growing desire for genuine and serious relationships within the gay dating community.
These trends demonstrate the ongoing adaptation of gay dating apps to better serve their users, providing a range of options to facilitate connections, foster community, and support the pursuit of both casual and serious relationships.
According to The Trevor Project, nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas perceive their community as unaccepting of LGBTQ+ people. This starkly contrasts with just over a quarter of those in urban and suburban areas, indicating a more open and accepting environment in larger cities.
This difference in community acceptance can significantly impact the dating experience for queer individuals, with those in small towns potentially facing more stigma and fewer opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. In contrast, big cities often offer a more vibrant and visible LGBTQ+ community, providing greater opportunities for socializing, support, and dating. Beyond these points, the general population in big cities tends to mind their own business, facilitating privacy for your personal preferences.
Online dating offers a lifeline for rural LGBTQ+ individuals, expanding their reach beyond local confines, connecting them with a broader pool of potential partners. Online gay dating sites and apps provide anonymity and protect your private data, allowing users to explore their identities and connect with others without public disclosure. Importantly, online dating offers a safe space to interact before meeting in person.
Ethical non-monogamy is a relationship style where individuals have multiple consensual romantic or sexual partners. This contrasts with traditional monogamous relationships, where exclusivity is expected.
Polyamory, a subset of ethical non-monogamy, involves having intimate, loving relationships with multiple people. What sets polyamory apart is the emphasis on emotional connection and not just physical or sexual relationships.
In the realm of gay dating apps, these concepts have gained substantial traction. Apps like Feeld, OkCupid, and Tinder have adapted to this shift by providing features that allow users to explicitly state their non-monogamous or polyamorous preferences. This transparency facilitates easier connections among those who share similar relationship views and values.
If you practice ethical non-monogamy or are polyamorous, make sure to clearly write that at the start of your profile. In this way, you’ll make your needs clear to everyone checking you out.
Ready to dive into the dating pool? Congrats! Before you do, consider these three expert tips to help you navigate those choppy waters as smoothly as possible:
Before meeting your match off a dating app, discuss the date plan ahead of time so there’s no confusion, miscommunication, or disappointments. This doesn’t mean you need to say you want to get married in two years over text, but rather simply mentioning that you’d love to grab dinner instead of Netflix and chilling.
This will help set the tone for both parties. (Basically, you want to avoid getting ready for a sexy night of passion when the other person is simply hoping to grab coffee then head home after.)
Whether you’re looking for a relationship or just a fun hookup, before making it a date it’s important to familiarize yourself with the person you’re talking to. If you detect any sign that they’re not honest with you, that they don’t respect your boundaries, or that their intentions aren’t aligned with yours, it’s best to pull the plug.
While embracing the pleasures and joys of engaging in sexual relationships, it’s important to remember to discuss the best ways to protect yourself and your partners from STIs. This includes being honest and open about sharing your last STI tests and results prior to heading to the bedroom.
Get tested between partners, discuss preferred barrier methods (like condoms, dental dams, etc.), and don’t be afraid to ask them to go get tested and know their status before you get intimate with them. Clear communication is sexy, and safer sex is better sex!
Gay dating apps and sites have transformed the LGBTQ+ community’s approach to relationships and friendships, offering user-friendly interfaces and location-based matching for easy and accessible connections. These platforms provide a safe, welcoming environment, particularly important given the historical challenges and societal stigmas faced by the gay community. Advanced algorithms in apps like Zoosk simplify finding compatible partners, aligning with modern dating needs.
These apps not only facilitate matchmaking but also promote inclusivity, representing diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This holistic service enhances the overall experience, making these platforms about more than just finding a romantic connection.
Some gay dating apps and sites are different from straight dating apps because they cater only to LGBTQ+ people. Upon joining, chances are you will get asked your gender and your sexuality, and then you will get sorted matches based on your preferences.
Some straight people may join gay dating apps if they are experimenting, but there are other apps on the market that are more broad when it comes to matches. Of course, the LGBTQ+ community can use apps made for the general market and filter what gender they are seeking. In this way, even Tinder or Match can become a great gay dating site or app.
In addition to the LGBTQ+ dating sites and apps on this list, we also reviewed other dating apps for gay singles. If you’re looking for a dating site, you might find these reviews helpful:
Modern dating is complicated enough without having to explain your gender identity or sexual orientation. In addition to safety factors, this is why LGBTQ+ dating apps are so helpful.
Whether you’re looking to find a good friend who views the world from a similar perspective as you, want a playful night with a stranger, or are searching for that special someone to spend the rest of your life with, queer dating apps make the entire process a lot smoother, easier, and more enjoyable for everyone. Check it out, and see who you might find!
Readers on our site who were looking for gay dating sites and apps also found these articles interesting to read on the subject:
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