Male Hook Up Apps
The world of online gay dating has changed a lot in the last ten years. In fact, ten years ago it was really difficult to find a dating app that was aimed specifically at gay dating. Now, you’ve got too much choice!
Launched in 2009 as the first ‘geosocial’ dating app (i.e. You can see who’s nearby), Grindr has grown to dominate both the actual market and the entire concept of gay hookup culture. Grindr was the first big dating app for gay men. Now it’s falling out of favor. The Los Angeles-based company has received backlash for one blunder after another.
A blockbuster app for gay men that ditches small talk and has potential matches online 24/7. Grindr lacks the boundaries other apps provide — most users just looking to hook up will let you. MANHUNT is the most iconic gay social app for gay, bi, trans, and queer guys worldwide. Manhunt is the most direct way for men to meet other men. Being around since 2001 has allowed Manhunt to attract the older and wiser crowd of guys. Narrow your search based on interests, photo filters, and location.
In other words, you’ve got so much choice that it’s hard to know where you should spend your time. Which dating apps are going to yield you the best results? And which ones are going to make you puff your cheeks out in exhaustion after dates keep flaking on you?
It’s cool – I’ve got the answers. I’ve given the best gay dating apps a test run and put together an article that will help you make a better decision. Here, you’ll find something for everyone – those who are looking for something longer term (maybe even marriage), as well as those who just want a friend with benefits.
I’ll break each gay dating app down and take a look at who it’s for, how much it costs, and what its benefits are.
Ready? Let’s go!
Best Gay Dating Apps (LGBTQ Friendly)
1. Match
Match is one of the world’s biggest, most established dating sites. It’s a premium matchmaking service that’s home to millions of members worldwide, and it’s perfectly suited for gays looking to date – or even find their life partner.
The first thing the Match.com dating site asks is whether you’re looking for a man or a woman. Then, it asks for your gender. Once you’ve entered this information, you’re taken through a (fairly brief) step-by-step process that sets your profile up. You need to enter your height, your relationship status, your build, etc.
Then, you just need to write an “About Me” paragraph and upload the main profile picture.
Once your profile is up and running, you’re free to browse other profiles, either the extensive search filters or a “Matches” tab that suggests potential matches for you. However, you can’t send or receive messages (or see who’s “liked” you) unless you upgrade your account.
Pros:
- Lots of active users
- Great user interface
- Plenty of features, including Instant Messenger and “grab a spot in daily matches”
Cons:
- Expensive dating site
- Lots of members browse invisibly (can’t see who’s checked you out)
2. Grindr
Grindr has more active users than any other gay dating app. It’s also free to send and receive messages, and there are more than 20,000,000 pics shared each day. It’s absolutely ideal for men who are looking for gay hookups/ gay sex, primarily because literally everyone is on here.
Grindr is the Tinder of the gay dating site world, and its sign-up process is just simple. You can link your Facebook account for faster registration and you don’t even need a valid email address. All you need is the main photo that the Grindr team then needs to approve (approval tends to take just a few minutes).
Once your profile is up and running, the app puts potential matches in front of you based on location. The closer someone is to you, the more likely it is that they’ll pop up in front of you. The idea is that you match with people you could possibly meet tonight.
It’s worth mentioning that Grindr allows graphic pics, so if you’re into exchanging pics of your penis and other such things, this might be the right gay dating website for you.
Pros:
- The high active user base
- Some useful features, such as “Favourite”
- Straightforward dating app design
Cons:
- Many guys don’t chat much
- Unsolicited penis pics
Inside Scoop:Gay Hookup Sites and Apps
3. OkCupid
OkCupid is one of the world’s most popular dating sites. It has millions of members and it’s very LGBT friendly. It’s used widely by gay, bisexual and queer men, as well as transgenders who see it as a ‘safe space’ free from judgment.
OkCupid is free to send and receive messages, and it’s aimed at those looking for hookups, friends, or something more serious. It’s also ideal for gay dating; who are looking for proper emotional connections.
Signing up on this dating site takes a bit of time because you have to fill out a questionnaire that seeks to learn more about who you are and what you’re looking for. You can also fill out your bio. But while most users take the time to add a few lines to their bio, you can use the prompts (such as “last show I binged on”) if you’re stuck for something to say.
Then, you can either use the search function to find members, or you can use a free feature called Double Take which puts potential matches in front of you.
However, whenever you message someone for the first time, they can’t actually see your profile just yet. Instead, OkCupid sends them an email to let them know “someone” has messaged them. Then, they have to “like” you back before they can see your message. If they don’t like you back, you won’t be able to send them a second message.
Pros:
- Very popular with the LGBT community
- Easy to use
- Free to send and receive messages
Cons:
- Lots of restrictions
4. Her
Her is one of the most popular queer dating apps among the queer community and LGBTQ community with 7 million-plus members, and it’s completely free to send and receive messages.
Her is created for queer people by queer people. It's a safe and inclusive space where you can connect with queer women, find LGBTQ+ events near you, catch up on all the latest news and content, and maybe even find your person.
You can’t sign up to Her unless you connect a Facebook or Instagram account first. Then, the dating app grabs photos from your social media accounts and the whole registration process takes a minute or less.
Once you’re up and running, you’re free to add as many as 8 photos and each for other users. You can also amend your profile so that your personal details are included, such as your gender identity (there are lots to choose from) and your height and sexuality.
Like many dating apps these days, Her is a “swipe” dating app that doesn’t come with a search option. As such, the only members you can send messages to are those you’ve matched with or your existing friends.
Pros:
- Free to send messages
- Massively popular with lesbian and bisexual women
- Very interactive
Cons:
- No search function
- The dating app can get a bit laggy
5. Zoosk
Zoosk is a popular dating site that’s home to millions of active users. It’s been around for almost two decades but was recently given a revamp so that it now looks and feels better than ever. Zoosk dating site is stuffed with features and can work for those looking for something short-term, or something longer-term.
Signing up on the Zoosk dating site doesn't take longer than 5 minutes and you don’t even need to upload a photo initially. All you need to provide is the most basic of information about yourself and then you’re up and running.
However, whilst it’s free to browse profiles and send smiles and hearts, you need to upgrade your account to send messages.
Finding members works two ways: You can either tweak the search function and look for users manually, or you can use a matchmaking feature called the Carousel, which puts suggestions in front of you. There’s also a SmartPick feature that picks out matches according to your behavior on Zoosk.
You can also write stories in your profile to attract more matches, and actually sending and receiving messages is really straightforward.
Pros:
- Millions of active users
- Lots of features
- Can easily tweak your search filters to find gays
Cons:
- Costs money to send and receive messages
6. Growlr
Growlr is a simple to use gay app, and which comes with a free version. However, it’s entirely mobile-based and can’t be accessed on the desktop. It’s also predominantly aimed at gay men looking for bears.
Growlr is best seen as a social networking app for gays who want to meet bears, either for friendship, hookups, or even serious relationships. The sign-up process takes two minutes and there’s no need to wait around for your photos to be approved.
Once you’re in, you can search for members via the search function, or you can start chatting by commenting on a user’s pics or blog (yes, you can post your own blogs!). By using the SHOUT feature, you can boost your business or your profile so that you’re seen by more members.
Pros:
- Great fun
- Real gay community vibe
- So easy to use
Cons:
- Too easy to create a fake profile (lots of them on here)
7. Scruff
Scruff is a popular hookup app aimed at all members of the LGBT community. It’s also ideal for gays looking for new friends, but it’s generally seen as a place where you can find someone who’s looking for no-strings-attached sex as soon as possible (maybe even tonight).
Scruff requires your device location before you can sign-up, and also need to describe your profile pic (to categorize your account). Other than that, Scruff requires the barest of personal details and the whole sign-up process should take a minute or two.
Once your profile is ready, you can search for members according to those who are online now, those who are new, and those who are the most popular. You can also check out how responsive a user is before messaging them.
There are all kinds of communities to flip through, such as Bisexual, Twink, and Bear, which makes it really easy to find what you’re looking for. Messaging people is free, but if you’re not sure what to say, you can just send someone a ‘Woof’ to let them know you’re interested.
Pros:
- The high active user base
- Very easy to use
- Social guide to gay and events
- Location-based
Cons:
- The high number of fake profiles
- Lots of key features can only be used by premium members
8. Surge
Surge prides itself on being a safe space for gay and bisexual men who are free to find a hookup or love without being judged. There’s no need to put yourself in a box here, and with more than 4 million members, Surge is increasing in popularity.
It’s kinda like a mix between OkCupid and Tinder.
Surge requires a valid email address but the whole sign-up process takes just a minute. You can sync your Facebook account if you wish but you don’t need to spend time filling out a bio.
Once your profile is ready, you’re free to swipe right or left on members. If you match with someone, you can then start chatting and sending pics. You can also send videos. However, pics and videos soon vanish – like on Snapchat.
Because Surge provides a safe space for people, the contacting features have been designed to ensure people feel respected and secure. As such, you cannot message anyone you haven’t matched with.
Pros:
- Very safe to use
- Works a lot like Tinder
- Ideal for all ages
Cons:
- Can be hard to find a good match without using paid features
9. ROMEO
Romeo is a well-known gay dating site for its high active user base. It’s open to all kinds of gay men (including transgender’s), it’s free to send and receive messages, and several special features enhance your enjoyment.
The quickest way to set up an account is to link your Facebook profile. However, you’ll also need a valid email address to verify your account, and you need to input your location.
Then, you’ll be taken to the profile builder, where you’ll be asked a few questions about your relationship status and your sexual orientation.
Once your profile is done, you can look for members via the search function. If you see someone you like, you could go ahead and send them a message, or you could be a bit cute and send them a ‘footprint.’ This just makes things a bit fun by encouraging you to send someone a sticker with a description of what you like about them (“hot butt” or anything like that).
Also, Romeo puts members into one of seven categories (Twinks, Jocks, etc) that makes it easier to find compatible users.
Pros:
- The high active user base
- Some really great special features
- Search function
Cons:
- So many users can make it harder for you to be seen
10. Chappy (BUMBLE)
Chappy recently merged with Bumble but continues to be a fun gay dating app that’s perfect for casual sex and something longer-term.
A one-click registration process ensures that signing up to Chappy is a breeze. However, you can’t sign-up unless you have a Facebook account. You also need to turn on your GPS.
Because all your info is taken from your Facebook account, you don’t even need to spend time creating a bio!
Like Bumble, there’s no search function. Instead, a roulette-type matching feature puts potential matches in a queue and you have to swipe left or right. If you’re not happy with your matches, you can adjust them using the ‘ChappyScale.’
Once you’ve matched with someone – and only once you’ve matched – you can start exchanging messages.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Super high active user base
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not available on desktop
These are the best gay dating sites and dating apps around right now. The next step is to decide which ones sound right for you, and then take a closer look. Remember, you can register for free at all these sites, so it’s well worth doing that just to get a feel for things.
If you like what you see and want to start firing off a few messages, you’ll need to take the plunge and upgrade your account. I hope you find what you’re looking for, and I hope you have a lot of fun in the meantime. Good luck!
FAQs:
Are Gay Dating Apps Safe?
Yes, these dating apps are 100% safe and legit to use. However, you’ll still need to take precautions because some gay dating sites – such as Chappy – take info and data from your social media accounts. If there’s something you don’t want to share, it’s better to find an app that doesn’t do this.
And while your banking details are completely safe, you always need to be careful when meeting someone for the first time. It’s a smart idea to choose a neutral venue, such as a bar or restaurant.
Which App Should I Use?
It depends on who you are and what you’re looking for. Match.com is the standout app for men looking for a serious relationship (maybe even marriage) and who are prepared to pay for a premium app, while Scruff stands out for hookups thanks to its higher active user base and functionality.
OkCupid, meanwhile, represents the middle ground between the two and is ideal for both hookups and long term relationships.
What Are The Gay Dating Apps For Older Guys?
Older guys will be more suited to dating sites like Match and OkCupid that allow you to adjust your search settings so that you’re able to find men of a similar age. These mainstream dating apps are also very popular with older men, unlike apps like Chappy that are predominantly populated by younger guys.
Grindr
“You gay bro?”
“Nah just here to network”
Who’s on it? Lots of people. Grindr is international, and guys use it to network and chat as often as they use it to actually facilitate a hook up. At the very least it’s a great way to figure out if that guy at the gym is gay or not.
Best for? Scoping out the scene in a new town, flirting for weeks with someone you’ll never meet, getting catfished.
Downsides? Upgrading to Grindr Unlimited is a jaw dropping TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINE DOLLARS per year, money which could alternatively go towards...I don’t know a plane ticket somewhere cool? Like, 75 separate OnlyFans subscriptions? A very welcome donation to the charity of your choice?
Sniffies
“looking?”
“yeah”
“come over”
Who’s on it? Sniffies is a pretty mixed crowd. DL, bi, married, and curious guys are drawn to Sniffies because it’s easy to be as anonymous as they’d like. It’s also easy to find glory holes and cruising locales for a quick hook up. Kinksters and horndogs are on Sniffies because they know it’s the quickest no bullshit way to hook up.
Best for? Keying into the cruising scene, anonymous hook ups, cam to cam situations on LivePlay.
Downsides? DL guys don’t love sending pictures right away, so you may need to do some cajoling before you see who you’re messaging.
Scruff
“Saw you’re a realtor...
I’m actually looking for a new apartment”
“uh...ok...pics?”
Who’s on it? A lot of daddies, bears, and muscley guys. Ostensibly scruff is for hairier guys, but it’s large enough that there’s a pretty diverse crowd.
Best for? Finding your exact sexual match, and sending whole albums of pictures at once. Scruff gives users more space to add info about themselves and their sexual preferences than most other apps, so you can really get a sense of who you’re talking to, and weed out who you’re not trying to meet.
Downsides? Sometimes more isn’t better. I don’t really want to know what a guy does for work if I’m meeting him for a quick hook up.
Tinder
“Hey cutie, what’s up” “Hello?” “Hellooooooo?”
Who’s on it? Lots of dudes looking to date. Or find a husband. Spend a weekend on Tinder, and it’s a virtual guarantee that you’ll meet five guys named Kyle who want a “partner in crime”.
Best for? Hopefully getting some free drinks, finding a serious relationship, mindless swiping.
Downsides? You may get a ton of matches, but a lot of people don’t actually follow that up with a message, so the matches tend to not go anywhere.
“That trip to Thailand looks beautiful”
“Thank you! It was!”
“Wanna see pics of my butt?
*read at 2:30PM*”
Who’s on it? Every person you’ve ever met. Every. Single. One.
Best for? Posting selfies, sliding into DMs to lay the groundwork for a meet up, staring at photos of someone else’s aspiration vacation to Thailand.
Downsides? IG isn’t a traditional digital hook up space, so you definitely have to spend some time making sure your flirtation is welcome, and not coming off as creepy.
“Hey!”
“Do I know you?”
“Yeah, you’re friends with my brother’s girlfriend’s neice’s soccer coach”
Who’s on it? Your parents, all your aunts, every person you went to highschool with, 9/11 conspiracy theorists.
Best for? Facebook Flirting is rare nowadays, but it does indeed happen. What’s more, Facebook’s ‘People You May Know’ algorithm is pretty uncanny, so if you pass a cutie on the street, you may see him in your feed the next day.
Downsides? Many. Facebook has some pretty wack privacy policies, not to mention the whole platform is inundated with pro-Trump russian bots. It’s not an ideal place to meet guys, but you can if you really set your mind to it.
OkCupid
“Hello would you like to date for three years and then get married”
“yes”
“Perfect”
Who’s on it? OKCupid has one of the largest user bases of all the apps, and a solid reputation. There are a lot of different guys ok OKC, but in general they’re looking for relationships, so if hooking up is your thing, this may be a rocky road for you.
Best for? Finding a dang husband, or at least upping your flirtatious messaging game.
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Downsides? OKCupid creates matches by having you answer (endless) questions - the more you answer the more accurate your matching will supposedly be. How many people do you know that are self aware enough to answer questions about themselves honestly, though?