From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men

Who it's for:

Despite its name, Scruff isn't just for scruffy men. There are plenty of gay guys here, from clean-cut jocks to those with a more rugged look. Whether you're into bears, twinks, otters, or any other type of guy, Scruff has a diverse user base that's large enough to rival Grindr's.

The only difference? Scruff is a little more serious in terms of what people are looking for. Sure, it's good for hookups, but you probably won't get the same level of raunchiness (or as much) as you would on Grindr.

Why we picked this:

Grindr may be the most well-known and widely used dating app for gay men, but Scruff is a great alternative for those looking for something a little more serious.

Unlike Grindr (or Sniffies), you probably won't get NSFW DMs right off the bat. Though it's possible, this app has a rep for attracting users who might want to take things to the next level — like going on a date and seeing where things lead.

There are tons of premium features with a paid membership (which starts at $16.99 per month), like the ability to un-send messages, unlimited looks, and access to advanced search features.

Scruff isn't just for dating, either. You can find local LGBTQ+ events, parties, and gatherings on Scruff. (Thanks to its geolocation feature, it's also pretty good for finding a hookup while traveling.)

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who it's for:

Archer is a free dating app for gay, bisexual, and queer men. Owned by Match Group, Archer is a "social-first" dating app that prioritizes building meaningful connections through shared interests and values. It's the relationship-focused alternative to hookup-centric apps like Grindr.

It's the best dating app option for bisexual and queer men who are looking for more than just casual encounters and offers a safer space to explore their sexuality and talk about HIV status. (But don't just take our word for it; Brooklyn's resident bi-man and author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, recommends giving Archer a try for its inclusive and relationship-oriented approach.)

Why we picked this:

Even though Archer is a newer app, it's already gaining a reputation as one of the best gay dating apps for queer men looking for serious relationships. According to estimates from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, as of May 3, 2024, it's garnered more than 685,000 downloads. Unlike its NSFW competitor Grindr, Archer focuses on creating an inclusive and respectful space for gay, bisexual, and queer men to connect on a deeper level.

If you're looking for a hookup, you can toggle from "Dating Mode" to "Hookup Mode." According to company stats, nearly 66 percent of its users are looking for dates and relationships, while 74 percent are interested in community and friendship.

It's totally free to download and use, so you'll never be bothered with annoying subscription fees or limited features. With Archer, you can use a Smart-Blur filter to keep you from seeing raunchy content until you're ready, and there's a Selfie-Verify feature for added security and authenticity.

In addition to these features, Archer is working toward making STI, PrEP awareness, and sexual health education a priority within the app via the Health Hub.

Who it's for:

Sniffies is a map-based meetup site for gay and bi cruisers who are looking to add a little fun to their day. This site isn't for finding a relationship; it's for men seeking men who are interested in casual encounters and spontaneous meetups.

Why we picked this:

Tinder and Grindr aren't the only ways to get laid in the gay community. And with this web-based hookup site, you don't even need to download an app to get some action. Even Zane has mentioned Sniffies in his risqué articles — it's a place where you're more likely to get messages like "Chilling. Here, just trying to get fisted" instead of vanilla DMs that beat around the bush.

Users are here for one reason and one reason only: casual, anonymous, hot, and raunchy encounters. In April, the company added "Cruiser Filters," which allow you to filter your search by age, endowment size, body type, sexuality, and even preferred sexual positions.

The site is totally free to use, but you can pay for premium features like unlimited messaging and advanced search options. Some safety features, like cruising spots, are also in place, so you don't have to meet up somewhere private with a stranger you don't know.

Those who use the site often can add a hosting status to their profile, which shows how active they are in the community. You can also message and video chat with other members directly on the site.

And, if you're feeling particularly ballsy, you can advertise your cruising status on the go with Sniffies' brand-new merch. The company calls it the "Cruising Club," and it includes cropped muscle tees, athletic shorts, and plaid boxers all branded with the Sniffies name.

Who it's for:

Jack’d isn’t as popular as Grindr, Sniffies, or Scruff, but it’s known for its diverse and inclusive community. If you’re a BIPOC, Jack’d might offer a safer, more welcoming space to find hookups or dates. (We know Grindr has had its share of issues with race-related discrimination.)

Why we picked this:

Jack’d may be on the smaller side, but its user base is predominantly made up of BIPOC. According to a Reddit thread, it’s the place to be if you’re “into black, Latino, and Asian dudes.”

You can download and use it for free, but the Pro subscription will get you unlimited private albums, the ability to unsend messages, no ads, and other perks. The free version does allow you to search users by hashtag (e.g., #daddy, #bottom, #bear, etc.), so that’s a nice feature.

There are fewer users on Jack'd compared to the bigger apps, so your experience will vary depending on where you live. If you’re in a big city, you'll likely find a decent pool of potential matches on Jack'd.

We think Reddit said it best: “Think of Jack'd as that one gay bar across town that's not in the main gay neighborhood and is open to everybody but preferred by people of color.”

Who it's for:

As the name implies, GROWLR is a gay dating app for bears and bear lovers. Although not as popular as Grindr or Scruff, GROWLR provides a niche platform for men interested in bear culture.

It also has more than 10 million users, so you're bound to find someone to roughhouse with or snuggle up to.

Why we picked this:

Most dating apps are superficial and focus on appearance, but GROWLR is for bears who appreciate a more rugged and traditionally masculine aesthetic. That's not to say you can't find other types of guys on GROWLR, but it definitely caters to a specific subset of the gay community.

GROWLR offers live streaming, a unique feature most dating apps don't offer (and you can use this feature for free). The app also has some paid features, like SHOUT!, which allows you to send customized messages to multiple users in one go. (The app also says you can promote your business via this feature, but that seems kind of cringe on a dating app.)

The only thing we'd like to mention is that the GROWLR interface is super dated, and thus not as user-friendly as the other apps on this list. But if you're looking for a community of hot, hairy men, GROWLR is definitely worth checking out.

Read our full review of OkCupid.

Who it's for:

OkCupid's slogan is "Dating deserves better," and they're damn right — especially for the gays and the theys. Though it's open to gay and straight people, the veteran dating site has shed the heteronormativity that still somewhat plagues eharmony and Match. It's hip and well-informed while also maintaining a more intentional atmosphere than Grindr or Tinder.

Time and time again, OkCupid proves to be the blueprint for inclusivity in online dating. In 2014, OKC rolled out 22 gender and 13 orientation choices — years before such changes became a priority for competing sites. As of summer 2020, all users can choose their pronouns.

Why we picked this:

OkCupid didn't just get a facelift during its last redesign — our team actually had fun swiping on the revamped app. Plus, OkCupid's focus on social issues that matter to us (if you're left-leaning) is refreshing and practical.

OkCupid's filters let you find guys who share your views on everything from gun control to vaccines, so you can bypass awkward first-date debates. You can also search for same-sex matches and filter by specific interests, making it easier to find guys who share your interests and passions.

It's not all about the thirst traps here, either. OkCupid's profile features let you showcase your personality (not just your looks). Whether you're into gaming, activism, or obsessing over the latest drag queens, there's room to find your person or community on OKC.

Read our review of Tinder Platinum.

Who it's for:

Of the 75 million people who actively use Tinder each month, not all are straight dudes holding up fish. Queer and trans folks head to Tinder because its dating pool is colossal — almost as colossal as queer people's collective yearning for authentic connection (real).

Tinder pioneered the now-ubiquitous swiping function: Revolutionizing the world of online dating and boasting billions of swipes per day. You'll probably see your neighbor or even someone you work with on the app. (Awkward! Predictable!) However, if you've exhausted your chances with all of the queer people you know in real life, this is probably where you can find the highest number of gay locals — especially in smaller towns.

Why we picked this:

Despite all this, Tinder has made notable efforts to be more inclusive by partnering with GLAAD to personalize swiping (e.g., "show me, people of the same identity, first") and ensure it better meets the diverse needs of the trans community. With more than 40+ gender options, users can feel more confident swiping through potential matches. And, with the app's Relationship Goals feature, members can display a badge on their profile to let the world know what it is they're looking for. You can also use the Matchmaker feature to introduce friends who you think would hit it off (or vice versa).

In February, the company also released a new feature to stop inappropriate messages by sending in-app warnings to users who engage in offensive or disrespectful behavior. Those who receive multiple warnings may face consequences such as being kicked off the app. Since then, the app’s been adding other features here and there, like ID verification and a brand-new AI-powered “Photo Selector” that helps users choose profile pictures that are more likely to get matches.