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

Yahoo

03-07-2025

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Online dating as a gay man has its share of horror stories. It's also a rite of passage dating back to the Craigslist m4m era. It's a high-risk, high-reward activity.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, online dating presents a unique set of challenges, which can sour the experience. Ghosting and catfishing are still common, but you might also find people asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Not exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we're all after, right?
SEE ALSO: We asked daters what dating in 2025 is like so far
Yet, despite the BS, the right queer dating app can genuinely help you find meaningful connections (and we say that will all due respect for hookup apps like Grindr). Whether you're after friendship, a one-night stand, or "the one," these gay dating platforms are where millions of men connect (Pew Research found that about one in four LGBTQ+ adults met their partner online). The key is figuring out which LGBTQ+ dating apps are actually worth your time and energy in 2025.
Come on, do we really need to say it? It's Grindr.
We can't talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st century without talking about Grindr, the undisputed king of gay dating apps. However, there are a lot of other options, especially if you want to make a genuine connection.
"Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so it's easy to point to it as the No. 1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it's gained a reputation as a hookup app — but that doesn't mean there still aren't men looking for long-term commitments, either." Lately, Grindr users have been complaining about a buggier app experience and free features going behind paywalls. So, even if you don't quit Grindr for good, it might be time to test other gay dating apps.
SEE ALSO: Grindr's latest updates are wild: Hiding from your ex, verified pics, and faster hookups
The most popular dating apps have a lot to offer, and that's where you'll find the most queer users. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn't just a straight people thing (especially for guys in less populated areas where apps like Scruff offer slim pickings). Plus, mainstream apps deserve credit for trying to create a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing change and making inclusivity a core part of its compatibility scoring.
You can also try niche gay dating sites if you tend to like a certain type of man, but in general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance of success — it's a numbers game.
Whether you're looking for something serious, a hookup, something that stays strictly online, or an altogether different definition of connection, there's an ideal queer dating app out there for you. So, here's a breakdown of the best dating apps for gay men to help you find your perfect match.