Let’s face it; meeting someone new can be a bother. Expensive clubs, cute clothes, flirting – it’s fun but exhausting. We’re here to help.
Luckily, the Internet has brought us the possibility of finding love (or casual sex) from the comfort of our couches. So, today, we’re here with the best Gay dating sites and apps to pander to every desire you can imagine.
Quick Navigation
Best Gay Dating Sites and Apps: Our Picks
Let’s start with the old-school sites. Some are for long-term relationships, while others are geared towards the sexual side of dating.
1. Match.com Review
Match.com is a giant in the online dating industry. With a massive user base, tried-and-tested matching system, and statistics showing their success, it’s no wonder.
Features
Signing up is short and straightforward, after which you’re off to build your profile. This step takes you through a personality test and lets you add self-descriptions. Afterward, the site will present you with a daily selection of matches based on their algorithm. If you are not interested in these suggestions, you are free to browse on your own.
Pros
- Great matching algorithm
- Personalized user experience
- Massive user base
- Extensive search options
Cons
- Members have to wait for approval
- Monthly membership costs are high
Paid vs. Free Membership
Match.com has a ‘look, don’t touch’ policy for free members. Besides communication, a paid membership gives you some perks to add to the site’s functionality.
2. Zoosk Review
Zoosk has been operating in 80 countries for the past 12 years. It features a unique matching system.
Features
Zoosk’s Behavioral Matchmaking technology learns about the user as they browse the site. You can visit the ‘Dating Insights’ page to see (and change) what they learn about you. There are two matchmaking styles on Zoosk – Carousel (Tinder-style like or pass) and SmartPick, which promises to find you a perfect partner.
Pros
- Lots of users
- Highly-functional mobile app
- Intuitive layout
- Smart matching system
Cons
- No video options
- Limited search functions
Paid vs. Free Membership Options
If you aren’t a premium member, you won’t be able to do much when it comes to communication.
3. Plenty of Fish Review
Plenty of Fish features one of the largest user bases out there, with almost 100 million active members. Indeed, there really is a special someone for everyone.
Features
PoF made the signup process quick and straightforward. However, later, there are several quizzes to fill out, such as the Chemistry Test and a Relationship Needs Assessment.
Based on your answers, the site will do some handpicking for you. You have the opportunity to add meeting goals when you create your profile, and they will match you with people with similar desires.
Pros
- Massive user base
- Excellent search features
- Options available for free
- Flexible profile creation
Cons
- No ID verification
- Basic matchmaking system
Paid vs. Free Membership
The site offers full usability for free, with extra perks being available to premium members.
4. Adult Friend Finder Review
Launched in 1996, Adult Friend Finder, is a sexual oasis for singles, or anyone else, looking for hookups. It comes with adult videos and chat rooms, live cams, and a lot more.
Features
This dating and hookup site goes a step further, making your experience more interactive and sexual. It incorporates social media and porn site aspects, as well as a host of resources for dating.
The site offers options from browsing to engaging in virtual sex. The profiles consist of 12 sections, so add flattering photos, and sit back to enjoy yourself.
Pros
- Reputable site
- A large and active user base
- Many discovery and communication options
- Blogs and webcams
Cons
- No matching system
- Paid membership doesn’t grant full access
Paid vs. Free Membership
Paid members can send messages as well as enjoy most of what the site has to offer.
5. MenNation Review
MenNation has been matching guys since 1996, and now boasts one of the largest gay membership bases worldwide.
Features
The initial signup process is quite straightforward. There are further sections to complete to help others learn more about you. When you create your profile, you can go ahead and search for members using various filters. Afterward, you get to enjoy lots of messages from admirers and flirt with whomever you like.
Pros
- Quick profile creation
- Various profile sections
- Many communication methods
- Gay-only website
Cons
- No profile verification
- No matching system
Paid vs. Free Membership
As a free member, you get to read and watch content, but not take advantage of the ‘dating’ part of the site.
6. OutPersonals Review
OutPersonals works to create a sense of community and open-mindedness with a base of over 1.3 million members worldwide.
Features
Personal profiles come with photos, videos, and even voice intros if you’re feeling creative. You can search using their extensive filters – those currently online, new members, distance, city, etc. For communication, you can chat via text or video, instant messages, and send winks.
You can also join an interest group or read various blogs. Here, the social networking features of the site stands out the most.
Pros
- Video and chat options
- Dating magazine and many blogs
- Groups and group chats
- Webcams
Cons
- Focused on casual dating
- Homepage quite cluttered
Paid vs. Free Membership
You can’t view full-sized member profile pictures nor communicate with them for free.
7. Adam4Adam Review
Adam4Adam has been catering to the gay community since 2003, and it’s explicit in what it offers. It leaves very little to the imagination.
Features
The site claims it’s ‘the world’s largest gay social network.’ Besides, it features a sex shop and a cam site. It uses geolocation to find you local dates. The signup is super quick, but the team needs to verify your profile before you’re officially out there. You don’t even need to upload a picture (although you should).
Pros
- Easy to navigate
- All services for free
- Vast filtering options
- Built-in sex shop
Cons
- Many fake profiles
- Security concerns
Paid vs. Free Membership
You can find a date without paying on the site. Remember the messaging limit, though.
8. Gaydar Review
Gaydar is a dating platform for gay and bi men from all corners of the world.
Features
Gaydar offers dates, friendships, and relationships for gay and bi men, as well as a safe space for those who are curious. You can even blur your profile photo if you choose to be discreet.
You may chat with people 1-on-1 or join a chatroom and enter discussions on topics that pique your interest.
Pros
- Open, friendly community
- ‘Closeted’ option
- Informative blog section
- Private chat and chatrooms
- Most options are free
Cons
- Profiles aren’t detailed
- The app isn’t good
Paid vs. Free Membership
You can enjoy the options on the website for free, but if you pay, you get more powerful matchmaking tools.
9. ManPlay Review
ManPlay is a website for gay men of all ages and desires. It’s one of the scene’s favorite options due to its highly-functional nature.
Features
The signup takes minutes – you enter your information and whether you’re looking for a single or a couple, and you’re good to go. Later, add whatever you want.
You can search through the member base using location or filter for anything else that interests you – you can even choose only to meet circumcised men! Besides, there are chat rooms and a broad selection of adult videos for your entertainment.
Pros
- Open for all ages and interests
- Quick profile creation
- Online member cams
- Virtual World
Cons
- Can’t chat without paying
- Basic search filters for free members
Paid vs. Free Membership
You get to browse for free, but once you decide to take things a step further, you’ll need a paid membership.
Best Gay Dating Apps
Gay dating apps came to us with the development of technology to make dating quicker and more comfortable. Most of the sites we mentioned above also have an app, but in this section, we decided to focus on app-only platforms.
10. Grindr Review
We had to mention Grindr. Founded in 2009, it’s now the most popular dating app for gays guys. It’s mostly a hookup app, with its geotargeting and easy usage.
Features
When you enter the website, you need to choose a ‘tribe’ so anyone in a 5-mile radius will discover you. You can add your social media accounts, too.
Besides searching by tribes, there are many available filters to help you find what you want.
Pros
- Geotargeting
- Profile highlight feature
- Many available users
- Free service
Cons
- Many fake profiles
- Pop-up ads
Paid vs. Free Membership
Most of the functions are free, but a premium membership gives you unlimited blocks.
11. Scruff Review
Scruff is more of a community than a dating site. Launched in 2011, it now boasts a base of over 12 million worldwide members.
Features
Signing up asks you to select your personality from 12 categories – from bears to twinks. You can also add photos, your location, and a short bio.
Then you’re free to start chatting. Scruff added the Paw button and the choice to tick a box notifying the member that you want to meet them. The chat-box feature is all you may need.
Pros
- Many active members
- Few fake profiles
- Nudity available in private albums
- Chat props
Cons
- Many pop-ups
- App crashes often
Paid vs. Free Membership
You can use the app for free, but when you pay, it blocks ads and reveals new search filters.
12. Chappy Review
Powered by Bumble and featuring a Tinder-style swiping feature, Chappy is growing rapidly in the US. It creates a safe space with restricted nudity.
Features
The signup is quick and doesn’t ask for a lot of details. However, their unique feature, known as the Chappy Scale, lets you connect to members with similar expectations.
The only way to contact a member is after you two match. Then, you get the option to communicate through instant messaging.
Pros
- Restricted nudity
- All options are free
- Chappy Scale for matching
- No fake profiles
Cons
- Profiles aren’t detailed
- Must sign up through Facebook
Paid vs. Free Membership
Chappy is 100% free to use.
13. Growlr Review
Growlr is a dating/social network app that caters to gay bears and their lovers. It has been attracting bears since 2010.
Features
Signing up takes mere minutes, as the app will ask only for your basic information. Add other info later, if you like, as well as up to 5 private photos or videos.
Finding and contacting other members is straightforward. You can browse based on location and online status, comment on blogs, and see who’s viewed your profile. Or, if you prefer, you can head directly to the private chat.
Pros
- App available in both stores
- Easy to use
- Most options are free
- Quick signup
Cons
- Not available for desktop
- Many ads
Paid vs. Free Membership
Going premium unlocks the video chatting option and blocks advertisements.
14. Mr. X Review
Mr. X targets gay men over the age of 30. It’s a niche app for those who don’t feel comfortable with using the giants such as Grindr and Tinder.
Features
Mr. X is more than a dating app. It has incorporated many social media features to enhance your experience. The app enables you to share even if you’re closeted, meaning you don’t have to hold back.
Its platform lets you share pictures and comment on other members. You can find dates with local guys, and the combination of hashtags, photo browsing, shoutouts, and flirting seems like an ideal combo.
Pros
- Social media features
- Many available functions
- Over-30-friendly
Cons
- Limited user base
- Buggy app
Paid vs. Free Membership
You can use Mr. X for free, while a premium membership unlocks more features.
15. OkCupid Review
OkCupid is one of the sleekest, most popular, and open-minded apps for young people to visit and find a date.
Features
The site will dive right into your profile creation, with questions that guide you through the process. Then you can start browsing, liking, and texting other members.
Pros
- Free to browse and interact
- Simple design
- Upgrading is cheap
- Excellent, functional features
Cons
- A limited user base in smaller cities
- More for casual hookups
Paid vs. Free Membership
OkCupid is fully functional for free, but a paid membership provides extra perks.
16. Hornet Review
Hornet claims it’s a community, suppling content relevant for gay and bi men. It now has 25 million worldwide users.
Features
The signup happens through your Facebook or Google account. As such, it takes 10 seconds, after which you’re free to add info to your profile. The app only asks for a profile picture.
Messaging is simple and available to everyone, and the company also has a desktop, web-app version.
Pros
- Active user base
- Automatic username and password
- Chatrooms available
- Usable for free
Cons
- Many spam profiles
- Full of ads
Paid vs. Free Membership
You get to use most of Hornet’s functions for free. Going premium adds some extra features and removes ads.
17. Tinder Review
Everybody knows Tinder – it introduced the swipe feature, turning the search for a date in a fun game. It caters to everyone and all sexualities.
Features
The app is super easy to use, letting you swipe through a massive membership base (determined by your location) until you find a person you like. If the like is mutual, you can start to chat.
The profiles are simple, as the app mostly focuses on casual dates. However, if you want something serious, enter a more comprehensive biography.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Large user base
- Geotargeting and quick dates
Cons
- Need a Facebook account to register
- Profiles don’t have a lot of detail
Paid vs. Free Membership
You can use Tinder for free. Tinder Gold will increase your profile visibility.
18. Pure Review
Pure offers innovation in its strategy – since 2014, it has been delivering dates on demand. Profiles last only an hour, giving you a time limit to find a partner.
Features
Download the app on your phone and register within minutes. All you need to enter is your gender and some photos. The app uses geolocation to find you a date.
After you have a mutual like with another user, there’s a chat function that is only there to determine a meeting place.
Pros
- Sure dates on demand
- Profiles verified by email
- Free app on stores
Cons
- You must create a new account every time
Paid vs. Free Membership Options
For women, the entire app is free. Men need to pay to get their dates.
Four Major Factors Gay Singles Should Look Out For in Dating Sites/Apps
Online dating comes with many hurdles to cross. There are always questions of safety and legitimacy, plus some factors of importance for gay singles in particular.
So, if you find yourself struggling with dating in general, we’re here with some quick tips to get things going.
Picky or Fetishizing Members
You may be into bears, twinks, or geeks, and that’s completely okay. However, if a person turns you down because it turns out that you’re not their type – their loss.
Don’t try to fit in a box or check all the boxes on somebody’s list of demands. You’re a person, more than a member of a tribe.
Besides, as gay dating is becoming more accepted, fetishizing is becoming an issue. It’s not only off-putting but can also seem like bigotry, in the worst case. So, if somebody is more interested in your looks or a particular set of standards – don’t date them.
Negative or Empty Profiles
Many singles, especially on more casual dating sites, tend not to be too detailed in their profile creation. If you’re not into meeting someone only for sex, be careful around these profiles.
Of course, don’t write somebody off just because their profile isn’t well-rounded. Instead, try to see what the member is showcasing. A person’s profile is a tool to help you determine whether you have anything in common.
Another typical red flag is guys who are too negative on their profiles. When it comes to online dating, guys tend to be clear, even sounding rude, about what they don’t want. Look for those emphasizing what they DO like, and highlighting why people should date them.
Demanding Members
The first dates with people you’ve met online are blind dates. You will only know who the person is when you meet them in person. However, it’s possible to note some red flags even before, through the conversation.
Be careful around people who seem too demanding in the initial stages of the conversations. They might be asking to hang out at their place or making you change your schedule. If a person seems disrespectful early on, it’s a clear sign of a big future problem.
Safety
Always, and we can’t stress this enough, meet in a public place for the first few dates. If a person is pressuring you into going somewhere private for the first date, you may feel trapped – and that’s the best-case scenario.
Pick a date spot you’re familiar with, and you’ve been to before. Also, be sure that the place is close enough for you to go home if things turn sour.
Our Verdict
With so many options to choose from, we highly recommend Adult Friend Finder as the best Gay dating site for hookups, and Match.com for long-term relationships. We will say this – go for the one that seems the most fun or promising to you. Try to have fun wherever you do end up. Relax, dating isn’t a Rubik’s Cube – at least if you don’t make it one.
