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Gay Dating apps (also for LGBTQ+ people) are perfect if you’re looking for quick contacts, want to network, or are searching for new friends. But which one is right for you? In theory, you can use classics like Tinder and simply set the settings to “man seeking man.” However, your success rate will usually be lower than with specialized dating apps for gay and LGBTQ+ people. We present the most popular alternatives to Tinder, specifically for gay people and members of the rainbow community.
For quick encounters: Grindr is the gay Tinder
Grindr is considered the “gay Tinder” and is the perfect app if you want to meet someone spontaneously. It is one of the largest gay communities on the internet, but a large proportion of the men here are looking for a quick hookup.
To use Grindr, you need to sign up. First, download the app, which is available for iOS or Android. Basic registration is free, but one disadvantage is the lack of a verification method. There are no verified profiles, so the risk of fakes is relatively high.
The main purpose of Grindr is to meet other gay men. You can (almost) forget about long chats or digital love affairs. It’s primarily about one thing, and an attractive profile picture will significantly increase your chances with bisexual and gay men.
What to expect on Grindr:
- Many active members
- Messages with (very) explicit content and images
- Uninhibited and sometimes very vulgar profile descriptions
- Quick chances to make contacts, but no guarantee
- Fewer chances without a premium subscription
There is repeated talk in the gay community about bullying on Grindr. Another problem is the classification of gay men into certain tribes. “Bears, twinks, or jocks” are standard here. As a study (in English) showed, the use of Grindr was associated with the development of eating disorders in some men.
Our tip for you: If you are being bullied or harassed, block the profile in question and report the person to support!
For community and events: Scruff for queer men
Scruff is a kind of online community for the LGBTQ+ scene, but with around 10,000 members in Germany, it is not as strongly represented as it is worldwide (twelve million members). Signing up here is just as easy as with Grindr. Upload a picture and some information, and you can start searching for other members in your area. If you like someone, you can give them a like or even send them a message.
You can check out people in your area for free, send someone a “woof” (compliment), or see if you can rent a queer-friendly room in your area. If you want more, you have to pay. However, the premium costs are moderate.
What to expect from Scruff:
- Few members in small towns
- More responsive users when you get matches
- Groups and app rooms for events
- Search for travel companions
- Fewer filter options than other apps
- Matching feature for potential dates
On Scruff, you can search for hook-up opportunities, but also for a free room if you’re traveling to another city for CSD. The biggest disadvantage of this queer app is the low availability of members in Germany. It still needs a push, because Scruff already has a much stronger presence in the United States.
For inclusive networking: Connect via Taimi
Taimi is more of a social network than a dating app, and it also gives you the option to link your social networks. The platform is suitable for finding contacts, friendships, and dates. The app has been downloaded over a million times so far, and you can choose your gender when you sign up. There are primarily men, and more and more users are verifying themselves, thus bringing more security to the app’s use.
In Germany, an estimated 80,000 people out of a total of one million members are represented. Taimi is permitted for ages 18 and up, as things can get exciting here. Before you can register and use Taimi, you must verify your cell phone number.
What to expect from Taimi:
- There are no profiles without photos
- Social networks are often linked here
- Only premium members can write to other users
- You can search specifically for people in your area
- Some men are very vulgar
Taimi is actually about getting to know people, but eroticism plays an important role. Many men are looking for spontaneous sex and comment on other people’s profiles accordingly. However, the support team is quite strict and deletes comments that violate the guidelines. There are also strict rules for pictures; porn with sex toys or similar items is not allowed.
For social interaction: Hornet is a colorful hornet’s nest
Hornet is a colorful mix of casual dating app, sex app, and community. You’ll only find men here, but unfortunately, there are also some fake users. Sex is also the primary focus here, at least according to zu-zweit.de in its comprehensive Hornet test. One advantage for you is that you can send free messages and don’t necessarily need a premium version.
Around 70 percent of all members are from the United States, but there are said to be around 2.5 million German gay and LGBTQ+ members registered. As everywhere else, you can register with Hornet from the age of 18, but unlike most gay apps, there is even a web platform where you can connect.
Here’s what you can expect from Hornet:
- Requests for quick contact information exchange
- Obscene and very vulgar requests
- Contact options with men directly from your area
- Community groups for mutual exchange
- Group events for easy getting to know each other
Many men on Hornet are only interested in “the one thing.” If you’re looking for a sex partner or a casual date for an evening, this is the place for you. If you live in a large German city, your chances are even better. In smaller towns and villages, the member density is not as high.
Other dating apps for gay and LGBTQ+ people
If you browse the app store, you’ll also find other LGBTQ+ and gay apps. You also have the option of registering as a gay or bisexual man on many platforms such as OK Cupid or Tinder. Other options available to you are:
- GayRoyal: An international dating app that is primarily about sex, but also about love and quick dates.
- Romeo: Formerly known as GayRomeo, it is now a kind of social network for love, sex, and more under a new name. Here you will find not only gay men, but also transgender people and many other contacts.
- Bumble: Here you can date, but also find friends with similar interests. Bumble works on the matching principle, but is not yet very well represented in the gay scene.
Our tip: No matter what you decide, try out the free options first. If you’re seriously interested and want to try out an app for the long term, a premium membership may be a good idea. It has the advantage that you can usually send unlimited messages and use better filters.