Dating apps have transformed the way we connect and meet new people. Gone are the days of relying on chance encounters or mutual friends to find a potential partner. Now, you hold the power to swipe and browse through countless profiles and chat with people from all over the world. However, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, finding love and connection on mainstream dating apps can still be a frustrating experience.
Fortunately, there has been a boom in dating sites and apps that provide more chances and options for the LGBTQ+ community now than ever before. We bring you the best gay dating apps and sites for something serious, a hookup, something that starts online, and everything in between. Here is our curated list of the top 9 most popular and widely used gay dating apps.
Top 9 Gay Dating Apps and Websites in 2023:
- eHarmony: A popular app for gay and lesbian singles looking for meaningful relationships.
- Bumble: A perfect platform for those looking to make meaningful connections with like-minded people for wide networking.
- SilverSingles: A safe and secure space for older members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Grindr: A great platform for those looking to explore their sexuality and find like-minded people.
- Gaystryst: The perfect website for gay men, bisexuals, and queer females looking for flings.
- HER: HER is ideal for women who want to find friends and potential partners within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Match: Best for finding potential partners based on criteria such as location, interests, and relationship goals.
- EliteSingles: For men seeking men, it is a favored option to discover genuine relationships and true love.
- Hinge: An ideal platform for LGBTQ+ singles searching for love and long-term relationships.
Top 9 Gay Dating Apps Analyzed in Detail
eHarmony
- Pricing: Starts at $29.95* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 45 million members
- Top Features: Sending smiles, icebreakers, greetings
eHarmony is known for its success in helping LGBTQ+ individuals find long-lasting love and relationships through their thorough matching process. With eHarmony’s image messaging game, users can send matches to one of five images. It has a greetings feature, which gives them free access to the first message. Users can also browse anonymously and view who has recently visited their profile.
Why we picked it?
We chose eHarmony as one of our top picks because it has a large user base, which means more potential for connections within the gay community. eHarmony’s unique algorithms consider a variety of criteria, ranging from personality qualities to everyday living routines, making it an excellent choice for the LGBTQ+ community looking for long-term relationships.
Pros
- Extensive user base
- Unique behavioral matchmaking
- For long-term relationships
Cons
- Different prices
- Limited free trial
Our verdict
eHarmony has helped 2 million+ people in finding love online, with 2.3 million messages exchanged monthly between matches. While there is no guarantee of dating success, eHarmony has a patented compatibility matching and personality profile that can help users find love online.
2
Bumble
Bumble
- Pricing: Starts at $19.99* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 20+ million members
- Top Features: Profile badges, incognito mode, super swipes, Bumble BFF
The key feature of this dating app is for users to create a quick profile with a few photographs of themselves. They can also swipe through the potential partners by picking a profile with a right swipe and rejecting one with a left swipe. A match occurs when the profiles of both parties match their preferences. If users are new to a city and want to expand their social network, the Bumble app must be worth their consideration.
Why we picked it?
The women-first approach taken by Bumble fosters a courteous online dating environment, and its inclusive platform welcomes all gender identities and orientations. Bumble also has the ‘Bumble BFF’ and ‘Bumble Bizz’ features, which help to connect people in the LGBTQ+ community for friendship and business networking. Bumble stands out among dating apps due to its user-friendly platform and commitment to quality.
Pros
- Female first moves
- Unlimited free messages
- Friendship and business networks
Cons
- Messages disappear after 24 hours
- No re-swipe option in the free version
Our verdict
Bumble is solely about giving women and girls the privilege to make the first move. The emphasis is on feminist power, with women and LGBTQ+ members having the ability to initiate messaging. With over 20 million users, the famous app began as a dating app but has since expanded to include worldwide networking options for friendships, business relationships, social networking, and, of course, relationships.
3
SilverSingles
SilverSingles
- Pricing: Starts at $24.95* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 25,000 members
- Top Features: Dating site for older adults, personality test, “smile” as a lighthearted greeting.
SilverSingles stands out from other dating sites by providing its members with top-notch features that cater specifically to the needs and preferences of singles over 50. Some of the top features include an in-depth personality test, which uses a comprehensive questionnaire to match members with compatible partners based on their personality traits, values, and beliefs. This helps increase the chances of finding a meaningful connection. The app also has a dedicated customer care team available round-the-clock to answer members’ questions or concerns.
Why we picked it?
SingleSilvers, which caters particularly to mature singles 50 and older, provides a secure and accepting platform for the elderly LGBTQ community to find love and companionship. The detailed personality test ensures compatible matches, assisting in forming lasting ties.
Pros
- Free personality quiz
- For 50+ people
- Verified members
Cons
- No free search
- Only subscribers can view images
Our verdict
We picked SilverSingles as one of the top dating sites for elderly singles over 50 years old because of its commitment to providing a safe, efficient, and enjoyable online dating experience for its members. The site’s focus on compatibility and personalized matchmaking sets it apart from other generic dating sites, making it an excellent choice for mature singles looking for a serious relationship. Additionally, the customer care team’s availability and helpfulness add to the overall positive reputation of SilverSingles in the online dating world.
4
Grindr
Grindr
- Pricing: Starts at $19.99* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 5 million+ members
- Top Features: Zero third-party ads, unlimited profiles in users grid, viewed me, visible typing statuses.
One of the top features of Grindr is its geolocation-based matching system. This feature allows users to find other individuals within a specific radius, making it easier to connect with people who are nearby; one minute of video calls every day and the access to send up to ten video messages per day are all free services. When exploring other users’ profiles, free filters include age, what a person is looking for, and tribe identity. Whether users want to pay or not, Grindr allows all its members to connect with and date other users.
Why we picked it?
Grindr made it to our list of best gay dating apps because it was the first and most popular location-dating app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. The app’s dedication to helping the LGBTQ+ community and its comprehensive filtering features enable users to locate tailor-made connections and experiences.
Pros
- Location Feature
- Large network of LGBTQ+
- Casual dating
Cons
- Risks of catfishing
- Not for serious relationships
Our verdict
Grindr is the largest gay, bi, trans, and queer dating app, with over a million daily users worldwide. It has a reputation as a strictly hook-up app but also includes alternatives for friendships, dates, and partnerships. However, those looking for their prince charming will likely find more success on other dating apps.
5
Gaystryst
Gaystryst
- Pricing: Starts at $37.50* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: Over 350,000 members
- Top Features: Private messaging, flirt cast, like feature
Gaystryst provides users access to features such as the Like Gallery to view images and profiles of other interested people in the user’s region who match their basic search criteria. They can then express their interest by sending people whom they find interesting—a message or a wink. A premium subscription grants users access to live video chatting, instant messaging, and chat rooms.
Why we picked it?
Gaystryst is a website specifically made for gay singles and provides a safe and comfortable environment for guys to interact with like-minded individuals. It prioritizes safety and privacy, making it an excellent alternative for hassle-free gay dating.
Pros
- Free 3-day trial
- Extra security
- Live video calls
Cons
- Messages available on the premium feature
- Many fake profiles
Our verdict
Gaystryst is an online dating platform exclusively designed to assist gay men in their romantic pursuits. It offers a vast selection of top features that help users find the perfect match. This makes it an ideal choice if users are looking for an easy and comfortable way to connect with other gay singles in the user’s area. Plus, its safety measures ensure that all members can feel secure while exploring the app’s offerings.
6
HER
HER
- Pricing: Starts at $14.99* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 1 million+ members
- Top Features: View users admirers, unlimited swipes, ad-free, incognito mode.
HER has various features that make it stand out worldwide, where many dating apps exist. The app provides daily swipes for members to interact, and users can do an end-number of swipes. On HER, users can also go undercover with incognito mode—change location feature where users can drop their pin anywhere in the world. Reading Receipts will enable users to check the status of their sent messages without anyone knowing.
Why we picked it?
We picked HER as one of the top dating apps for queer women because of its commitment to creating an inclusive and secure space. The app goes beyond just matchmaking and offers community-building opportunities, which can be valuable for individuals who may feel isolated in their LGBTQ+ identities.
Pros
- Offline Communities
- Queer women specified
- Search filter
Cons
- Limited search
- Limited messages
Our verdict
HER is a fantastic choice for queer women looking to connect and build relationships. Its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and diverse features make it unique. The app has a lot of amazing self-expression and open-mindedness attributes attached to it, which we haven’t seen on any other dating services. It can make a perfect match by accident, but plenty of search-filtering features help users locate the perfect mate for them.
7
Match
Match
- Pricing: Starts at $19.99* per month(free version available)
- Popularity: 21.5 million members
- Top Features: Reply for free, private mode, email read notification, match phone
Match is a well-known dating website that caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community. Match recently enhanced its safety features by collaborating with Garbo, a background check service that assists users in screening dates before in-person meetings. Users may extend their Match subscription with various add-on features such as reply for free, private mode, etc.- a function that allows users to call and text matches using a match-generated number without disclosing their actual phone number.
Why we picked it?
We picked Match as one of the top dating websites for LGBTQ+ members due to its focus on inclusivity and safety. The website has a strict policy against discrimination and harassment, creating a welcoming environment for all members of the community. It also offers various gender identity and sexual orientation options, allowing individuals to express their true selves without fear of judgment.
Pros
- Considers safety and privacy
- Many follow-up dates
- Private mode
Cons
- Expensive premium
- No 24/7 customer support
Our verdict
Match is an excellent dating website for LGBTQ+ members looking for love and companionship. Its affordable price, top features, and commitment to inclusivity make it a popular choice among users worldwide. We recommend giving Match a try if users are looking for a safe and reliable platform to connect and meet like-minded individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
8
EliteSingles
EliteSingles
- Pricing: $57.95 *per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 2 million members
- Top Features: Unlimited messaging, personality profile, view profile visitors.
EliteSingles is a popular dating app and website that caters to gay individuals looking for meaningful connections. The most impressive feature of EliteSingles is its match-making technology, which uses a complete personality profile to discover over 29 personality traits and matches users with other matches who value these traits. Another interesting feature is the option to like specific sections of someone’s profile in order to express interest and initiate a dialogue. This allows users to ease into a discussion about a given issue.
Why we picked it?
We liked EliteSingles because of its sophisticated match-making and compatibility-based relationships, which appeal to relationship-minded LGBTQ individuals. The ‘Have you Met?’ tool suggests additional, compatible matches that may have been overlooked during matchmaking, giving users even more chances to meet like-minded people.
Pros
- Great for long-term relationships
- Elite crowd
- Compatible matches
Cons
- Limited messages in the free version
- Not for hook-ups
Our verdict
EliteSingles describes itself as the go-to dating app and website for single, educated, and busy professionals, boasting that its 12.5 million users globally generate at least 1,200 success stories each month, all in a safe, secure, and streamlined cyber context. While EliteSingles’ comprehensive personality test is a nice tool, there is a lot the site can improve on when it comes to locating a suitable match.
9
Hinge
Hinge
- Pricing: Starts at $29.99* per month (free version available)
- Popularity: 1 million members
- Top Features: See matches, send likes, deal breakers, roses.
Hinge has some very charming features like ‘Rose’; users can send roses to the person they find interesting as per their choice, although limited roses are provided in the free version. The ‘we met’ function is intended to assist Hinge in performing its best and selecting the most compatible matches for them. It becomes active a few days after they exchange phone numbers with someone via the Hinge dating app.
Why we picked it?
Hinge is picked for its innovative approach to encouraging people to disclose more about themselves through interesting prompts and questions. By enabling genuine interactions and showing users individuality, it offers a space for meaningful connections within the LGBTQ community.
Pros
- Interesting prompts
- Great for serious relationships
- We met-feature
Cons
- Limited matches in the free version
- Slow system
Our verdict
Hinge brands itself as a dating app that ought to be deleted due to its emphasis on meaningful partnerships. Profiles are developed around interesting questions designed to swiftly and effectively reveal unique personality characteristics and provide conversation starters for potential matches.
It’s difficult enough to get through modern dating without having to explain in detail your gender identity or sexual orientation. This is why, in addition to safety concerns, LGBTQ+ online dating sites and apps are so important. Whether you’re looking for a good buddy who shares your worldview, casual relationships, or that special someone to spend the rest of your life with, these online dating apps make the process much smoother, easier, and fun, enhancing user experience. Look around and see who you might find!
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