Most people have at least one horror story about online dating. It’s a rite of passage — one that single people love to hate.
But the horror stories look a little different for members of the LGBTQ+ community. For gay men, online dating throws a unique set of challenges into the mix. On top of the usual woes, such as ghosting and catfishing, you might encounter unnecessary questioning 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?
Despite the BS, the best gay dating apps have helped millions of men make meaningful connections (and saucy hookups too).
Archer is the new ‘social-first’ dating app for queer men
According to the Pew Research Center, one-quarter (approximately) of LGBTQ+ adults say they met their match through online dating. The problem? Not all apps are created equal, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
What is the best gay dating app?
While Grindr is a big name, there are other options that cater to the specific needs and preferences of gay men.
“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 #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.”
Sometimes going for a popular dating app can be your best bet since that’s where queer users tend to mingle in the biggest numbers. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn’t just a straight people thing (especially for those of us who live in less-populated areas where Grindr and Scruff offer slim pickings). You can also try niche 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.
Plus, some mainstream apps deserve credit for trying to create a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing change and making social justice a core part of its compatibility scoring.
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. Here’s a breakdown of the best dating apps for gay men to help you find your perfect match.
