Online dating for gay men is a rite of passage, transitioning from the Craigslist m4m days to today’s endless scrolling. Even though there are significant rewards, even the top dating apps pose distinct challenges for gay men: ghosting, catfishing, straight men showing up in your feed, and subtle fetishization. It can be daunting when all you want is a genuine connection.
In spite of these challenges, the top gay dating apps continue to be a main way to connect with new people, especially for gay or bisexual individuals. Pew Research indicates that about one in four LGBTQ+ adults found their partner online, a considerably higher rate compared to straight individuals.
Grindr still stands as the premier gay dating app, although user experience has seen a decline. The free version is now inundated with ads, leading many users to seek alternatives. Considered a primary hookup app, Grindr may not be the best option for finding lasting love.
“Grindr is a reliable app that many queer men use to either find partners or for more casual relationships, making it often regarded as the top app,” states Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, in an interview with Mashable. “Yet, similar to Tinder, it’s classified as a hookup app — but that doesn’t imply there aren’t men looking for long-term commitments.”
The gay dating app scene goes beyond just Grindr. Mainstream applications such as Hinge and OkCupid have improved their inclusivity, while specialized apps like Scruff and Feeld serve particular communities, kinks, and preferences. The critical factor is identifying which app merits your time. Here’s our guide to the leading dating apps for gay men in 2025.
New additions to this dating app guide include:
– Feeld: As of October 2025, we’ve included Feeld as our top choice for “Best for Kink and Threesomes.”
– Hinge: As of October 2025, we’re recommending Hinge as an alternative to Archer, excellent for seeking serious relationships. It’s also recognized as the top gay dating app for younger guys due to its popularity among Gen Z.
Which gay dating apps were excluded?
Some notable apps are absent from our primary list. Here’s why they did not feature in our “best of” guide.
– Raya: Referred to as the “celebrity dating app,” we are not endorsing it. Chance Townsend found its exclusivity is “a bit overhyped.” After paying $25 monthly, he described it as “very Tinder-like,” with a user base of “consultants, aspiring actors, medical professionals, recruiters, and even students.” Raya is essentially “an expensive Tinder with a better PR team.” Save your funds.
– Recon: Recognized for its kink community, we have omitted it from our list. User feedback on Reddit is critical. One discussion labeled it as “really buggy” with “not much activity.” Users expressed it’s a “waste of time,” filled with flakes, “catfish,” and “fake doms.” Many kink/fetish enthusiasts have turned to Instagram, Twitter/X, or OnlyFans, or use mainstream apps like Scruff, which are now “more open and welcoming spaces.”
– Planet Romeo (now Romeo): Once a staple for meaningful relationships, especially in India and parts of Europe, it is now viewed as an app from a past era. Reddit discussions reminisce about the “time of Planet Romeo” and the “slow communication” from the early 2000s. It is not a primary app for most men in 2025.