Online dating as a gay man is a transformative experience, shifting from the Craigslist m4m phase to the current continuous scroll. Although it offers significant rewards, it also presents distinct hurdles that can taint the experience: ghosting, catfishing, straight individuals appearing in your feed, and even some overt fetishization. It’s quite a lot to navigate when all you desire is a true connection.

However, in spite of these difficulties, the leading gay dating apps continue to be a key method for meeting new individuals, especially for gay or bisexual men. Pew Research discovered that roughly one in four LGBTQ+ adults found their partner online, a significantly higher proportion than among heterosexual individuals.

Naturally, we can’t talk about gay dating without referencing Grindr. It is the unquestionable leader of gay dating apps, but with issues like bugs, features hidden behind paywalls, and its reputation as a premier hookup app, it isn’t always the optimal choice for establishing a genuine connection.

“Grindr is a reliable app that many queer men turn to for finding partners or for less serious relationships, making it easy to identify as the top app,” says Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, to Mashable. “Nevertheless, similar to Tinder, it has garnered a reputation as a hookup platform — but that doesn’t imply there aren’t men seeking long-term relationships as well.”

The encouraging news is that the dating app ecosystem is more expansive and varied than ever. Popular apps such as Hinge and OkCupid have made remarkable advances in inclusivity, while specialized apps like Scruff and Feeld target particular communities, kinks, and desires. The essential step is determining which one truly deserves your investment of time.

Thus, here is our overview of the top dating apps for gay men in 2025.