1
Best for: Gay and bi men who want more than a grid
- Long-established community
- Events and travel features
- Free chat with no need to match
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $9.99 (US App Store)
Grindr · Alternatives
Dating Sites and Apps Like Grindr to Try Instead
Grindr isn’t for everyone. Here are the best dating sites to try instead, depending on what you want.
When to look for Grindr alternatives
Grindr is the biggest app of its kind, so people usually add another rather than replace it. They look for apps like Grindr when they want something longer-term, want more detailed profiles, or are tired of ads and of seeing the same faces. If you’re meeting people you like, stay.
If you want a relationship
Hinge is the strongest option. Its profiles are built around prompts and dating intentions, and you can set your gender preferences. It’s free to match and message.
If you want a similar app for gay and bi men
SCRUFF is the closest in style, with a nearby grid and free messaging. See SCRUFF vs Grindr.
If you want a broader LGBTQ+ community
Taimi is open to the whole LGBTQ+ community. See Grindr vs Taimi. Our LGBTQ+ dating sites ranking compares more.
If you’re a queer woman or non-binary
HER is built for you, since Grindr’s users are mostly men. See our lesbian dating sites ranking.
If you’re trans
Grindr is open to trans people, and it has gender identity options on profiles. Our transgender dating sites ranking covers the options built around that experience.
If you want to match before you talk
Tinder is a mainstream swipe app where you can message only after a mutual like, which many people find calmer than an open inbox. See Grindr vs Tinder.
Comparison table
| Site | Rating | Best for | Free version | Paid from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCRUFF | Gay and bi men who want more than a grid | Yes | ≈ $9.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| Taimi | LGBTQ+ singles of every identity | Yes | ≈ $5.99/mo (Taimi’s own comparison) | Visit | |
| Hinge | Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s | Yes | ≈ $16.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| HER | LGBTQ+ women and queer people | Yes | ≈ $14.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| Tinder | Meeting lots of people fast | Yes | ≈ $9.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| Bumble | A big, well-moderated swipe app | Yes | ≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store) | Visit | |
| OkCupid | Matching on values and answers as well as photos | Yes | ≈ $10/mo | Visit | |
| Lex | LGBTQ+ people who want community and friends as well as dates | Yes | ≈ $3.99 (US App Store) | Visit |
The best alternatives
2
Best for: LGBTQ+ singles of every identity
- Built for all LGBTQ+ identities
- Dating and friendship in one app
- Free matching and chat
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $5.99/mo (Taimi’s own comparison)
3
Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s
- Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
- Strong focus on real relationships
- Free version is usable, with free faith and ethnicity filters
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $16.99 (US App Store)
4
Best for: LGBTQ+ women and queer people
- Focused LGBTQ+ community
- Free matching and messaging
- Communities beyond dating
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $14.99 (US App Store)
5
Best for: Meeting lots of people fast
- Huge, active user base almost everywhere
- Free version lets you match and chat
- Very fast and easy to use
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $9.99 (US App Store)
6
Best for: A big, well-moderated swipe app
- Big pool, with 100M+ Google Play downloads
- Photo verification required in the US
- Free in-app voice and video calls
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store)
7
Best for: Matching on values and answers as well as photos
- Match percentage based on real answers
- Free messaging with matches
- Over 60 gender and orientation options, plus pronouns
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $10/mo
8
Best for: LGBTQ+ people who want community and friends as well as dates
- Built for LGBTQ+ people, with zero tolerance for transphobia
- Personality over swiping
- Free to read, post and message
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $3.99 (US App Store)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Grindr?
SCRUFF is our top Grindr alternative for most people. The best choice depends on your goals.
Is there a free alternative to Grindr?
Yes — see our best free dating sites and apps.