Our verdict
SCRUFF is one of the longest-running apps for gay, bi and queer men. Beyond the nearby grid, it highlights events and travel, and SCRUFF Pro adds stealth browsing and organisation tools.
Bottom line: A good companion to Grindr, especially if you travel or go to events. For relationships, Hinge or Taimi may suit better.
Great for: Gay and bi men who want more than a grid
Not ideal for: Queer women or people who want slow, relationship-first dating.
A long-running app for queer men
SCRUFF is one of the longest-established apps for gay, bi, trans and queer men. Like Grindr, it shows you men nearby in a grid and lets you message freely. Where it differs is in what surrounds the grid: listings for events and features for travel, so you can find out what is on in a city and connect with men there before you arrive.
The community is broad and international. Many men use SCRUFF alongside Grindr — Grindr for sheer numbers, SCRUFF for events, travel and a slightly different crowd.
SCRUFF Pro adds privacy and organisation: stealth browsing (view profiles without appearing in someone's Looks list), no ads, and the ability to keep thousands of favourites organised into folders — useful if you travel regularly.
Who it suits: gay and bi men who travel, go to events, or want an alternative to the biggest grid app.
What to keep in mind: in many cities SCRUFF is smaller than Grindr, the free version has ads, and intentions vary from friendship to dating to casual meetups.
Our tip: fill in your profile properly and use the event features. On SCRUFF, turning up to the same event is a natural conversation starter, and it gives you a reason to meet in a public, social setting.
If you travel to countries where LGBTQ+ people face legal risks, check local laws first and use the privacy settings carefully.
SCRUFF at a glance
| Audience | 18+, gay, bi, trans and queer men, worldwide |
|---|---|
| Typical goal | Dating, friendship and meeting people nearby |
| Free version | Yes — Browse nearby profiles, Messaging, Events and travel listings |
| Paid from | ≈ $15/mo (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long-established community
- Events and travel features
- Free messaging
- Pro privacy tools
Cons
- Smaller than Grindr in many cities
- Ads in the free version
- Mixed intentions
Key features
- Grid and more
- Browse men nearby, but also discover events and travel plans.
- Stealth mode
- Pro members can view profiles without appearing in their Looks list.
- Favourites and folders
- Organise favourites into folders — handy when travelling.
How much does SCRUFF cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Browse nearby profiles, Messaging, Events and travel listings |
| SCRUFF Pro | ≈ $15–30/mo | Stealth browsing, No ads, More favourites and folders, Advanced browsing |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked September 23, 2026. Apps often charge different amounts by country, age, platform and plan length — confirm the final price in the app before paying.
Want the full breakdown and ways to save? Read our SCRUFF pricing guide and free trial options.
Is SCRUFF safe?
Use privacy settings, meet in public and take extra care when travelling to countries where LGBTQ+ people face legal risks.
Before meeting anyone, follow our verification checklist.
Not sure SCRUFF is right for you?
These alternatives may suit you better depending on your goals. See all SCRUFF alternatives.
Best for: Gay and bi men meeting people nearby
- Biggest community of gay and bi men
- Free messaging
- Works almost everywhere
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $15/mo
Best for: LGBTQ+ singles of every identity
- Built for all LGBTQ+ identities
- Dating and community in one app
- Video calls
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $15/mo
Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s
- Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
- Strong focus on real relationships
- Free version is usable
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $30/mo
Compare SCRUFF
SCRUFF FAQ
Is SCRUFF free?
Yes — you can browse and message for free. SCRUFF Pro adds stealth browsing, no ads and extra features.
SCRUFF or Grindr?
Grindr is bigger; SCRUFF adds events and travel features. Many men use both.
Can I pause SCRUFF instead of deleting?
Yes — you can disable your profile and restore it later.