Our verdict
SCRUFF is one of the longest-running apps for gay, bi and queer people. Beyond the nearby grid, it highlights events and travel, and SCRUFF Pro adds Stealth Mode and much higher limits.
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.
What SCRUFF is
This SCRUFF review covers one of the longest-running apps for gay, bi, trans and queer people, on the App Store since 2010. It’s made by Perry Street Software, which also runs Jack’d and describes itself as independent and LGBTQ+ owned. It’s an app for iPhone and Android, and it claims more than 30 million users. You must be an adult to join.
One difference from bigger rivals is the privacy pitch. SCRUFF says it doesn’t show banner ads, and that it won’t share your data with third-party ad networks such as Google or Facebook (App Store).
How the SCRUFF dating app works
You build a profile with several photos, private albums, hashtags and detailed pronoun and gender options. Then you have a few ways to meet people:
- Nearby grid. See who’s around you, then view, Woof at or chat with them. You don’t need to match first.
- Search and filters. Look by name or location, and use filters such as age, relationship and last online.
- SCRUFF Match. A daily stack of profiles to swipe on. If you both swipe right, you’re told. “Ask later” brings someone back tomorrow.
- SCRUFF Venture and Explore. This is what sets it apart: browse LGBTQ+ parties, prides and festivals around the world, RSVP, and let people know when you’ll be in their city.
Video chat is built in, so you can talk before you meet.
Who SCRUFF is for
Mainly gay and bi men, particularly those who travel or go to events, and people who’d like something more community-minded than a plain grid. Trans and non-binary people have identity options too, but queer women will usually do better on HER or Taimi. SCRUFF is smaller than Grindr in many places, so outside big cities you may run out of faces quickly.
Is SCRUFF good for relationships?
It can be, but most people aren’t there only for that. You can use the relationship filter and say what you’re looking for in your profile, and the longer profiles help. If a relationship is your main goal, add Hinge. Our gay dating sites ranking compares the options.
Is SCRUFF safe?
SCRUFF has a profile verification check: you copy poses on camera, moderators compare them with your main face photo, and you get a badge if they match (SCRUFF). Look for that badge, and use the in-app reporting if someone seems off. SCRUFF has a safety center, and support is available through the app. Take extra care when traveling to countries where LGBTQ+ people face legal risks, and don’t rush into meeting in private. Our verification guide can help.
The app is rated 4.4 out of 5 from about 30,000 ratings in the US App Store and 4.1 from about 121,000 reviews on Google Play (checked November 1, 2026).
SCRUFF vs Grindr
Grindr has the bigger reach. SCRUFF offers events and travel features, along with stronger promises on advertising data. Many people use both. See SCRUFF vs Grindr.
Our tip
Verify your profile, then check Venture before your next trip. Saying you’ll be in town and chatting with locals ahead of time is what SCRUFF does better than anyone else.
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 the Nearby grid, Woofs and chat, A daily SCRUFF Match stack, Events and travel through Explore and Venture |
| Paid from | ≈ $9.99 (US App Store) (see all plans) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long-established community
- Events and travel features
- Free chat with no need to match
- Says it doesn’t share data with ad networks
Cons
- Smaller than Grindr in many cities
- Lower limits on the free version
- Mixed intentions
Key features
- Grid and Match
- Browse people nearby and chat straight away, or swipe a daily SCRUFF Match stack.
- Venture and Explore
- Find LGBTQ+ parties, prides and festivals, and tell locals when you’re coming.
- Stealth Mode
- Pro members can view profiles without appearing on their Looks list.
How much does SCRUFF cost?
| Plan | Indicative price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Browse the Nearby grid, Woofs and chat, A daily SCRUFF Match stack, Events and travel through Explore and Venture |
| SCRUFF Pro | ≈ $9.99 to $19.99 on shorter plans, $39.99 and $119.99 on longer ones (US App Store) | Stealth Mode, Far higher grid, Woof and Looks limits, Unlimited search and filters, Startup lock |
Prices are indicative, in US dollars unless another currency is shown, and were checked November 1, 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?
Verify your profile, look for the badge on others, meet in public and take extra care when traveling 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 with no need to match
- Works almost everywhere
- Free version
- Yes
- Paid from
- ≈ $14.99 (US App Store)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Compare SCRUFF
SCRUFF FAQ
Is SCRUFF free?
Yes. You can browse, Woof and chat for free. SCRUFF Pro adds Stealth Mode, much higher limits and unlimited filters.
SCRUFF or Grindr?
Grindr is bigger; SCRUFF adds events and travel features and stronger promises on advertising data. Many men use both.
Can I pause SCRUFF instead of deleting?
Yes. You can disable your profile and restore it later by logging in and tapping Enable profile.
Who makes SCRUFF?
Perry Street Software, which describes itself as independent and LGBTQ+ owned. It also runs Jack’d.