1
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)
SCRUFF · Alternatives
Apps Like SCRUFF for Gay, Bi and Queer Men
SCRUFF isn’t for everyone. Here are the best dating sites to try instead, depending on what you want.
When to look at SCRUFF alternatives
SCRUFF is strong on travel, events and privacy, and if it works where you live, stay. People look for apps like SCRUFF when there are too few people nearby or when they want something more focused on relationships.
If you want the most people
Grindr is the biggest app of its kind, with a similar nearby grid and free chat. See SCRUFF vs Grindr. Many people keep both.
If you want a relationship
Hinge is the strongest pick. Its profiles are built around prompts and dating intentions, and you can match and message for free. Tinder has a large pool, and you can set your orientation.
If you want a broader community
Taimi is open to the whole LGBTQ+ community, and suits people who want more than men-for-men dating. Our LGBTQ+ dating sites ranking compares more.
If you’re a queer woman or non-binary
HER is built for you, with Communities alongside dating. See our lesbian dating sites ranking.
If you’re trans
Our transgender dating sites ranking covers apps built with that experience in mind.
If you’re traveling
Before you switch, check SCRUFF Venture and Explore, since few other apps match them for finding LGBTQ+ events abroad. For gay and bi men in general, our gay dating sites ranking lists the wider field.
Comparison table
| Site | Rating | Best for | Free version | Paid from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grindr | Gay and bi men meeting people nearby | Yes | ≈ $14.99 (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 | |
| Tinder | Meeting lots of people fast | Yes | ≈ $9.99 (US App Store) | Visit | |
| HER | LGBTQ+ women and queer people | Yes | ≈ $14.99 (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: 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)
5
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)
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 SCRUFF?
Grindr is our top SCRUFF alternative for most people. The best choice depends on your goals.
Is there a free alternative to SCRUFF?
Yes — see our best free dating sites and apps.