Gay hookup apps are great tools for LGBT+ travelers, whether you’re in a destination for a fling or a friendship. They’re also useful for navigating local culture, especially in countries with an established LGBT scene.
The best gay hookup apps are designed to help you find a partner who shares your interests, and they use your phone’s location data to show you nearby date prospects. Some also offer unlimited communication for a small fee.
1. Grindr
Grindr is a popular app for gays and queers that uses your location to match you with other users nearby. It’s a great way to meet up with someone new in your area or even find a hookup while you’re on vacation.
The app is free to download and easy to use. It also offers a variety of features, including messaging, chat emojis, and instant messages.
2. Chappy
Chappy is a mobile app that was created by reality star Ollie Locke to provide gay men with a safe and comfortable dating platform. This app focuses on mutual connections and allows users to set their preferences of the matches they want to see.
Chappy works similar to other dating apps, but there are some key differences that make it stand out from the rest. One of the biggest features of Chappy is that it is completely free to use.
The app is also very popular because it provides members with a unique way to find their match. It has a roulette-type matching feature that allows users to swipe right on profiles they like and then get notified when they match.
3. Bearfriend
If you’re looking for a casual hookup with a like-minded gay guy, Bearfriend is a good option. It has an expansive member base and specialized features that will help you find the perfect match.
It has an advanced search filter system that allows you to browse potential partners based on their personal preferences and interests. Plus, it has a variety of group chats to make it easier for you to connect with other gay singles.
Another great option is Recon, which specifically focusses on fetish hookups. It’s a free app that is easy to use and can be used anywhere in the world.
4. Growlr
Growlr is a popular dating app that helps gay men find their match. It is free to use and offers many features that allow users to search for and contact other members.
It also has a feature called “check-ins,” which shows you all the venues near your location that are also on Growlr. It also lets you see who has been checking out your profile and send them messages.
It only takes a few minutes to register for a free account on Growlr. All they need from you is your password, e-mail address, and name. After you’ve registered, you can fill out the rest of your profile.
5. Bumble
Bumble is a popular dating app that’s similar to Tinder. It displays profiles based on matching preferences and location. Users can swipe right or left to indicate interest.
The app is free to download, but you can upgrade for a higher number of matches. The cost isn’t too high, but it comes with a few additional features, like badges, specific search preferences, video and audio calls, and a question game.
A big twist on Bumble is that both sides of a match have 24 hours to message each other before the match expires. This is great for preventing harassment and abuse.
6. SilverSingles
Silver Singles is an online dating site specifically designed for those over the age of 50. It’s a safe place to meet people who are looking for friendship, love and a second chance at finding a partner.
The site is easy to use and has plenty of features. Signing up is simple; you just need to fill in your gender, email address and password, as well as a few other details.
Once you’ve signed up, you can take a personality test developed by psychologists that uses the Five-Factor Model of personalities to match you with compatible matches. You can then start receiving up to 3 to 7 compatible suggestions a day.
7. OkCupid
OKCupid is a free dating app with a variety of features and a solid match-making algorithm. Its biggest strength is its massive question database, which helps the site recommend matches based on your profile answers.
Like other dating sites, OkCupid also offers a paid subscription for users who want more features and perks. For example, premium members can view everyone who likes them without having to like them first and receive three SuperLikes each week.
In addition, the site offers incognito mode, which hides your profile from all but those who you message or like. It’s a good choice for anyone looking to keep their dating life private.