Gay Hookup Apps: Top of 2023

As the LGBTQ+ community continues to be proud and loud, developers are creating platforms where these individuals can freely express themselves and possibly find love. Gay hookup apps are the pioneer sites of dedicated apps. They are meant to offer a safe space without the overwhelming challenges of an inclusive site. But what are the best gay hookup apps, and what do they offer?

If you’re looking for the best gay hookup apps to try your luck, here are some of the top gay hookup apps creating a buzz in the online dating world.

1. Grindr

Best for Finding: Casual Dates and Flings

Pros

• Grindr is one of the most popular gay hookup apps. It has a large and diverse user base worldwide.
• Standard users can enjoy the full functionality of the site
• The matching algorithm is geo-based
• Users have the option of adding their HIV status to their profiles
• Photo uploads are a must at signup, and they have to be approved before they can reflect on your profile.

Cons

• Users can only upload one picture at a time
• Only premium members can access the live chat feature
• Most profiles lack pictures, and they offer bare minimum details
• Lacks an email verification process.

Features

• The site offers numerous contact features, and messaging within the same country is free.
• Tap is a feature that allows you to initiate contact while expressing your intention. The emoticons represent three different interests; Friendly, Looking, and Hot.
• Since Grindr is a hookup app, users tend to send locations and pictures more than they do messages.
• The site allows you to link your Grindr profile to other social accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Gaymojis are emojis customized for the LGBTQ+ community, and they are not available on any other social site. This is a spicy addition to contact features that allows you to be wild and imaginative with your thoughts.
• Explore is a premium feature that allows users to browse profiles outside the country.
• Members can use the app in incognito mode, meaning other users won’t be notified when such an account views their profile. However, this also means that you can’t see who viewed your profile either.

Cost

Grindr can be classified amongst free gay hookup apps since most basic features are free. Nevertheless, a premium upgrade comes with exclusive perks that make your experience more interactive and fun.

Grindr Xtra comes in four billing cycles, with the longest one being a year. A mobile phone is the only acceptable mode of payment.

Duration Total

• 1 month £8.49
• 3 months £21.99
• 6 months £29.99
• 12 months £44.99

Although you can use the app on a standard subscription, you’ll have to deal with ads. However, you can enjoy a free premium trial for seven days. Once this period expires, your membership renews automatically as the Grindr Xtra Lite.

2. Taimi

Best for Finding: Friendships, Love, and Casual Dates.

Pros

• Site is accessible even to standard users
• Offers multiple signup options
• Has plenty of communication features
• Chatting with matched users is free
• View pictures and profiles for free.

Cons

• Sending chat requests is a premium feature
• It lacks a desktop version.

Features

• Rollbacks are a premium feature that allows users to get back match suggestions that they didn’t like earlier.
• The easiest way to get a date is by increasing your profile visibility. With the Boost feature, more members get to see your profile on their match suggestions.
• On Taimi, you don’t have to wait until matching with someone to initiate a conversation. Instead, you can upgrade to premium and send chat requests to the users you like. However, messaging with matched users is free.
• Live Duet – with a raging pandemic, not everyone is comfortable hanging out with people anymore. However, the site offers you a streaming service where you can virtually interact with other members at zero risk.
• The app helps you protect your privacy through the Taimi Protect feature. This allows you to set a lock code or fingerprint lock on the app.

Cost

If you want to use gay hookup apps free of charge, Taimi is an excellent option. However, the site has a premium package that offers exclusive perks such as profile highlight, access to more filters, and activation of the incognito mode.

Taimi XL is available in four packages, and the total depends on your preferred billing cycle. Payments are made via credit cards.

Duration Total

• 7 days $14.99
• 1 month $41.99
• 3 months $53.99
• 12 months $71.99

3. Zoosk

Best for Finding: Flings and Long-term Partners

Pros

• The site is flexible to allows users of different dating intentions
• The SmartPick Introductions recommends refined match suggestions based on your behavior online
• Admin gets rid of suspected faked accounts as soon as they are detected
• Offers plenty of contact features.

Cons

• Customer care might be unresponsive to users’ complaints
• Most of the registered users are no longer active
• Contact features are restricted to premium users only.

Features

• As one of the popular gay hookup apps, Zoosk has numerous features guaranteed to make it worth your while.
• Carousel is the matchmaking feature that presents profiles through a roulette system. You can send a flirt or skip a profile, depending on how you feel about it.
• SmartPick Introductions – the site’s algorithm studies your online activities such as texting, matching, or flirting and learns your preferences. This information is used to make match suggestions. These introductions appear on a timer, so you have to respond before they disappear.
• Zoosk collects your data and online patterns to give you dating insights. This way, you can know the type of people you attract and your similarities to them.
• Connections are the Favorites equivalent on Zoosk. Anytime someone responds to your heart or smile, they become a connection automatically.
• Boost- make more connections and matches by increasing your profile visibility.

Cost

Creating an account on Zoosk is free, but most of the features will require a premium upgrade. It allows you to contact those you’re interested in and browse anonymously.

Zoosk premiums are available in three plans, and they renew automatically at the end of your billing cycle. Please note that this site charges a one-time activation fee of $24.95, exclusive of your premium payment.

Duration Total cost

• 1 month $29.99
• 3 months $59.99
• 6 months $74.99

If you’re unsure about getting a premium subscription, you can opt for the add-on purchases that give you limited but sufficient access to premium features.

4. OkCupid

Best for Finding: Casual Flings, Hookups, Long-term Partners

Pros

• As one of the top gay hookup apps, OkCupid brags a large and active user base
• There are over 60 sexual orientations and identities that users can select from
• Most of the core features are accessible for free
• It accommodates different types of dating intentions
• Offers a personality test at sign up.

Cons

• Registering an account might take longer than other sites
• Only matched profiles can exchange messages
• Limited language options.

Features

• The site offers a wide array of sexual identities and orientations that users can apply on search filters and matching criteria
• The matching algorithm on OkCupid is based on your questionnaire answers at signup
• Your results for the personality test are used to determine the percentage of compatibility between you and a potential match
• Double Take is the matching feature that operates on the swipe system. The right swipe indicates interest, while the left one means otherwise.
• Keep track of the profiles you’re interested in from the Likes tab. If you message them, they’ll get a notification on their Double Take.
• You can increase your profile visibility by using the Boost feature more often. Although you have to purchase it, this feature shows your profile on searches and match suggestions more frequently.
• With the Stacks functionality, you can effortlessly organize your matches, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Cost

OkCupid makes for one of the best free gay hookup apps because standard users have access to plenty of the available features. As such, most people don’t see the need for an upgrade. Nevertheless, the site offers two premium packages and an additional purchase, Boost.

Package Duration Total

A-List Basic

• 1 month $7.95
• 3 months $19.05
• 6 months $23.70

A-List Premium

• 1 month $24.90
• 3 months $68.70
• 6 months $119.40

5. Plenty of Fish

Best for Finding: Serious Partners and Casual Flings

Pros

• Free users get to enjoy plenty of features
• Has a free mobile app version
• For safety, your account signs out automatically after periods of inactivity
• The platform is accessible in five languages
• It’s amongst the most popular gay dating hookup apps, so you’ll have increased chances of matching.

Cons

• The site lacks a monthly payment plan
• There are fake profiles on the site
• Account registration is time-consuming
• Extended profiles are restricted to premium users only.

Features

• Chemistry Predictor is exclusive to Plenty of Fish. This tool allows users to take one or all of the assessment tests. The results of the test are used to suggest the perfect match.
• Ultra Match suggests profiles that you’re most likely to be compatible with.
• Top Prospects is a suggestion list of users you’ve been in contact with for the past month, ranked according to compatibility. This is a great feature for those seeking a life partner or serious relationship.
• Nearby – Like most local gay hookup apps, Plenty of Fish suggests matches based on their distance within your locality.
• For the social individuals, the Meet Me feature suggests profiles that are ready to meet up physically. However, you must both agree to meet before you can initiate contact.

Costs

Premium plans are split into three billing cycles that renew automatically.

In addition, users can opt to purchase token bundles to use on the site. This action is non-refundable regardless of their expiry date. Acceptable modes of payment include credit card, mobile phone, or PayPal.

Duration Total

• 2 months $38.70
• 4 months $51.00
• 8 months $81.40

A token costs $1.99, and they are available in bundles of 5 and 10.

6. Tinder

Best for Finding: Casual Flings and Long-term Relationships

Pros

• The app developers invented the Swiping technique, which makes it easier to find a match from suggestions
• The large user-base has high interaction rates
• Matches are suggested according to location
• The site has a mobile app that’s compatible with all devices, making it convenient for users who are always on the move
• There are numerous contact features on the site that make interaction fun and efficient.

Cons

• Profiles on Tinder only offer bare minimum information
• Users can’t match manually through the search filter
• Premium subscriptions cost more for users older than 28
• Contact features can only be used for free when members mutually match. Otherwise, you’ll be required to upgrade your membership.

Features

• Tinder is amongst the best apps for a gay hookup, and it’s not hard to see why. The app is available worldwide, so you’re sure to get a match regardless of your current location.
• The platform has an enormous user base, meaning it has a high activity rate. This automatically increases your chances of making a match.
• Sign-up and verification can be done via Facebook profiles, email, or your phone number.
• The search function is only available if you’ve mutually liked profiles.
• Once you set up your profile, it’s impossible to change your age or username. Editing your profile can only be done if a user synced your account to Facebook.
• Tinder understands the importance of photos when hooking up, thus introducing the Smart Photo feature. This feature allows you to upload a minimum of three pictures, then the site’s algorithm picks the most attractive one.
• There are 9 sexual orientations and gender identity options on the site, and you are allowed to use up to three on your profile.
• To safeguard its users, Tinder integrated Noonlight, a third-party security service on the app. This app allows users to send a discreet distress call if they feel unsafe. It notifies emergency services which will track the user’s location.

Costs

Tinder offers free contact features, unlike most gay dating hookup apps. In addition, Tinder offers three premium packages; Gold, Platinum, and Plus. Upgrading your membership means you get to enjoy an ad-free experience.

Package Duration under 28 over 28

Tinder Gold

• 1 month $14.99 $29.99
• 6 months $52.99 $112.99
• 12 months $82.99 $149.99

Tinder Plus

• 1 month $9.99 $19.99
• 6 months $34.99 $60.00
• 12 months $54.99 $80.00

Tinder Platinum

• 1 month $14.32 $17.99
• 6 months $50.10 $63.00
• 12 months $71.64 $90.00

7. DaddyHunt

Best for Finding: Sugar Daddies and Casual Flings

Pros

• The site has a large and highly interactive user base
• Downloading the app and creating an account is free
• Contact features are free
• Allows users to share videos and photos in texts
• Offers a wide variety of search filters
• Allows users to link profiles to social media accounts.

Cons

• Registration is time-consuming
• Most features are restricted to a paid membership
• Not suitable for those seeking long-term partners.

Features

• If you wish to browse through profiles anonymously, you can activate the invisible mode feature. However, this is a paid feature available to premium users only.
• Unlike most gay sex hookup apps, DaddyHunt allows you to hide your distance details and age from your profile.
• if you prefer visual contact to text, this site allows you to exchange unlimited videos with your match
• Get rid of the annoying ads by going premium.

Cost

According to cost reviews on gay hookup apps Reddit users think DaddyHunt is the most affordable platform. Premium plans are split into four billing cycles that renew automatically. Payments are made via credit cards.

Billing Cycle Cost

• 7 days $7
• 1 month $15
• 3 months $35
• 6 months $45

8. Adam4Adam

Best for Finding: Casual Relationships

Pros

• Offers a couple registration option
• Comes with a live stream service
• All features are free
• Compatible with all devices
• Has an online sex shop.

Cons

• The site is spammed with ads
• Verification is not mandatory
• Presence of many fake profiles
• Inactive connections are deleted
• Available features are less compared to most apps.

Features

• This site is among the few that offer an online sex shop where guys can buy toys and other sex items
• Adam4Adam allows users to watch movies on the site, and it offers three payment plans.
• The time package plan allows you to pay by the minute
• rental movies are available for 48 hours, and there are no restrictions to the number of times you can watch them
• Downloads allow you to own a movie for a week, a month, or forever, and this depends on your budget
• The Underwear Club sends designer undergarments to users each month in their size and preferred style
• You can announce your trips if you travel a lot, so it’s easier to plan hookups with other members. For the social people, you can opt to advertise your event or party on the website. This ad remains up 30 days before the actual event and two days after.

Cost

Although all features are available for free, Adam4Adam offers two premium packages. The most significant perks are ads removal, and users can advertise their services.

VIP Access costs $6.67, while the Pro plan costs $20.00. These plans are billed monthly.

9. BoyAhoy

Best for finding: Casual Hookups and Serious Partners

Pros

• The site has lots of active members
• Offers plenty of interactive features.

Cons

• The app glitches
• Lacks any special feature.

Features

• The services on this platform are location-based, so you have better chances of meeting your match
• Users can unlock premium features using points instead of a monthly subscription
• You can buy virtual gifts and send them to your favorite users
• You can receive real-time notifications without having to upgrade your membership
• If you have a lot of matches, you can keep track of your favorite by adding them to a Favorites list.

Cost

Most features are premium, so users have to purchase a paid plan. Premium subscriptions are split into a monthly plan at $9.99and a quarterly plan at $24.99.

However, most people prefer to buy points instead, and they are available in bundles.

Bundle Cost

• 500 points $4.99
• 1000 points $7.99
• 4000 points $24.99

How to Choose the Best Gay Hookup App?

What are the qualities that define the best apps for a gay hookup?

• Popular apps and sites tend to have a high activity rate, thus increasing your chances of making a match.
• The matching algorithm should be location-based
• Should be affordable, or offer several payment plans
• Should have a mobile app, or the website should be optimized for mobile use.

What are Gay Hookup Apps for?

They are a platform where queer men can interact, hook up, and potentially meet life partners. Some are exclusive to gay people, but some allow users across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

How Do Gay Hookup Apps Actually Work?

Gay hookup apps are very similar to the mainstream dating app that most people are accustomed to. The only difference is that they are dedicated to gay users, and most features are better suited for gay matching. In addition, most dedicated gay apps don’t allow straight people to create profiles.

Tips to be Successful on Gay Hookup Apps

First, you want to ensure the credibility of your profile. Fill out the required spaces and upload pictures every once in a while. This proves you’re not a fake profile or bot.

Be informative, but ensure your profile remains short and interesting. Be active on the site, and interact with others to increase visibility. Lastly, use search tools and filters to narrow down the pool to your preferences.

Is It Safe to Use a Gay Hookup App?

Most sites have verification systems to reduce the number of fake profiles. Data encryption ensures your information is protected from unauthorized third parties. Good gay hookup apps will have systems and processes in place to keep you safe.

Is it Possible to Remain Anonymous Using a Gay Hookup App?

Gay hookup apps have an invisibility feature that allows people to browse anonymously. You can hide your location and online status or view profiles without notifying owners. However, this is often a premium feature.

Gay Singles Can Use Hookup Apps Anywhere & Anytime

Absolutely. Most of these apps are available worldwide. They allow users to change preferences to suit their current situation or location.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of gay hookup apps that will help you find a partner, regardless of your dating intention. You can ask for recommendations or read reviews before you decide where to create a profile. Also, there’s no harm in using several at the same time.

FAQ

How Different are Gay Hookup Apps from Typical Dating Sites?

The significant difference between these apps is the target audience. Otherwise, most features aim to accomplish the same things.

Are there Any Gay Hookup Sites that You Can Use Free of Charge?

In most cases, gay hookup dating sites operate as a freemium model. This means that it avails some features and tools for free, but users must upgrade their membership to unlock all features.

Search Functionalities on Gay Hookup Apps – How are they?

Different apps will offer different search filters, depending on the purpose of the platform. Hookup apps will have more filters based on locations and appearances. On the other hand, those seeking something serious will prefer to use compatibility filters such as personality or psychological attributes.