LGBTQ+ hookup and dating apps: who they serve, how they match and what is free

The App Store listing calls Grindr the world's #1 free dating app serving the LGBTQ community. Grindr is a location-based social and dating app for gay, bi, trans and queer adults. Its grid shows nearby profiles that you browse and message directly, and tags, filters and starred favorites narrow it down. The word hookup does not appear in the store listings, the homepage or the community guidelines, and casual dating is not named.

Grindr is free to download. A free account shows nearby users, chat, private photos and albums, tags and basic filters, favorites, and block and report, with third-party ads. XTRA and Unlimited add features and remove ads: XTRA shows up to 600 profiles at once, Unlimited shows unlimited profiles, and Incognito mode (browse profiles without being seen) sits under Unlimited. The US App Store lists XTRA at USD 14.99 and USD 22.99 and Unlimited at USD 27.99 and USD 44.99, with no period stated, and a Grindr subscription (tier not named) at USD 24.99 and USD 27.99 for 1 month.

The terms say We do not verify users. and set the minimum age at 18. Grindr runs on iPhone and iPad, on Android (50M+ downloads on Google Play) and on the web, with no download required. The App Store listing is in 41 of the 45 storefronts checked, not in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia or Indonesia. More on the app is in the Grindr review.

SCRUFF's store description says SCRUFF is an independent, LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, and its listings address gay, bi, trans and queer people. Members browse nearby profiles and chat. SCRUFF Match adds a new daily stack: swipe right if interested, left to pass, or Ask later to see the profile again tomorrow. Tapping I'm Interested on a profile tells you whether the attraction is mutual. Members can also Woof, and an Explore feed shows Moments, events and cities.

SCRUFF is free to download; the terms call the free tier the Standard Service and the paid one the Pro Version. The homepage lists what Pro adds: complete message history, up to 1,000 nearby members, stealth mode, more search filters, no fullscreen ads and read receipts. Whether free members can message is not confirmed. The US App Store lists Browsing Pro at USD 3.99, Messaging Pro at USD 4.99 and SCRUFF Pro from USD 9.99 to USD 119.99, none with a period stated in the listing.

Selfie verification is optional and earns a badge. SCRUFF runs on iPhone and on Android (10M+ downloads on Google Play), and a web version is not confirmed. The terms set the minimum age at 18, and the App Store listing is in 43 of the 45 storefronts checked, not in Turkey or Malaysia. The SCRUFF review goes through the rest.

HER's homepage invites queer women, nonbinary and trans sapphics into a safe space. The app combines dating with friends: members add friends, join communities, view events and use a Feed. Matching is a swipe-based Meet stack plus a Nearby view, and a Like becomes a match when it is mutual. Free accounts have daily swipes, and Premium removes the limit. The Premium Looking For filter includes Monogamous, Poly, New Friends & More.

The homepage says All of our core features are free and will remain free. The Premium page adds that members can Like, Match and Message without any cost, and the free app shows ads. Incognito Mode is a Premium feature, and private photos are not mentioned. The US App Store lists HER Gold and HER Premium at USD 14.99 and HER Platinum from USD 19.99 to USD 31.99, none with a period stated in the listing, and the GB App Store lists HER Premium from GBP 7.99.

The homepage also says users are verified and authenticated on the app. HER runs on iPhone and iPad and on Android (5M+ downloads on Google Play), and a web version is not confirmed. The terms set the minimum age at 18, and the App Store listing is in 42 of the 45 storefronts checked, not in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or Malaysia. The HER review has the longer version.

OkCupid matches on answers. Members answer questions (500+ in the app, 15 required at sign-up) and set dating preferences, and the algorithm combines what each person wants with their answers to shared questions into a Match % score. The help center lists gender and orientation among the preferences members can set, and Cupid's Picks adds a daily selection. Google Play calls OkCupid an LGBT dating app and names lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer users beside others. It is a dating app for people of all genders and orientations who want anything from casual dating to a serious relationship.

The help center says using OkCupid is completely free, including creating an account and interacting with matches. Paid plans add seeing who has liked you, unlimited Likes and Dealbreakers, and Incognito Mode is a paid upgrade. Photo Verification uses a video selfie with a Liveness Check and 3D Face Authentication. The US App Store lists A-List at USD 9.99 and OkCupid Premium from USD 7.99 to USD 59.99, none with a period stated, and the GB App Store lists A-List at GBP 7.99.

OkCupid has a web version and an Android app (50M+ downloads on Google Play). The terms set the minimum age at 18, and the App Store listing is in 44 of the 45 storefronts checked, not in South Korea.

Feeld describes itself as LGBTQ-inclusive and open to all genders, and whether it is LGBTQ-focused is not confirmed. Feeld is an adult dating app for singles, couples and polyamorous groups, with desire tags and linked partner profiles; the couple side is covered in couples dating apps compared. Mutual Likes create a Connection that opens chat, and Pings let you message someone before matching.

Free accounts can connect with others, explore profiles and send messages. Majestic adds Incognito, private photos and filters by Desires and Last Seen, and the optional photo verification is described on the safety page. The UK terms set the minimum age at 18, and a web version is not confirmed.