First dates are nerve-wracking, with the pressure to make a good impression casting a shadow over thoughts of compatibility. Now, add an extra hurdle. And it shouldn’t be perceived like that at all. Among singles of like minds, LGBTQ+ matchmaking is just more dating.
Apps that cater to specific needs and preferences perform better than those that don’t. Inclusive and mindful of sexual orientation and gender identity are only a few of the features you’ll look for when selecting a dating app that caters to your authentic self. These apps are available on Android tablets, Android phones, and iOS devices and are free to use. However, each offers a premium membership with more functionality.
1 HER
Lesbian, bi, and queer dating
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HER is the best app for queer women, nonbinary, and gender-fluid people. It has one of the most thorough approaches to dating we’ve seen. Among the app’s many features, there’s a chat section and community forums. It’s also one of the most trans-friendly entries on this list.
A Gold membership costs $15 a month, and the Platinum package costs $25 a month. For that billing, you receive unlimited swipes. As with many premium subscriptions, Gold members don’t have ads interrupting their searches, and there’s an incognito mode.
2 SCRUFF
Gay, bi, trans hookup app
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An international dating app for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer singles who are concerned about privacy. SCRUFF boasts a community of over 15 million “woofing” users. After a short signup is complete, you’re taken to pages of like-minded singles and can engage with the community.
Send a message using the Nearby or Discover tabs, or “woof” them, their version of a flirty expression of interest. If the free experience isn’t enough, upgrade to Scruff Pro. At $14.99 a month, it’s an ad-free subscription that unlocks filters, unlimited messaging, and more.
3 Tser
Ultimate app for trans dating
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While aimed at the Trans community, Tser invites non-binary and crossdressers. It feels like a safe space to be yourself, which is the biggest feature of any dating app. Though its user base may be modest compared to other apps, you’re embraced by an inclusive community that values you for who you are.
For $12.99 per month, a Premium subscription unveils additional features. However, consider how its smaller user base might limit dating options, especially locally.
4 Feeld
Dating site for open-minded people
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Choosing from 20 sexual identities, including queer, gay, lesbian, trans, androgynous, and more, lack of dating diversity is never going to be an issue with Feeld. The grid layout is intuitive, uses the familiar swipe gesture to filter out incompatible dates, and is safe to explore thanks to a keenly realized emphasis on profile privacy.
Subtle Likes are free, allowing members to become excited at casual interest and grow in confidence as their dating skills develop. Graduating to more suggestive Pings requires a Majestic subscription, which adds desire filters and an incognito mode to your membership.
5 Grindr
Hookup app for LGBTQ+
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Recognized as one of the main gay dating apps, Grindr is also a portal to bi, trans and queer hookups. Inclusivity is at the core of this, the #1 online gay hookup app. While there have been complaints of a focus on physical appearance, the platform is a popular choice among the community.
Icebreaking taps, messaging, favorites, and profile filtering are among the dating portals’ most recognized features. Expect a free membership, but the premium membership level, Xtra, gives you access to more advanced features (such as more security), additional niche tribes, and unlimited blocks.
6 Hornet
Connecting the LGBTQ+ community worldwide
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Positively buzzing with features that build a vibrant dating space, Hornet isn’t limited by profile swipes. The app lets you share your day and use hashtags, just like any other popular online social app, although this community heavily focuses on inclusivity.
Other commendable features queer users can look forward to include Hornet Live, a video messaging service, and Honey, which is a virtual currency used to unlock exciting special features. Next to this top menu button, you’ll find moment posting and video stories. $14.99 a month can be expected to unlock premium features.
7 Jack’d
Effortless connection for LGBTQ+ individuals
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An app for creating connections with gay, bi, trans, and queer people internationally. Jack’d focuses on real-life connections, plus chatting and social networking. The signup section is almost identical to what’s used in SCRUFF, so turn on location services and get browsing.
A “Cruised” entry is at the bottom of the page, so you can see who’s been checking you out. Messaging is also available, as are sensitive content filters on member images. That’s thoughtful, assuming some shy members are of a sensitive disposition. Jack’d is also affordable, coming in at $9.99 for a paid, ad-free subscription, but it’s free to test, with ads.
8 Taimi
Diverse LGBTQ+ dating experience
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An all-inclusive dating app designed for LGBTQ+ people, Taimi is perfect whether you’re looking to find love or something serious. While some of its best features are locked behind its premium subscription, there are still plenty of tools to help find the perfect match. After you’ve matched, you can make video calls, send voice messages, and join group chats if you want an extra sense of community. While it has the potential to be a social app, it doesn’t offer as much functionality as other apps on this list.
Taimi’s premium features are available in three tiers, ranging from $4.99 per week to $14.99 per week. These tiers include features like Rainbow likes (Super Likes), Rollbacks (change your mind on someone you’ve dismissed), and more.
9 Tinder
A revolution in dating
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While it’s changed a lot since its inception, Tinder still has one of the largest user bases of any dating app. Although it’s not a dedicated LGBTQ+ dating app, enough people are around to help you find your match.
Tinder has complicated premium subscriptions. Features are locked behind multiple tiers. Determining which premium subscription works best for you can be a challenge. We recommend using the free version for as long as possible before considering a subscription.
10 Hinge
Dating app for relationships
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Advertised late at night as the designed-to-be-deleted app, Hinge is a polished dating app with plenty of space for non-binary and gay dating. It caters to straight relationships and casual meetings, lesbian, bisexual, and a whole host of gender-fluid users, too.
Every possible sexual identity is covered. This is done through a detailed profile, personality showcasing standouts and likes, and Hinge’s commitment to authenticity. An expensive Hinge+ $49.99 membership is available with more perks, including priority likes and enhanced matches.
11 OkCupid
Matching based on shared interests
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OkCupid has a more intimate approach than most dating apps. It asks you a series of questions and finds matches based on your answers. However, beyond this, it is just Tinder with extra steps.
OkCupid was one of the earliest dating apps to allow users to highlight pronouns, and it now offers a massive amount of gender identity options for users to select from. This makes the app extremely friendly for LGBTQ+ people, as you’re guaranteed to be able to express yourself perfectly.
Find the dating app that works for you
Discover your match on the above best dating apps. Flirty hookups are also encouraged. These apps showcase how important connections are, whether made through chatting features or simple but provocative digital nudges, à la Grindr’s tap or Scruff’s Woof. In the LGBTQ+ community, everyone is welcome, and inclusivity and diversity rule. It doesn’t do any harm having such flirty and exciting dating options a swipe away from your fingertips.
