9 free dating apps that really work in 2024

Who it’s for:

Grindr is the hookup app for gay men and queers who can’t stand the heteronormativity of apps like Tinder or Bumble. For guys looking to have no-strings-attached fun, this is the place to be.

Let’s be real: Grindr users have no chill. It’s an NSFW gay paradise, and if you’ve been thinking that you’ve met every gay man in your area already, Grindr might be able to show you some newbies who you never knew existed. (Unless you’re in a small town, in which case you’ll probably see the same people recycled on your feed — but just wait until you go on vacation.)

Why we picked this:

Grindr is the world’s biggest social networking app for gay men, helping singles and frisky couples get it on since 2009. With more than 3 million daily users, it’s clear it has earned its status as one of the most popular dating apps.  

Instead of swiping right or left to match, you’ll get a borderline infinite collage of people who are close location-wise, and honestly, it’s super jumbled and scary to look at. It can be a pretty speedy process if you want it to be, and most users just looking to hook up will let you know right off that they’re not trying to make small talk. That’s not to say it’s not for relationships, but at the surface level, it’s ideal for quick, casual encounters. 

But rumor has it that the app may soon start charging for features most subscribers already enjoy for free, so we’re not entirely sure how long this app will stay on this list. According to the company’s CEO, George Arison, the team is also toying with the idea of offering an “a la carte” payment option for travel services so users can make traveling to events like Aspen Gay Ski Week even more exciting.

Be warned, however: Grindr is hella NSFW. Messages will be freaky, and you’re 100% going to receive a ton of unsolicited (or solicited, if you asked) dick pics, so messaging on Grindr while you’re on the train or in line at the store isn’t quite as casual as other dating apps might be. You’ll also get badgered for pictures, so steer clear if you’re uncomfortable with that.

For those who are all about finding a partner in a more traditional, romantic way, other apps (like Archer) might be a better choice; for gay men who strictly want to hook up, this is the Holy Grail.