Best free dating apps: We found 8 that actually work

Who it’s for:

Grindr is the hookup app for gay men and queers who can’t stand who can’t stand the heteronormativity of apps like Tinder or Bumble and for those looking to have some no-strings-attached fun.

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, bi, trans, and queer people, helping singles get it on since 2009. At over 3 million daily users, it’s clear it özgü earned its place as one of the most popular dating apps out there.  

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. 

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.