7 Best LGBTQ Dating Apps and Sites for 2024

Sandra Aninwaeze
By Sandra Aninwaeze Updated on: January 22, 2024 Fact Checked by Emily Thompson

The online dating scene used to be a nightmare for the LGBTQ community. But recently, there has been a rise in the number of LGBTQ dating apps and sites, and many mainstream dating sites have become LGBTQ-inclusive.

We have searched several LGBTQ-only dating sites online and some mainstream dating sites to ensure that they’re as LGBTQ friendly as they claim. We reviewed and tested these dating sites to ensure that they provide a safe environment for LGBTQ singles to freely express their sexuality and find their desired relationships. You’ll also find details on their features, subscriptions, matching algorithms, and communication tools.

Whether you’re looking for a serious relationship, casual hookups or just want to explore your sexuality, here are 7 best LGBTQ dating apps and sites that will cater to your dating goals.

Top 7 Dating Apps and Sites in Apr 2024

  1. BiCupidCasual dating platform for bisexual males and females.
  2. eHarmonyLGBTQ friendly site with most of its members seeking serious relationships.
  3. ZooskLGBTQ inclusive platform with a user-friendly interface.
  4. Scruff – Designed specifically for GBTQ men.
  5. Grindr – Gay dating site for gay men seeking casual hookups.
  6. OkCupid – Heterosexual dating site but LGBTQ inclusive.
  7. Pink Cupid – Designed for lesbian and bicurious women.

BiCupid - Spark Feature for Easy Profile Viewing

Boldly Find Love
4.4/5
  • 20 years of experience
  • Caters for many relationship types
  • Safe for all sexual orientations
Bisexual Dating Made Easy, Discover Your Match
Visit BiCupid
  • Free Membership
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android
  • Members’ blog available

BiCupid is mostly known as a casual dating platform, but there are a few users who want serious relationships. Bisexuals and other genders can sign up on this dating platform and rest assured that they can freely express their sexuality.

Sign up by first entering your gender and the gender you’re interested in. Required profile information further includes age, email address, phone number, name, preferred username and password, location, height, ethnicity, and relationship status. You can also sign up through email or Facebook. Upload your best photo and enter some interesting information in the About You section.

BiCupid offers free and premium memberships. Some free features include:

  • Winks and Likes
  • Spark
  • First Date Ideas
  • Favorite List
  • Respond only to paid users
  • Blogs and Forums

Premium features include all the free features and more useful options like:

  • Reverse Matches
  • Rewinds
  • Advanced search filter
  • Change username
  • Customize profile visibility
  • See profile visitors
  • See who liked you

Why We Choose BiCupid: Paid members can access the Reverse Matches feature, which shows you a list of profiles that are not necessarily ‘your type’. This feature encourages you to keep an open mind.

Pros
  • ✅ Dating advice and safety tips
  • Live customer support
  • Interactive members’ blogs and forums
  • Paid members can change username
Cons
  • ❌ Messaging not available for free members

eHarmony - Expansive List of Gender Options

Serious Love Search
4.9/5
  • Big member pool
  • Efficient matching system
  • Free version available
Enjoy Compatible Matches, even on Free Membership
Visit eHarmony
  • Free Membership
  • LGBTQ-friendly
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android

eHarmony is a diverse, LGBTQ-inclusive dating site with a large dating pool of straight and LGBTQ singles. This platform strives to ensure a safe and inclusive dating space for the LGBTQ community, giving members the option to suggest a gender, add more details about their gender, or choose from the long list of genders, including:

  • Agender
  • Bi-gender
  • Cisgender nonbinary
  • Gender-fluid
  • Genderqueer
  • Pangender
  • Questioning
  • Transgender nonbinary
  • Trans feminine nonbinary
  • Trans masculine nonbinary
  • Two-spirit

You must take the compatibility quiz to receive daily suggestions of compatible matches.

There are two types of memberships available on eHarmony – free and paid. Free users can:

  • Sign up and take the compatibility quiz
  • Browse through profiles
  • Send limited messages
  • Send Likes, Icebreakers, and Smiles
  • See who has viewed their profile

Paid membershave unlimited access to the features mentioned above, plus others like:

  • All communication tools
  • Customize profile visibility
  • Dedicated customer care
  • Video date
  • Advanced search criteria
  • Anonymous browsing
  • Distance search
  • Match unlimited profiles
  • Unlimited matches

Why We Choose eHarmony: eHarmony partners with GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) to create an LGBTQ-friendly dating scene.

Pros
  • ✅ Advanced matching system
  • Dedicated ‘Gay Dating’ section
  • Dating advice available
  • In-app video call
Cons
  • ❌ Not ideal for casual daters

Zoosk - Go on Virtual Dates with Zoosk Great Dates

Smart Worldwide Matches
4.7/5
  • Enormous dating pool
  • Various types of matching
  • Quick onboarding
Smart Dating, Discover Your Perfect Match
Visit Zoosk
  • LGBTQ+ inclusive
  • Free membership
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android

Zoosk is a diverse LGBTQ dating site that aims to provide “a platform for gay individuals to be visible and connect with others who share their orientation.” LGBTQ singles can use this platform to find serious relationships or casual dates.

The website uses a behavioral matching system to help you connect with individuals who share the same interests and preferences. You can also search for profiles using filters such as age, location, smoking habits, education level, children, etc.

The free membership at Zoosk allows you to send Smiles, access the Carousel feature, search for profiles, and see who’s online in your area. Free users can not send or receive messages. Paid members have unlimited access to all the site’s features, such as:

  • Zoosk Booster
  • Super Send
  • SmartPick technology
  • Zoosk Great Dates
  • Incognito mode

Why We Choose Zoosk: The Super Send feature helps you send pre-written, flirty messages to more than one profile at once.

Pros
  • ✅ Send virtual gifts to your match
  • Go live with Zoosk Live
  • Dating tips and advice available
  • Diverse dating pool
Cons
  • ❌ Free users cannot send or receive messages

Scruff - Attend Scruff-Sponsored Events

  • Free membership
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android
  • Over 20 million members

Scruff is a safe space for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer men to find casual hookups and even serious relationships. It is available in 10 languages, catering to people in various regions.

Most members are in their 20s and 30s. Members are grouped into communities such as Bears, Poz, Jock, Queer, Discreet, Leather, etc. Thanks to the app, you can find casual hookups even while on the go.

Free members can use the site even without signing up or creating a profile. You’ll be able to view members’ profile photos, send and receive messages, and browse profiles. Paid members have more unlimited features such as:

  • Browse anonymously
  • Advanced search filters
  • Ad-free browsing
  • View up to 1,000 men in a certain location
  • Send and receive videos
  • Advanced grid sorting
  • Unlimited private album sharing

Why We Choose Scruff: We love how they’ve included an Unsend feature to save users the embarrassment of sending the wrong message.

Pros
  • ✅ Large user base
  • For both casual hookups and serious relationships
  • Messaging is free
  • Hosts in-person events
Cons
  • ❌ No desktop version

Grindr - Gaymojis for More Engaging Conversations

  • Free Membership
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android
  • For casual hookups

Grindr is a popular and location-based gay dating site known for casual hookups. The site is mostly for gay men, but there’s a recent inclusion of bi, trans and queer.

With a free membership on Grindr, you can send and receive messages, share photos, and view up to 100 profiles in your area. Paid membership is divided into XTRA and Unlimited. Some XTRA features include:

  • Read receipts
  • Advanced search filter
  • View up to 600 profiles

The Unlimited subscription plan has all the XTRA features plus other features such as:

  • Chat translator
  • Incognito
  • Typing status
  • Unsend

Why We Choose Grindr: Since Grindr is used in many countries, the Unlimited subscription plan comes with an in-app translator tool.

Pros
  • ✅ Large user base
  • Translator tool
  • Free version has great options like messaging and sharing photos
  • Easy-to-use platform
Cons
  • ❌ Not for serious relationships

OkCupid - Diverse Dating Pool of LGBTQ Singles

  • Free Membership
  • LGBTQ inclusive
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android

OkCupid is open to 20 sexual orientations and 12 gender identities. We also love how this platform supports monogamy and non-monogamy.

During sign-up, you have to select your sexual orientation and gender identities, as well as answer a detailed questionnaire about your interests and personality. Free members can send and receive limited Likes and messages, and view profiles. Some paid features include:

  • Super Boost
  • Read receipts
  • Super Likes
  • OkCupid Stacks

Why We Choose OkCupid: The site has a feature called OkCupid Stacks that “allows you to view matches that fit what you’re looking for based on specific categories.”

Pros
  • ✅ Large user base
  • Several gender options
  • Customize profile visibility
Cons
  • ❌ Lengthy signup process

Pink Cupid - Participate in Chat Rooms

  • Free Membership
  • Over 1 million members
  • Mobile app for Android only

Pink Cupid is specifically designed for lesbian and bi-curious women to find genuine connections, whether love or friendships. Pink Cupid is one of the many sites owned by Cupid Media.

All profiles on Pink Cupid must have at least three photos, and this results in valuable content about all users. Members can also check the ‘last seen’ of other members, so you know if it’s a fairly active member or not.

The site offers free and paid memberships. Free users can send messages only to premium members, use basic filters to search for profiles, and upload photos. Some paid features include:

  • Unlimited messaging
  • Ad-free browsing
  • Translator
  • Advanced search filters
  • Browse anonymously

Why We Choose Pink Cupid: When you add a specific keyword to your Cupid Tag, you’ll appear in the search results of members who search for that keyword.

Pros
  • ✅ Profiles are detailed and complete
  • In-app translator
  • Profiles with suspicious IP addresses are removed
Cons
  • ❌ Smaller user base compared to others on the list

Dating Sites and Apps for LGBTQ Dating – Detailed Comparison

App/SiteBest forRegistered UsersMen/Women RatioFocusFree VersionSubscriptionMobile friendly?Verified ProfilesSocial Media IntegrationMatching System
BiCupidLGBTQ+ singlesOver 2 millionM: 65%
F: 35%
Casual hookups, Serious relationshipsAge, Location, Interests
eHarmonyAll singlesOver 30 millionM:48%
F: 52%
Serious relationshipsCompatibility quiz
ZooskAll SinglesOver 40 millionM: 48%
F: 52%
Serious relationships, Friendships, Casual datesBehavioural matching
ScruffLGBTQ singlesOver 15 millionMen onlySerious relationships, Casual relationshipsAge, Location
GrindrGay menOver 13 million userMen onlyCasual hookupsLocation, Interest, Tribes, Photo Only, Ethnicity
* Note: Stats are aggregated via SimilarWeb, extracting data from trusted websites including Online Dating Statistics by Forbes Health, Pew Research Center and FinancesOnline

How We Rate Dating Sites and Apps 

We rate each dating site after an in-depth review process that includes fact-checking and to align with our editorial policy, our feedback is based on real-life testing of each platform. We do have advertising partners, which is explained in our advertising disclosure, but we deliver unbiased information and update content regularly. For your peace of mind, learn more about our process in our detailed ranking guide.

Main Features to Consider When Choosing an LGBTQ Dating Site

The best LGBTQ dating sites must provide features relevant to the LGBTQ community. Use this list of features when searching for the best LGBTQ dating site for you:

  • Suitable Match Algorithm: Choose LGBTQ dating sites with suitable and intelligent matching algorithms that suggest the best and most compatible profiles for a particular user. New eHarmony members must take the 80-question compatibility quiz. The site then uses the results of the quiz to send daily suggestions of compatible profiles. We highly recommend this algorithm for those hoping to find serious relationships through online dating.
  • Advanced Search Filter: Users should also have the freedom to search for profiles using advanced search criteria such as age, appearance, lifestyle, hobbies, etc. You know which characteristics you’re after in a friend or partner.
  • Communication Tools: Choose LGBTQ dating sites that provide intuitive communication tools such as Winks, Hearts, Smiles, Likes, and Icebreakers. These tools can help you begin a conversation with a profile, even without composing a message. The chat feature should also include emojis, GIFs, stickers, and voice messages. Grindr even has a feature called gaymojis.
  • User Base: Pick LGBTQ dating sites with a member pool that aligns with your desired relationship. For example, many eHarmony members want a serious relationship, while BiCupid members want casual relationships.
  • Video Call: Choose LGBTQ dating sites with an in-app video call feature to help you connect with your matches and plan virtual dates. This tool ensures your safety because you can confirm your match’s identity. A video call can help you confirm if someone is telling the truth about their sexual orientation. eHarmony has an in-app video call feature available for paid users.

Important Tips for Safety & Success on LGBTQ Dating Sites

LGBTQ dating sites are designed for the LGBTQ community only, but unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that there won’t be fake profiles and scammers on them. Below are a few tips on safety and success on LGBTQ dating sites.

  1. Review the Best Sites for You: There are several LGBTQ dating sites with different features, member pools, and matching algorithms. Take the time to review as many platforms as possible to discover the one best for you. For example, look for dating sites with the right member pool seeking the same kind of relationship as you. If you want a serious relationship, try eHarmony. If you just want a casual hookup, try BiCupid or Grindr.
  2. Know What You Want: Before you start searching for the perfect match, reflect on your relationship goals, values, and your ideal partner, not just in terms of looks but also personality or life goals. This will guide you in making the right choice.
  3. Don’t Only Date Your Type: Do not restrict your dating pool to a type you’re used to dating. Rather, date a wide variety of people to help you learn more about yourself and explore different relationship dynamics.
  4. Do Not Settle for Less: Whether you choose to date your usual type or expand your dating pool, do not settle for less than what will make you happy and content. Don’t be in a hurry to date someone just because you haven’t dated in a long time. You deserve someone that will treat you right without even asking.
  5. Video Call Before Meeting Up: To confirm your match’s identity and ensure your safety, we advise that you schedule a video call before you meet up. If you still have your doubts, don’t be in a hurry to meet them. Get more information about them before you go on a date with them, so you can always be as safe and at ease as possible. This approach can make online dating much more enjoyable too. 
  6. Meet in a Public Place: When you have decided to meet up with your match, ensure you meet and stay in a public place. Keep your friends in the loop as well. If you notice any strange and creepy behaviors, find an excuse to end the date.
  7. Talk About STD Testing: If you decide to take a step further in your relationship and become physical, you and your partner must talk about STD and HIV testing. Ask them the last time they got tested, but make sure you don’t come across as judgmental.
  8. Talk About Polyamory and Non-monogamy: You and your match or partner should talk about polyamory, non-monogamy, and monogamy to ensure that you both want the same things. This will help to avoid unnecessary conflicts in your relationship.

Is a Free LGBTQ Dating Site Legit?

Usually, a dating site will offer some of its features for free so that users can decide the site is right for them. For example, free users at BiCupid can send Winks, engage in the members’ blogs, and upload photos and profiles to a ‘Favorite’ list. Free members on eHarmony can send limited messages, Smiles, and Likes, browse a limited number of profiles, and see who viewed their profile.

We advise that you test out a dating site using its free membership before you invest your money and buy a subscription. If the site suits your preferences, a contract can get you access to more features and enhance the experience and outcome.

Bisexual Dating Made Easy, Discover Your Match
Visit BiCupid
Enjoy Compatible Matches, even on Free Membership
Visit eHarmony

Resources for LGBTQ Singles Seeking Love

It’s possible to find love and friendship on other platforms aside from LGBTQ dating sites. Some platforms even hold social events for members to meet one another and share their stories, and experiences, or just have fun. Check out these groups to find other LGBTQ singles.

Conclusion: What is the Best LGBTQ Dating Site?

The best LGBTQ dating site depends on the features you would enjoy using, the type of relationship you’re looking for, and your budget.

Based on our experience, the best LGBTQ dating sites are BiCupid and eHarmony. The majority of BiCupid members are looking for casual hookups with a few profiles looking for serious relationships, while eHarmony members hope to find serious relationships.

Choose the LGBTQ dating site that has the right member pool for your dating goals. Also, we advise signing up at more than one LGBTQ dating site to find the one that works best for you.

FAQ

Are There Any Truly Free LGBTQ Dating Apps and Sites?

There are LGBTQ dating sites that offer some features for free (usually limited) while others offer free and unlimited communication. For example, OkCupid offers completely free messaging.

What are the Best LGBTQ Dating Apps and Sites for Hookups?

What Are the Most Used LGBTQ Dating Apps and Sites?

Sandra Aninwaeze
Author Sandra Aninwaeze

Sandra, a 28-year-old Dating Coach and Author, specializes in relationship and dating advice, with a background in healthcare advising and therapy. She is dedicated to helping individuals build meaningful relationships and find true love. Sandra offers personalized coaching, providing tailored advice for everything from first dates to long-term commitments.