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  • 10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps UK 2024 | HER, Taimi, Grindr and More 1
  • 10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps UK 2024 | HER, Taimi, Grindr and More 2
  • 10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps UK 2024 | HER, Taimi, Grindr and More 3
  • 10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps UK 2024 | HER, Taimi, Grindr and More 4
  • 10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps UK 2024 | HER, Taimi, Grindr and More 5

10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps UK 2024 | HER, Taimi, Grindr and More

Dating as an LGBTQ+ person in the modern world can present itself with excitement and opportunities that previous generations wouldn't have been able to fathom. That's largely down to one thing – the use of smartphones, and in particular, the dating apps we have access to on our beloved devices.


In this article, we're going to explore the best LGBTQ+ dating apps out there. Still, in reality, there are so many different identities that fall within the acronym that it's certainly not a one size fits all situation! Stick with us while we explore the myriad of possibilities in the form of iOS and Android apps available for Google Play and Apple users. Woof!

Last updated 25/03/2024

Quick List - Top LGBTQ+ Dating Apps

1

Bloomer Inc

HER
HER

The World's Largest App for Lesbian and Queer Womxn

2

Bumble Holding Limited

Bumble
Bumble

Focused on Dating and Relationships Rather Than Hook-Ups

3

Grindr LLC

Grindr
Grindr

The Original Game Changer

4

Surge Gay App s.r.o.

Zoe
Zoe

Best-Rated App for Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women

5

Social Impact Inc.

Taimi
Taimi

A Queer and Trans Focused App

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Table of Contents

How to Choose an LGBTQ+ Dating App in the UK - Buying Guide

Finding the right dating community can be both difficult and daunting, for a whole host of reasons! It can also be hard to tell what an app is like before trying it, but hopefully, our tips and picks will help you to feel more confident about dipping your toes in.

1

Whatever You Identify As, Check if the App Is Suitable

Whatever You Identify As, Check if the App Is Suitable

First things first, before you download that app you better make sure it's actually suitable for your "tribe". There are apps specifically for gay men which also include bisexual and queer men, and likewise, there are apps solely aimed at dating for lesbian, bisexual and queer women. 


Increasingly, there are more LGBTQ+ apps which embrace all of the identities, including trans users, who previously have been overlooked in the dating sphere. Plus, some previously hetero-focused apps are now doing a better job of becoming fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ users, which we love to see!


It will usually be pretty clear from the app's name and branding who it is aimed at, particularly when it comes to those targeted at either gay men or lesbian daters. However, more inclusive apps can be hard to weigh up before trying, so we have explored this in further detail in our top ten favourite picks.

2

Look for Features That Suit Your Dating Style

Aside from where you see yourself within the vast LGBTQ+ community, you'll also want to think about your dating style and how you like to use apps in order to help you decide on the perfect one for you. Read on to take a look at the best and most common features you'll come across.

Have Access to a Social Guide of the Best LGBTQ+ Local Events and Travel Tips

Have Access to a Social Guide of the Best LGBTQ+ Local Events and Travel Tips

Some apps pride themselves on staying updated on LGBTQ+ events and venues as well as providing tips for travellers. If you travel a lot or like to have a full and exciting social life, be sure to check the app's information page before downloading to make sure it has these features.

Focus on a Special Interest Area and Become Part of a Community

Focus on a Special Interest Area and Become Part of a Community

Some LGBTQ+ dating apps have the option to join small community groups based on specific interests. Whether it's cats, gardening or memes that you're into, choose an app with this feature and join a group with likeminded people for friends, fun or dates.


Apps with the communities feature often have a feed to help you stay up to date with news and events, which may require you to choose some areas of interest in order to join. Such apps have taken a leaf from Pinterest's book, with your profile looking more like a mood board in which you can define your personality and style.

Feel Safe Online With Privacy Features Such as Photo Verification or "Private Mode"

Feel Safe Online With Privacy Features Such as Photo Verification or "Private Mode"

If you're nervous about appearing in searches or just want to make sure your dating experience is as safe as possible, choose apps with advanced privacy and security features. Some, particularly those aimed at womxn, require photo verification, preventing fake profiles and the presence of men, which some find reassuring.


Most dating apps provide some form of "private mode" or the ability to "hide" on-site if you're happy to fork out for the privilege. This can be particularly useful if you want to hide your age or location from nearby searches.

See Who's Online or Filter for a Specific Age or Sexuality

See Who's Online or Filter for a Specific Age or Sexuality

On the other hand, you might want to pay to have more control over what you see of other users' information to ensure you're coming across the best matches. One of the most useful of these is the "online now" feature, which helps prevent wasting time by only contacting active users.


Similarly, you may want to be able to filter your searches by age and specific sexual preferences, helping you find the users most suited to you. 

3

Check What's Really Included With Your Free App

Check What's Really Included With Your Free App

The majority of LGBTQ+ dating apps are free to download, but what do they really allow you to do without paying for a membership or subscription? 


Some offer unlimited free chat and video calling, the ability to share stories and have multiple pictures on your profile. However, for more advanced options such as "liking" as many people as you want, seeing who visits your profile or to undo hasty swipes, you will usually have to pay.


Depending on how you feel about online dating and what you want from it, a free profile could be just fine! Or you may prefer paying for a subscription to allow you to have more control of your presence on the app, and how other users contact you.

4

Make Sure Your App of Choice Is Available on Your Device

Make Sure Your App of Choice Is Available on Your Device

Some dating apps are available across iOS and Android, but many of them – including some of the most popular – are only on one or the other. If you have a specific app in mind to try, and you're about to upgrade your device, it's a good idea to consider this before deciding.


It's also important to remember that many of the most popular tablets are made by Apple or are only compatible with iOS, so this might influence your marketplace of choice. However, both iOS and Android are largely compatible with a range of devices from smartphones, tablets, watches and even smart TVs. 

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Top 10 Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps in the UK

We've given you all of our top advice when it comes to the best places to make queer connections. So without further ado, here are our top ten favourite LGBTQ+ dating apps, available in the UK.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Bloomer Inc

HER

Bloomer Inc HER 1

The World's Largest App for Lesbian and Queer Womxn

2

Bumble Holding Limited

Bumble

Bumble Holding Limited Bumble 1

Focused on Dating and Relationships Rather Than Hook-Ups

3

Grindr LLC

Grindr

Grindr LLC Grindr 1

The Original Game Changer

4

Surge Gay App s.r.o.

Zoe

Surge Gay App s.r.o. Zoe 1

Best-Rated App for Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women

5

Social Impact Inc.

Taimi

Social Impact Inc. Taimi 1

A Queer and Trans Focused App

6

Perry Street Software, Inc

SCRUFF

Perry Street Software, Inc SCRUFF 1

Your Global Gay Travel Companion

7

Raya App Inc

Raya

Raya App Inc Raya 1

An Exclusive (and Inclusive) App for the Influencer Crowd

8

Initech

GROWLr

Initech GROWLr 1

The Home for "Bears" and Those Who Love Them

9

PlanetRomeo BV

ROMEO

PlanetRomeo BV ROMEO  1

Great for Gay Men Travelling in Germany and Northern Europe

10

Hornet Networks Ltd

Hornet

Hornet Networks Ltd Hornet 1

Keeping Gay Men Safe in Dangerous Countries

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Bloomer Inc
HER

HER 1
Source:apps.apple.com

The World's Largest App for Lesbian and Queer Womxn

In at number one we have chosen the HER app. Primarily focused on lesbian dating, HER also makes a point of being inclusive and accepting of all types of queer and non-binary people. Being the biggest dating app for LGBTQ+ women, it's an excellent environment to meet lots of likeminded users as both a dating tool and a community.


With some similarity to sites like Pinterest and Tumblr, your profile functions more like a mood board. There's also a "feed" section but you have to choose three "communities" to be part of before it's visible, some examples are; NSFW, Queer Womxn of Color and Recipes & Foodies. Well-designed and fun!

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No.2

Bumble Holding Limited
Bumble

Focused on Dating and Relationships Rather Than Hook-Ups

You may be surprised to see Bumble so high on our list at number two. Though it was originally designed for straight users with the focus on putting women in control, Bumble is also becoming increasingly popular in the LGBTQ+ community, especially for those who are looking for more serious dating, or indeed, a relationship.


A wide pool of gay, bisexual and trans users come here and that could partially be due to Chappy (a popular gay dating app) being bought by Bumble, to help develop the presence of an LGBTQ+ community. Or, it could be because Bumble has a much more inclusive attitude towards gay, bisexual and trans users than other "regular" apps.

No.3

Grindr LLC
Grindr

The Original Game Changer

Grindr is the number one app in the world aimed at gay, bi, trans and queer people, however, it is mainly used for its original purpose – to help gay men to date and find hook-ups. Being the biggest and most utilitarian GBTQ+ app, it creates the best chance of finding gay connections.


Fundamentally based around location, men appear in order of proximity, so the closer they are, the more you will see them. Grindr has a very broad spectrum of users and interests and its image-based interface allows you to let someone know you're into them without saying a word. Efficient, fun and gets the job done (so to speak)!

No.4

Surge Gay App s.r.o.
Zoe

Best-Rated App for Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women

The best-rated lesbian dating app of 2020 on the app store, Zoe is a cutting edge site for lesbian, bisexual and queer women to find friends, dates or a relationship. Having only come out at the beginning of 2018, Zoe is still building up its base but seems to be going from strength to strength.


Signing up requires a verification process to prove you are a woman, which does in fact also take into account trans womxn too. Zoe is interesting to use and is more of a personality than an app! It has detailed questions you can fill out such as whether you are optimistic or pessimistic or on time or always late, in order to find your perfect match.

A Queer and Trans Focused App

Taimi is the largest and the first fully-inclusive LGBTQ+ platform with more than 7,000,000 real gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual users. It's only accessible to users who verify themselves, and once you have, you can chat for free, create posts and stories, make calls and videos or become part of one of the communities on site.


The concept is pretty exciting in itself – it's a place for the whole spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community, instead of individual communities being pigeon-holed. However, moderation can be strict and users can find themselves warned or blocked for sometimes seemingly-minor reasons. With any luck, Taimi will find its flow over time.

No.6

Perry Street Software, Inc
SCRUFF

Your Global Gay Travel Companion

Known for being like Grindr but for men with beards, fuzz or a bit of a "scruffier" style, Scruff actually features a much wider demographic with many "gay tribes" represented here. Because it has a huge share of the gay app market, second to Grindr, it's really easy for gay men to find a wide choice of possible connections.


Used throughout the world, it can be a good app for travelling whether you're looking for a hook-up or a potential date. Including the "woof" feature, which has now been copied by Grindr and other apps, it's a fun and quick way of letting someone know that you think they're super hot!

No.7

Raya App Inc
Raya

Reference price
£9.99
Reference price
£9.99

An Exclusive (and Inclusive) App for the Influencer Crowd

Probably the most exclusive option out there, Raya is a private, elite, members-only dating app. Celebrities such as Cara Delevigne and Ben Affleck have reportedly been spotted on Raya, however, it's marketed as a place for all sorts of creatives, influencers and those who are "experts in their area", not just the rich and famous.


To get onto Raya, firstly you need to be referred by a current member, and your application is then assessed by an algorithm and an anonymous global committee. If you love the challenge of an exclusive party and think you might have what it takes, Raya is suitable for both straight and LGBTQ+ people.

The Home for "Bears" and Those Who Love Them

Do you self-describe as a bear or are you looking for a bear specifically? If so, GROWLr could be the perfect app for you – especially if you are somewhat body-conscious and want to be in a space where your type is coveted, or you're a bear chaser looking for a sleuth of options!


As far as practical aspects go the app is very user-friendly, many of the features are free and it's available on both Android and iOS devices. In terms of originality, GROWLr's features are pretty standard but work well. Its true USP is having a sincere commitment to the bear community.

Great for Gay Men Travelling in Germany and Northern Europe

ROMEO, ROMEO, where for art thou, ROMEO? Well, the answer to that question is Northern Europe – particularly in German-speaking countries. UK usage is low, but if you travel to Berlin, Munich or even Vienna or Zurich, ROMEO is the most popular place to find other gay men (if that's who you're looking for).


The app feels outdated and its corresponding desktop site is almost prehistoric when it comes to usability. However, it's useful for getting travel tips or arranging dates or meetups in its popular regions. ROMEO also publishes an annual list of LGBTQ-friendly places around the world which is a great bonus for travellers, too.

Keeping Gay Men Safe in Dangerous Countries

Hornet is mainly used by men in countries by where homosexuality is a criminal offence, but it's widely known in the UK by those who travel extensively for family or work. Although Hornet is available globally, it is a saving grace in places where other gay dating apps are banned or dangerous to use, such as Saudi Arabia or Chechnya. 


In fact, Hornet is the biggest gay dating app in Turkey but is only safe to use in Istanbul or Ankara, due to fake profiles being set up to incriminate users in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, it has some bugs and technical problems which can crash regularly on some users' systems. Hopefully, this can be ironed out as Hornet truly provides an invaluable service, particularly for those in the Middle East.

Summary

Now you've got the rundown on all of the best LGBTQ+ dating apps, you should feel ready to choose a suitable community. Whether that's a fully-inclusive platform, an app for lesbians or even a "straight" one that has more diversity, it's time to get swiping!


Author: Melanie McPhail

Top 5 LGBTQ+ Dating Apps

No. 1: Bloomer IncHER

No. 2: Bumble Holding LimitedBumble

No. 3: Grindr LLCGrindr

No. 4: Surge Gay App s.r.o.Zoe

No. 5: Social Impact Inc.Taimi

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