Gay dating apps have become essential spaces for LGBTQ+ people in 2025. They’re no longer just digital dating tools but places where friendships start, events are organized, and communities grow stronger. Growlr built its reputation by focusing on bears and their admirers, proving that niche dating platforms can thrive alongside the big names.
Still, plenty of users are searching for apps like Growlr because they want something more modern. Some are looking for tighter safety features, others for platforms with event listings or video chat, and many simply want fresh communities that feel more active. The demand is undeniable: the LGBTQ+ dating industry is expected to generate between $1.5 and $2 billion globally in 2025, and that growth is being driven by people who expect more from their apps.
This article explores the best Grindr alternatives worth trying today — from Scruff to Chasable — while highlighting what makes each one stand out. And for those who feel existing apps can’t deliver the experience they envision, we’ll also show how Scrile Connect offers the chance to build a tailor-made dating app like Growlr, designed around your own rules, branding, and community.
Why Look Beyond Growlr?
Growlr earned its reputation because it did something simple but powerful: it gave bears and their admirers a place that felt made for them. The app didn’t try to copy mainstream swiping platforms; instead, it leaned into community and culture. People could meet up, swap stories, and build friendships, not just chase quick matches. For many, checking their growlr login became as routine as opening Instagram or Messenger — a familiar habit tied to their social life.
That’s why the app still holds a loyal following. But loyalty only goes so far when the product stops keeping pace. Spend a few minutes on growlr online in 2025 and you notice the cracks. The interface feels dated, certain features lag behind, and security updates aren’t as aggressive as users expect in an era where privacy is front and center. Competitors have started rolling out slicker video options, built-in verification tools, and community features that make Growlr feel like a snapshot from an earlier internet.
It’s not that the bear community has lost interest — far from it. The demand is stronger than ever. But users now want more from their dating apps: sharper design, a sense of safety, and flexibility to build real connections on their terms. And that’s exactly why so many people are seeking apps like Growlr that push the experience further.
Market Trends in LGBTQ+ Dating Apps
Industry reports show that more than 40 million people worldwide actively use LGBTQ+ dating platforms. This isn’t just about finding dates; these apps are becoming digital community centers. People want spaces where they can join events, join group chats, or even watch livestreams together.
The bar has been raised. Safer logins, encrypted messaging, customizable profiles, and smarter filters are now must-haves. Apps that only offer basic swiping are falling behind. The best Grindr alternatives succeed because they listen to what users actually want: trusted moderation, space for different identities, and real-time ways to connect.
All of this explains why Growlr, once a pioneer, is now one of many options in a crowded market. The community it built matters, but users are showing with their downloads and time spent that they’re ready to explore what’s next.
Top 7 Apps Like Growlr in 2025
Finding apps like Growlr isn’t just about downloading the next name that pops up in the store. People want safe spaces where inclusivity isn’t a slogan but a lived experience. They’re looking for platforms that go beyond swipes, with features like video calls, community events, or smarter moderation. At the same time, these apps are businesses — they survive on subscription models, ads, or premium perks, and that shapes the way users interact with them. A good alternative balances tech innovation with trust, giving users tools that feel modern without sacrificing the sense of belonging.
Scruff
Of the apps like Growlr, Scruff comes naturally to mind. It is one of the largest gay dating communities online, with millions of members globally. Although Growlr made its name in bear culture, Scruff’s net is cast wider as it takes in gay, bi, trans, as well as queer people of all types.
Strengths
- Global user base, making it easy to connect while traveling
- Event listings for Pride parades, club nights, or community gatherings
- Profile customization options that go beyond basic stats
- Strong moderation and safer reporting features
Weaknesses
- Can feel overwhelming in big cities with too many profiles
- Some features locked behind a paid subscription
- Ads in the free version can interrupt the flow
Scruff is best for those who want scale. If Growlr feels too small or too limited, Scruff offers the chance to connect with people worldwide — from casual chats to community-driven events.
Chasable
If you need apps like Growlr but don’t want to move too far from the bear and daddy crowd, Chasable is the clear destination. Unlike larger sites, Chasable doesn’t apologize for being about niches mainstream sites tend to ignore. Its site may not polish as well as Scruff or Hornet, but it compensates for it by being genuine and populated by people who know exactly what they desire.
Strengths
- Strong focus on bear, cub, and daddy communities
- Clear profiles with detailed preferences
- Active chatrooms that give a throwback community feel
- Less crowded, which can make genuine interactions easier
Weaknesses
- Smaller user base compared to larger platforms
- Fewer advanced features like video calls
- Limited availability in some regions
Chasable is best for people who want an alternative that keeps the intimacy of Growlr but with a slightly different vibe. It’s a reminder that not every app needs to be massive to feel valuable.
Hornet
Hornet positions itself differently from most apps like Growlr by focusing on culture as much as dating. With a mix of news, social networking, and events, Hornet blurs the line between a dating app and a lifestyle hub for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s not just about hookups — it’s about belonging to a larger conversation.
Strengths
- Integrated LGBTQ+ news and stories
- Wide international reach with strong communities in Europe and Asia
- Built-in event guides for local and global happenings
- Polished design that feels current
Weaknesses
- The blend of content and dating can be distracting for users who only want matches
- Some regions have smaller, less active pools of users
- Premium subscription required for advanced filters
Hornet works best for users who enjoy blending dating with culture and want to stay connected beyond simple chat. It’s an app that feels like a digital magazine combined with a dating tool.
Taimi
Taimi is often described as more than a dating app — it’s closer to a lifestyle platform. What sets it apart is the way it merges dating tools with social networking features. Users can match, chat, and video call, but they can also join interest groups, watch livestreams, or follow influencers. For people who want an all-in-one app rather than juggling multiple services, Taimi offers a polished experience.
Strengths
- Built-in video calls and livestreams
- Groups and community features beyond dating
- Inclusive environment welcoming LGBTQ+ people of all identities
- Modern design and frequent feature updates
Weaknesses
- Free version limits communication options
- Some users report the app feels busy with too many features
- Subscriptions can be on the pricey side
Taimi is best for those who want a mix of dating and community, without switching between separate apps for news, groups, and messaging.
HeeSay (Blued)
HeeSay (Blued) is the largest gay social app in Asia with tens of millions of users and a strong video focus. While most dating apps have an emphasis on images and text, HeeSay (Blued) is jumping into livestreaming, real-time communication, and community-building in masses. Its success reflects the way social and dating behaviors are coming together in markets where video-first culture is dominant.
Strengths
- Massive user base, especially in China and Southeast Asia
- Strong livestream and video features
- Community-driven approach with fan groups and events
- Multiple language options for international audiences
Weaknesses
- Features vary by region due to local regulations
- Privacy concerns in certain markets
- Can feel overwhelming for users seeking smaller, niche communities
HeeSay (Blued) works best for people who want energy and scale. If meeting through video or joining live fan events sounds more exciting than swiping, HeeSay (Blued) delivers.
Jack’d
Jack’d has been around long enough to earn credibility but has kept itself modern by focusing on inclusivity and affordability. It’s especially popular among younger users and people in smaller cities, where the big names don’t always dominate. Jack’d has often been praised for opening up space to queer men of color and providing a platform that feels less mainstream than some competitors.
Strengths
- Inclusive community, particularly welcoming to diverse backgrounds
- Affordable premium subscription compared to other apps
- Straightforward interface that’s easy to navigate
- Good balance between casual dating and long-term connections
Weaknesses
- Smaller user pool in some regions
- Fewer advanced features compared to larger platforms
- Free version supported by ads
Jack’d is best suited for people who want a low-barrier entry into online dating without sacrificing authenticity. It offers a straightforward, no-frills approach while still being warm and community-focused.
Daddyhunt
Daddyhunt is one of the longest-running apps designed specifically for mature gay men and the people who admire them. While Growlr became the poster child for the bear scene, Daddyhunt carved its space by highlighting relationships between daddies and younger partners, building an intergenerational community that feels authentic rather than forced.
Strengths
- Strong focus on mature gay men and admirers
- Established community with years of history
- Clear profiles that make it easier to find genuine matches
- Supportive environment with less pressure for instant hookups
Weaknesses
- Smaller user base compared to giants like Scruff or HeeSay
- Some regions have limited activity, which slows down connections
- The design feels slightly outdated compared to newer apps
Daddyhunt is best for those who want a dating experience rooted in maturity and connection. Instead of endless swiping, the app emphasizes real conversations and relationships, especially for people who prefer dating spaces that celebrate experience, age, and authenticity.ence.
Feature Comparison Table
| App | Video Chat | Profile Verification | Event Listings | Subscription Cost |
| Scruff | Yes | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| Chasable | No | Limited | No | Low |
| Hornet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| Taimi | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
| HeeSay (Blued) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Medium |
| Jack’d | No | Limited | No | Low |
| Daddyhunt | No | Limited | No | Low |
Key Features Users Expect in 2025
Open any dating app in 2025 and you’ll see the same complaints in reviews: “Where’s the verification?” “Too many fake profiles.” “Feels like another copy of the same swiping game.” People are tired of it. What they’re asking for is pretty clear, and the apps that deliver are the ones staying on phones.
First on the list is safety. Verification steps that actually work, not just an email confirmation. Encrypted chats that keep conversations private. Tools that let users feel in control when something goes wrong. Without these, even the slickest interface won’t last.
Filters are next. Age and distance don’t cut it anymore. People want to search by lifestyle, by community niche, by the small details that make or break a connection. When apps ignore that, users leave.
And then there’s video. Text messages pile up; live calls feel real. Livestreams, group chats, even virtual events have turned into the default way to meet. It’s no longer an “extra feature” — it’s the heart of modern interaction.
Finally, there’s the bridge between online and offline. Users want event calendars, community boards, ways to see what’s happening nearby. An app that does this keeps people coming back daily, not just when they’re lonely.
So when people search for the best Grindr alternatives, they’re not just avoiding one app. They’re looking for something that feels safer, smarter, and closer to real life.
Building Your Own App Like Growlr with Scrile Connect
Scrolling through dating apps can feel like trying on clothes that never quite fit. Scruff might be too broad, Chasable too small, Hornet too busy. For anyone who feels caught in between, there’s another path: building something of your own. That’s where Scrile Connect comes in.
Scrile Connect isn’t another dating app waiting for you to download. It’s a development service — a team and a toolkit that lets entrepreneurs, community leaders, or niche networks create their own platforms. Instead of adapting to someone else’s rules, you shape the experience from the ground up.
Full Control From Day One
With Scrile Connect, you’re not stuck with cookie-cutter templates. You decide how the app looks, how it runs, and how it earns money. Branding, UI design, moderation tools — all of it is yours to control.
What that means in practice:
- Flexible monetization: run subscriptions with 0% commission, sell add-ons, or host premium events.
- White-label design: your logo, your colors, your identity — not a copy of someone else.
- Full customization: from sign-up flows to profile fields, everything can be tailored.
- Modern features: built-in video chat, livestreams, secure payments, event calendars.
This matters because the market is crowded. Users can spot a generic app in seconds, and they don’t stick around. A tailor-made platform gives you the edge to stand out, whether you’re building a local bear community, an international dating hub, or a niche social space that doesn’t exist yet.
So if none of the existing apps like Growlr feel right, Scrile Connect offers the chance to build one that does. It’s your rules, your community, your app — and no compromises.
Conclusion
From Scruff’s global reach to Chasable’s niche bear culture, there are more than enough alternatives to Growlr for people to try. Hornet brings news and culture into the mix, Taimi merges dating with lifestyle features, while HeeSay and Jack’d each carve out their own space. Together, they prove the market is rich with choice.
Still, every ready-made app comes with limits. You can’t change their rules, their design, or their revenue structure. That can be frustrating if you see potential for something more personal — a community or dating space built around your own vision.
This is where Scrile Connect comes in. Instead of adapting to someone else’s platform, you can shape your own from scratch. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Scrile Connect team today to discuss building a dating app that reflects your brand, your community, and your goals.
FAQ
Which app is most similar to Growlr?
Chasable is often mentioned as the closest alternative, since it focuses heavily on bears, daddies, and admirers.
Are apps like Growlr safe to use in 2025?
Yes, though safety varies. The stronger apps now offer profile verification, encrypted chat, and moderation teams to cut down on fake accounts. Always check what privacy tools are included before signing up.
Can I create my own dating app like Growlr without coding?
Absolutely. Services like Scrile Connect allow you to launch a fully customized dating app without writing code. You decide the branding, features, and monetization model, while the development team handles the tech.
