Best Dating Sites
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Online dating has a lot of benefits that gay singles should take advantage of. Now that the world is transforming into a more inclusive and welcoming space, the online dating scene has opened up to LGBTQ+ matchmaking as well. In a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, 55% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults reported that they have used or are currently using a dating site or app for their dating and social needs. The survey also found out that 28% of LGB adults have found a partner by using online dating services.
This is an encouraging statistic for LGBTQ+ singles. Online dating has become a popular way for gay singles to meet and connect. Whether you’re looking for a committed relationship or just someone to spend the night with, here are the best gay chat sites and apps to find what you’re looking for!
Relationships | Local | Casual Dating | Friends | FAQs
Best Gay Chat Sites for Real Relationships
Are you a busy professional who struggles to make time to date and get in a relationship? Don’t stress! Plenty of other gay singles are in the same boat – and you can find them online. The following chat sites focus on building relationships that last, and they don’t take much time or effort to join.
1. Match
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match has a massive and extremely active gay user base, as over 1 million gay, bisexual, and curious men use the site to find dates and partners…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
If you want to find your perfect match, the dating app Match does wonders in the love department. Match has one simple goal: to help you find the relationship that you’re looking for. Match is an inclusive and diverse dating app. The app has dedicated a space specifically for gay dating that helps members narrow down their search for a partner.
With thousands of members, Match provides singles with lots of dating options. Members can either find other gay singles within their area or venture off and chat with someone from across the world.
Match is typically used for serious dating. The community consists of people who are eager to find their perfect match and hopefully settle down. Singles can find comfort in knowing that they will have expert support during the dating process. The Match team offers helpful dating tips as well as special singles events to help encourage members to connect. From fun first date ideas to safe online dating tips, Match helps members every step of the way.
2. eharmony
Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System: Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say: “eharmony has opened its registration to same-sex couples, including gay men, so everyone can benefit from its psychology matching system…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | View Profiles FREE |
As a longstanding trusted dating app, eharmony helps make high-quality matches that last a lifetime. It’s no secret that eharmony stands out as a leading dating resource for singles now. Every 14 minutes, a new person on eharmony finds true love, according to the app’s user data. But how do they do it? The eharmony team uses scientific research to make compatible matches for its members.
“Like you, they are tired of dating games. You can have complete confidence that all of your compatible matches are looking for the same thing you are. Love that lasts” said the eharmony team.
Gay singles can join for free and find their community within the app from the start. If you’re tired of casually dating around and want to find something real, eharmony is a great resource. Millions of success stories attest to this!
3. EliteSingles
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “Not only is EliteSingles exclusively for educated professionals, but it also has a diverse user base made up of millions of gay and bisexual men…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Thanks to the dating app Elite Singles, busy professionals now have a space to meet and develop genuine relationships. The app has such a high success rate that singles can expect to find a serious relationship by using Elite Singles.
Dating someone who understands your lifestyle is super helpful. Challenges arise when two people whose lives don’t coincide try to date. Luckily, dates don’t have to worry about that on Elite Singles because the team does a great job of matching singles based on their preferences and compatibility.
“We believe that real happiness starts with a truly like-minded match, which is why our passion is helping compatible singles connect. If you’re serious about finding lasting love, then Elite Singles is the American dating site for you,” said the Elite Singles team.
Best Gay Chat Sites for Local Singles
For some singles, it’s important to find local dates. I’m in a long-distance relationship, and trust me –– it’s no walk in the park! If you’re hoping not to travel too far to find a first date or a potential partner, then the following gay chat sites with location parameters are a good place to start.
4. Zoosk
Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System: Search and get match recommendations
Our Experts Say: “Gay, bisexual, and curious single men love Zoosk because it’s quick, easy, and really successful…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
28.9 Million* | Start Zoosk for FREE |
The Zoosk dating app focuses on connecting singles based on not only their preferences but their location as well. The goal is for singles to use Zoosk to meet, chat, and then date outside the site. This is why Zoosk is a fan-favorite because the team continues to create new ways to make that possible.
The Zoosk team maintains that dating is meant to be fun and safe, and its job is to ensure that remains true, particularly for gay singles.
The dating website provides social dating features that make connecting easier than ever. Zoosk has location-based search parameters, but it also understands that love is universal and sometimes may not be found within your same neighborhood. If you find yourself falling for a date that isn’t geographically close to you, features such as Zoosk Great Dates help create a unique virtual dating experience through video chat. It almost feels like they’re right next to you!
5. Tinder
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps in the world! So many of my friends use Tinder to find local hookups and/or romantic dates. The stories and feedback I hear afterward are always the highlight of my day. Whatever relationship you’re looking for, you can find it on Tinder.
Since it launched in 2012, Tinder has grown into a gay-friendly dating app. Gay singles can now swipe right for people who catch their eye and hopefully meet their next match.
“I honestly had been on many Tinder dates and was sure I was meeting a fling to get a free meal and have some fun. Three years later and so many dates and memories later, I am married to my Tinder guy, Kenny!” exclaimed Tinder user Eliot in a testimonial on the homepage.
6. Grindr
With a “zero feet away,” motto, the dating app Grindr matches gay, bisexual, and queer singles based on their location. Grindr is a dating app designed for gay, bi, trans, and queer people to connect and network. Despite having millions of members from all over the world, the Grindr team works diligently to connect members who are physically nearby. By using Grindr’s location-based technology, singles can find a local romance or fling in a matter of seconds.
Many gay singles have faced difficulties in finding a sense of community and being accepted. The Grindr team’s mission isn’t to just help singles find a relationship but to also help them discover other queer people who are just like them. Grindr has a ton of successful stories of members who have left the app to meet someone who lives right in their neighborhood.
Best Gay Chat Sites for Casual Hookups
Not everyone’s dating journey looks the same. Some are ready to walk down the aisle while others are just trying to make the most of their singleness. A casual hookup can help fulfill your social needs whether you just got out of a bad relationship or find yourself not ready for a serious relationship.
7. MenNation
Relationships: Daters & Hookups
Match System: Search by age, zip code, more
Our Experts Say: “With more than 79 million users, MenNation is among the largest gay and bisexual dating and hookup sites in the world. A basic membership is 100% free, and it allows you to upload info and photos, browse, and chat…”
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Singles & Couples* |
95%*
5%*
|
780,000* | Start for Free |
The global gay dating and hookup site MenNation has over 100,000 daily active members. With such a large dating pool, gay singles never have to worry about not finding someone to meet.
MenNation is considered a paradise for gay men to find sexy hookups. Not only is the site free to use but it’s even easier to navigate through. Members can avoid all the awkwardness and chat about what they’re looking for as soon as they join. Sex is liberating and should be treated as such. MenNation values people’s sex lives, and the team continues to pave the way for users to feel sexually liberated. As a non-judgment community, singles can feel more comfortable expressing and fulfilling their sexual desires.
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
Match System: Search by age, location, appearance, and more
Our Experts Say: “..” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
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| All Singles & Attached* |
71%*
29%*
|
65 Million* | Start Now for FREE |
Affairs happen all the time, and for once it’s not a bad thing! On the married dating app Ashley Madison, people are encouraged to have an affair and live out their wildest dreams. A lot of marriages suffer from sexual droughts that lead to divorces. Ashley Madison members have saved their relationship by having an affair. As twisted as that may sound, engaging in sexual relationships with people outside your marriage may help you find exactly what you’re looking for in the bedroom.
Many couples have used Ashley Madison to find that spark and become better sex partners for their spouse. Whatever their reason for joining Ashley Madison, singles can find comfort in knowing that it’s completely discreet and private, and its 80 million users won’t judge you for being married and still wanting to date.
“I cheated on my husband to find companionship and to feel happy and alive again,” said an anonymous Ashley Madison user in a review on the homepage.
9. Flirt.com
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System: Search by age, location, gender, orientation, and other factors
Our Experts Say: “Flirt.com is a discreet dating site that can keep the secrets of gay men seeking a casual hookup or sexy friend. No need to pay any money or use your real name on this sex site for men…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
1 million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Who doesn’t like to flirt a little? Flirt.com is a helpful dating resource that allows singles to tap into their flirty side and create the relationships they want. Some singles flirt their way into someone’s heart while others are trying to flirt their way into the bedroom. Regardless of their intentions, Flirt.com invites people to join its dating community at no charge.
Flirt.com members get to the nitty-gritty and find local matches they know they can go to the next level with. Outside of helping members flirt around, Flirt.com also provides a safe space for people to explore their sexuality and discover what they want out of a relationship. Flirt.com doesn’t require a lot of personal information from new users, so it’s a comfortable flirt zone for closeted men who may be questioning what they want in the bedroom.
Best Gay Chat Sites for New Friends
Everyone needs a space where they feel accepted and a part of a friendly community. Generally people feel happier and more fulfilled when they’re in a welcoming and like-minded environment. The following gay chat sites open the door to new friendships and genuine connections that don’t put pressure on single guys who may not be sure what they want.
10. BlackPeopleMeet
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet is a go-to dating site for gay, bisexual, and curios black and biracial men, and it has a free membership option…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
Niche dating sites are great for when you want to know for sure you’re meeting someone you have something in common with. BlackPeopleMeet is a top-ranked dating site and app for African American singles to meet and date one another. The site has over 5 million visitors each month –– which explains why it’s a fan favorite.
BlackPeopleMeet has been a beacon for other relationships to blossom. Black gay men have been known to find more new friends and partners on BlackPeopleMeet than on other dating apps. There is always someone you can have a nice conversation with on BlackPeopleMeet whether you want to meet someone local or from another country.
11. Bro App
The Bro App is the perfect place for gay singles to thrive. From the get-go, members get to choose what kind of relationship — friends, dates, or FWB, among others — they’re looking for with no judgment. The Bro App continues to prove that the online dating world isn’t just for romance or hookups; sometimes all someone may need at the time is a friend.
It’s so easy to feel connected and socialize with others on the app. Bro’s easy-to-use chatting features help members keep the conversation flowing. Don’t know what to say? No worries, Bro shows members matches based on their interests and bro type. So members already have a great way to start up a conversation from the moment they match.
“The Bro App (BRO) is amazing. So much better than those lame hook-up apps. This app is clean and organized and has great features. Great app. Five Stars,” said Dylan, a Bro user in a review.
12. SCRUFF
Who knew swiping right could lead you to a long-lasting friendship? That’s the goal of the SCRUFF dating app! SCRUFF uses swiping tools to make better matches that actually have things in common. When singles join SCRUFF, they receive a stack of potential matches to swipe through and get to know. As they swipe right on different profiles, the SCRUFF’s matchmaking algorithm gets smarter and curates quality matches based on similarities in the like pile.
Online dating isn’t just for finding relationships but for fulfilling your social meter as well. SCRUFF is big on helping members stay connected and socialize with one another. Singles who love to travel can find SCRUFF helpful when they need a travel companion to join them. Their next trip across the sea doesn’t have to be a lonely one with the help of SCRUFF’s services.
FAQS: Do Traditional Chat Rooms Still Exist?
Yes, old-school chat rooms are still a thing in the online world — but they are quickly being replaced by more popular dating apps and sites, such as the ones listed here. Traditional chat rooms still have their place in the online landscape as anonymous, casual, and straightforward means of meeting new people. However, there are safety concerns that come with chat rooms with such a low barrier to entry.
We recommend trying online dating apps if you’re hoping to meet a person in real life. Dating apps have a better success record with turning online interactions into real relationships. The most useful thing that chat rooms can offer isn’t so much dates as conversation practice. It can be helpful to test your flirtation skills out on a chatty audience online. If that sound like it’s more your speed than online dating, you may want to consider free spaces such as FreeChatNow or Chat Avenue, which have been around for years and years.
Does Chat Avenue Have an App?
Chat Avenue is a popular chat room for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and dating persuasions. All you need is a user name and a pulse, basically, to sign up to chat with people on this website.
Some singles become so attached to their conversations that they wish they had a Chat Avenue app they could take with them on the go. Well, the good news there is that Chat Avenue is 100% mobile friendly, so the site is accessible on all mobile devices with an internet connection. You’d simply need to open a web browser to access. No need to download anything to stay connected!
A Chat Room Can Help Gay Men Build New Bonds
It’s been proven time again and again that people live healthier lives when they feel socially connected and have strong relationships with people. Having a supportive community by your side is helpful as you navigate the ups and downs of life. Gay men now have a great opportunity to use the online dating scene to help them find and build relationships.
Chat rooms are a great way for singles to put themselves out there and network. One small conversation can lead to a friendship or love that can last you a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Get to chatting!
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