But while these are the most popular options, they are far from the only apps out there. You might not have heard of platforms like Hornet or Jack’d yet, but as the app market continues to grow, don’t be surprised if you see the guy next to you on the train updating his DaddyHunt account.
VGL
Created by Josh Liptzin and Andrew Vurlumis, VGL hit the already crowded app marketplace in 2013. What sets it apart from the rest? It’s the hookup world’s answer to Hot or Not: The app allows users to rank each other with a “Drink,” “Fave,” or “Hot.” The highest-ranked profiles are sorted into the “Hottest” category, which allows you to weed out all those pesky Threes and Sixes in your geographic area. The only problem is that to actually click on their profiles and talk to these alleged hotties, you have to pay for the premium version. Free users have to go fishing in the general pool.
The bigger annoyance is the interface itself, which is poorly designed and has a way of obstructing users’ profile images. When you click on anyone’s individual profile, their information--including their age, location, and ethnicity--appear on top of the main photo, meaning that the picture is obscured. In order to view their entire face (or bod), you have to tap the screen and wiggle the image up and down. With the VIP version costing you $9.99 a month, it’s something of a pricey game.
Jack'd
Jack’d is a more affordable alternative to Grindr and Scruff--with premium rates as low as $2.08 a month. But you know the old saying when it comes to saving money: Are you getting what you’re (not) paying for?
Let’s start with the good: I like that Jack’d (which markets itself to gay black men) is predominantly populated by people of color, as apps like Grindr have notorious issues when it comes to racial inclusion among their users (comments like “no Asians” or “it’s just a preference” are common). While the design is passable, what I miss is the ability to signal your interest to users you like without messaging them first. On Scruff, the “Woof” option is similar to a Facebook Poke: It allows you to get someone’s attention. It can be depressing to spend your time devising the chillest version of “Hey, what’s up?” just to have no one answer back, and the “Woof” cuts out that overt rejection.
But the real drawback about the app is that it’s a memory hog on your smartphone. The most common complaint, by far, about Jack’d in the iTunes store is that it takes up way too much space (some claim even up to 2Gs). Others maintain that the new version freezes regularly.
Zoosk
Zoosk is exploding in popularity with LGBT singles, and it boasts one of the slickest apps on the market. Getting started is free and easy, as is finding like-minded singles in and around any zip code. No need to waste time on long surveys either: just a couple questions and the app will start working its magic for you.
Tinder
Who knew a swipe right could mean so much? Tinder is one of the simplest dating apps on the market. It uses your Facebook profile to build your base and geographic location to find you some nearby friends. Bonus: With Tinder Plus, you can undo an accidental swipe.
HER (formerly Dattch)
HER is an app for queer, bisexual and lesbian women. You can connect with women based on location, interests or by a quick game of “Would You Rather?” It also uses Facebook to verify your existence, so there won’t be any women-seeking robots.
GROWLr
GROWLr defines its men as bears: masculine and on the prowl. You can get super specific in your search and your end goal for using the app, whether a casual hookup to a long-term relationship.