Head-to-head · LGBTQ+ Dating Apps
Grindr vs Hornet
Grindr leads on 1 check, Hornet on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGrindr · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGrindr · 3 of 4
Grindr scores higher on our rubric for lgbtq+ dating apps: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
Grindr offers gender identity options; Hornet doesn't publish it.
Grindr is the better fit for broad LGBTQ+ dating with nearby discovery. Hornet is the better fit for gay men wanting social and dating features.
- Grindr fits best
Broad LGBTQ+ dating with nearby discovery
- Hornet fits best
Gay men wanting social and dating features
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Side by side
| Feature | Grindr 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Hornet 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #1 in LGBTQ+ Dating Apps | #2 in LGBTQ+ Dating Apps |
| Best for | Broad LGBTQ+ dating with nearby discovery | Gay men wanting social and dating features |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Grindr 3/4 · Hornet 2/4 | ||
| Gender identity options | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Orientation options | Not published | Not published |
| Identity verification | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-app video calls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Matching method | Mixed | Mixed |
| Platforms | Multiple | Multiple |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Grindr is a social networking and dating app for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adults, with nearby profiles at the center of discovery. Members can chat, share photos and video messages, and make video calls. Profiles can include… Read the review → |
Hornet is a mobile and web social-dating service for gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men. It combines nearby and worldwide profile discovery with hashtags, advanced filters, text and audio messaging, one-to-one video chat, video… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Grindr — where it wins
- Find nearby profiles and explore profiles globally
- Profiles include gender identity, pronouns, and connection preferences
- Chat, share photos and video messages, or make video calls
Where it doesn't
- Grindr Web is available only with a paid subscription
- Video calls are app-only
- XTRA limits global Explore to up to 5 users per day
Hornet — where it wins
- Nearby and worldwide discovery with hashtags and advanced filters
- Text, audio and video messaging plus one-to-one video chat
- Feeds, stories, livestreams and verification extend beyond dating
Where it doesn't
- App Store pricing varies by region
- Some privacy, discovery, visibility and communication tools require membership
- Its focus on gay, bi, trans and queer men is not for every dater
- Grindr9.3/10 · Free plan
A location-based LGBTQ+ dating app with free core features and paid discovery upgrades.
Visit GrindrFull verdict → - Hornet9.1/10 · Free plan
A broad gay social-dating app combining discovery, messaging, video and community feeds.
Visit HornetFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Hornet vs ROMEO
- Hornet vs Taimi
- Hornet vs Bumble
- Hornet vs Hinge
- Hornet vs OkCupid
- Hornet vs Tinder
All LGBTQ+ dating apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update