Hornet review
Location-based discovery and community content across mobile and web.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Hornet is a dating and social app for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer men, with location-based profile discovery at its center. People can browse nearby profiles and see who is online, or use virtual travel to explore users around the world. Hashtags and filters provide other ways to find profiles. Available on iOS, Android, and web, Hornet is suited to people who want dating and community features in one service, rather than profile matching alone.
Its communication and community tools broaden that focus. Users can send text and audio messages, video chat, verify profiles, and manage private photos. A community feed supports posts and short videos, giving users ways to discover content as well as profiles. The mix may appeal to people looking for LGBTQ+ social discovery with more than one way to connect; those seeking only a narrow, match-focused experience may prefer a simpler app.
Hornet is freemium, and the free version includes in-app advertising. Paid options add ad-free browsing, advanced filters, and boosts; the product description also identifies expanded grid access and travel modes among paid features. The App Store lists in-app purchase prices without clearly tying them to billing periods, so the published information does not establish a starting price. Hornet lists email support and 24/7 support availability. It is a fit for users who value location discovery, video chat, and community content, while anyone prioritizing ad-free use or advanced filters should expect those options to be paid.
Hornet pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Browse nearby profiles, online users, or profiles around the world.
- Connect through text, audio messages, and video chat.
- Share community posts and short videos alongside profile discovery.
- Where it doesn't
- The free version includes in-app advertising.
- Advanced filters and boosts are paid features.
- Web access is for account creation; the app is available on mobile.
Hornet fact sheet, pricing and score →
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