Grindr is the self-proclaimed number one mobile networking app for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people to connect.
The basic offering is free and an excellent way to test whether the network is your cup of tea or not. However, while you can chat and arrange dates with people for free, the Grindr XTRA subscription upgrade will get you more features and connections.
It's fast and an excellent means to meet new, interesting and like-minded people in your area without the usual drama that can sometimes entail.
● Group chats
● See people in your immediate location
● Browse profiles
● Chat and share private photos
● Send your location
● Customizable profiles
Grindr lets you decide how much - or how little - you share with others. The profile is highly customizable. You can create a bio and explain what you are looking for in a partner. However, it's entirely up to you how much you add. With a basic profile in place, you can be all set to connect, chat and meet up within minutes.
A range of filters helps to speed up your search. Or you can simply see other Grindr users close by based on your location. You can then arrange a meet by sending your location.
While the free account is a pretty impressive start, upgrading gets you more features and more opportunities to connect. In particular, Grindr XTRA features:
● No ads
● A six-fold increase in the number of profiles you can view
● View only people currently online
● Access to premium filters
● Send multiple photos in batches
However, all the subscription options are relatively expensive, from $19.99 for one month all the way up to $239.99 for a year's unlimited access.
Grindr was launched in 2009 and has developed into the largest networking app for the gay, bi, trans, and queer community. The app is used on a daily basis by millions of users, leveraging the app's location-based technology in about every part of the planet.
● It's free
● The most heavily populated dating app non-straight people
● Multi-language support
● Suitable for temporary hookups with experienced people
● Most users are upfront in their profiles about what they want
● Concerns over security and safety
● Reports of hate towards bi people and queer women
● The free version is inundated with invasive ads
● Fake profiles and bots
● Subscription is relatively expensive
● Not the app to find long-term, meaningful relationships
● Buggy and unstable
Grindr is very similar to most social media networks. There's nothing remarkably different or outlandish about it. It's a community of like-minded people wishing to connect, chat, and meet up.
The Android app is downloadable from Google Play. You will need 49 MB of free storage space and have Android 5.0 or later.
For iOS users, the App Store download requires 156.1 MB's worth of storage and 11.3 or later.
Android users appear to be the most critical, rating Grindr at just 3.1 out of five on Google Play. App Store users are more generous, with a 4.1 rating.
