Hornet is a social networking app designed for LGBTQ+ individuals to socialize, communicate, and interact with other users in their area. Founded in 2011, the app aims to provide a safe platform specifically for gay, bisexual, and trans individuals. Users can create profiles, share photos, message, and join events. It also allows users to filter by interests, offering a more personalized experience.
Beyond being just a dating platform, the app shares content such as news, health tips, and community events for the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks to security measures, users can remain anonymous or create profiles as detailed as they wish.
Although Hornet is a popular app, you might be looking for an alternative. Below you will see some app recommendations similar to Hornet.
Best Apps Like Hornet
Grindr
Grindr is the world’s most popular free social meeting/dating app for the LGBTQ+ community. It is designed specifically for gay, bisexual, trans, queer individuals, and the curious. Users can use Grindr to flirt, meet new people, build social connections, or discover local LGBTQ+ events during their travels.
Location-Based Matching:
- Users can see and message other LGBTQ+ individuals near them.
- The app enables quick connections via instant location sharing.
Profile Creation:
- Users can share as much detail as they want (photos, interests, HIV status, filters like “what they are looking for”).
- More features are offered with premium memberships like Grindr XTRA or Grindr Unlimited.
Use as a Travel Tool:
- Ideal for connecting with local LGBTQ+ venues (bars, events) and people when in a foreign city.
- Some cities have “Grindr Travel” recommendations.
Chat & Meet:
- Includes features like instant messaging, photo sharing, and “add to favorites.”
- Interest can be shown to another user with the “Tap” feature.
Community and Safety:
- Offers informational tools for HIV/AIDS awareness (e.g., finding testing centers).
- Prioritizes safety with reporting and blocking options.
You can download the Grindr app for Android here and for iOS here.
Shuggr
Shuggr is a social meeting app that allows gay and queer men to meet people nearby, socialize, and discover LGBTQ+ venues. In its basic functions, it shows similarities to platforms like Grindr or Scruff, but it can offer some different features.
Unlimited Profile Browsing:
- Even in the free version, users can view the profiles of people nearby without limits (this feature is limited to premium in some apps like Grindr).
See Profile Visitors:
- You can see who has visited your profile (a feature usually found in premium apps).
Auto Message Translation:
- The feature to automatically translate chat messages written in different languages is useful for international connections.
LGBTQ+ Venue Discovery:
- Makes it easy to find nearby gay bars, clubs, and events (a feature similar to “Gayborhood” on Grindr).
Background Location Update:
- Your location updates automatically even if the app isn’t open, providing real-time proximity information (may increase battery consumption).
Shuggr Plus (Premium):
- Offers advantages like an ad-free experience, more filters, and features to stand out.
You can download the Shuggr app for Android here and for iOS here.
ROMEO
ROMEO (formerly known as PlanetRomeo) is a social network and meeting app with a 20-year history, designed for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals to socialize, flirt, or make friends. Based in Amsterdam and Berlin, it started with a “non-commercial” spirit and stands out with its user-focused approach.
Free and Ad-Free Basic Use:
- Basic features like unlimited chat, profile customization, and search are offered for free.
- The absence of ads makes the user experience more comfortable.
Community-Focused Structure:
- Most users are looking for quality connections (friendship/dating) rather than “hot hookups.”
- Includes social network features like sharing a friends list on the profile.
Privacy and Security:
- Privacy is ensured with the option to hide GPS location.
- Private photos can be shared for a limited time (similar to Snapchat).
Travel and Discovery:
- A travel mode that makes it easy to connect with users worldwide.
- Filter new people or those recently online in your area.
Non-Premium Advantages:
- Features that require premium in other apps (e.g., last seen, online search) are free on ROMEO.
You can download ROMEO for Android here and for iOS here.
Collective
Collective is a community-focused platform designed for LGBTQ+ individuals to socialize, attend events, and build creative connections. Unlike the traditional “dating app” format, it aims to offer a digital queer space (a mix of bar, cafe, and art gallery).
Main Emphasis: ❌ Not focused on dating → ✅ Social network + event discovery. An experience intertwined with queer culture and art. A space that makes the global LGBTQ+ community feel “together.”
Community Events:
- Local or online LGBTQ+ events (book clubs, coffee meetups, art workshops).
- Option to find a “travel buddy” for travelers.
Social Profiles:
- Instead of classic “hookup-oriented” profiles, connections are based on interests (art, music, activism).
- Queer identity is at the forefront (emphasis on “creative identity” rather than/in addition to sexual orientation).
Safe and Inclusive Space:
- Privacy prioritized (location sharing is not mandatory).
- Verified participation exclusively for LGBTQ+ members.
Free and Accessible:
- Does not require a subscription for basic features.
- Ad-free or minimal ad policy.
You can download the app developed for iOS devices here.