If you’re searching for a dating app where gay, bi, trans, and queer men can connect in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Scruff is worth a look. Launched back in 2010, Scruff started as a response to the standard dating apps, offering a more diverse and inclusive vibe. With over 12 million members around the globe, Scruff has evolved beyond just a hookup app. Now, it’s a mix of dating, friendship, and community all in one. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on Scruff.
Scruff was created to stand out from other dating apps, and it’s clear that it does. While many platforms tend to cater to a certain “look” or type, Scruff opens the doors to everyone. Whether you’re a “Bear,” “Otter,” “Daddy,” or somewhere in between, Scruff has a place for you. This app also includes communities for military, college, and even specific interests, making it super easy to connect with others who share your lifestyle and personality.
What’s even cooler is Scruff’s commitment to inclusivity. It was one of the first dating apps to welcome trans men and remove ethnicity filters, which shows that they really listen to their community. This inclusive approach makes it a welcoming space, especially for those who don’t feel like they fit into the mainstream dating app vibe.
Scruff offers both free and premium options (called Scruff Pro), so you can decide how much you want to get out of the app.
The free version of Scruff gets you access to the basics—creating a profile, browsing other profiles, and messaging. You can also join public group chats and explore the app’s travel feature, Scruff Venture, which is great if you’re into meeting locals while traveling.
For those who want the full experience, Scruff Pro is available with extra perks. With a Pro membership, you get an ad-free experience, advanced search filters, and the option to view an unlimited number of profiles. Plus, Pro lets you browse in “stealth mode,” so you can check out profiles without anyone knowing. You can even create private photo albums and keep track of who’s viewed your profile. The monthly cost is $11.99, but if you’re in for the long haul, there are discounts for three-month and yearly plans.
The free version works great if you just want to explore the app, but Pro is a solid option if you’re into more control and want to skip the ads.
Signing up on Scruff is simple and doesn’t take long. Once you download the app, you’ll enter some basic details—email, username, and birthday—and then you’re ready to create a profile. You can customize your profile with as much or as little info as you want. Want to add photos? Just go through a quick approval process.
The profile options are pretty detailed, letting you share things like body type, relationship status, and even your “position” preferences. You can also say what you’re looking for, whether that’s friends, dates, or something casual. It’s a flexible setup that lets you show off your personality.
One of Scruff’s standout features is Scruff Venture, a travel tool for meeting people while you’re on the go. Heading to a new city? You can add your destination and travel dates to your profile, so locals (and other travelers) know you’re coming. It’s a super useful feature if you’re into meeting new people while exploring new places, and it adds a fun twist to the typical dating app.
Scruff puts a strong focus on privacy, which is always a plus on dating apps. You can choose who gets to see your profile, keep certain photos private, and even browse profiles anonymously with stealth mode (available to Pro members). If you want, you can create private photo albums and only share them with specific people, so you have control over who sees what.
And if you ever come across a sketchy profile, Scruff has easy options to block or report users. Overall, it’s a well-rounded setup that lets you enjoy the app while keeping your privacy intact.
Scruff’s user base is a mix of men of all types, ages, and backgrounds. While it started as a hookup app, Scruff has grown into a platform for all kinds of connections. You’ll find guys looking for everything from casual meetups to serious relationships and friendships. The app is especially popular in the U.S., but there are members worldwide, so there’s a good chance you’ll find people no matter where you are.
Scruff also supports different communities, so whether you’re into “Bears,” “Jocks,” “Leather,” or just a guy next door, you’ll find others who vibe with you. It’s a friendly crowd overall, and the different communities make it easy to meet like-minded people.
Scruff offers a fun, community-centered experience for gay, bi, trans, and queer men. It’s got a solid free version, so you can try it out without spending anything, but Scruff Pro adds some great perks like unlimited browsing, private albums, and ad-free use. Whether you’re just curious or looking for something more serious, Scruff gives you plenty of options.
So, if you want a dating app that’s all about authenticity and inclusivity, Scruff could be a great fit. With its mix of social and dating features, a welcoming vibe, and some travel-friendly tools, it’s worth checking out. Give it a try—you might just find your next connection!