Gaydar Review
The UK classic — one of the oldest gay dating sites still running, now with an app.
What is Gaydar?
Gaydar launched in 1999 and for a decade was the gay dating site in the UK and Ireland — the place where an entire generation met partners and friends before smartphones existed. It's since been through several ownership changes and lost ground to app-first rivals.
What's left is a smaller but functional platform: a website plus mobile apps, with profiles, search, and chat. It's most useful if you're in the UK, and especially if you're reconnecting with a community you already know.
Key features
Profiles and search
Fuller profiles than a grid app, with search by location, age, and what you're looking for.
Website plus apps
Still works properly in a desktop browser as well as on iOS and Android.
Chat and favourites
Standard messaging, plus saved profiles and online-now indicators.
Photo albums
Public and private albums, with control over who can see the private ones.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long history and strong name recognition in the UK and Ireland
- Works as a full website, not just a phone app
- Profiles carry more information than typical grid apps
- Free to join and browse
- Mix of dating and hookup intent, not exclusively one or the other
Cons
- Much quieter than in its heyday — activity varies a lot by city
- Skews older; younger users are mostly on app-first platforms
- Interface and app polish lag behind newer rivals
- Little presence outside the UK, Ireland, and Australia
Pricing
- Free: profile, browsing, search, and limited messaging.
- Premium membership: unlimited messaging, advanced search, and ad-free browsing.
- Sold monthly with cheaper longer terms; pricing is modest compared with Grindr.
Who it's for
- UK and Irish users, particularly in London and other big cities
- Guys who used Gaydar years ago and want that community back
- People who prefer a website to a phone app
Who should skip it
- Anyone outside the UK, Ireland, or Australia
- Users in small towns where the site is effectively empty
- Guys who want the fastest, busiest local grid — that's Grindr
The bottom line
Gaydar is a piece of gay internet history that's still online, and in London it can still turn up conversations you won't find on the big apps. The website format and fuller profiles are genuine advantages.
But it's a supporting act now, not a headliner. Join it free, see whether your area is active, and only consider premium if the answer is yes.
Visit GaydarFAQ
Is Gaydar still around in 2026?
Yes. The website and mobile apps are still operating, though the user base is much smaller than during its 2000s peak.
Is Gaydar free?
You can join, build a profile, browse, and search for free. Premium membership unlocks unlimited messaging and advanced search.
Is Gaydar for dating or hookups?
Both. Compared with Grindr or Sniffies, Gaydar's culture leans a little more towards dating and conversation, but plenty of members are looking to meet up.