Grindr VS Scruff: What To Choose
Though Grindr and Scruff have been phenomenal for gay dates, they are distinct. You would want to know how they differ and why gay singles would prefer either.
Grindr has been in existence since 2009 and has been the go-to gay dating website meant for gay, transgender, queer, and bisexual individuals. Registration is straightforward; you can connect a Facebook account or sign up with your email address. Hooking up with other singles is subject to a user’s location – you will only connect with queer men within your proximity. The messaging feature on the Grindr app is a bit better than Scruff because it has more features of communication. You can also back up your chats on google drive-something that you cannot do with Scruff.
Scruff, on the other hand, appears as Grindr at first sight. It was established in 2010 specifically for a particular tribe of individuals. Scruff is a refined version of Grindr. It is meant for mature men who are looking for serious relationships. Scruff offers users a space for travel plans and local events, unlike Grindr. You will also notice unique features like curated matches which you cannot get on Grindr. When it comes to pricing, the premium plans for Scruff tend to be cheaper than Grindr. Its overall user interface is better as compared to that of Grindr.
How Are Grindr And Scruff Function?
The two gay hookup sites function distinctly. Grindr offers a list of users who are nearby your location. It also updates the list of new users in case you change the place. Tapping on profiles is also made more accessible, and members can show interest or drop messages privately. The website also allows users to send videos, photos, and stickers to their matched description.
On the other hand, Scruff performs almost a similar function as Grindr. The website offers a list of members nearby your current location. Users can also send a woof to other members when showing interest. Or, you can send a direct private message to initiate the conversation using other dedicated sections -this improves Scruff’s overall user experience.
Pros
| Grindr | Scruff |
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Cons
| Grindr | Scruff |
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Design And Usability: Grindr VS Scruff
Grindr: as a popular app with a diverse crowd, it features an inclusive design to elevate its functionality. You will love its modern web design and the user-friendly interface it offers. New members are also allowed to access compelling features which can make their dating experience smooth and fun. Some of them include:
- Gaymojis
Gaymojis make the conversation entertaining and more fun. It offers an easy way on how to interact perfectly on this dating platform. Presently, Grindr has more than 500 gaymojis, so an exciting opportunity to spice up your flirting.
- Favorite
The feature allows members to add their eye-catching members into the bookmark so that you can text them later when you have time. Explore, Tap, and discreet app icons are combinations of features that make this app work perfectly.
Equally, Scruff has tons of usability features that make its design and interface easy to navigate. Though intended for the gay community, the layout doesn’t feature the rainbow flags. Instead, the app is themed dark, blue, and black colors, making it attractive for anyone. You can easily access it on the go via the mobile application – you can access it on the go!
Web & App Design
Although members of this platform are mature men with relationship goals, Scruff’s web reflects a dark theme-mostly blue and black. So, you can be sure of its ease of use. Scruff comes with a mobile version application, but you can use it on your PC as an APK using an emulator. It is compatible with both iOS and Android users. You can download it from Play Store or Apple store for free.
Similar to Scruff, Grindr’s mobile application design is straightforward to set up. It is user-friendly and offers excellent navigation. You can download it for free. The APK focuses more on users than its advanced features. All features, including matches, favorites, and messages, are found on the bottom of the screen. Grindr is an ideal gay dating app for men finding dates while on the go.
Usability
| Platforms | Grindr | Scruff |
|---|---|---|
| iOS App | ✔ | ✔ |
| Android app | ✔ | ✔ |
| Web/Desktop Version | ✔ | × |
Grindr Member Base
Both Grindr and Scruff cater to men looking for MSM engagement. But the target audience for Grindr seems to be vast because it caters to gays, curious, bisexuals, queer bears, and transgender individuals. The Scruff platform, on the other hand, has a more filtered target audience. It is a website commonly used by serious individuals looking to take their love to another level.
When it comes to popularity, Grindr has more than 27 million users from 190+ countries. On the other hand, Scruff has a small user base with 15 million members from 180+ countries.
The most popular age bracket that commonly uses this platform is between 25-34 years old, where most of the members come from the United States. Members joining this website are looking for hookups, fun, and short-term relationships.
Most active guys looking for queer relationships on Scruff are within the ages of 25 to 34. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Scruff is meant for long-term commitments. Some members are open to flings and hookups.
Male/Female Accounts
Both apps are meant explicitly for guys looking to date other men. But Scruff claims to promote females looking for long partners. Like men, the most age bracket is between 25-34 years.
Registration & Profile
Both websites offer a simple, quick, and straightforward signing up process. Registration is free.
At Grindr, new members can register using either an email address or through Facebook accounts. Although there is no email verification, you need to upload a photo to complete the registration process. Additionally, providing information (gender, age, birthday, among others) about yourself is essential. Then lastly, you need to allow this app to find your location.
The first thing in Scruff is to allow your device location. The registration process won’t take you much time. You only need to fill in the required fields (password, email, birthday) – the rest are optional. Unlike Grindr, Scruff will ask you to describe your profile photo so that you can get noticed by other users.
Grindr Vs Scruff: Differences In Searching And Matching
Both apps offer excellent searching and matching options. They provide location-based services to help members identify profiles of other users nearby. But Scruff tends to provide a wide range of filters than Grindr, making it easier to find preferences. Matching at Scruff also is based on what you are looking for; fun, dates, relationships, etc. If you prefer networking, the app will match with members who also clicked networking.
Possibility to Meet Your Love
It is possible to meet your loved one on both platforms. However, this comes down to your personal preferences and tastes. If you are looking for a gay website where you want your guys to have more character, then Scruff is a better way to go. However, if you are after flings, fun, and short commitments, Grindr is thus an ideal solution.
Possibility to Find Casual Hookup
Yes. There are possibilities of finding a casual hookup. This is especially true with Grindr. It is all about creating a sexy profile that will lead you to get your matched description.
Quality Of Profiles & User Safety
Both apps allow users to make their profiles more attractive by adding interesting information about themselves.
Grindr allows members to upload one photo at a time. It is not necessary to fill in all the details, and users can edit their profile later. There are five sections to be filled:
Info: This is an “About Me” section. New members are required to write a brief description of their personality and interests with Grindr.
Stats: The section includes additional information about your age, ethnicity, weight, and many more. You will also be required to fill in information about what kind of dates you are looking for.
Identity: As the name suggests, this section is all about identifying your gender and orientation.
Sexual health: The section includes information about your HIV status.
Social links: The section allows members to connect Grindr with their social media accounts.
Coming to Scruff, this app offers an organized profile – new members, online, and most Woof’d. The platform disallows nudity in display pictures. But it comes with the lock icon feature, which allows members to access your private album when clicked. Scruff also offers profile notes, but you need to subscribe to a premium membership to enjoy this feature.
When it comes to user safety, you need to beware that Grindr uses GPS and Wi-Fi technology from your smartphone. If you want to be anonymous, you can upload a faceless photo or fill little information about yourself. Also, you should know that linking your account with social media platforms is optional. So, you can still stay private. Grindr promises never to disclose your HIV status to any third party.
It is also worth mentioning that Grindr is aware of bots. For this reason, they advise members not to deal with accounts that list their heights less than 3 feet.
Scruffs can ban your account that violates their rules and regulations, which include: copyrighted pictures, possession of firearms, drugs, and many more.
Verification of Users
Every app comes with its unique way of verifying users. Scruff allows only members with recognized faces to join the community. Grindr, on the other hand, requires no email verification. But your photo must be approved.
Fakes or Scam
Like any other online platform, there are plenty of fakes and scams – it is no surprise that you could run into scams and many fake profiles. However, both apps have a team of moderators whose work is to ensure members provide truthful information about themselves. Any member found violating the guidelines will have his account banned. Avoiding fake profiles is simple; only reach out to people with verified and complete profiles. You can also report a suspicious person by clicking the Block or Report buttons.
Pricing Policies
Upgrading to premium means you will enjoy fancier features such as advanced grid sorting, unlimited search criteria, messaging, chat rooms, and many more.
Scruff pricing packages are as follows:
- One month costing $14.99
- Three months, each month costs $13.33, totaling to $39.99
- 12 months, each month costs $10.09, totaling to $119.99
Grindr pricing packages are highlighted below:
- One month is worth $13.00
- Two months cost $28.20; a month would cost $9.40
- 12 months cost $176.46; you will be charged $5.20 each month.
Free Membership
As a free member, you can create an account with any of the apps for free – you can access some functions without upgrading. Grindr allows members to:
- Explore profiles and find matches
- Select one tribe
- Send, receive, and reply to messages
- View up to 100 matches.
On the other hand, Scruff allows users to:
- Send & receive messages
- Browse profiles, and use the website even if they don’t have an account.
You can still make use of this and find perfect dates without upgrading.
Final Thoughts: The Winner is…
Seems like a tie? Well, this depends on your dating needs. This review tends to make Grindr or Scruff pretty similar because they both cater to gay individuals. The brief comparison of Grindr VS Scruff shows that both apps provide almost similar facilities. So it’s up to you to choose which one you should go for; a platform with a younger audience (Grindr) or a site with gay bears (Scruff).
Lastly, both apps have the best reputation compared to their competitors; the list of their advantages keeps growing day by day. If audience size is what you consider, say hello to Grindr because it doubles the users than Scruff. If you are unsure of using any of the apps, go for Scruff because it has higher ratings and more positive reviews.
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