Grindr isn’t free to use-not really. You can sign up and start swiping without paying a cent, but if you’ve used it for more than a few days, you’ve probably hit a wall. That wall is called Grindr. The app works like a free trial with heavy restrictions. You get the basics: location-based matching, basic messaging, and profile creation. But the features that actually make it useful? Those cost money.
What you get on the free version of Grindr
The free version of Grindr lets you see people within a 10-mile radius. That’s it. You can’t change that distance. You can’t see who liked you. You can’t rewind a profile you swiped past. You get five profile views per day. After that, you’re locked out until the next day. Messaging is open, but only if the other person messages you first. If you want to start a conversation, you need to pay.
Profile upgrades? Not happening. Free users can’t pin their favorite photos to the top. No custom bio highlights. No verification badge. No ability to boost your profile to the top of search results. You’re stuck with the default layout, the same as everyone else. And if someone blocks you? You can’t unblock them without upgrading.
The paywall: Grindr X, Grindr Unlimited, and Grindr Pro
Grindr offers three paid tiers: Grindr X, Grindr Unlimited, and Grindr Pro. Each one adds more features, but they all solve the same problem: the free version is too limited to be useful for most people.
Grindr X ($12.99/month) gives you unlimited profile views, the ability to see who liked you, and the option to change your distance radius up to 100 miles. You also get to undo swipes and send messages to anyone, even if they haven’t messaged you first. It’s the bare minimum upgrade most users need.
Grindr Unlimited ($24.99/month) adds profile boosting, which puts your profile at the top of search results for up to 12 hours. You also get advanced filters-like age range, body type, and whether someone has kids. You can hide your online status and block people without them knowing. It’s for people who want more control over their experience.
Grindr Pro ($34.99/month) is the top tier. It includes everything from Unlimited, plus a verification badge, the ability to upload up to 12 photos, and ad-free browsing. You also get priority customer support and the option to search by interests like fitness, travel, or activism. This tier is for users who treat Grindr like a serious dating tool, not just a hookup app.
Why Grindr isn’t really a free app
Many people think apps like Tinder and Bumble are free too. But those apps let you swipe and message without paying, even if you’re limited. Grindr doesn’t. It’s designed to push you toward a subscription. The free version feels like a demo version of a software program-enough to get you hooked, but not enough to actually use.
Think of it this way: if you wanted to find someone nearby to hang out with, you’d need to see more than five profiles a day. You’d want to know who’s interested in you before you reach out. You’d want to filter out people who don’t match your preferences. Grindr’s free version doesn’t let you do any of that. It’s not a dating app-it’s a lead generator for paid plans.
What you’re really paying for
When you pay for Grindr, you’re not paying for fancy filters or a badge. You’re paying for access to the core function of the app: connection. The ability to message people. The ability to find matches. The ability to control your visibility. These aren’t bonuses-they’re the reason you downloaded the app in the first place.
Grindr’s business model is built on the fact that gay, bi, and queer men need a safe, fast way to meet others. The app fills that need better than most. But because it’s a niche product, it doesn’t rely on ads for revenue like Tinder does. Instead, it relies on subscriptions. That’s why the free version is so stripped down.
Alternatives if you want a truly free experience
If you’re not ready to pay for Grindr, there are other apps that give you more for free. Hornet lets you see who liked you, message freely, and adjust your distance radius-all without paying. Scruff offers unlimited profile views and basic filters for free. Both apps have premium tiers, but they don’t lock the essentials behind a paywall.
Then there’s OkCupid. It’s not built for quick hookups, but it’s free, open, and lets you filter by interests, politics, and lifestyle. You can message anyone, see who liked you, and upload as many photos as you want. It’s slower, but it doesn’t feel like you’re being held hostage by a subscription.
Is Grindr worth the money?
If you live in a city with a large LGBTQ+ community-like New York, San Francisco, or even Asheville-you’ll find plenty of matches on Grindr. But if you’re in a smaller town, the free version is nearly useless. You’ll see the same five people every day. You won’t know who’s interested. You won’t be able to reach out.
For most people, Grindr X is the sweet spot. It costs about the same as a coffee a week. And if you’re using the app regularly, you’ll get more value out of it than you would from a latte. Unlimited and Pro are only worth it if you’re active daily, care about privacy, or want to stand out in a crowded field.
Grindr isn’t free. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re serious about meeting people, paying $13 a month is cheaper than buying drinks at a bar every weekend. And you don’t have to wait for the right person to walk in the door-you can find them before you even leave your house.
Common mistakes people make with Grindr
- Signing up and expecting to message anyone right away-free users can’t initiate chats.
- Thinking the free version is enough for long-term use-it’s not. You’ll get frustrated fast.
- Ignoring the distance setting-10 miles might sound like a lot, but in rural areas, it’s just a few people.
- Not checking if someone has a verified profile-fake accounts are common on free tiers.
- Using Grindr as your only app-pairing it with OkCupid or Hornet gives you more options.
How to get the most out of Grindr without overspending
- Use the free version for a week. See how many people you actually connect with.
- If you’re getting zero matches or can’t message anyone, upgrade to Grindr X.
- Turn on notifications so you don’t miss messages.
- Update your photos every two weeks-fresh profiles get more views.
- Use the bio to say what you’re looking for: hookups, friends, dates, or something else.
- Don’t pay for Pro unless you’re posting daily and want the badge.
Can I use Grindr for free without paying anything?
Yes, you can sign up and use Grindr for free, but the free version is extremely limited. You can only view five profiles per day, can’t message first, can’t change your distance, and can’t see who liked you. Most users find the free version too restrictive to be useful beyond a few days.
Is Grindr X worth the cost?
For most active users, yes. Grindr X ($12.99/month) unlocks unlimited profile views, the ability to message anyone, and the option to undo swipes. These are the core features you need to actually use the app effectively. It’s cheaper than a night out and gives you far more control over your experience.
Does Grindr show fake profiles to free users?
Yes. Free users are more likely to encounter fake or inactive profiles because verified badges are only available to paying users. Scammers and bots often target free accounts since they’re easier to exploit. Upgrading to Grindr Pro gives you access to verified profiles, which reduces this risk.
Can I cancel my Grindr subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel anytime through your Apple App Store or Google Play account. Grindr won’t automatically renew unless you manually turn it back on. But note: you’ll still have access until the end of your current billing period. You won’t get a refund for unused time.
Is Grindr safer than other dating apps?
Grindr has better safety features than most apps for gay and queer men, especially with Pro and Unlimited plans. You can hide your online status, block users anonymously, and verify your identity. But safety depends on how you use it. Never share personal info, meet in public places, and trust your gut. No app can fully protect you from bad actors.
Written by Michele Bradford
View all posts by: Michele Bradford