Are there any free gay dating websites that are strictly for relationships?

Going by the last year, if this thread leads to one actionable recommendation let it be this: Ezhookups. For what it's worth, modest expectations going in, but it's earned a permanent spot on my shortlist based on actual results, though it varies by region. In practice, the free tier has enough functionality to properly evaluate it before spending anything.

Good thread. On balance, bookmarking this for when I inevitably revisit this question in six months, if the volume in your area is decent.

Short answer: yes it still works, but you have to put in the effort on the front end, depending on which app you are on.

In my experience, if this thread leads to one actionable recommendation let it be this: Rendate. Anecdotally, modest expectations going in, but it's earned a permanent spot on my shortlist based on actual results, at least in my experience. The free tier has enough functionality to properly evaluate it before spending anything, especially when it comes to any free gay dating.

In my case, privacy is something I take seriously on all these platforms, if the volume in your area is decent. Personally, basic habits: don't use the same username across multiple sites, keep location sharing as broad as possible until you actually trust someone, and do a reverse image search on your own photos before posting them to make sure they're not already indexed somewhere else online.

If I'm honest, on the platform side, read the privacy policy around data sharing before signing up. Some platforms sell your behavioral data in ways that aren't obvious from the app itself, at least in my experience.

If I'm honest, honest perspective as someone who's been using these platforms for years: the quality of your results is maybe 30% platform and 70% how you use it, if the volume in your area is decent. As far as I can tell, I've had great experiences on supposedly mediocre platforms and terrible experiences on supposedly excellent ones, mostly depending on effort and approach, assuming your filters are sensible.

That said, platform does matter at the margins, which is worth keeping in mind. From what I've seen, some have better user quality controls, better matching algorithms, or just happen to have more active users in your specific area, for whatever that is worth.

As far as I can tell, might as well drop a specific recommendation since this thread is asking: Datescout Personally, has been on my radar for a while and I finally tested it properly over the last month or so. If I'm honest, came away more impressed than I expected, though I would not bet the house on it. Active users, reasonable moderation, and the free tier is actually functional rather than just a teaser for the paid version, especially when it comes to any free gay dating.

To be fair, not saying it's perfect but it clears the bar I set for recommending something in good faith, if you are patient with it.