Grindr for lesbians? Here are the best dating apps for LGBTQ women.
Navigating the world of online dating as a lesbian can be both exhilarating and challenging. While the quest for love has evolved over the decades—from personal ads and bar hopping to the digital landscape of today—many queer women still face unique hurdles in their search for meaningful connections. In 2025, the online dating scene is vibrant, with a mix of niche apps designed specifically for LGBTQ women and mainstream platforms that have adapted to be more inclusive. However, the experience can often be complicated by the presence of straight individuals encroaching on queer spaces and the occasional awkward run-in with ex-partners on dating feeds.
Fortunately, the landscape is rich with options. Popular dating apps like Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, and even eHarmony have introduced filters that allow users to connect with individuals of the same gender or explore non-traditional relationship dynamics, such as polyamory. This inclusivity is particularly beneficial for those living in less populated areas, where niche lesbian apps might not provide enough potential matches. However, one app that stands out for its community-focused approach is HER, a platform built exclusively for queer women and non-binary individuals. With over 15 million registered users worldwide, HER not only facilitates dating but also fosters friendships and community connections, making it a go-to choice for many seeking love and companionship.
For those looking to find their perfect match, the article provides a comprehensive guide to the best dating apps for lesbians, detailing user experiences and app features. Whether you’re seeking a casual encounter or a long-term relationship, the options are plentiful. As the dating world continues to evolve, queer women are finding creative ways to connect, ensuring that love remains accessible to all. With the right tools and a bit of patience, finding that special someone in the digital age can be a rewarding adventure.
Online dating
as a lesbian can be a joyous experience, but it can also
involve having your space
invaded by straight people or seeing your ex-girlfriends (and your ex-girlfriends’ ex-girlfriends) show up in your feed over and over.
Over the decades, queer women have turned to personal ads, roaming bars, and word of mouth to find love. These days, it’s not too different. From trying to find a date on
WLW
TikTok to entrapranureal lesbians creating new apps just for them, LGBTQ women are down to get creative to find their special someone.
Thankfully, in 2025, there are both niche and general apps where queer women can find a partner — whether for one night or for life. Which ones are the best dating apps for lesbians? We tested the most popular dating sites and apps and got some insight from our
Dating & Relationships
writers to find out.
How to find the best dating apps for lesbians
Niche lesbian dating apps aren’t your only option for finding love.
Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable
Mainstream dating apps attract the most users — including queer users. That means niche lesbian dating apps aren’t your only options for finding love. These days,
Hinge
,
Bumble
, OkCupid, and
even eharmony
all have clear filters to help you match with people of the same gender (or any gender at all), as well as filters that acknowledge the existence of
non-traditional relationships
(like polyamory). Especially if you don’t live in a densely populated area, going for the more popular dating apps over lesbian dating sites can often lead to more results.
With that said, there is one dating app lesbian women should try. HER is an app by and for queer women, and it’s grown to have a strong user base. According to
its website
, the app has more than 15 million registered users worldwide. The app also emphasizes finding community and making friends, in addition to dating, providing you with numerous ways to connect with other queer women and non-binary users.
Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.
