"Using Growlr has been an overall good experience. To meet other men like me, the app sure delivers! There are some really great bears like myself who share the same interests and there are also cool features for you to easily meet up with them. However, the technicality of the app still needs improvement because the app often crashes even when I've updated it. Also, there are issues with the message feature. I've often experienced losing most of my messages and if I didn't connect with someone outside the app, it's difficult to recall your last dialogue." Mikey, 38
Growlr App Review UK 2026: Is it free and safe?
A free and fun social networking app to help find friendship and dates within the gay community around the world or in the neighborhood. All about Growlr in the UK.
2.5poor
Growlr is a dating app for gay bears looking for casual dates and short term relationships
- Over 10 million members worldwide
- Matching by location and dating information
Flirts
Casual dating
Relationships
Is Growlr right for me?
last updated
Estimated active members in the UK110,000
Women / Men
0% 100%
From£5.17/mo
Age
Growlr UK in 10 seconds
- Growlr is a dating app for gay bears all around the world who are looking for casual dates and short-term relationships
- The app has over 10 million members worldwide, Know more about the community here
- Registration is free and quick, Learn more here
- The app is available for iOS and Android users
- Works by allowing its members search for potential partners based on location and dating information
- Sending and receiving messages are free
- The app is easy to use
- Some profiles have incomplete information
- Members can upgrade to premium to explore more special options. See more here
Is Growlr right for you?
Find out if Growlr is the right service for you or if there are better options.
Better than Growlr
Who is Growlr for, and not for?
Growlr is for…
- For single bears who are looking for short-term relationships or casual dates
- For chasers who are looking for like-minded gay bears
- For single gay men who are looking for flirtatious encounters
…and not for
- People who are looking for gay sugar daddies and babies
- Singles who are looking for long-term and serious relationships
- Not suitable for women and lesbians
Growlr pros & cons
- Growlr is free and offers affordable premium plans for those who want to upgrade
- Has an accepting gay bear community
- The app's general interface is intuitively easy to use
- Most profiles are incomplete because the app doesn't require users to finish account setups
- The free account has a lot of advertisements
- In 2020, the app incorrectly suspended its users due to over-aggressive anti-spam settings
What Growlr really costs in the UK
Compared with other dating services, Growlr is average-priced.
Growlr Pro
This recurring membership gives you private photos, video chatting, saved searches and ad free browsing. Shout! costs 4.59 GBP separately.Total
1 month
8.49 GBP / month
8.49 GBP
3 months
6.83 GBP / month
20.49 GBP
12 months
5.17 GBP / month
61.99 GBP
Our pick: 12 months for 61.99 GBP, that is 5.17 GBP per month, 39% less per month than 1 month.
Growlr costs last updated on Nov 1, 2026
Payment options in the UK
Via Mobile PhoneApp Store
No anonymous payment.With Growlr you cannot pay anonymously, the charge appears on your bank statement.
On your bank statement
The company does not publish what the statement shows and the checkout page or first invoice tells
Growlr costs screenshot
Upgrading to a PRO membership will get you access to special features such as viewing full-sized private pictures and videos, live video calls, and removing advertisements.
Growlr Shout!
SHOUT! s are a way for users to advertise their business, event, or just say "Hello" to a large number of users at one time. Purchase Shout! for 4.59 GBP.
Free vs. paid services in the UK
FeatureFreeGrowlr Pro
Profile creation
includedincluded
Chatting with other members
includedincluded
Member and profile search
includedincluded
Viewing members' profiles
includedincluded
Private photos
not includedincluded
Video chatting
not includedincluded
Saved searches
not includedincluded
Ad free browsing
not includedincluded
Shout!A way for users to advertise their business, event, or just say Hello to a large number of users at one time.
not includedincluded
You can create a profile, search members, view profiles and chat for free. You can also try the member search list and read a single message before paying.
Who is signed up on Growlr in the UK?
Exclusively on DatingScout: online member numbers for dating services are usually far off, so we estimate how many people are really on Growlr from traffic data and interest, updated monthly, with history.
Growlr is a dating app exclusively made for the gay community. Initially, the app caters to gay bears who want to meet other gay bears. Later on, the app evolved and accepted other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, the app has millions of gay bear members with a growing population of bear chasers, people who are attracted to gay bears.
110,000+378%
Estimated active members in the UK
150,000
Weekly active members in the UK
353,000
Members in the UK
4.2
App Store rating in the UK
3.5
Google Play rating worldwide
23k
22k
19k
17k
120k
110k
MayJunJulAugSepOct
Estimated active members, last 6 months
| Women | Men |
|---|---|
| 0% | 100% |
Gender
| 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-54 | 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
21% 18-24 |
26% 25-34 |
21% 35-44 |
16% 45-54 |
16% 55+ |
Age of members
Last data update: October 2026
How does Growlr work?
A dating app designed for the gay bear community, available on iOS and Android globally
Basic features like messaging are free, with premium options for additional features like video chatting and ad-free browsing
Users can engage with features like local check-ins, event listings, and the SHOUT! broadcast message system
The app offers both public and private photo galleries, though it has an outdated interface and some bugs
Growlr ensures safety through user-reported concerns but does not perform background checks
Making contact on Growlr
★★★★★ 3.5/5
- See who's online
- See and talk with members via video-chat
- Create and view posts on your "Feed" section
- Everybody can send messages for free
- Growlr has a chat function
Profile quality
★★★★★ 2.5/5
- Members can set up public and private galleries
- Completing your profile is optional
- Profiles contain only little information
- Profile pictures are visible to everybody for free
- You can edit your profile information later
The Growlr app
★★★★★ 3.0/5
- Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- The app is fun and easy to use
- The app's user interface is a bit outdated compared to others
- The app is free, but users can upgrade to premium plans to explore more features
- The app has occasional bugs and glitches when used with other applications
Growlr is free to download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app is fun and easy to use. However, its user interface is a bit outdated compared to other dating apps in the market. The app is generally free and users have the option to upgrade to premium plans if they want to explore more features. There are several reports of the app having bugs and glitches, especially when used simultaneously with other applications.
Our field test
★★★★★ 3.0/5
I was having a hard time finding people who will understand my sexuality since I came from a conservatve family. That's why I always use special apps and trying new once every now and then. Growlr helped me find new friends who I can meet and, you know, do some stuf with. So far so good. It's just a little
Special features
Growlr keeps your dating game more fun and exciting with the following special features.
Finding people 2
BearsFree
You get to find bears based on three different sections, "online", nearby" and favourites". The "online" section shows you a list of people who are recently active. The "nearby" sections show you a list of users who are closest to your current location. There's also a "global" section if you wish to see other members in a different location. The "favourites" section shows the users you have marked as your favourites sorted by distance.
CheckinsFree
This feature lets you see a list of venues closest to where you are, and will then show a list of Growlr members near your area as well. You just need to tap on the venue to show you the venue details which will then show you a list of users who are in that area.
Showing interest 1
MeetsFree
This section shows you a list of meet requests that you will receive from other bear members. This also shows you a list of meet requests that you sent out to the person you marked as favourite or are attracted to.
Community and events 3
EventsFree
This section has two parts which are the "events" and "birthdays". For the events part will display a list of upcoming bear events. In the birthdays part, you get to see your favourites profile with their birthday listed down.
BarsFree
This section shows you a list of bars that are frequented by bears. The venue closest to you is shown at the top of the list.
Shout!Free
SHOUT! s are a way for users to advertise their business, event, or just say "Hello" to a large number of users at one time.
Other extras 1
NtotesFree
This section shows you a blank space to save personal notes or memos. You can add, edit, delete notes here and the most recent note will be seen at the top of the list.
Final results
2.5
“Growlr brings a whole new perspective to men meeting men and hooking up with other bears. Growlr is fun, it's real, and it works!”
Is Growlr right for me?
tested November 2026
Signup3.0
Making contact3.5
Profile quality2.5
App3.0
Field test3.0
Overall2.5/ 5
Alternatives: Better than Growlr
Compare Growlr with other dating sites
| Activity |  Growlr2.5Read review |  GaysTryst5.0Read review |  GaysGoDating4.5Read review |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Growlr is a dating app for gay bears looking for casual dates and short term relationships | GaysTryst is a casual dating site for gay and bisexual men looking for hookups | GaysGoDating is a gay dating site for single gay men looking for casual relationships, using location based matches |
| Activity | 110,000 est. active members | 130,000 members | 5,000 members |
| Costs and prices | Growlr Pro 1 month: 8.49 GBP / month 3 months: 6.83 GBP / month 12 months: 5.17 GBP / month | Premium Subscription 1 day: 0.99 GBP 1 week: 10.43 GBP 1 month: 35.70 GBP / month 3 months: 23.40 GBP / month | Full Member 1 month: 32.01 GBP / month 3 months: 15.36 GBP / month 6 months: 14.34 GBP / month |
| Free features | Profile creation Chatting with other members Member and profile search Viewing members' profiles | Registration and profile creation Basic search Viewing a member’s complete page Sending winks Adding members to favourites Browse members through the Like Gallery | Create an account Viewing profiles Browsing the Like Gallery |
| Premium features | Open private photos Video chatting Saved searches Ad-free browsing Shout! | Utilise the extended search Viewing full-sized photos Share photos and videos in chat Enjoy unlimited chats Premium Customer Support | View photo albums View profile details Send messages |
| Right for me?Read review | Visit Gaytrust.netRead review | Visit Gaytrust.netRead review |
4 Growlr experiences from real users in the UK
1/ 5
★★★★★
0%
recommend Growlr
0%
got a date
Very good0
Good0
Average0
Poor0
Bad4
4 reader reports
What readers liked
- Liked the app design
What readers complained about
- Bullying and swearing tolerated on app
- Users suspended without clear reasons
- Small database outside major cities
61 years
David
★★★★★
Across the board guys not pretentious queens
been with them for 10 years, now been permanently suspended saying I’ve broken rules without an explanation! So much for loyalty and service!
Does not recommend Growlr
37 years
Wolf
★★★★★
I Like Design.
But I don't like what they tolerate there bullying and swearing on the app and than people get suspended with no reason just cos some idiot reporting them for something fake and they without proof suspend profiles to normal people who just go there to meet someone. Growlr you need to be more serious on your app and to not go by bunch of idiots to tell you what to do or direct you who to suspend and who's NO. Thank you and hope you will improve in the future.
Does not recommend Growlr
39 years
noth anks
★★★★★
small database inconvenient unless you live in a big city deleted the app after a fortnight
Does not recommend Growlr
Cancelling your Growlr subscription
How you can cancel
- Via the app store's subscription management
Contact details
| Company | Initech LLC |
|---|---|
| Address | Columbia, Ohio, USA |
| support@growlrapp.com |
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Subscriptions renew automatically, cancel at least 1 day before your current term ends.
Money-back guarantee
- Growlr does not offer a money-back guarantee
Do your credits expire?
Credits you buy on Growlr do not expire.
Is Growlr right for me?Growlr FAQ
What is Growlr?
Growlr is a social networking app designed for gay bears to meet other bears. It was operated in 2010 at their headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and has gained 10 million members since then.
What do you mean by bears?
Bears are masculine gay men that belong to an inclusive community of gay people.
How does Growlr work?
It is an app that can be downloaded on your smartphone for free. You just need to register in the app, which is also free. You will only be required basic information like name, e-mail, password, and location for the signing up to be successful.
USABILITY
How many pictures can I upload on Growlr?
You can upload one public picture for other members to view and 5 extra slots for private photos and videos.
Is there an age limit to join Growlr?
There is no maximum age limit. However, only individuals 18 years old and above can sign up to Growlr.
How do I search for other bears?
The search section is divided to 3 parts namely online, nearby or favourites. Online would show a list of bears who are active. Nearby would show bears who are online and near your current position. Favourites would show bears that you have marked as favourites or that you are attracted to. There's also a section in the app called "Events" where you can find upcoming bear events. There's also a "Checkins" section where you can find nearest locations where a lot of bears are usually gathering.
How do I send messages to other bears?
If a bear is currently online, you can click on their profile for free viewing and click on a chat button. The chat feature is also free.
How many bears can I mark as favourite?
The maximum number of bears you can tag as your favourite is 75.
FREE SERVICES
Are there free features on Growlr?
Yes. You can view members' profiles and photos. You can also send them a chat directly and search and mark your favourite bears. You can also send a meet request to other bears.
COSTS
What features do I need to pay for?
Growlr has extended features that you need to pay for like upgrading to PRO membership with their respective fees per month, the SHOUT feature where you can advertise or say hello to other bears within a 5 mile radius, and FLASH feature where your profile gets boosted quickly.
What do I get when I purchase a PRO membership?
When you purchase their PRO membership, you get ad-free browsing, get access to live video calls and get private photos and views, save searches and even anonymous viewing.
How do I pay for the PRO membership?
Your purchase be charged directly to your iTunes or Google Play account. You can also change the settings manually to stop auto-renewal.
SECURITY
Is Growlr safe to use?
Growlr is relatively safe and easy to use. However, since background checks are not conducted on every member of the app, precautions should be taken when connecting with other members and meeting them in public places. Should you have any complaints about other members, you can send them an e-mail at support@growlapp.com.
You did not find your question? Ask us!
Thank you for your question. We will answer it as soon as possible.
Security
- Does Growlr sell your data?
- No, Growlr does not sell your data.
- Was Growlr hacked in the past?
- No, Growlr was never hacked.
- How accurately does Growlr track your location?
- Growlr tracks your approximate location.
- Do your Growlr profile pictures or profile information appear in Google Search Results?
- No, your Growlr photos and personal information will not appear in Google Search Results.
- Who can view your pictures on Growlr?
- All Growlr users can view your pictures.
- Is your phone number required for signing up at Growlr?
- No, you can sign up at Growlr without a phone number.
- Can you erase your personal data on Growlr?
- Yes, Growlr provides an option for users to erase their data.
Why can you trust us?
- We have been testing and publishing online dating reviews for over 17 years
- We have carefully reviewed over 3,575 dating services
- Our dating site reviews and results are objective and independent in contrast to many other comparison sites
- We update our reviews every month based on new site/app offerings and feedback from our readers
- We are the Author of the Book "Online Dating for Dummies" - read more on our About Us page
- Our Dating Experts are constantly cited by press and TV outlets, find out more here
Founder of DatingScout and Author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies"
Chris founded DatingScout 17 years ago, and today he is one of the leading Online Dating Experts. He is the author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies" and the author of the Internet's largest online dating study analyzing 20 Million Profile Pictures with artificial intelligence. Chris Pleines holds a master degree in media science and appeared in numerous television interviews and publications to give expert advice as well as tips about online dating.