"Hornet is a MUST when travelling. The Events feature is more useful than I would like to admit. My boyfriend and I have met so many friends abroad thanks to this feature. It's become a Facebook type of app, but specifically for gays. We don't have to go through filters and tags to find people and content that serve our lifestyle. Personally, our encounters with fake accounts have been zero to nil, but that may be because our profile is set up as couple. We can't speak for singles. Speaking of, when we feel like inviting someone else to warm our bed, we typically go for Grindr since it serves that purpose more. There's so many restrictions on Hornet with R rated stuff, it's crazy." Gay Couple (24 & 29)
Hornet Review UK November 2026. Mr. Right or Mr. Scammer?
Hornet is a gay social app for finding romance, love, friendship, and more with gay men in your area. All about Hornet in the UK.
3.0fair
Hornet is a gay social app for men looking for romance, friendship and more in their area
- Over 25 million users worldwide
- Safe community around shared interests
Relationships
Finding love
Friendship
Is Hornet right for me?
last updated
Estimated active members in the UK6,970
Women / Men
0% 100%
From£2.92/mo
Age
Hornet UK in 10 seconds
- Hornet claims to be the number one gay social network
- It is a safe gay community that comes together around shared experiences and common interests
- The platform aims is to build a digital home for the gay community
- It enables men to connect in more meaningful ways than just dating and hookups
- Hornet has over 25 million users worldwide
- The app is available in different languages other than English like Japanese, Polish, Afrikaans, Indonesian, Simplified Chinese, and so much more
- Caucasians dominate the global user base followed by Latinos in the USA and Asians for the rest of the world
- The website has an overwhelming amount of advertisements
- Offers general free services and options to upgrade, Learn more here
Is Hornet right for you?
Find out if Hornet is the right service for you or if there are better options.
Better than Hornet
Who is Hornet for, and not for?
Hornet is for…
- For single gays looking for serious relationships
- For gay men seeking romantic flings that could lead to long-term relationships
- For people who are looking for friendships with like-minded individuals
…and not for
- Not for uptight and conservative individuals
- Not for people who are not into gay dating
- Not for straight single men
Hornet pros & cons
- Hornet combines the features of a social network and a dating site
- Has a large member base with over 25 million members
- Features helpful and interesting articles about the gay community
- The website has too many advertisements that it already disrupts the dating experience
- There are still fake profiles despite its efforts to filter suspicious accounts
- The app crashes when used simultaneously with other applications
What Hornet really costs in the UK
Compared with other dating services, Hornet is in the upper midfield.
Premium
12 Month premium membership. Full access for a year, auto renews, and costs the least per month.Total
1 month
11.71 GBP / month
11.71 GBP
3 months
7.80 GBP / month
23.41 GBP
12 months
2.92 GBP / month
35.06 GBP
Our pick: 12 months for 35.06 GBP, that is 2.92 GBP per month, 75% less per month than 1 month.
Hornet costs last updated on Nov 5, 2026
Payment options in the UK
Credit Card
Anonymous payment possible.The name Hornet does not appear on your credit card statement, the charge shows up under a neutral name.
On your bank statement
Hornet does not publish the billing descriptor the checkout page or first invoice tells
Hornet costs screenshot
With the premium membership, you can get the full features of Hornet. The platform also offers its in-app currency called 'Honey'. Hornet also offers different kinds of merchandise such as:
Hornet T-Shirt white: 15, 000 HP/ 15 USD
Hornet T-Shirt black: 15, 000 HP/ 15 USD
Sport Captain T-Shirt: 15, 000 HP/ 15 USD
Donation to Gay Games 11 in Hong Kong 2022: 10 HP
Donation to OutRight Action International: 10 HP
50USD Amazon Gif Card: 50 USD
Membership packages are in 1-month, 3-month, and annual increments. Transactions are auto-renewed but you can cancel anytime.
Free vs. paid services in the UK
FeatureFreePremium
Upload public and private photos
includedincluded
Search and browse other profiles
includedincluded
View photos
includedincluded
Send and receive messagesEverybody can read a single message for free.
includedincluded
Unlimited blocks
includedincluded
See who checked out your profileLets you know who's interested and took a look at your profile.
not includedincluded
Search guys with all filters
not includedincluded
Upload unlimited profile photos
not includedincluded
View unlimited profile photos
not includedincluded
Remove ads
not includedincluded
You can browse profiles, view photos, send and receive messages, upload public and private photos, and use blocks for free. Premium adds profile view history, extra search filters, unlimited photo uploads and views, and no ads.
Who is signed up on Hornet 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 Hornet from traffic data and interest, updated monthly, with history.
Members are gay men seeking romantic flings that could turn into meaningful long-term relationships. Most members are in their early 20s and 30s, with a great percentage being Caucasians.
There are over 25 million members worldwide and each user is reportedly logging in at an average of seven times a day. The site has an active member activity.
6,970-56%
Rough estimate of active members
1,000,000
Logins per day in the UK
62,000
Members in the UK
2.7
App Store rating in the UK
3.4
Google Play rating worldwide
16k
14k
11k
13k
12k
7k
JunJulAugSepOctNov
Estimated active members, last 6 months
| Women | Men |
|---|---|
| 0% | 100% |
Gender
| 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-54 | 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
25% 18-24 |
36% 25-34 |
19% 35-44 |
12% 45-54 |
8% 55+ |
Age of members
Last data update: November 2026
How does Hornet work?
Hornet combines social networking and dating services, enabling users to connect over shared interests and seek romantic or friendship connections
Hornet's user demographic is primarily gay men in their 20s and 30s
Engage freely by posting updates, commenting, messaging at no cost, and participating in community-driven content like Stories and Places
Hornet prioritizes user safety by randomizing location data to protect privacy
Supports multiple languages and offers intuitive navigation to enhance user experience
Making contact on Hornet
★★★★★ 4.0/5
- Unlimited for all users
- No compiled messaging page on the PC version
- Chat box format
- Everybody can send messages for free
- Hornet has a chat function
Profile quality
★★★★★ 2.0/5
- Shows a member's follower count
- STD status is available, but displaying it is not mandatory
- Activity feed: updates on members' most recent activities
- Profiles are moderately detailed
- Profile pictures are visible to everybody for free
- Password, profile photos, personal information can be edited later
The Hornet app
★★★★★ 3.0/5
- Has a separate inbox page unlike the PC version
- Still has the Stories section
- Full of ads
- Users report issues with spam bots
- Messages and attachments sent can't be undone or deleted
The mobile app has a better design than the PC version. Overall it's smoother and easier to use. The Stories section (with all the articles, photos and videos) is still there but relegated to a secondary tab. The highlights here are your matches (according to filters or location) and your messages. It's user-friendly and mobile-optimized. If you choose to sign up for Hornet, using it on the mobile app is your best bet.
Our field test
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Design & usability
If you look at the Stories tab, it looks like a legitimate entertainment website that's interesting enough to maybe spend an hour on. However, when you go to the social networking part, the left and right sides are filled with ads that cramp up the space. While years of being digital natives have made us immune to ads, the arrangement on Hornet really irks and disturbs the experience. There's also the confusing decision of prioritizing the list of new members on the top tab while your messages are sequestered to the bottom right. Who thought that users would want to check out new members first instead of the conversations they have with people they're already interested in? The little things build up and make for an annoying browsing experience.
Special features
Finding people 1
Who Checked You Out?Free
They say it's easier to make a move, especially when the feeling is mutual. Thus, in the hopes of encouraging more people to be more forward with their flirting, "Who Checked You Out?" lets you know who's interested and took a look at your profile.
Community and events 3
StoriesFree
Hornet's main website looks like an online magazine with official news and entertainment articles. Though they have an in-house editorial staff, some of these articles and stories are actually submitted by Hornet members themselves. Anyone can apply to be a community writer and submit "witty, heartfelt, and outrageous stories or experiences". In addition to the written word, members can also submit pictures and videos. Before submitting your story, you have to pitch it to Hornet by posting a brief description in their Stories Discussion forum. They can then decide whether it's right for the website or not.
EventsFree
Events are, well, the upcoming LGBT events near your area. It's more like a bulletin post rather than the Facebook Event you're probably accustomed to. Only the details of the event are posted with no sort of interactivity available (i.e. Facebook's Going/Interested/Not going). It's up to you to personally show up to these events. If you attend, you are not protected by Hornet's terms and privacy policy anymore, so practice common sense in choosing events.
PlacesFree
An app called Vespa was "an extensive and carefully curated database of places and events in 300 cities in 70 countries" for the gay millenial generation. Vespa was the leading city gay guide and it was acquired by Hornet in 2016, then renamed to Hornet Places. Just as well, because news outlets revealed that Vespa's founder and CEO Christof Wittig was appointed as the new CEO of Hornet. On the same page as Events but a different tab, you'll find Places. These are listed areas near your location by LGBT men for LGBT men. Places include testing centers, gyms, spas, dive bars, underground piano bars, disco clubs, and more.
Final results
3.0
“Hornet, as a social network, is a glittering success. It has plenty of members evenly distributed throughout the world and it provides original and refreshing content that facilitates connections not limited to the romantic kind.”
Is Hornet right for me?
tested November 2026
Signup4.0
Making contact4.0
Profile quality2.0
App3.0
Field test3.5
Overall3.0/ 5
Alternatives: Better than Hornet
Hornet head to head
Compare Hornet with other dating sites
| Activity |  Hornet3.0Read review |  GaysTryst5.0Read review |  GaysGoDating4.5Read review |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hornet is a gay social app for men looking for romance, friendship and more in their area | 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 | 6,970 est. active members | 130,000 members | 5,000 members |
| Costs and prices | Premium 1 month: 11.71 GBP / month 3 months: 7.80 GBP / month 12 months: 2.92 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 | Upload public and private photos Search and browse other profiles View photos Send and receive messages Unlimited blocks | 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 | See who checked out your profile Search guys with all filters Upload unlimited profile photos View unlimited profile photos Remove ads | 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 |
Hornet experience reports
Cancelling your Hornet subscription
Terms at a glance
| Minimum age | From 18 years |
|---|---|
| Renews automatically | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | No |
| Credits expire | No |
Checked in the terms of Hornet on Nov 4, 2026.
How you can cancel
- Via your profile settings on Hornet
Contact details
| Address | Flat 27A Tower 1 The Orchards 3 Greig Road Quarry Bay, Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| feedback@gethornet.com |
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Subscriptions renew automatically, cancel at least 1 day before your current term ends.
Money-back guarantee
- Hornet does not offer a money-back guarantee
Do your credits expire?
Credits you buy on Hornet do not expire.
From the terms & conditions
- You lose all Virtual Currency and Gifts without refund if you delete your account or your account is terminated
- Any unused or unexpired In-App Purchases are forfeited without refund if your account is deleted or terminated
Hornet FAQ
What is Hornet?
Hornet is a gay social networking service used for hooking up or dating, but not only that. In here you can find people with mutual interests, partners, vacation buddies, even jobs, and many more.
How does the Hornet app work?
Hornet uses your GPS information to find gay and bi men in your city close to you. To enjoy this, you have to turn on your location-sharing feature (which is the default, anyway).
Is the Hornet app safe?
As part of its new privacy policy, Hornet randomly changes your distance as it is displayed in the app, so no one can ever know your exact location and to protect users from location triangulation. However, sending out private information (like racy photos or contact details) is still under your jurisdiction and you must share these only with the people you really trust. You can read more of this on their terms and conditions page.
Is there a Hornet blog?
Yes. Articles, news reports, forums, guides, and so much more are available on the homepage of the Hornet website.
Is there a Hornet app for Windows phones?
As of the time of writing, no. It's only available for Android and iOS.
Is the Hornet app available for Blackberry?
As of the time of writing, no. It's only available for Android and iOS.
Is Hornet available on the PC?
Yes. Just go to Hornet.com and provide your login details.
Is there a Hornet app for straight people?
For heterosexual apps with similar purposes, check out our Casual Dating service category.
USABILITY
What does the orange dot mean?
The orange dot/s represent the number of profile photos a member has. If you see multiple dots, you can swipe down to see more of their photos. A dot with a handle on top (visualizing a lock) is a private photo and you have to request access to see it.
How can I see someone's private photos?
Go to their profile and click on the blurred photos with the lock icons. You'll see the question "Request access?" then click Yes.
How can I upload more photos?
On the top right of the web page, click on the drop-down arrow right beside your username. Choose "My Profile". Click on the + icon, choose whether you want a public or private photo, then upload.
How do I logout of Hornet?
On the top right of the web page, click on the drop-down arrow right beside your username. Choose "Log Out".
How do I deactivate my Hornet account?
On the top right of the web page, click on the drop-down arrow right beside your username. Choose "Account", then scroll to the very bottom and select "Delete account". This is an irreversible action.
SUBSCRIPTION
How much does a Hornet subscription cost?
Offers general free services and options to upgrade, Learn more here.
How do I get a refund from Hornet?
Hornet does not give refunds for Gifts and Virtual Currency. If you delete your account or it gets terminated, you lose any accumulated Virtual Currency, Gifts, and unused or unexpired in app purchases without refund. You can request it through Hornet only.
How do I delete my Hornet account?
Log in to the Hornet website or app. Go to Settings, click Delete Account, and follow the instructions.
How do I cancel Hornet?
You can cancel in your profile settings or through your app store subscription settings. The first billing period renews automatically unless you cancel at least 1 day before it ends.
You did not find your question? Ask us!
Thank you for your question. We will answer it as soon as possible.
Security
- Does Hornet sell your data?
- No, Hornet does not sell your data.
- Was Hornet hacked in the past?
- No, Hornet was never hacked.
- How accurately does Hornet track your location?
- Hornet tracks your approximate location.
- Do your Hornet profile pictures or profile information appear in Google Search Results?
- No, your Hornet photos and personal information will not appear in Google Search Results.
- Who can view your pictures on Hornet?
- All Hornet users can view your pictures.
- Is your phone number required for signing up at Hornet?
- No, you can sign up at Hornet without a phone number.
- Can you erase your personal data on Hornet?
- Yes, Hornet 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 3,578 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.