AppCorpus
Market US

GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You

Meet and connect with gay men from around the world

by GROWLR, LLC

iPhone · iPad

Active Last checked 30 Aug 2026

Quick verdict

What it is
GROWLr is a social networking app for gay men to meet, date, and chat. It has a global community with over 10 million members and allows users to send and receive private instant messages, live video calls, pictures, and videos.
Best for
  • someone who wants to meet gay men
  • gay men looking for community
At a glance
  • From $14.99/mo
  • Free to download
  • In-app purchases

Categories and search queries

Official categories

AppCorpus categories

Key functions

Function Availability Access Scope Evidence
Free app Yes Free Store published
In-app purchases Yes Limited free Store published

Screens

App Store

29 store screenshots

GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You ipad screenshot 1
GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You ipad screenshot 2
GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You ipad screenshot 3
GROWLR: Gay Bears Near You ipad screenshot 4

Pricing & paywalls

App Store

  • GROWLR Pro (1 month) — $14.99/month
  • 100 Credits — $0.99
  • 500 Credits — $4.99
  • GROWLr PRO Membership — $3.99
  • GROWLr PRO Membership — $7.99
  • GROWLr PRO Membership — $9.99
  • GROWLr PRO Membership — $19.99
  • GROWLr PRO Membership — $23.99
  • SHOUT! (5 Miles) — $4.99

Ratings & reviews

App Store

4.3 49708 ratings · App Store

  1. 4/5It’s a pretty good app for bigger guys

    Aside from the formatting of some of the features it’s definitely a good alternative if you’re a bit on the heavier side. Or even if you’re just into bigger guys. Honestly the only things I would complain about are sort of nit picky. I don’t love the color scheme, and the way you get to some of the features. I think a darker theme could be cool, like a night mode or something. Or the option to customize the color scheme or something. Just something to set this app apart a bit more. Make the other devs jealous lol idk. Honestly my primary issue right now is one I’m not sure of the cause for, but it’s probably just me. When I’m using my Data I can get on just fine. But using my moms home Wifi it won’t get off of the load screen. And I don’t have this issue with any other apps. Though, Bumble can’t locate me, and I don’t have cell service at my moms place. So I can’t just use data. So, that kinda hinders my usage of the app for the moment. But oh well I guess. That’s probably just a me problem.

    susanbuttman · 30 Aug 2026

  2. 3/5Good but needs a facelift…

    This app is good for bigger guys and those that can appreciate them, lately though there’s been a little more of everything here so honestly, if you’re looking for an alternative give this app a shot. That said, the features are what you would expect for an app like this, a grid with people nearby, basic messaging, video calls, and now a great live platform. However, the messaging and photos sections of this app need A LOT of work… first thing I’d like to see is photo watermarking. If you’re going to have an explicit save function, even in private media or in messaging, a watermark is very necessary. If someone decides to run with these pics, yeah I know bad on me for putting them out in the first place, but I’d like to know if that person was at least snagging them from here, and not just a spiteful ex or something. Also multiple profile pictures would be GREAT… I’m tired of having to add more photos to my private album just for someone to ask me to unlock, thinking they’re going to get a sneaky peek and then be rude when it’s just face. The messaging is very basic, which is fine, but an aesthetic overhaul there and throughout the app would be appreciated. Especially a dark mode! I’m tired of going blind at night 😅 Aside from these complaints, this is probably one platform I actually feel accepted and comfortable on. People are generally respectful of boundaries, and it’s just a great place to chat and meet new people. 😁

    CaptainEO86 · 30 Aug 2026

  3. 3/5Frustrating

    So, I have liked GROWLr since I found it ages ago. It’s changed and added features and done good things. But there are some negatives too. A good thing, you can use the Meet up feature to make a connection in person. Bad, people that use it before they’ve even bothered to introduce themselves to you! Good, you can write yourself a note about someone you chat with. Bad, it’s a premium feature. And so there are positives and negatives. But now full honesty. I get msgd by way too many guys who seemingly are near me. But later they are thousands of miles away. I know that you can easily change your location, but if someone does maybe there should be an icon on their pic or profile saying they just changed it. Now this is not just a problem here. But as some other sites have done, and I don’t know how or if it is possible here, but some way to get a verified profile. It really could help with the bots and scammers! Next, the activity feed. It’s kinda cool and gives you more info, but honestly the only time I use it is when I suddenly have no messages but a red badge, I’ve learned to go there and just access the different section and then it clears. But seriously? Could we not get a different icon or something that tells you what it is and not just the same badge as a message. I like the app, and I know some folx are always gonna be new and unaware of things. So the msgs from the admins are nice. But I really wish I could opt out of or mute anything but something regarding TOS, violations, or urgent issues. Not meaning to be rude but getting the same message every Friday is kinda annoying! So hope this is helpful!

    KevBear78 · 30 Aug 2026

  4. 2/5Predatory

    So when Growlr launched, the user had access to a lot more features, such as several hundred profiles, etc. as time went on, the app developers retracted and limited most of a free users access to those features behind a premium access paywall. I’m of the opinion that if you give users something, you should not take away features but rather innovate new features and charge for those. So because of that, I give Growler devs fairly low marks for being shady. Fast forward to now, the chat feature is interesting because it’s clearly an odd combination of only fans, just for fans, and a chat feature without the sex…. On an app that’s ostensibly designed to get men together… for relationships and the idea of sex because well, we’re men. My objection to this feature is this, people pay money to collect coins to spend on tipping content creators who are being entertained via this app. The developers don’t want the app to become a den of sleaze and sex, which is understandable but the app is designed to get horny men together to have sex. Then you have the bans. When people pay real money and then you ban them and effectively take that money away, that’s underhanded. I don’t hear of people being compensated after they get banned so it’s developers just taking peoples money without remuneration. That’s predatory at best. Fraudulent under the guise of being a puritanical watchdog.

    Khazhadar · 30 Aug 2026

  5. 1/5Phishing, Spam, No customer Support

    I had to delete this app because of constant phishing messages and spam. The app limits how many users you can block so the app just becomes unusable eventually unless a purchase a premium subscription. Even if I hide my location on the app users can use easy work arounds to find my location by just comparing my location to other users who have their location revealed. The app uses a considerable amount of battery life. Pop ads crash the app frequently, ads couldn’t be closed as to force ad clicks and ads have even crashed my phone OS at times. Customer support was unresponsive to my inquiries regarding regaining access to my profile as well as be able to block dangerous and threatening users. Even though I deleted my profile I am still receiving notifications that I am receiving messages and I am unable to access my profile. It appears my profile is just floating around and I am unable to access it. I appreciate what the app is trying to offer as it has the type of men that interest me and a global user list but the app and app support is poorly designed and managed. The cost of premium subscription is rather high and doesn’t offer many additional services but mainly serves to create a kind of tiered class system amongst users. We deserve better than this. I believe premium subscription or not I deserve a response from support regarding my ghost profile, phishing messages, message bots, and the inability to block users who are threatening me.

    Ubisoft BS · 30 Aug 2026

Privacy & accessibility

App Store

Privacy

  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Contact Info — Name Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Identifiers — Device ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Identifiers — User ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Location — Precise Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Other Data — Other Data Types Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Purchases — Purchase History Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Sensitive Info Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Usage Data — Advertising Data Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — User Content — Audio Data Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — User Content — Customer Support Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — User Content — Other User Content Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Analytics — User Content — Photos or Videos Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Contact Info — Email Address Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Contact Info — Name Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Identifiers — Device ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Identifiers — User ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Location — Precise Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Other Data — Other Data Types Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Purchases — Purchase History Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Sensitive Info Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Usage Data — Advertising Data Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — User Content — Customer Support Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — App Functionality — User Content — Other User Content Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Contact Info — Email Address Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Contact Info — Name Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Identifiers — Device ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Identifiers — User ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Location — Precise Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Other Data — Other Data Types Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Purchases — Purchase History Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Developer’s Advertising or Marketing — User Content — Photos or Videos Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Contact Info — Name Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Identifiers — User ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Location — Precise Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Other Data — Other Data Types Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Purchases — Purchase History Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Sensitive Info Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Product Personalization — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Third-Party Advertising — Identifiers — Device ID Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Third-Party Advertising — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Third-Party Advertising — Location — Precise Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Third-Party Advertising — Other Data — Other Data Types Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Third-Party Advertising — Usage Data — Advertising Data Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Third-Party Advertising — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Contact Info Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Identifiers Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Location Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Other Data Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Purchases Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Sensitive Info Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — Usage Data Developer declared
  • Data Linked to You — User Content Developer declared
  • Data Not Linked to You — Analytics — Diagnostics — Crash Data Developer declared
  • Data Not Linked to You — Analytics — Diagnostics — Performance Data Developer declared
  • Data Not Linked to You — App Functionality — Diagnostics — Crash Data Developer declared
  • Data Not Linked to You — App Functionality — Diagnostics — Performance Data Developer declared
  • Data Not Linked to You — Diagnostics Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Identifiers — Device ID Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Identifiers Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Location — Coarse Location Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Location — Precise Location Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Location Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Other Data — Other Data Types Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Other Data Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Purchases — Purchase History Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Purchases Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Usage Data — Advertising Data Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Usage Data — Product Interaction Developer declared
  • Data Used to Track You — Usage Data Developer declared

Accessibility

No accessibility labels collected yet.

Versions

App Store

  • 16.10.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.12.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.14.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.18.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.22.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.27.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.28.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.29.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.33.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.35.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.39.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.40.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.41.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.42.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.42.1

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.43.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.46.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.46.1

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.47.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.48.0 · 15 Apr 2026

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.5.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.50.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.50.1 · 26 Aug 2026

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.6.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.7.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.8.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

  • 16.9.0

    - Bug fixes and performance optimizations

Alternatives

Availability by market

Data quality & evidence

Page completeness
Independent summary published
Last verified
30 Aug 2026
Sources
App Store

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