Software · head to head
Grindr vs Badoo
Grindr
Software
The world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Grindr poor account appeal process with frequent wrongful bans and unresponsive customer service; Badoo less popular than Tinder in developed Western markets
- They diverge on capability: Grindr covers Location-Based Discovery, Badoo covers Encounters.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Grindr and Badoo actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (iOS, Android, Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Grindr
- Location-Based Discovery
- Chat
- Explore Tab
- Tags and Tribes
- Incognito Mode
- Video Chat
Only in Badoo
- Encounters
- People Nearby
- Live Video
- Photo Verification
- Spotlight
- Super Powers
Both cover
- Ios support
- Android support
- Web support
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Grindr
- Poor account appeal process with frequent wrongful bans and unresponsive customer service
- Incomplete age verification globally, with inconsistent enforcement across regions
- History of privacy violations, including 5.8 million euro fine from Norwegian Consumer Council for sharing user data with advertisers
- Rising subscription costs with aggressive monetization strategy
Badoo
- Less popular than Tinder in developed Western markets
- Profile verification process is weaker than competitors, leading to more fake profiles
Pricing, plan by plan
Grindr
Free- XTRA$19.99/month
- No ads
- View 600+ profiles
- Unlimited blocks and favorites
- Unlimited$39.99/month
- All XTRA features
- See who viewed your profile
- Incognito mode
Badoo
Free- FreeFree
- Encounters
- Messaging
- People Nearby
- Premium$12.99/month
- See Who Likes You
- Invisible Browsing
- Popularity Boost
Which should you pick?
Choose Grindr if
- You need location-based discovery.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web.
- You also want chat.
Choose Badoo if
- You need encounters.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web.
- You also want people nearby.
Questions people ask
- Is Grindr or Badoo better?
- Neither clearly leads. Grindr starts at Free and Badoo at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Grindr or Badoo?
- Grindr starts at Free and Badoo at Free.
- Does Grindr or Badoo run on more platforms?
- Both run on iOS, Android, Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use Grindr for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can Grindr do that Badoo cannot?
- Grindr covers Location-Based Discovery, Chat, Explore Tab, Tags and Tribes. Badoo covers Encounters, People Nearby, Live Video, Photo Verification. Both handle Ios support, Android support, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Grindr: Is Grindr free to use?
Yes, Grindr offers a freemium model with basic profile browsing and unlimited messaging at no cost. Two paid tiers provide additional features: XTRA ($19.99/month) removes ads and expands visible profiles to 600, while Unlimited ($39.99/month) adds viewing who viewed your profile and incognito mode.
SourceBadoo: When was Badoo founded?
Badoo was founded in April 2006 in London by Russian entrepreneur Andrey Andreev and is available in 190 countries in 47 languages.
SourceGrindr: How do I export my personal data from Grindr?
Open the app, tap your profile image, then Settings. Scroll down and tap Download My Data under Security and Privacy. Re-enter your password, choose an email address, and your data report will include chats, images, and messages you sent (not received).
SourceGrindr: Can I use Grindr on my computer?
Yes, Grindr offers a web version for subscribers at grindr.com, though it requires a paid subscription. Alternatively, you can run the Android app on desktop using emulators like BlueStacks or NoxPlayer.
SourceGrindr: What privacy features does Grindr offer?
Grindr allows you to share photos that expire after one view and last 10 seconds. You can also opt out of having your location shared publicly, and premium subscribers can enable incognito mode to browse anonymously.
SourceGrindr: Is my account deletion permanent?
Yes, deleting your profile through Settings is permanent and non-recoverable. Grindr will remove all your personal data within their stated timeframe according to their Privacy Policy.
Source