Side by side
The Grindr Alternative Built for Mates, Not Just Hookups
Grindr proved that men want to find each other nearby. It also proved that a grid of torsos, wall-to-wall ads and conversations that die after “hey” is not enough. B8Mates keeps the part that works — location-based discovery — and rebuilds everything around it.
B8Mates vs Grindr at a glance
- Ads: none on B8Mates — constant on Grindr free
- Friendship tiers: M8s and Close M8s vs a favourites list
- Communities: Tribes with feeds and events vs none
- Events: hosted meets with approvals and group chat vs none
- Chat: end-to-end encrypted with revocable photos
- Price: free, premium included free for alpha users
What Grindr does not give you
No ads, ever: B8Mates is funded by optional premium, not by selling your attention. Friendship tiers: M8s and Close M8s replace a flat favourites list with real levels of trust. Tribes: communities with feeds and events instead of a single global grid. Events: hosted meets with interest registration, approval and a group chat. Encrypted chat: end-to-end, with revocable photos, voice memos and location sharing.
Privacy that is more than a toggle
Hide your face photo and reveal it per person. Show approximate distance or none at all. Keep private albums for Close M8s. Discreet mode removes you from the grid without logging you out. Blocking is instant and mutual. And because there are no advertisers, there is no incentive to collect more about you than the app needs.
Still honest about what men want
This is not a sanitised version of Grindr. Bate mates, JO buddies and hookups are first-class options on B8Mates profiles, alongside friendship and Tribes. The difference is that you say what you want and so does everyone else — so the “hey” conversations actually go somewhere.
Try the ad-free alternative
Download B8Mates and see the difference.
Free download · 18+ only · No ads
Frequently asked questions
Is B8Mates really ad-free?+
Yes. There are no banner ads, no interstitials and no sponsored profiles. Optional premium funds the app.
Can I use B8Mates for hookups like Grindr?+
Yes. Hookups, JO buddies and bate mates are options on your profile. The difference is everyone states what they want, so conversations start on the same page.
Does it have as many users as Grindr?+
Not yet — B8Mates is in alpha and growing. That is why alpha users get full premium free for three months: the first members shape the community.
Is it available on iPhone and Android?+
Yes, B8Mates is on the App Store and Google Play.