As you can see from the comparison, the functionality on the free membership is pretty good, but upgrading just offers that little bit more.
Easy to Use
This is where Hornet really stands out because if you know how to use Instagram, the site is going to have a very familiar feel. With photos of other members appearing in your newsfeed and the ability to leave comments, Hornet feels a lot more like a social media site than a true dating app. Rather than just contacting other members, you can upload stories and moments, just like you would on Instagram. This makes it far easier to get involved without feeling as if you’re taking a huge step.
There’s no need to read complicated tutorials as it’s all very straightforward. If you see a guy you like on your suggested matches, just click on their photo to see their full profile. If you like the look of them, you can choose to follow them or take the plunge and send them a message right away.
And just in case you find yourself plagued by a nuisance guy, or perhaps there’s someone you don’t want to see, there’s a handy block facility too.
Search Functions
The search functions which are available to you depend on whether you have a free or premium membership. However, because Hornet is more of a community, there are extra ways to search, which aren’t usually available on other dating apps.
Hornet will automatically suggest men who are geographically close to you, and you can add in an age range and ethnicity if you choose to. You can also search user names or hashtags, an amazing little feature that can really help to narrow down the results.
If you upgrade to premium membership, some of the additional filters include a role, relationship status, what they’re looking for, and whether they’re online now.
A final option for everyone is to simply click on “new guys” to check out the new members who have signed up.
Safety & Security
No Hornet review would be complete without taking into account the safety and security of the site. When you join, you can opt to use your Google or Facebook account, or you can create a brand-new login using an email address.
Although many members use Hornet to find local men, clever technology constantly changes your exact location. This prevents any triangulation from taking place so that no-one can work out precisely where you are based on the data the app collects. You can also switch off your location details entirely if you prefer.
Summary
Hornet.com is a gay dating site that expands beyond what most other sites offer. It provides a way to meet other gay men in the area, whether you’re just relaxing at home or visiting somewhere new. With millions of messages from users from all the globe being sent every week, you’ll be able to explore the profiles of hundreds of thousands of single gay men.
The Instagram style and inclusion of featured men, stories, and moments make the site feel very inclusive and offer a low-drama way of making the first move. While there are other dating apps for gay men that have become very well known, it’s clear to see that there’s a real buzz about Hornet, which makes it something very special.
