Honestly over these apps as well. Kinda depends on your city or surrounding areas. From my experience:
Grindr - poor selection in my city. And lots of fakes/flakes. I have “met” some people and have become Grindr friends with them and have great chats on pop culture, world events, etc. But overall, it’s been meh. And yes, those ads are the worst.
Scruff - surprisingly, this was a great alternative when I started using it a few years back. Met some men and had a great time with them. But I feel it’s become like Grindr and skinny fit guys have taken over. Haven’t logged on in years.
Sniffles - again, in my town, it’s a dud. Lots of truckers and questionable people. Sac area wasn’t too bad actually, especially in the midtown area. I was in a spin class and logged in and so was this other sexy daddy. Lol. We recognized each other and he invited me over to his place down the block after class. But no luck after that.
GROWLR - no one local and just overall depressing.
In the end, I’m actually surprised that I’ve been “checked out” more in person at a gym/fitness studio/run club type situations than being on the apps. Personally for me, it’s a confidence booster.