Alternative to Alura
A matchmaker who works for you.
Alura is a private club where matchmakers look for candidates for their clients. Known's matchmaker works for you. We get to know you through a conversation, search for someone we think you'll click with, and introduce you when we find them. When you both say yes, we book the date. No application, no waiting to be discovered.
This app is such a new, refreshing perspective to online dating 10/10 app will use again
It felt like a really natural way to talk about myself and what I’m looking for. Like I was talking to a friend. Super easy, cool approach to approach online dating. I’m excited
Actually shocked at how well things are going so far! Really happy with who I’m meeting
How Known works
A little more personal.
Swipeless dating.
You don't browse people. You're introduced to them.
Known starts by getting to know you. Not just your profile, but how you think, what you value, and who you're drawn to.
From there, we introduce you to one person at a time. Someone chosen with intention. Someone worth meeting.
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No endless options. No small talk.
If there's mutual interest, we set the date. Time, place, everything handled. All you have to do is show up.
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It gets better over time.
After each date, Known learns. What felt right. What didn't. What surprised you.
So every introduction becomes more accurate. More natural. More you.
Less searching. More knowing.
Try it nowHow is Known different?
Ready for something beyond an inbox?
Meet people looking for what you are
Known is a community of intentional daters who are ready for a real relationship. Whether you’re newly single, divorced, have been dating for a while, or simply ready to find your person - our matchmaker gets to know you and what you’re looking for so we can find the same in the people we introduce you to.
More than a questionnaire?
Meet someone chosen for you
There’s a lot about you that could never fit into a dating profile. At Known, we get to know all the little things that make you, you - your quirks, values, aspirations, and what you’re looking for in a relationship. We do the same with your potential matches, so we can introduce you to someone we believe you’ll have real compatibility with.
Want a date that fits your life?
Your preferences matter.
Your match, preferences, and availability help shape the date. Known looks for a place that fits, not just somewhere to meet.
Do you want to browse, or be introduced?
Dating that cares about your time
Known is searching for your match every day, so you don’t have to spend hours swiping or checking for someone new. When we find someone you want to meet, we plan the date and send you the details. You just have to show up.
What will it feel like in person?
Skip the pen-pal phase
We believe chemistry is best discovered in person, not over a screen. Known skips the endless small talk and conversations that go nowhere, so you can see if there’s a spark in person. Once you both say yes to an introduction, Known finds a time that works and plans the date. Save the real getting-to-know-you part for when you meet.
Can someone else handle the planning?
We make the date happen
When you and your match are ready to meet, Known finds a time that works for both of you, picks a spot nearby, books the reservation, and sends you the details. We take care of everything so you don’t have to.
Known vs Alura
| The details | Alura | |
|---|---|---|
| Matching | Independent matchmakers search Alura's members to find candidates for their own clients. | A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction. |
| Getting in | Membership by application; not everyone is accepted. | A community of intentional daters 21+; tell us about yourself and we get to know you. |
| Availability | Accepting applications in San Francisco, with a waitlist elsewhere. | Live in San Francisco and San Diego. |
| Book the date | Puts $100 toward a first date that comes from a matchmaker introduction; reservation booking isn't advertised. | We choose a time and place and handle the reservation. |
| Cost | Free membership. | Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate. |
| No subscription | No subscription or in-app purchases listed. | No subscription. No monthly dating bill. |
I've had a really positive experience with Known. The swipeless approach feels much more intentional than traditional dating apps, and it encourages genuine conversations instead of judging people in a split second. The profiles give you a better sense of who someone is, and the overall experience feels more thoughtful and less overwhelming. The app is easy to use, and it's refreshing to see a different approach to online dating that's focused on meaningful connections rather than endless scrolling. Definitely worth trying if you're looking for something more authentic.
Known is like a better hinge, it’s a great matchmaking service/dating app.
I've been on some great dates so far with genuine people who were clearly there for the same reason I was.
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Outer Richmond / San Francisco
Lands End and the Sutro Baths
For a date that costs nothing but still feels like a plan, walk the Coastal Trail from Lands End toward the Sutro Baths. The trail follows the cliffs above the Pacific, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the way, before dropping down to the ruins of the old baths.
Go on a date here with Known
Pacific Heights / San Francisco
Jane on Fillmore
Jane on Fillmore works for a coffee that quietly turns into lunch. There’s counter and table seating, an all-day breakfast menu, and enough pastries to make ordering a second thing feel inevitable.
Go on a date here with Known
Herb & Wood
Herb & Wood is a warm, low-lit restaurant in Little Italy built around an open wood-burning hearth, with an indoor fireplace tucked off to the side. Much of the Mediterranean-meets-California menu comes off the fire and is meant to be ordered across the table and shared.
Go on a date here with KnownA few possibilities from our venue library. Your date’s location depends on your match, preferences, and availability.
A little more to know
Good questions.
How do I delete my account?
Is Known available on Android?
Why do I need a friend to vouch for me?
Where is Known available?
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
Does Known plan the first date?
Your pocket matchmaker
Less searching.
More knowing.
A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.
Download Known