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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.

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4.7App Store monthly average
A couple kissing beneath string lights
This app is such a new, refreshing perspective to online dating 10/10 app will use again
ShadowlemomApp Store review
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
ChloeCW123App Store review
Actually shocked at how well things are going so far! Really happy with who I’m meeting
JabskdjfbwjApp Store review
Known is like a better hinge, it’s a great matchmaking service/dating app.
guitardogstacosninersApp Store review
I've been on some great dates so far with genuine people who were clearly there for the same reason I was.
w_sfApp Store review
i thought this ai thing wouldnt work (i hate customer service calls w ai) but this one wasn’t bad.. better than creating another profile
catalina_reApp Store review

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.

Try it now

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 now

How 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 detailsAlura
Matching
A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction.
Independent matchmakers search Alura's members to find candidates for their own clients.
Getting in
A community of intentional daters 21+; tell us about yourself and we get to know you.
Membership by application; not everyone is accepted.
Availability
Live in San Francisco and San Diego.
Accepting applications in San Francisco, with a waitlist elsewhere.
Book the date
We choose a time and place and handle the reservation.
Puts $100 toward a first date that comes from a matchmaker introduction; reservation booking isn't advertised.
Cost
Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate.
Free membership.
No subscription
No subscription. No monthly dating bill.
No subscription or in-app purchases listed.
Genuinely the best dating app I’ve ever used. Very good personalization.
Henryyy1969App Store review
This is genuinely one of a kind. Went on a great date through the platform and enjoyed the entire experience
catlemon99App Store review
Night and day compared to other dating apps. Excited to see what comes of this in my life!
FrankS8360App Store review
Love this! I was on the waitlist for a while and started to lose hope but I just got my first match and he’s really cute! Fingers crossed!
NorthBay21App Store review
Such a cool and interesting dating app!! Nothing like ive seen before
Mica_2003App Store review
So glad I signed up! Known is not yet in my city but I am excited for when it comes! I’ve heard amazing things and can’t wait to see for myself why Known is amazing!
A_R4321App Store review
More stories, less swiping. Read our testimonials ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

Two salt-rimmed green margaritas with lime slices and mint on a wooden table

San Jose

Zona Rosa

Stop by Zona Rosa for Fiesta Hour from 3 to 5pm Tuesday through Friday, when margaritas and other specials make for an easy, affordable date. The hacienda-inspired space has patios in both the front and back, with Mexican dishes like blue corn enchiladas and crab ceviche.

Go on a date here with Known
Terraced rose beds curving in an amphitheater below a wooden pergola.

Berkeley

Berkeley Rose Garden

About 1,500 rose bushes grow across terraced levels at the Berkeley Rose Garden on Euclid Avenue, and a redwood pergola shades the seating. Codornices Creek and an ornamental pool run through it, and the Golden Gate Bridge is in view.

Go on a date here with Known

A 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?
Sorry to see you go. If you'd like to withdraw your application to Known you can do so by deleting your account in settings. All data will be deleted within 30 days of the request, abiding by data compliance. We recommend pausing your account, because if you withdraw, you will re-enter the waitlist upon returning.
Is Known available on Android?
Yes, in the US. Download it for Android, or use known.com/join and we will send you to the right place for your phone. Outside the US, join the global waitlist.
Why do I need a friend to vouch for me?
Vouching helps us review your application with a more honest lens, which often strengthens your profile. The more we know about you, the better your Introductions.
Where is Known available?
Known is live in the Bay Area and San Diego, with plans to expand worldwide soon. If you’re outside the US, join the worldwide waitlist to be notified when we launch in your city.
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
Yes, you can chat with your date at 7 AM on the morning of your reservation. Just enough time to work out any last minute details. Plenty of time to break the ice, without overthinking it.
Does Known plan the first date?
Yes! Once you confirm your match and your schedules align, we select a venue based on both of your locations and make the reservation. All you have to do is show up and be yourself.

Your pocket matchmaker

Less searching.
More knowing.

A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.

Download Known
Known arranging a date, shown on an iPhone