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Alternative to Badoo

Beyond the next profile.

Fancy a different way to say hello? If you're exploring alternatives to Badoo, start with a conversation with Known. Tell us about your life and what you're looking for. We'll introduce you to one person at a time, then help make a plan if you both want to meet. Bring your curiosity. The date can take it from there.

A couple kissing beneath string lights
Wow even from the first interaction it is clear how intentional this is
Dom AlexisApp Store review
My friend found her boyfriend on Known and this app feels different from other dating apps. I love the intentional matching and how it feels very personal
RyBallerApp Store review
Best dating app I’ve seen. Very excited to use it. Also-didn’t know my phone could vibrate like that, that onboarding video was AWESOME. 10/10
Positive Girl 222App 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
I’ve always been against dating apps but this is my favorite one, I 100% recommend
cody bellingerApp Store review
Beautiful UI, such a clean user experience with great haptic feedback that makes the app come alive. Definitely recommending to friends in search of a dating app!
Ellie StrandeApp 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.

Try it now

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?

Too many profiles, not enough possibility?

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.

More than a good first photo?

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.

Still wondering where it’s going?

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.

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.

Ready to get off the screen?

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.

Who is making the actual plan?

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 Badoo

The detailsBadoo
Matching
A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction.
Encounters shows profiles to like or pass on.
How you connect
A personal introduction, followed by date planning when you both say yes.
A mutual match lets you start chatting.
Manual swiping
None. We find your match; you decide whether to meet.
Like or pass in Encounters.
Book the date
We choose a time and place and handle the reservation.
Date booking isn’t advertised.
Cost
Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate.
Free features; paid upgrades and credits.
No subscription
No subscription. No monthly dating bill.
Optional Extra and Premium plans.
Seriously this is the only app that doesn’t waste your time. Been on 2 dates so far and I just deleted hinge bc it doesn’t feel worth it anymore. Ty Known🩷
Gurlygirlgirl7App Store review
Finally an app that encourages intentional dating! Super aesthetic and easy to navigate
a73849App Store review
Such a great user experience!! The aesthetic alone is unmatched and it was very easy to navigate and I felt very comfortable using the app.
Cait1738App Store review
This is such a cool app I love that it is curated and personalized. I genuinely feel in good hands
GigiialcApp 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
So glad this app exists, I’m already being matched with such perfect dates, I’m so excited
hihihihihi12345..App Store review
More stories, less swiping. Read our testimonials ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

Photo of Horsefeather

Bay Area

Horsefeather

Horsefeather is a stylish cocktail bar in NoPa, where a skylit atrium and a lively atmosphere make it a great spot for a first date. Meet for an afternoon cocktail while the natural light pours in, or turn drinks into dinner with a selection of small bites and larger plates.

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.

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.
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.
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
A typical conversation takes around 15 minutes, but take your time. You can always pause and come back to it whenever you're ready. We suggest finding a quiet place with good internet for the best experience.
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.
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.
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.

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