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Alternative to Bee by Bumble

A thoughtful start. A real next step.

Curious about Bee, Bumble's matchmaking assistant? You don't have to wait to try a more personal way to date. Known is already live in San Francisco and San Diego. Tell us about yourself, meet someone we think you'll click with, and let us help plan the date. Why wait for Bee when you could give Known a go?

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4.7App Store monthly average
A couple kissing beneath string lights
the setup process was pretty quick and i think this app is more genuine than most dating apps
lt_spiceApp Store review
Ok so I did not trust this app at all, but my girlfriends put me onto it and now I am going on a third date with the greatest guy who I am falling for!
BeezAtlantaApp Store review
The AI matching was actually way better than I expected, and my first match turned into a really fun date with someone I genuinely clicked with.
zaharareedApp Store review
Update: I went on my first date and honestly really enjoyed it. We’re going on a second date this weekend.
Roeroeroeyourboat4App 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
the app design is literally stunning like tf?? it appeals to the genz audience well i feel, better than hinge, better than tinder
nugget_pheebsApp 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.

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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 now

How is Known different?

Is there a clear next step?

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.

Is the goal still human connection?

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 turns the introduction into a date?

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.

Does the conversation feel like you?

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.

What happens after the recommendation?

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.

Known vs Bee by Bumble

The detailsBee by Bumble
Getting to know you
A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction.
Bee asks about relationship preferences and values.
Availability
Live in San Francisco and San Diego.
An invitation-only pilot for selected Bumble members in New York City.
Introductions
Personal introductions and date planning are already part of the service.
Personal recommendations are planned for the next pilot phase.
Book the date
We choose a time and place and handle the reservation.
Date booking has not been announced for the pilot.
Cost
Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate.
Pilot pricing has not been published.
No subscription
No subscription. No monthly dating bill.
Not announced for Bee.
Great app for authentic dating and very refreshing concept behind the app.
sam736528App Store review
I wasn’t expecting this to work but I got a date after three weeks on the waitlist and honestly it was the best date I’ve had in a while.
SFGuy101App Store review
Went on my first date this weekend. I really like that they pick the bar for you
AustínoApp Store review
Amazing!! Was super user friendly and took minimal time to set up. Great idea and executed really well!!
tademadeApp Store review
I was honestly surprised by my experience. Still haven’t found the love of my life but it’s been the most fun I’ve ever had going on dates so thank you !
ClauguboApp 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
More stories, less swiping. Read our testimonials ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

Photo of Verjus

Bay Area

Verjus

Verjus is a wine bar and restaurant at 550 Washington Street, serving French small plates and daily plats du jour. The room is candlelit, with a glossy maroon ceiling and intimate seating, and it suits date nights built around great wine.

Go on a date here with Known
Cafe interior with a long counter, round blue tables and stools

San Jose

Moonwake

Start the day with coffee at Moonwake, a roaster's cafe in West San Jose. Inside, wood paneling runs along the ceiling, a lit half-moon shelf glows behind the bar, and coffee cherry trees stand in the center of the room.

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 has my application not been approved yet?
Great question. If you are interested in applying for Known you must first complete your application. Applications are reviewed periodically by our team and the decision timeline can range anywhere from a couple days to several weeks. Application completion does not guarantee admittance to Known and memberships can be revoked.
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.
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.
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.

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