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Alternative to Grindr

Find your own pace.

Grindr makes it easy to explore who's nearby. Curious about a more personal introduction? Give Known a little time to get to know you: what you're into, what matters to you, and what you're hoping to find. We introduce one person at a time and help plan a date when you both want to meet.

Try Known for free
4.7App Store monthly average
A couple kissing beneath string lights
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
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
Got to know me better than I know myself and actually got me dates with interesting people. 10/10 recommend
lwc2120App 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 went on a great date, it was nice the whole experience was sort of all taken care of for me.. restaurant was nice and I’d try it again
Jon.poker345App Store review
Great app for authentic dating and very refreshing concept behind the app.
sam736528App 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?

Want room for the whole person?

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.

What kind of connection are you seeking?

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.

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.

Would clearer intentions help?

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.

Looking for a different pace?

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.

Want a date with a 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 Grindr

The detailsGrindr
Matching
A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction.
A grid of nearby profiles, with filters to refine your search.
Recommendations
One personal introduction at a time, followed by date planning.
For You shows six daily profiles; messaging them requires Unlimited.
Manual swiping
None. We find your match; you decide whether to meet.
Browse a nearby profile grid instead.
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 core features; paid upgrades.
No subscription
No subscription. No monthly dating bill.
Optional XTRA and Unlimited plans.
I was actually surprised at the AI aspect for matching, because my first date from Known could not have been more fun!!
Looking for love :)App 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
This is such a cool app I love that it is curated and personalized. I genuinely feel in good hands
GigiialcApp Store review
Finally an app that encourages intentional dating! Super aesthetic and easy to navigate
a73849App 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
This is the real deal- finally a proper dating app with no endless swiping
LjosephKApp Store review
More stories, less swiping. Read our testimonials ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

Buona Forchetta - South Park

South Park / San Diego

Buona Forchetta - South Park

Buona Forchetta’s South Park location is built around a wood-fired oven brought over from Naples and a patio out back strung with lanterns. The pizzas are Neapolitan and the pasta is made in house, with plenty on the menu to order for the table and share.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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