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Alternative to happn

More than crossing paths.

Crossing paths can make a great story. So can a good introduction. If you're curious about an alternative to happn, try Known. We get to know you through a conversation, introduce you to one person at a time, and help plan the date when you both say yes. Give your next meet-cute a little help getting started.

Sooo cool. I've successfully met previous partners on other apps but after years of swiping and realizing that the other ones are just trying to keep you swiping instead of actually getting you to have novel and fun experiences, I'm glad that I found about Known. I've never reviewed an app before but like this one a lot. Looking forward to using it more
liliest1995App Store review
Amazing app that is the future of dating!
LeilirackowApp Store review
I’ve had a really positive experience with Known so far. The app feels more intentional than many other dating apps, it encourages meaningful matches rather than just endless swiping. I appreciate the focus on getting to know people beyond surface-level information. The interface is easy to use, the community seems genuine and I’ve connected with people who are looking for real relationships. It’s refreshing to use a platform that encourages authenticity and deeper connections. Definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something more meaningful than the typical dating app experience.
Masm1994App Store review

How is Known different?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Known vs happn

The starting point

happn connects discovery to crossed paths and places in a person's daily routine.

Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.

Getting to know someone

Its listing distinguishes shared crossing points from a user's precise live location.

When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.

Your phone

happn has listings on both the US App Store and Google Play.

Known is available on iOS and Android, so you can choose the same matchmaking service on either phone.

Different than other apps and it really feels more personal
Laur5862App Store review
This app changed my approach on life. Very great UI and loved the different approach to online dating.
noahcykApp 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 ↗

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.

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.

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.

Get to know how it works ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

The entrance to the San Diego Natural History Museum

Balboa Park / San Diego

The Nat

Friday nights are a particularly good time to visit the San Diego Natural History Museum. Admission drops by half after 5 p.m., and you can wander the exhibits without the daytime crowds before heading up to the rooftop for a drink overlooking Balboa Park.

Go on a date here with Known
Belmont Park’s carousel and Giant Dipper roller coaster

Mission Beach / San Diego

Belmont Park

Lean into the amusement park date and spend a night at Belmont Park. Ride the Giant Dipper, the wooden roller coaster that has been running along the Mission Beach boardwalk since 1925, split a funnel cake, and get overly competitive at a few midway games.

Go on a date here with Known
Bar Bibi

Russian Hill / San Francisco

Bar Bibi

Chef Bahman Safari opened Bar Bibi last year in Russian Hill, turning a two-story corner space into a cozy neighborhood wine bar. For a date, the pillow-lined nooks tucked against the windows make for an intimate spot to settle in over a bottle.

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.

Your pocket matchmaker

Less searching.
More knowing.

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

Download Known

App StoreGoogle Play

Scan to DownloadAvailable on Android & iOSTap to Install

A little more to know

Good questions.

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.
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 preferences 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 up to 2 hours before your reservation. Just enough time to break the ice without overthinking it.
Where is Known available?
Known is live in San Francisco 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.
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.
When will I get off the waitlist?
We don't have a set timeline, but our algorithm is working on it daily. Every new member who joins Known gets us closer.