Alternative to HUD
Casual dating with room for boundaries.
HUD is built for people exploring casual connections and open relationships. If you're curious about a personal introduction and a planned one-on-one date, try Known too. Tell us what you're hoping to find, let us get to know you, and see who we introduce you to. You both decide whether you'd like to take it offline.
Got to know me better than I know myself and actually got me dates with interesting people. 10/10 recommend
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.
Love this concept!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Known vs HUD
The starting point
HUD focuses on casual connections and open relationships.
Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.
Getting to know someone
Profiles can include boundaries and preferences, alongside video chat and private photo sharing.
When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.
Your phone
HUD 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.
This is such a great app. I love how you are able to find someone for me so easily and effectively! It was effortless and helped me find someone I adore! Best app!
Really polished and easy-to-use interface. Everything feels clean, intuitive, and thoughtfully designed. I enjoyed exploring the app and was truly impressed by how seamless and modern the experience feels. It’s clear a lot of care has gone into design and usability, and I appreciate how approachable everything is. Excited to see how known continues to evolve and grow!!
i actually liked how they took care of picking the whole date place for me.
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.
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Cow Hollow / San Francisco
Brazen Head
Brazen Head is a useful answer when an evening drink turns into wanting dinner. The Buchanan Street restaurant and public house serves comforting classics, from French onion soup to pepper steak, with a bar that stays open later than the kitchen.
Go on a date here with Known
Mission / San Francisco
Dolores Park Cafe
Dolores Park Cafe is a useful meeting point when you want a coffee date with an obvious next step. Order an espresso and an egg sandwich at the café on Dolores and 18th, then decide whether to stay on the patio or take something into the park.
Go on a date here with Known
Russian Hill / San Francisco
Cafe Réveille
The Polk Street Réveille gives a coffee date room to turn into brunch. The corner space has high ceilings, indoor tables, heated outdoor seating and a parklet, with an all-day menu if either of you arrives hungry.
Go on a date here with KnownA 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
Tap to InstallA little more to know