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Alternative to Raya

A connection, not a collection.

You have more going for you than a carefully chosen profile photo. Known wants to hear about it. If you're looking beyond Raya, start with a conversation about your life, your quirks and what you're hoping to find. We'll take it from there: an introduction, a mutual yes, and a little help getting the date in the diary.

A couple kissing beneath string lights
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
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
Loved the onboarding process and hoping that this will shake up my dating experience!
The girl who is judgyApp Store review
Such a cool and interesting dating app!! Nothing like ive seen before
Mica_2003App 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
It feels tailored in a world of swiping. Definitely worth the wait for them to find you a match.
AquizApp 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Raya

The detailsRaya
Focus
Personal matchmaking for people looking for a relationship.
A private community for dating, networking and friendship.
Joining
Apply through a conversation about you and what you’re looking for.
An application review followed by paid membership if accepted.
Your phone
iOS and Android.
iOS only; no Android app.
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.
Paid membership after acceptance.
No subscription
No subscription. No monthly dating bill.
Membership renews on a subscription.
Loveee the look, offloaded Hinge and Tinder, excited for this!
Cereal d8rApp Store review
Being able to share my experiences with an ai bot was one of a kind, recommending to all my friends. This is real dating.
tylerdezyApp Store review
Went on my first date this weekend. I really like that they pick the bar for you
AustínoApp Store review
Super easy and fun to use. Great way to meet people and different than other dating apps :)
madisondoanutApp Store review
This app is awesome. It makes life in San Diego so fun. Definitely recommend
evhdkcksApp 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 Côte Ouest Bistro

Bay Area

Côte Ouest Bistro

Côte Ouest Bistro is a San Francisco bistro that works well for date nights, with a dining room built around small tables for two. Cushioned nooks piled with big pillows give the two of you somewhere comfortable to settle in.

Go on a date here with Known
Bar interior with small tables, black chairs and a slatted wood wall beside tall windows

Oakland

Bar Shiru

Listen to whole albums on a hi-fi system at Bar Shiru, an Uptown vinyl listening bar where jazz, soul and international grooves play all the way through. More than 75 acoustic panels keep the room quiet enough for conversation, while the low lighting gives it a moodier feel.

Go on a date here with Known
A long wooden dining room with communal tables, booths and wood-framed wall art.

Berkeley

Comal

An open kitchen built around large flat tortilla griddles sets the scene at Comal, a modern Mexican restaurant downtown. The back patio is covered and heated, so ask for it.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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