Alternative to SCRUFF
A personal introduction in a connected world.
SCRUFF offers a queer community with plenty of ways to browse and connect. Fancy trying a personal introduction alongside it? Known gets to know you through a conversation about your life and what you're hoping to find. We introduce one person at a time and help arrange the date when you're both interested. See how it feels to meet.
This app is incredible. I love how it works, it’s a great UI and really pairs you with someone you actually would be compatible with. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get set up the same way you’d get set up by mutuals.
I was so surprised by how much we had in common and it was truly one of the best first dates ive ever been on.
This is such a cool app I love that it is curated and personalized. I genuinely feel in good hands
How is Known different?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Known vs SCRUFF
The starting point
SCRUFF is an independently operated LGBTQ+ dating app with search and profile discovery.
Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.
Getting to know someone
Its Match feature complements profile browsing, chat and detailed identity options.
When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.
Your phone
SCRUFF 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.
Love this app, super impressed
Such a cool and interesting dating app!! Nothing like ive seen before
Dating apps are so stale these days and known flops the model on its head. It’s so nice matching with one person and not having a sea of profiles to distract. Plus they plan the date and eliminate the crazy texting phase. 10/10
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
Mission / San Francisco
Sightglass Coffee
The Mission Sightglass is a coffee date for people who enjoy choosing the coffee as much as drinking it. The open espresso bar at 3014 20th Street serves coffees selected for this location, beneath a reclaimed-redwood ceiling.
Go on a date here with Known
San Diego
Madi
A San Diego brunch restaurant on Adams Avenue. Choose this when a proper sit-down meal sounds better than a hurried coffee.
Go on a date here with Known
Duboce Triangle / San Francisco
Kantine
Kantine makes a daytime date feel like a proper occasion without requiring a dinner reservation. The Market Street kitchen leans Scandinavian, with scratch-made pastries and seasonal breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
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