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 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 nowHow 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 details | SCRUFF | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Personal matchmaking for people looking for a relationship. | An independently owned LGBTQ+ dating app. |
| Matching | A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction. | Profile search and filters, plus SCRUFF Match recommendations. |
| Your phone | iOS and Android. | iOS and Android. |
| 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 download; in-app purchases. |
| No subscription | No subscription. No monthly dating bill. | Optional Pro subscription. |
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
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Codornices Park
Wooded trails and grassy fields fill Codornices Park in the Berkeley Hills. The trails connect to Codornices Creek, bridges and footpaths, and pass groves of oak, bay and redwood, a vista overlook and two forks of the creek.
Go on a date here with Known
Le Garage
Le Garage is a waterfront French bistro in a converted garage beside Schoonmaker Beach in Sausalito, where French music and an open garage door give the room an easy, breezy feel. The signature mussels and clams come in five different preparations.
Go on a date here with Known
Ring Mountain
Take the Loop and Phyllis Ellman trails at Ring Mountain on the Tiburon Peninsula, a moderate 2.5-mile hike with wildflowers that can last well into the season. Climb to Turtle Rock on the windswept ridge for views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Sausalito, and the tops of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Go on a date here with KnownA few possibilities from our venue library. Your date’s location depends on your match, preferences, and availability.
A little more to know
Good questions.
Where is Known available?
Does Known plan the first date?
Why do I need a friend to vouch for me?
How do I delete my account?
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
Your pocket matchmaker
Less searching.
More knowing.
A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.
Download Known