Alternative to SURGE
Mutual interest, with a plan to follow.
Ready to try something alongside SURGE? Known offers a personal introduction to go with your curiosity. Tell us about yourself, your preferences and the kind of connection you're looking for. We'll get to know you, introduce one person at a time, and help plan the date when you both say yes. Leave the spark to the two of you.
I’ve always been against dating apps but this is my favorite one, I 100% recommend
I was honestly surprised by my experience. Still haven’t found the love of my life but it’s been the most fun I’ve ever had going on dates so thank you !
Such a cool and interesting dating app!! Nothing like ive seen before
How is Known different?
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.
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.
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.
Known vs SURGE
The starting point
SURGE offers gay, bisexual, trans and queer dating through swipe-based discovery.
Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.
Getting to know someone
Its messaging tools include disappearing media and options to send interest before a match.
When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.
Your phone
SURGE 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 app is such a new, refreshing perspective to online dating 10/10 app will use again
I've had a really positive experience with Known. The swipeless approach feels much more intentional than traditional dating apps, and it encourages genuine conversations instead of judging people in a split second. The profiles give you a better sense of who someone is, and the overall experience feels more thoughtful and less overwhelming. The app is easy to use, and it's refreshing to see a different approach to online dating that's focused on meaningful connections rather than endless scrolling. Definitely worth trying if you're looking for something more authentic.
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!
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
Marina / San Francisco
Palace of Fine Arts
Take a walk around the Palace of Fine Arts just before sunset, when the light hits the rotunda and reflects across the lagoon. The loop itself only takes about 15 minutes, so pair it with coffee, wine, or dinner nearby if you want to make a night of it.
Go on a date here with Known
Hayes Valley / San Francisco
LOQUAT
Loquat’s Gough Street bakery is a small daytime stop centered on Jewish-diaspora baking. Try the kubaneh, a Yemenite bread that makes a good centerpiece for a shared breakfast.
Go on a date here with Known
Cole Valley / San Francisco
Zazie
Zazie gives you two different dates in one Cole Valley bistro: an American-style brunch or a Provençal dinner. Choose the former when you have a leisurely morning, the latter when you want to put an actual reservation in the calendar.
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