Alternative to Zoosk
From browsing to making a plan.
Ready to step off the Carousel for a bit? If you're exploring alternatives to Zoosk, meet Known. Tell us about your life and what you're hoping to find. We'll make an introduction and help arrange the date when you both say yes. You can spend the evening getting to know someone instead of choosing another profile.
Sooo cool. I've successfully met previous partners on other apps but after years of swiping and realizing that the other ones are just trying to keep you swiping instead of actually getting you to have novel and fun experiences, I'm glad that I found about Known. I've never reviewed an app before but like this one a lot. Looking forward to using it more
this feels like a nice reset from normal dating apps. the onboarding is really well done — almost like a little magazine/storytelling video sequence instead of the usual app setup. feels more thoughtful and less swipey, which is def a good thing.
5/5 stars. Been a great experience so far and the onboarding was made fun with the AI agent who could hold an actual conversation with me. Opposite of other dating apps where I’m filling out forms.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Known vs Zoosk
| The details | Zoosk | |
|---|---|---|
| Matching | A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction. | Behavior-based SmartPicks, profile search and yes-or-no Carousel browsing. |
| How you connect | A personal introduction, followed by date planning when you both say yes. | Likes, messages and live streams offer different ways to connect. |
| 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. | Paid subscriptions unlock messaging features. |
Such a cool and interesting dating app!! Nothing like ive seen before
Went on a really fun first date with a girl, genuine connection that didn't feel superficial at all so if that's what you're looking for this app is the place! Definitely recommending it to the boys 10/10
When I first downloaded the app, the user interface was super cool and right off the bat I felt like I was being transported back in time. Previously I have spoken to the AI agent who asked questions about preferences which is cool and for sure an interesting experience at first. I think Known will definitely compete with the mainstream dating apps because of its new outlook and also because people want to meet in real life and Known accelerates that process. Love the user experience and also think the branding of the app is super cool. Plan on using the app in the future.
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Aftel Archive of Curious Scents
Smell your way through essences and antique books at Aftel Archive of Curious Scents, a museum in North Berkeley built around a scent organ. Open the drawers to sniff raw botanical ingredients, then choose from over 200 natural essences to carry home as samples.
Go on a date here with Known
Restaurant Picco
Settle in for dinner at Restaurant Picco, a Cal-Italian restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur with a seasonal menu, bustling bar, and high-ceilinged brick dining room. Risotto is made throughout the evening, giving you an easy dish to build the meal around.
Go on a date here with Known
Crissy Field
Follow the mostly flat bayfront at Crissy Field, a former military airfield on the Presidio shore with Golden Gate Bridge views. The walk is 3.44 miles round trip, starting from the Golden Gate Promenade at the east end or from the Presidio Tunnel Tops.
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.
Does Known plan the first date?
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
Why has my application not been approved yet?
Why do I need a friend to vouch for me?
Is Known available on Android?
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