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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
liliest1995App Store review
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.
deekaysfApp Store review
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.
Butte artApp Store review

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.

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 starting point

Zoosk offers behavioral recommendations through SmartPicks and yes-or-no discovery through Carousel.

Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.

Getting to know someone

Profile search and live-streaming features provide additional ways to meet people.

When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.

Your phone

Zoosk 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.

Such a cool and interesting dating app!! Nothing like ive seen before
Mica_2003App Store review
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
Kcswag115App Store review
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.
KaiOlu6;3App Store review
More stories, less swiping. Read our testimonials ↗

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.

Get to know how it works ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

Birba

Hayes Valley / San Francisco

Birba

Birba is an intimate wine bar on Grove Street with a covered, string-lit garden out back, making it a quieter spot to get to know your date. The wine list mixes old-world classics with natural bottles you can pull straight from the shelf.

Go on a date here with Known
Herb & Wood

San Diego

Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood is a warm, low-lit restaurant in Little Italy built around an open wood-burning hearth, with an indoor fireplace tucked off to the side. Much of the Mediterranean-meets-California menu comes off the fire and is meant to be ordered across the table and shared.

Go on a date here with Known
Cafe Réveille

Lower Haight / San Francisco

Cafe Réveille

Réveille’s Steiner Street café puts specialty coffee and an all-day selection of salads and sandwiches within reach of Duboce Park. The minimalist corner space makes a useful meeting point for a daytime date: begin with coffee, then choose between something to eat and a walk.

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.

Your pocket matchmaker

Less searching.
More knowing.

A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.

Download Known

App StoreGoogle Play

Scan to DownloadAvailable on Android & iOSTap to Install

A little more to know

Good questions.

How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
A typical conversation takes around 15 minutes, but take your time. You can always pause and come back to it whenever you're ready. We suggest finding a quiet place with good internet for the best experience.
Does Known plan the first date?
Yes! Once you confirm your match and your schedules align, we select a venue based on both of your preferences and make the reservation. All you have to do is show up and be yourself.
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
Yes, you can chat with your date up to 2 hours before your reservation. Just enough time to break the ice without overthinking it.
Where is Known available?
Known is live in San Francisco 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.
When will I get off the waitlist?
We don't have a set timeline, but our algorithm is working on it daily. Every new member who joins Known gets us closer.