Alternative to Badoo
Beyond the next profile.
Fancy a different way to say hello? If you're exploring alternatives to Badoo, start with a conversation with Known. Tell us about your life and what you're looking for. We'll introduce you to one person at a time, then help make a plan if you both want to meet. Bring your curiosity. The date can take it from there.
So much more aesthetic than tinder
Wow even from the first interaction it is clear how intentional this is
Great experience, found a date in around 2 weeks!
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.
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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.
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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?
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.
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.
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.
Known vs Badoo
| The details | Badoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Matching | Encounters shows profiles to like or pass on. | A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction. |
| How you connect | A mutual match lets you start chatting. | A personal introduction, followed by date planning when you both say yes. |
| Manual swiping | Like or pass in Encounters. | None. We find your match; you decide whether to meet. |
| Book the date | Date booking isn’t advertised. | We choose a time and place and handle the reservation. |
| Cost | Free features; paid upgrades and credits. | Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate. |
| No subscription | Optional Extra and Premium plans. | No subscription. No monthly dating bill. |
Not gonna lie, I was over swipe apps. This feels way more chill. No rapid-fire judging people in two seconds, just normal conversations. The vibes are calmer and people seem more intentional. I’m not doom-scrolling for hours, which is nice.
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
My friend found her boyfriend on Known and this app feels different from other dating apps. I love the intentional matching and how it feels very personal
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Russian Hill / San Francisco
Cafe Réveille
The Polk Street Réveille gives a coffee date room to turn into brunch. The corner space has high ceilings, indoor tables, heated outdoor seating and a parklet, with an all-day menu if either of you arrives hungry.
Go on a date here with Known
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
Golden Gate Park / San Francisco
Japanese Tea Garden
For a quieter daytime date, wander through the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. The five-acre garden winds past koi ponds, stone lanterns, clipped pines, and its steep wooden drum 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.
Why do I need a friend to vouch for me?
Is Known available on Android?
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
How do I delete my account?
Does Known plan the first date?
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