Alternative to Bee by Bumble
A thoughtful start. A real next step.
Curious about Bee, Bumble's matchmaking assistant? You don't have to wait to try a more personal way to date. Known is already live in San Francisco and San Diego. Tell us about yourself, meet someone we think you'll click with, and let us help plan the date. Why wait for Bee when you could give Known a go?
Love that there is finally a dating app without swiping!
the setup process was pretty quick and i think this app is more genuine than most dating apps
Such a great app and I felt so safe
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?
Is there a clear next step?
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.
Is the goal still human connection?
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 turns the introduction into a date?
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.
Does the conversation feel like you?
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.
What happens after the recommendation?
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 Bee by Bumble
| The details | Bee by Bumble | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting to know you | Bee asks about relationship preferences and values. | A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction. |
| Availability | An invitation-only pilot for selected Bumble members in New York City. | Live in San Francisco and San Diego. |
| Introductions | Personal recommendations are planned for the next pilot phase. | Personal introductions and date planning are already part of the service. |
| Book the date | Date booking has not been announced for the pilot. | We choose a time and place and handle the reservation. |
| Cost | Pilot pricing has not been published. | Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate. |
| No subscription | Not announced for Bee. | No subscription. No monthly dating bill. |
Saw their ads all over my neighborhood and was hesitant to download. Ive been on all the apps at this point. All i have to say is WOW. This is miles ahead of Tinder and Hinge. Its a completely different experience and you see the difference almost immediately. It felt like chatting with a real person bc the thing actually responds to what you’re saying. Really surprised by their AI, it didnt sound like a bot. Kinda scary how good it is but i guess thats just how far AI has come.
Ok so I did not trust this app at all, but my girlfriends put me onto it and now I am going on a third date with the greatest guy who I am falling for!
The AI matching was actually way better than I expected, and my first match turned into a really fun date with someone I genuinely clicked with.
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
Point Loma / San Diego
Sunset Cliffs
The bluffs along Point Loma face straight into the Pacific, making Sunset Cliffs one of the easiest places in the city to turn an ordinary evening into a date. Park near Ladera Street, walk along the cliffs, and find a spot to sit before the sun starts to drop.
Go on a date here with Known
Mission / San Francisco
Foreign Cinema
A dinner at Foreign Cinema takes place in a covered Mission courtyard, where string lights hang overhead and an old film plays across the back wall throughout the night. Start with oysters from the raw bar and settle in under the heaters once the sun goes down.
Go on a date here with Known
Hayes Valley / San Francisco
Zuni Café
Zuni Café has been a San Francisco institution since 1979, with big windows overlooking Market Street and a copper wood-fired oven at the back of the room. The classic order is the roast chicken for two, which takes about an hour to prepare and arrives over a warm bread salad.
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 has my application not been approved yet?
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
How do I delete my account?
Does Known plan the first date?
Is Known available on Android?
Where is Known available?
Your pocket matchmaker
Less searching.
More knowing.
A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.
Download Known