Alternative to Grindr
Find your own pace.
Grindr makes it easy to explore who's nearby. Curious about a more personal introduction? Give Known a little time to get to know you: what you're into, what matters to you, and what you're hoping to find. We introduce one person at a time and help plan a date when you both want to meet.
Goodbye hinge, this so so much better
Such a great app and I felt so safe
App wow right now get with the times.
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?
Want room for the whole person?
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.
What kind of connection are you seeking?
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.
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.
Would clearer intentions help?
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.
Looking for a different pace?
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 with a 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 Grindr
| The details | Grindr | |
|---|---|---|
| Matching | A grid of nearby profiles, with filters to refine your search. | A conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals, then a personal introduction. |
| Recommendations | For You shows six daily profiles; messaging them requires Unlimited. | One personal introduction at a time, followed by date planning. |
| Manual swiping | Browse a nearby profile grid instead. | 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 core features; paid upgrades. | Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate. |
| No subscription | Optional XTRA and Unlimited plans. | No subscription. No monthly dating bill. |
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.
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.
Really polished and easy-to-use interface. Everything feels clean, intuitive, and thoughtfully designed. I enjoyed exploring the app and was truly impressed by how seamless and modern the experience feels. It’s clear a lot of care has gone into design and usability, and I appreciate how approachable everything is. Excited to see how known continues to evolve and grow!!
Some of our favorite places
Where Known dates take place
South Park / San Diego
Buona Forchetta - South Park
Buona Forchetta’s South Park location is built around a wood-fired oven brought over from Naples and a patio out back strung with lanterns. The pizzas are Neapolitan and the pasta is made in house, with plenty on the menu to order for the table and share.
Go on a date here with Known
Lower Pacific Heights / San Francisco
Sweet Maple
Sweet Maple is for the date who takes breakfast seriously. The Lower Pacific Heights restaurant serves American brunch with Asian influences, including its thick-cut, sweet-and-spicy Millionaire’s Bacon.
Go on a date here with Known
Balboa Park / San Diego
Balboa Park
A central park combining gardens and cultural destinations. Leave time to stop and talk rather than making distance the goal.
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?
Where is Known available?
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
How do I delete my account?
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
Why has my application not been approved yet?
Your pocket matchmaker
Less searching.
More knowing.
A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.
Download Known