Alternative to Hornet
Find your people, then make a plan.
Hornet offers a place for gay, bi, trans and queer men to connect. Curious about a personal introduction alongside browsing? Tell Known about yourself and what you're looking for. We get to know you, introduce one person at a time, and help plan the date when you're both interested. A little help getting from hello to a plan.
Wow even from the first interaction it is clear how intentional this is
beautiful app!!
Really cool idea and app, hopefully it will change the dating game
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Known vs Hornet
| The details | Hornet | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Dating and community for gay, bi, trans and queer men. | Personal matchmaking for people looking for a relationship. |
| How you connect | Explore a nearby profile grid, search hashtags and send text or audio messages. | A personal introduction, followed by date planning when you both say yes. |
| Your phone | iOS and Android. | iOS and Android. |
| Book the date | Date booking isn’t advertised. | We choose a time and place and handle the reservation. |
| Cost | Free download; in-app purchases. | Free matchmaking and date booking. Food and drinks are separate. |
| No subscription | Optional paid membership tiers. | No subscription. No monthly dating bill. |
This app is incredible. I love how it works, it’s a great UI and really pairs you with someone you actually would be compatible with. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get set up the same way you’d get set up by mutuals.
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.
Such a great user experience. Love the layout of the app and the easy to use guide. I am so excited to get matched up! I was part of the beta and went on a couple great dates and I’m itching to go on more.
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
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 Known
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 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?
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
Where is Known available?
Why do I need a friend to vouch for me?
How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
How do I delete my account?
Your pocket matchmaker
Less searching.
More knowing.
A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.
Download Known