In the wake of Craigslist Personals’ shutdown, numerous platforms have sprung up to fill the void, offering unique features, diverse user bases, and new opportunities for personal connections.
From platforms catering to quick hookups to those promoting long-term relationships, the internet is rich with alternatives.
This guide explores the best Craigslist Personals alternatives, and we will be detailing their features, user experiences, and why they stand out as top choices for personal connections online.
Best Craigslist Personals Alternatives & Sites Like It
- Adult Friend Finder – 🏆 Winner!
- Ashley Madison
- Seeking.com
1. Adult Friend Finder
Look no further than Adult Friend Finder, your ultimate destination for hookups and casual dates.
Renowned for its expansive user base and unmatched reliability, AFF caters to individuals seeking to inject excitement and spontaneity into their romantic lives.
AdultFriendFinder offers many profiles to explore, accommodating a wide spectrum of preferences and desires.
Its diverse community, comprising millions of members primarily from the USA, UK, and Canada, ensures a rich and dynamic dating pool.
In addition to its extensive user base, AFF boasts advanced search features designed to streamline matchmaking. From personalized filters to rapid browsing options, finding compatible matches is a breeze.
Moreover, the platform’s straightforward signup process and affordable membership fees make it an accessible and appealing alternative to traditional Craigslist personals.
Key Features
- Large and active community spanning multiple countries
- Advanced search tools for efficient matchmaking
- User-friendly interface with a simple signup process
- Affordable membership options with over 100 million registered users
2. Ashley Madison
While not explicitly marketed as an adult classifieds site, Ashley Madison emerges as a compelling alternative to Craigslist personals, particularly for those seeking discreet connections.
Widely recognized for its user-friendly interface and emphasis on privacy, Ashley Madison offers a seamless online dating experience tailored to the needs of its clientele.
Ashley Madison distinguishes itself through its intuitive navigation and features designed for meaningful connections.
From online chatting to virtual gifting, users can engage with potential matches in a variety of ways, fostering genuine rapport and chemistry.
What sets Ashley Madison apart is its emphasis on user control and customization.
Unlike traditional dating websites that rely on algorithms, Ashley Madison empowers users to tailor their search criteria to their preferences.
Key Features
- Free registration for new users, with optional premium upgrades
- Intuitive navigation across both web and mobile platforms
- Extensive filtering options for personalized matchmaking
- Commitment to privacy and discretion for individuals seeking extramarital affairs
3. Seeking.com
This is one of the best Craiglist Personals alternatives, especially for those seeking to replace the void left by Craigslist casual hookups.
Founded on the principles of mutually beneficial relationships, Seeking.com has established itself as a premier destination for individuals seeking unconventional dating experiences.
One of the key advantages of Seeking is its transparency and upfront approach to relationships.
Similar to Craigslist personals, users on Seeking are unapologetically clear about their desires and expectations, fostering a judgment-free environment where individuals can explore their preferences openly.
While Seeking shares similarities with Craigslist and other sites like Craigslist Personals in terms of offering non-traditional dating experiences, it diverges in its pricing structure.
Key Features
- Transparent communication and upfront user profiles
- Subscription-based model with access to premium features
- Advanced dating functionalities such as video chat and user verification
- Judgment-free environment for exploring non-traditional relationships
4. Doublelist
Doublelist emerged as a direct response to the closure of Craigslist Personals, offering a similar platform for online personal ads and connections.
Doublelist’s appeal lies in its straightforward registration, detailed profiles, and inclusive environment.
It supports various sexual orientations and provides robust search and matchmaking tools, enhancing the likelihood of finding compatible matches.
This free personals alternative is particularly noted for its success rate in connecting individuals for casual dating and long-term relationships, boasting a user base of millions worldwide.
Key Features
- You can post personal ads with full anonymousy for privacy.
- It has location-based searching to find connections nearby.
- A top verification System that ensures user authenticity for safety.
5. Bedpage
Bedpage presents itself as a classified ad platform, aiming to fill the void left by Backpage’s shutdown. It offers numerous categories, from automotive to real estate and, notably, personal connections.
While it attempts to replicate Backpage’s look and functionality, users should navigate with caution due to prevalent spammy posts and a significant number of ads related to sex work, which often skirt the edge of legal boundaries.
Key Features
- Wide range of categories for classified ads.
- User-friendly interface mirroring Backpage.
- Requires vigilance due to spam and questionable posts.
6. Oodle Personals
Oodle is among the top sites like Craigslist Personals, offering a platform for finding partners and hookups.
Originally designed as a marketplace for buying and selling items like pets, cars, and real estate, Oodle has expanded to include personals listings.
With its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of listings, it’s a convenient option for those seeking connections.
However, users should be cautious of scams, especially within the personals section. Verifying the authenticity of listings and individuals is crucial for a safe and secure experience on this Craigsllist alternative.
Key Features
- Extensive selection of classified ads.
- User-friendly website and navigation.
- Caution advised due to scam reports, particularly in pet sales.
7. BeNaughty
BeNaughty is a vibrant platform catering to individuals seeking casual encounters and adventurous dating experiences.
It’s made for users to explore their desires without the constraints of traditional relationship norms.
Whether you’re looking for a flirty chat or a spontaneous hookup, BeNaughty provides a welcoming environment where like-minded individuals can connect easily.
Key Features
- BeNaughty prioritizes user privacy with robust tools to safeguard identities and preferences.
- Features such as chat, winks, and messaging enhance user engagement and facilitate connections.
8. Switter
Switter is a dynamic social networking platform designed to serve the adult industry and its community members.
As a safe and inclusive space, it provides professionals and enthusiasts alike with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful conversations.
With its focus on empowerment and support, Switter is a valuable resource for individuals within adult services to network, share insights, and build lasting connections.
Key Features
- Fosters a sense of community among individuals in the adult industry, offering a platform for mutual support and collaboration.
- Prioritizes user safety and ensures a secure environment for all members to interact and engage.
9. Pernals
Pernals reimagines the classic personals section of newspapers into online personals. This provides people with a modern and user-friendly platform for personal connections.
Whether you’re seeking romance, friendship, or casual encounters, Pernals offers a welcoming space for individuals to connect and build meaningful relationships.
Pernals wants to help people make real links and build a sense of community among them by focusing on simplicity, privacy, and openness.
Key Features
- Intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it effortless for users to browse listings and connect with potential matches.
- Range of categories catering to various interests and relationship preferences
10. Tinder
Tinder changed the way people date with its simple but innovative swipe feature, which lets users quickly show interest in possible matches.
It’s for many people who want everything from local hookups to long-distance relationships.
It is among the adult dating sites that focus on user photos and short bios, which makes it easy to connect quickly based on original interests. Added safety features and proof methods to make users safer and more sure of their identity.
Key Features
- Simple swipe mechanism to like or pass on profiles.
- Wide user base covering various adult dating intentions.
- Great safety features for secure dating services.
11. Grindr
Grindr is the most popular among the gay hookup sites, primarily catering to gay, bi, trans, and queer people.
It’s designed for those seeking connections, mostly compared to other casual dating sites.
The app uses a mobile device’s geolocation to suggest nearby profiles, emphasizing user photos to facilitate instant attractions and interactions.
Key Features
- Geolocation functionality to find nearby matches.
- A strong focus on the LGBTQ+ community.
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation and interaction.
12. HER
HER stands out as a dating and social networking app for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals.
It goes beyond the typical dating app functions, offering community features like event listings and discussion forums, making it a comprehensive platform for connection and community building.
Key Features
- Exclusive focus on LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals in comparison to other Craigslist alternatives.
- Features for dating, networking, and community engagement.
- Regular updates with events and discussions to foster community.
13. OkCupid
Alternative dating sites like OkCupid are popular because they focus on detailed profiles and matching based on a thorough questionnaire.
This means they help you find matches based on what you really care about.
OkCupid is inclusive, meaning it welcomes people of all genders and orientations. Instead of just swiping based on looks, the platform encourages users to share more about themselves through questions and prompts, which helps to show off their personality and interests.
OkCupid and similar alternative dating sites are worth checking out if you’re looking for something beyond superficial swipes.
When it comes to hookup apps, OkCupid stands out for its emphasis on deeper connections and meaningful interactions.
Key Features
- In-depth questionnaire for nuanced matches.
- Inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
- Focus on personality and interests for deeper connections.
14. Plenty of Fish (POF)
Plenty of Fish stands as one of the most comprehensive dating platforms, offering users the chance to dive deeper into the dating pool through detailed questionnaires and profiles.
This platform distinguishes itself with a mix of traditional matchmaking and an open, search-based approach, allowing users to explore wide or narrow their focus with precision.
POF’s Chemistry Test is designed to foster meaningful connections based on personality compatibility, setting the stage for relationships that go beyond the superficial.
Key Features
- Chemistry test for compatibility insights.
- Open search functionality allows users to explore beyond algorithmic matches.
15. Bumble
Bumble changes how dating apps work by giving women the power to make the first move.
This means that women can start conversations, which makes a big difference in how people talk to each other on the app.
It helps to promote respectful communication and reduces the number of unwanted messages.
Bumble isn’t just about dating anymore – it also lets people find friends and professional connections.
The app is easy to use, and it has safety features like photo verification to make sure everyone has a safe experience.
Key Features
- Women Make the First Move in heterosexual matches.
- Bumble BFF & Bumble Bizz for friendships and professional networking.
- Photo Verification enhances user safety and trust.
16. Hinge
Hinge’s unique approach to online dating focuses on creating connections designed to last, with a platform that encourages users to engage deeply with profiles through personalized likes and comments.
Its algorithm adjusts based on your interactions, promising more accurate matches over time.
This Craigslist Personals alternative’s commitment to getting users off the app and into meaningful relationships is reflected in its design and functionality, which prioritize depth and intention in every match.
Key Features
- Personalized interactions with prompts to foster deeper connections.
- Algorithm that learns from your likes and dislikes.
- Designed to be deleted philosophy emphasizing long-term matches.
17. Reddit
While not a dating site, Reddit offers unparalleled access to a galaxy of communities where users can find advice, companionship, and shared experiences across various interests, including relationships and dating.
Its anonymous nature allows for frank discussions and exchanges not often found on dedicated dating platforms.
Whether you’re looking for advice, a sense of belonging, or just to share a laugh, Reddit personals subreddits provide a diverse and engaging space.
Key Features
- Vast Range of subreddits covering nearly every topic imaginable.
- Anonymity and openness encourage genuine discussions.
- Community-Driven Content shapes the platform’s ever-evolving landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Pick the Right Alternative for Me?
Think about what you like, what you’re into, and what you want in a relationship.
Different platforms are good for different people, so try a few out and see which one feels best for you.
Are These Craigslist Alternatives Free?
Most of them offer basic stuff for free, but some might ask you to pay for extra stuff.
Make sure to check what you get for free and what you have to pay for before you sign up.
Are They Safe to Use?
Most of them have rules and tools to keep you safe, like checking if people are who they say they are and letting you report anything sketchy.
Just keep an eye out and report anything weird you see.
Conclusion
Craigslist Personals was among the favorite places on the internet for many.
However, many years have passed since its removal, and there are many sites like Craigslist Personals now.
Exploring them can open up new opportunities for connecting with others and finding the partner or hookup that you’re looking for.
In our best Craigslist Personals alternatives list, you will find platforms that suit many, no matter if you’re interested in casual encounters, dating, or meaningful relationships.
Remember to stay safe, respect others’ boundaries, and have fun exploring your options!
