11 Sites Like Craigslist Personals & Backpage Alternatives 

In the wake of the shutdown of Backpage and the closure of Craigslist Personals, the online world lost two of its most controversial yet widely used classified websites for personal connections. These platforms were vital for those seeking quick, no-strings-attached flings, discreet affairs, or even just spontaneous chats with strangers. But when Backpage and Craigslist Personals shut down due to links with prostitution and human trafficking and legal consequences surrounding the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, millions were left wondering: where do we go now?

Fortunately, new platforms and communities have emerged, offering safer, better moderated, and more user-friendly environments. Whether you’re after a casual chat, a steamy night out, or something a bit more unconventional, the following list features the best sites like Backpage that fill the void and enhance the personals experience for 2025.

Let’s dive into the top Backpage alternative sites worth your time.

What Makes a Great Alternative to Craigslist Personals?

Not all alternative sites are created equal. A true Backpage replacement site needs to offer:

• Free communication or low-cost messaging
• Tools to keep your personal information private
• A large and active user base
• A clear approach to safety, verification, and moderation
• Mobile-friendly access and fast registration
• Customizable classified ad or personal ad options

Whether you’re an experienced online dater or just looking for something new like Craigslist, the right online dating platform can make all the difference.

 Best Sites Like Craigslist Personals & Backpage Alternatives

Here are the most trusted, popular, and feature-rich the best Backpage alternative websites in today’s adult-friendly digital space.

1. Ashley Madison 

Ashley Madison has transformed from a controversial site into one of the most secure and discreet spaces for exploring private desires. Its user base, now over 80 million members worldwide, consists of married individuals, singles, and curious daters looking for something more thrilling than traditional romance.

What sets Ashley Madison apart as a leading backpage replacement site is its privacy-first infrastructure. It offers features like photo masking, anonymous messaging, travel companion search, and auto-delete message options. Users can browse and flirt while remaining in full control of their digital footprint.

After its 2015 data breach, the platform doubled down on security and rebuilt its infrastructure. Now, it’s one of the most respected platforms for discretion, making it ideal for professionals, married people, or anyone seeking affairs without judgment.

Special Features:

• Discreetly arranges one-night stands and extramarital affairs
• More than 80 million profiles worldwide
• Travel-friendly features for seeking matches in other cities
• Secret photo albums that are only accessible with user permission

2. BeNaughty 

If you’re looking for a site that captures the raw spontaneity of the original Backpage website while offering a clean, modern interface, BeNaughty is your answer. This flirt-first platform is all about quick hookups, instant messages, and flirty interactions.

BeNaughty’s design encourages playfulness. Its real-time match suggestions, user-curated hotlists, and ability to send unlimited winks or chats create a flurry of activity perfect for users looking to get lucky quickly. Women enjoy free communication, while men can upgrade for unlimited features.

Security-wise, BeNaughty includes Safe Mode filters to limit interaction to verified users only, helping to reduce spam or unwanted contact. If you want action with low effort, this one delivers.

Special Features:

• Daily match suggestions based on user behavior
• Built-in flirt games to break the ice faster
• Advanced photo verification system for profile authenticity
• Women can send unlimited messages for free

3. Flirt.com 

With over 70 million profiles worldwide, Flirt.com has built a reputation for being one of the top platforms for finding instant chemistry and fun-focused encounters. Its vibrant, high-activity environment is perfect for singles who want fast matches and playful messaging.

This platform thrives on simplicity. You can create a free account, upload a photo, and begin exploring local singles within minutes. The Flirtcast tool lets you broadcast a message to multiple users at once, speeding up the search for compatible partners.

Unlike when Backpage was a classified ads powerhouse, Flirt.com doesn’t allow adult services listings—but it fills the same gap for spontaneous romance and no-pressure chatting. If casual, flirt-forward interaction is what you seek, this app delivers every time.

Special Features:

• AI-powered flirt suggestions based on your chat history
• “Safe flirt” mode to block explicit messages from unverified users
• Multi-language support for global connections
• FlirtCast lets you message multiple people at once

4. Adult Friend Finder

Adult Friend Finder is the most recognizable name among craigslist personals alternatives for casual encounters. It’s one of the few platforms that not only matches people for short-term flings but also encourages expression through blogs, adult groups, and live cams.

You’ll find couples, poly groups, kink enthusiasts, and swingers actively posting personal ads, sharing erotic stories, and watching or streaming adult content. The forum system also allows you to engage in lifestyle discussions beyond just dating.

AFF includes premium features like voyeur rooms, hotlists, and compatibility filters. The result is a user-driven adult ecosystem that’s far more dynamic than anything Craigslist ever supported.

Special Features:

• User-submitted erotic blogs and stories
• Over 25 niche groups (BDSM, polyamory, voyeurism, etc.)
• Weekly sex-positive webinars and discussion panels
• Option to create group or couple profiles

5. FriendFinder-X 

A spinoff of Adult Friend Finder, FriendFinder-X offers an even more sensual and unfiltered approach to adult personals. It’s for those who are open about their desires and want to connect with like-minded individuals for real-life or virtual intimacy.

This site includes video dating, two-way webcams, and striptease profile videos. If you’re into erotic exploration, FF-X offers plenty of creative and consensual tools to express yourself.

Its user base is global, but local connections are strong, and the community is active 24/7. There’s also a robust reputation system to help you spot reliable users.

Special Features:

• “Hot or Not” game for faster matchmaking
• Erotic photo and video contests voted on by users
• Strip show-style live cam sessions
• Compatibility score based on profile interaction history

6. SaucyDates 

SaucyDates caters to users who miss Backpage for its straightforwardness, but want a safer experience. With verified profiles, real photos, and no AI-generated images allowed, this is one of the few hookup sites that truly enforces quality and safety.

The site allows free ad posting and does not push expensive subscriptions. While the interface is minimal, the quality of connections makes up for it. It serves users across the U.S., U.K., India, South Africa, and Australia.

It’s ideal for those tired of bots and looking for a platform where flirting leads to real-life connections quickly and securely.

Special Features:

• Manual photo verification by moderators
• Anonymous chat with auto-delete message timers
• Active in more than 5 countries with regional search filters
• Awards given to top-rated profiles each month

7. Tinder

Though not built as a Craigslist alternative, Tinder dominates dating and swiping culture with more than 100 million users globally. Its geolocation-based system connects you to nearby singles, often leading to matches within minutes.

The app now includes tools like video chat, “Passions” (interest tags), and travel modes that let you match in other cities before visiting. While it’s more mainstream than some others on this list, Tinder is still a prime option for short-term romance.

If you’re looking for low-commitment encounters and tons of potential matches in your area, Tinder outpaces most craigslist alternatives in both functionality and results.

Special Features:

• Swipe surge notifications show when local activity is high
• “Top Picks” feature highlights highly compatible matches
• Built-in safety center with reporting and help tools
• Tinder Passport allows you to match anywhere in the world

8. Pure 

Pure markets itself as “a hookup app for people who hate dating apps.” Designed for speed and privacy, users create short-lived personal ads that expire within 24 hours. It’s a smart platform for dates without the pressure of chatting endlessly.

The app allows for blurred profile photos, disappearing messages, and anonymous connections. Everyone is there for one purpose: a real-world, no-strings meet-up—often the same day.

It’s reminiscent of the instant gratification of Backpage, but without the legal gray areas. It’s especially popular among digital nomads and travelers who want quick, no-commitment meetups on the go.

Special Features:

• “Turn-on” tags let you express kinks or interests without chat
• Built-in secure photo blurring and unlocking system
• All users are verified via phone number at signup
• Built-in anti-screenshot protection for added discretion

Best LGBTQ+ Sites Like Backpage and Craigslist Personals

9. MenNation 

With over 90 million profiles, MenNation became a haven for LGBTQ+ men after Backpage and Craigslist Personals shut down. It offers everything from webcam chats and erotic videos to flirty forums and nearby search tools.

Users can search by body type, fetish, location, and even relationship goals. It’s inclusive, uncensored, and designed for men seeking men—without the stress of mainstream dating apps.

The verification process helps cut down on fake profiles, and group chats let you engage with communities based on interest. MenNation isn’t just an app—it’s an experience.

Special Features:

• Advanced filters for body type, kink, ethnicity, and more
• Local LGBTQ+ group forums for shared interests and events
• Live cam rooms categorized by region and fetish
• “Stealth mode” for browsing anonymously

10. Her 

Her offers LGBTQ+ women something that the old Craigslist never could: a dedicated space for dating, friendship, activism, and social discovery. The platform features dating tools, social feeds, local events, and a refreshing sense of inclusivity.

Her users enjoy unlimited messaging, detailed profiles, and a newsfeed filled with user stories, queer news, and relevant tips. It goes beyond dating—it’s a movement.

In a post-Backpage world, Her helps users avoid the risks and ambiguity of general classified sites by offering a clean, friendly, and empowering environment.

Special Features:

• LGBTQ+ event listings hosted directly through the app
• Queer newsfeed curated with lifestyle, rights, and dating content
• 24/7 moderation and zero tolerance policy for fake profiles
• In-app polls and community chats for deeper connection

11. Grindr 

Grindr uses geolocation and real-time messaging to connect gay and bisexual men faster than almost any other personal sites. It remains the top app for instant, location-based dating or one-off connections.

While privacy concerns in the past have made headlines, Grindr now uses encrypted messaging and opt-in features for location sharing. The “tribes” system allows users to self-identify by body type, personality, and dating goals.

Grindr has also become more than a hookup app—it’s a social lifeline in smaller cities and conservative regions.

Special Features:

• “Explore” feature lets you connect with users outside your city
• Pre-loaded pronoun and ID tags for identity expression
• Tribes system (e.g. Bear, Twink, Otter) to tailor preferences
• Discreet app icon feature for privacy-conscious users

FAQs: Which App Is Best for One-Night Stands?

If your main goal is finding a quick, no-strings-attached date tonight, OneNightFriend might be the best choice out there. Designed to be a modern free classified website built around instant chemistry, it makes arranging a one-night stand feel effortless. The platform removes unnecessary steps—no long bios or invasive questions—and lets users dive straight into the action. After signing up, you’re instantly connected to a local pool of like-minded singles looking for the same thing: excitement without commitment.

OneNightFriend doesn’t require full names or excessive personal details. You can remain mostly anonymous, while still having meaningful conversations that might lead to something fun. New users are vetted behind the scenes, which means fewer bots or scammers and more real people ready to meet. It’s a cleaner, faster, and safer experience than what you’d find on shady adult personals boards, making it a trusted solution for spontaneous connections.

What Is Doublelist?

Doublelist emerged shortly after the collapse of Backpage, becoming one of the more trusted Backpage alternatives. After Backpage was shut down in 2018 due to federal investigations into sex trafficking and illegal classifieds, Doublelist stepped in to offer users a safer, more regulated place to meet casual connections, partners, or simply chat—without worrying about the scandals that doomed the original.

The personals section is open to adults looking for hookups, dating, or interesting conversations, and moderation is enforced to keep the environment respectful. What sets Doublelist apart is how much it feels like a spiritual successor to Craigslist and Backpage—but with more accountability. It’s especially popular in urban areas, and now serves users in over 240 cities across North America. If you’re looking for an alternative website that feels familiar, yet safer and cleaner than its predecessors, Doublelist is worth checking out.

What Is CasualX?

CasualX is a mobile-first hookup app made for people who want the experience of Tinder without the pressure of long-term dating goals. It caters specifically to sex-forward singles who want freedom, privacy, and fast results. Branded as “Tinder minus the marriage-minded crowd,” it attracts users who are tired of swiping endlessly without payoff.

A standout feature is its privacy lock tool. You can create a custom unlock pattern on your device, ensuring no one accidentally opens the app and sees your profile. This makes it ideal for people who want to browse discreetly. CasualX is one of the more best craigslist personals alternative websites because it combines slick design with secure functionality, all without dipping into anything shady or illegal. It’s easy to post a quick bio, connect with someone in your area, and meet offline—all while knowing that your data stays private.

Can Singles Still Use Craigslist to Find Casual Sex?

While Craigslist closed its personals section back in 2018, creative daters have found workarounds. Though direct romantic or sexual posts are now prohibited, some people still navigate to local forums or gigs sections to make subtle connections. It’s not as straightforward as it once was, but it hasn’t stopped people from forming flirty relationships through the Craigslist alternatives model.

Instead of plainly saying they’re seeking a hookup, users might strike up conversations over a shared interest, suggestive post, or even a seemingly innocent service request. While you can’t openly post about adult services, there are still ways for these interactions to evolve naturally. Craigslist has essentially become a more covert platform—no longer ideal, but still usable for those who know how to navigate its community dynamics. However, users looking for a faster and more modern approach may want to explore a dedicated free dating site instead.

Which Hookup App Has a Similar Backpage Look & Feel?

If you’re searching for a hookup app that captures the look, feel, and anonymous energy of Backpage, PURE is the closest experience you’ll find. Like Backpage, it emphasizes classified-style interactions where the focus is purely on desire and quick meetups. Profiles and chats automatically disappear after 24 hours, ensuring no lingering traces of your conversations. It’s fast, confidential, and built for the now.

The design is intentionally minimal. Users post short “ads” about what they want and who they’re looking for, and matches are made based on availability, proximity, and chemistry. Every user is verified to reduce scams, but beyond that, there’s little friction. It’s perfect for people who want an anonymous connection and don’t care about long-term dating. PURE doesn’t host prostitution and money laundering activity, which is what ultimately led to Backpage’s demise—it keeps everything legal, safe, and adult-consent driven. It’s no surprise many users refer to it as the new Backpage, or at least the closest thing to it today.

Can You Still Use Personals Sites to Meet Real Singles Today?

Absolutely. While the Backpage and Craigslist personals shut down marked the end of an era, the demand for fast, anonymous, and casual connections never went away. In fact, the landscape has evolved. There are now more user-friendly, well-moderated sites and apps than ever before. Singles looking for casual dates or quick flings now have access to better platforms for personal ads that respect safety, consent, and community standards.

Sites like OneNightFriend, Doublelist, and PURE prove that the spirit of the original Backpage website still lives on—just in more modern, secure environments. Whether you’re creating a free ad, browsing free classified ads, chatting anonymously, or exploring verified profiles, you’re in good hands with today’s tools. The best advice? Try multiple platforms, stay cautious, and have fun exploring. The world of online personals isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.