7 Best Craigslist Personals Alternatives [2023]

by Ryan Hart | Updated on September 6, 2023 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for a new platform to connect with single people for dating or casual encounters? Craigslist Personals was a popular choice for many, but unfortunately, it has been shut down since the FOSTA-SESTA bill was passed in 2018.

While Craigslist Personals may be gone, plenty of alternatives remain available for those looking to connect with singles near you.

Computer keyboard

What is the best website like Craigslist personals?

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to Craigslist Personals and what they offer.

1. Seeking

Seeking

Seeking is a dating website that connects wealthy individuals with attractive partners who are seeking financial support.

Seeking offers several benefits for both sugar daddies and sugar babies. For sugar daddies, the site provides a platform to meet attractive women who are seeking financial support.

This can be a convenient way for busy, successful men to find companionship without the time commitment of a traditional relationship.

For sugar babies, the site offers the opportunity to meet wealthy men who can provide support and help them achieve their goals. Additionally, sugar dating relationships are often more straightforward and transparent than traditional ones, as both parties are clear about their expectations.

While there are certainly criticisms of sugar dating, many people have found success and fulfillment through Seeking.

2. AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is a website that has been around for over 20 years and is designed for people who are looking for casual hookups and relationships. It has a large user base and offers a variety of features, including live streaming and chat rooms, to enhance the user experience.

While there are certainly criticisms of AdultFriendFinder, many people get enjoyment from the site.

As with any online platform, it’s important to exercise caution and use common sense when using this site.

3. Ashley Madison

Ashley Madison

Ashley Madison is a website designed for people who are looking for discreet affairs. It has been around since 2001 and has a large user base of people looking for extramarital relationships.

AshleyMadison offers a range of features, including a discreet payment system and the ability to protect your identity by blurring or masking your photos. It also has a strict verification process to ensure that users are real, not bots or scammers.

With its user-friendly interface and emphasis on privacy, AshleyMadison is a great option for those looking for a casual encounter.

4. Sugarbook

Sugarbook

Sugarbook is a website that connects wealthy older men with younger women.

The site has been criticized for promoting sugar dating, which some argue is unethical. However, the site’s founder, Darren Chan, has defended the platform as a way for consenting adults to enter mutually beneficial relationships.

Despite the controversy, Sugarbook has gained popularity in certain parts of the world, particularly in Asia.

The rise of sugar dating has sparked debates about the ethics of such relationships and the role of money in romantic partnerships. While some argue that sugar dating is a form of exploitation, others see it as a legitimate way for people to meet their financial needs.

As the conversation around sugar dating continues, how society will respond to this growing trend remains to be seen.

5. Locanto

Locanto

Locanto is a free classifieds website that offers a variety of categories, including personals. It has a large user base and is available in over 60 countries, making it a great option for those looking to connect with others from around the world.

Locanto also offers a strict verification process to ensure that users are real, not bots or scammers. It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, with a simple layout and search function.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Craigslist Personals, Locanto is worth checking out.

6. Bedpage

Bedpage

Bedpage was founded in 2017 as a classified advertising website that aimed to fill the void left by the shutdown of Backpage, a similar site that the US government took down due to allegations of facilitating prostitution and human trafficking.

Bedpage quickly gained popularity as a platform for buying, selling, and advertising goods and services, and it continues to be a popular resource today.

While the site has faced criticism for its association with the controversial Backpage, its founders have defended it as a legitimate platform that prioritizes user safety and security.

7. Doublelist

Doublelist

Doublelist is a website designed to connect people who are looking for casual encounters. It was created as a safer and more user-friendly alternative to Craigslist Personals.

Doublelist has a similar layout to Craigslist Personals with a variety of categories to browse, including men seeking women, women seeking men, and even couples seeking other couples.

It also has a strict verification process to ensure that users are real, not bots or scammers. With a large user base and easy-to-use interface, Doublelist is a great option for those looking for casual hookups or relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some alternatives to Craigslist personals?

There are many alternatives to Craigslist personals, such as Bedpage, Adult Friend Finder, Seeking, Ashley Dates, Doublelist, Zoosk, and Sugarbook. These sites offer similar services to Craigslist personals.

Are these alternatives safe to use?

While most of these alternatives are safe to use, it’s always important to be cautious when meeting people online. Always meet in a public place and tell someone where you’re going. Do not share personal information, such as your address or phone number, until you feel comfortable doing so. Lastly, be aware of the laws and regulations pertaining to online dating in your area.

Are there any free alternatives to Craigslist personals?

Yes, there are free alternatives. Sites like Doublelist and certain categories on Reddit offer personal ad services for free. The downside to these sites is that they are not as regulated so you may run into a lot of spam or fake profiles. It’s also important to remember that when using free services, you won’t have access to the same support and security measures offered by paid sites.

Are there age restrictions for using these sites?

Yes, most alternatives require users to be 18 or older due to legal and safety reasons. Respect the age restrictions and ensure you’re of the appropriate age before signing up. Additionally, always read the terms and conditions before agreeing to a service or platform. Finally, be sure you understand how your data will be used and stored. Take the time to research any questions that arise before making a final decision.

Bottom Line

Woman creating a classified ad

In conclusion, the world of online dating and personal ads has changed a lot since Craigslist personals was around. But, just because Craigslist personals is gone doesn’t mean that you can’t still find people to connect with online.

There are a lot of alternatives out there like Bedpage, Adult Friend Finder, and Doublelist where you can post personal ads or look for others who have posted theirs.

Remember, it’s important to stay safe while meeting new people online. Always meet in a public place and let someone know where you’re going. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to explore the world of Craigslist personals alternatives!

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About the Author:
Ryan Hart

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

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