Craigslist hookups were commonplace “back in the day” - or more accurately until Craigslist personals were closed down in 2018. For those who were fans of this page, it was quite disappointing to see it go.
Whilst it gained a somewhat colourful reputation, many people used Craigslist for completely above-board purposes, as it connected users with like-minded individuals. Whether you used Craigslist for sex, hookup, friendship, or craigslist dating, you’ve been no double searching for some worthy alternatives for craigslist personals.
If you’re looking to fill the void left behind in the wake of the classic Craigslist casual encounters, then read on. We have curated a wide range of sites like Craigslist personals that are worth checking out.
Here are our top 15 picks for Craigslist personals alternatives for hookup, sex and dating, where you can chat and potentially meet up with compatible people in your local area.
Top 15 Alternatives for Craigslist Personals
1. AdultFriendFinder
Visit AdultFriendFinder
When you're searching for alternatives to Craigslist personals to facilitate casual hookups, AdultFriendFinder definitely needs to be considered.
It is described as "the world's largest sex dating site and swinger community" for a reason - the site allows you to connect with its extensive member base of 100M+ people.
You can access the site for free, but there are paid tiers available that open up more features including Stories that allow you to clearly describe what it is you're looking to find on the platform.
Pros:
Huge membership base
24/7 customer service
Free and affordable membership tiers
Mobile accessibility.
Cons:
You will need to navigate around some bots and inactive profiles
Lots of advertising.
2. AshleyMadison
Visit AshleyMadison
AshleyMadison is no stranger to attention, and you would have to have been living under a rock not to have witnessed their bold, unapologetic marketing campaigns.
With a motto of "life is short, have an affair", it probably comes as no surprise that their objective is to connect people looking for no strings attached hookups with discretion guaranteed.
Down to the finer points, they respect anonymity. Your bank statement will simply read "online services" to avoid any awkward questions.
Features like Travelling Man make the site unique, and allow you to scope out potential companions in an area you will be visiting in the future. So here we rank AshleyMadison as our second choice of Craigslist personals alternatives websites.
Pros:
There are more female users than male, you don't need to waste time dancing around what you're there for
Discretion is supported
The platform is user-friendly.
Cons:
You need to keep an eye out for scammers
It has a somewhat complicated pricing structure
It is at the more expensive end of the spectrum
3. FriendFinder-X
Visit FriendFinder-X
FriendFinder-X likes to promote itself as less of traditional dating or hookup site, and more of a community of over 3.2M like-minded people. There is a community-driven Blogs & Groups section, and the site is LGBTQI+ friendly.
With the addition of some naughty features including live-action video streaming, and games to play like Hot or Not, it can definitely be considered an alternative to Craigslist personals.
Whilst a free plan exists, it is limited, and tokens can be purchased to unlock certain features. Premium plans also exist if that’s more your style.
Pros
Innovative features like the games and the uniqueness of the community vibe, blogs, groups etc.
Really set it aside from some of the other Craigslist personals alternatives.
Cons:
No matching algorithm exists nor the ability to communicate with other users whilst operating on a free account
4. Fling.com
As the name probably suggests to you, fling is a platform where you can expect to have a similar experience to Craigslist hookups from back in the day. If you’re on the prowl for a one-night stand or a sexy, summer-long adventure filled with heat, this could very well be the site for you.
For less than one dollar, you can access a 48-hour trial to take a look around the site, and see if it feels right. No doubt you’ll be at home with all of the hot webcam shows and the ability to make some extra money by selling your own premium content.
No matter the flavour of fun you’re seeking - group sex, BDSM, partner swapping, cuckolding, or anything else in between, Fling could be the place to find some play pals, this is a great alternative for craigslist personals.
Pros: The super cheap 48-hour trial is a great way to see if you feel like this is a good fit, as is the ability to sell content and the saucy cam shows on display.
Cons: This site is limited to certain countries, and the app is unfortunately banned from the app store. In addition, there are a lot of false profiles despite their claims of a 24/7 profile review team.
5. Instabang
As Instabang is a platform with a high rate of daily traffic, there will be plenty of sexy people to catch your eye. In fact, one of the perks of this website is that there are endless uncensored images for your viewing pleasure. If you’re a visual person, this could be the platform for you.
When it comes to this Craigslist personals alternatives for sex and hookup, there really is something for everyone. Additionally, it could be considered one of the safer options, due to its increased verification processes.
Pros: With the high volume of daily users, it’s easy to find a companion for a naughty night or just to chat with. Having so many hot images on show, uncensored of course, never hurts. It fills the void left behind by Craigslist hookups.
Cons: The free plan has restricted communication, and it has to be said that the male users definitely outweigh the female presence.
6. Tinder
Tinder needs very little introduction, as it's one of the most popular dating apps in the world. Whilst it's true, some people are swiping right on Tinder with dreams of a white picket fence life with someone serious, its reputation as a casual hookup tool makes it a prime candidate to replace the famed Craigslist casual encounters.
Particularly popular with millennials and Gen Z adults, Tinder is an app with a very straightforward user interface. When shown profiles of people in your area, you can swipe left for no, and right for yes.
If two parties swipe right on each other then it's a match and you are offered the opportunity to reach out to them for a chat.
For free, you can access the platform in a limited capacity, but you can purchase a Tinder Gold upgrade to unlock unlimited swiping and some extra features.
Pros: Easy to use, there is a confidence boost that comes with collecting matches, and you can easily make same-sex connections if you're in the LGBTQI+ community.
Cons: The privacy issues that come with linking your profile to your Facebook account, and ageism in the pricing for Tinder Gold - those over 30 pay more than those under 30.
7. Plenty of Fish
Commonly abbreviated to POF, Plenty of Fish is a nod to the classic premise, "there are plenty more fish in the sea".
As one of the most established dating sites, it certainly lives up to the name
Available as both a website and a mobile app, Plenty of Fish allows you to match according to shared interests, chat, and even use their Video Date function in order to touch base and get a feel for their vibe before meeting up in the flesh.
The features you have access to as a free member are more extensive than what you would experience on other platforms.
Pros: The advanced search filtering, mobile verification, extensive free features, and volume of users
Cons: The quality of matches fluctuates drastically, and there used to be a functionality to hide your profile to everyone except those you have 'liked' but that has been taken away.
8. BeNaughty
If you're on the hunt for some casual fun, BeNaughty may be just what you're looking for to fill the void left behind by Craigslist personals. You can sign up fast and be connecting with interesting people in no time.
Security seems to be taken pretty seriously at BeNaughty with fake profiles able to be easily reported and removed. In addition, there is the option to use SafeMode where only users who have verified their identity can reach out to you.
With advanced search filters, you can strike up a hot match that really suits you. There is a limited plan for free, or you can upgrade to premium plans to unlock all of the best bits.
Pros: The safety features such as the profile verification process are a nice touch, and female users can message on a free plan
Cons: If you’re a male member, you’ll need to sign up for a premium plan in order to message users, and whilst there is a mobile app, it only works on Android devices.
9. BedPage
Bedpage, as you may have deduced from the name, is more on the Backpage alternatives end of the spectrum. Having said that, the functionality and layout certainly enable it to be used as a fitting alternative to Craigslist personals.
The Adult and Dating pages are probably the ones you will want to focus on. Here, you will find a wide range of categories including men seeking women, women seeking men, etc.
When it comes to payment, the concept is pretty straightforward. If you want to post an ad, you will need to sign up for an account and purchase credits. You have a range of advertising options that will have a bearing on the placement of your ad.
Pros: It's a user-friendly platform with a clean interface and logical categories.
Cons: You need to be wary of the scammers lurking, and there are some low-quality profiles.
10. Doublelist
In the way of Craigslist personals alternatives, Doublelist is similar as Craigslist personals in many ways.
However, one huge thing to note is that there is no capacity to create a profile on Doublelist. Any messages you send will be delivered straight to the person's email inbox, and if you want them to see a photo of you, be sure to attach it to your message.
It's worth emphasising that anyone you send a message to will receive your email address. Be sure that the email address you use is one you are comfortable sharing.
In any case, no matter who you are or seeking to connect with, you'll likely find it here. The motto is "connect with straight, gay, bi, and curious".
Pros: The main dashboard allows you to easily navigate the categories you're looking for
Cons: One thing that users report frustration with is the need to sign up to explore the site.
11. Oodle
Depending on which location you're in, Oodle could be the Craigslist dating replacement for you.
It features all of the standard things you've come to expect from a website with a craigslist personals touch, including categories to the tune of "men seeking women", "women seeking men".
In addition, there are some handy filters that you can use to get really specific and narrow your interests down.
Pros: Useful search filtering abilities, and a user-friendly interface
Cons: There seem to be a greater ratio of men than women who are actively posting
12. Classifield Ads
Well, what can we say? This one does exactly what it says on the box. It s a website full of classified advertisements, that can definitely be viewed as a stand-in for Craigslist hookup sites as it is just so similar in many ways.
The pages are all neatly grouped together in categories, so if you want to search for some sexy company, you would need to navigate to the Personals section. Here, you will be greeted with many sub-categories to explore - men seeking women, women seeking women, and so on.
It is quite a straightforward site, so there’s genuinely not much more information to pass on about it, but you may strike it lucky and find some interesting people in your area who share your tastes.
Pros: This one of craigslist personals alternatives has a pretty decent reputation for posting and interacting on ad listings, and the layout is very simple yet effective. The organisation makes it a breeze.
Cons: If you’re looking for fancy features, there are none to be found. You may need to wade through some undesirable listings.
13. OkCupid
OkCupid has been around for quite some time now, so it’s really one of those platforms that is a fixture in the dating game - despite often being overlooked for newer options. The app has been designed for functionality more than aesthetics but it has found an adequate balance.
It still has plenty to offer, including a very intuitive algorithm that results in considered matches. Add that to the user-friendly interface and you can find plenty to like about this site.
Pros: With 50 million+ worldwide users, there are plenty of people to connect with for your Craigslist casual encounters
Cons: You can only see who has ‘liked’ you as a paying member, messaging can only happen if you have matched, and if you’re in a low-populated region, you may struggle to find an appropriate match.
14. Getiton
If you’re looking for new craigslist personals alternatives but have nowhere to turn, jump on the Getiton platform. Here, your match suggestions will be based on your current geographical location and your surroundings.
The number of users outside of the major cities is a little bit light, so unless you’re in the heart of a big city, you may need to dig a little deeper to find a match in comparison with some of the other similar sites.
Your senses will be delighted by the ability to join in on live video shows and even chat with professional models. Additionally, all sexualities and genders can feel safe and welcome on this platform.
Pros: The interactive features like the video streams and access to chats with the models are a huge selling point, as is the user-friendly mobile app that is integrated with the AllFriendFinder app.
Cons: The mobile app is unfortunately only available for Apple users, and as we touched on previously if you’re not in a major city you may struggle to find active users who meet your criteria.
15. Alt.com
This one goes out to those of us who are seeking a Craigslist hookups adventure (or something of that nature) in the realm of BDSM. Alt.com caters to your needs and can connect you with singles, couples, or groups who share your tastes.
It is quite a popular one of BDSM dating sites with 1.5 million (mostly) active profiles and a 91% reply rate to messages which is quite impressive. You will find informative blogs focused on the BDSM niche, should you feel the need to learn more.
The free plan is limited as with most platforms, but the premium plans are quite affordable. If you possess an appetite for BDSM, whether it be dipping your toes in the pond, or diving straight in, you can find your people at Alt.com.
There is a detailed sign-up process which can be a little frustrating if you want to jump in, but on the flip side, it really does help find the right playmates.
For a bit of extra fun, you’ll also find a purity test you can take, which generates a score on the pure or naughty scale.
Pros: A large member base, impressive reply rate and the haven for the niche of BDSM make it an attractive alternative to Craigslist personals. Being able to educate yourself with the learning material on BDSM is also a huge positive.
Cons: As with most dating sites these days, you will need to navigate some fake profiles. Again, on a typical note, the free plan provides limited communication abilities.
What are Craigslist personals?
The Craigslist personals section was one of the most popular areas on the website. It was a haven of “personal advertisements”, where you could seek out other people with the same goal as you - whether it be to meet for friendship, casual sex, dating, relationships or anything else in between.
It was particularly well-utilised by the LGBTQI+ community because if you were living in a location on the more conservative end of the spectrum, it was the only safe space to freely form connections with each other.
In addition, when Craigslist personals were really huge, there was still a considerable stigma around people who engaged in casual hookups and online dating. For this reason, Craigslist was a pioneer in the dating game.
How do we select our Craigslist personals alternatives?
Our selections put forward to you for the best Craigslist personals alternatives are considered according to the following criteria:
The number of website members
The price, whether it is good value for money
The functionality of the website
Whether the platform is user-friendly and accessible
Customer service
Whether it can quickly let users find a date or hookup
Benefits of choosing alternatives for craigslist personals
Some of the benefits of discovering Craigslist personals alternatives for sex, dating, and hookups include:
Ensuring the fun doesn’t stop, just because the original site was shut down
Connect with fun people in your local area with compatible interests
Reputable platforms are out there that are user-friendly, secure, discreet, and make worthy Craigslist dating replacements
The wrap
It’s probably long overdue to put the Craigslist personals section in the rearview and move on to bigger and better things. Whilst it’s long gone, there are some incredible Craigslist personals alternatives that we have shared with you, ready to hook you up with people seeking the same adventures that you are.
Be sure to exercise sound judgement and safety precautions, and be on the lookout for nefarious characters such as scammers looking to take advantage. Always wear your common sense hat, and avoid sending identifiable information before you can verify that people are who they claim to be. Listen to your gut, and if something sounds too good to be true, run away - your safety is so much more important than manners.
Have fun out there!