You may be familiar with Backpage, a website where you can find advertisements for almost anything. That’s because some shady characters were using it for dubious purposes a few years ago, which made national headlines.
Despite this, many people utilized Backpage for legal purposes, such as purchasing or selling everyday items on well-known websites like OfferUp.
Best Backpage Alternatives for Meeting and Dating Other People
Many users used Backpage’s advertising section to connect with others looking for “casual” encounters. So, to get things started, let’s look at some top Backpage alternatives for hooking up or casual online dating.
1. Pernals
An app called Pernals focuses solely on personal advertisements. It enables you to make your customized ad for free so that you may specify your exact requirements, whether relationships, casual hookups, friendships, etc.
Pernals lists itself as a direct competitor to Backpage’s classifieds. It’s only accessible as an app, which you can download from the Apple Store or Google Play.
| PROS | CONS |
| Has over 100,000 users | Fake accounts |
| Most individuals are up for casual sex. | Limitations on the free stuff |
| It is the place to go if you’re looking for a young hookup scene where the average user is under 25. | Not suitable for those over 40+ |
| It yhas dating ads like those found on Craigslist. |
2. Oodle
With sections like “Men Seek Women,” “Women Seek Men,” etc., Oodle includes elements strikingly comparable to those of older personal websites. Age is one of the available filters, which is helpful if you want to focus your search. Although only some people use this site, it might be worth a try.
| PROS | CONS |
| Flexible | Less secure |
| The marketplace are easy to find | Some are scams |
| Goods and service are great |
3. Kasual
Kasual, formerly Yumi, is a beautiful Backpage substitute because it is so distinctive. It randomly connects to someone instead of being matched up by an algorithm or swiping, so you can start a conversation and determine whether you click.
The free version of this service, which is accessible for both Android and iOS, is mainly comprehensive. But you may always choose the Premium membership if you’d like. Due to its intense focus on casual hookups, Kasual is fresh air compared to many hookup websites like Tinder, hence the rebranded name.
| PROS | CONS |
| Excellent for all customers, regardless of membership status. | Low rate of interaction in online chats |
| There is a lot of privacy here. | Sometimes you might encounter sex workers. |
| Allows you to regulate how much information is shared. | Anyone seeking a long-term partner should go elsewhere. |
| Perfect for impromptu encounters. | Most of the users are men |
| Female-centric and totally free of charge. | The app is not available online. |
| Numerous authentic users | |
| There are a variety of ways of interaction. |
4. Tinder
This one doesn’t need an introduction because Tinder is something that almost everyone has heard of. However, Tinder is a relatively simple program. You swipe right to show interest or left to show disinterest. It will pair you with individuals you stole right on and who also did so on your profile.
Tinder has rapidly expanded internationally and is now the top dating app in the world in terms of registered users, partly due to its appeal to millennials and generation Z.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can find true love | Getting pranks |
| Using this app will Prevent boredom | Fake user accounts |
| Boosts self-confidence | Fake photos |
| Can forget about your ex | High possibility of cheating |
| Can find new friends | |
| Can improve social communication skills |
5. Plenty of Fish
The phrase “there is plenty of fish in the sea,” or “POF,” alludes to the old dating adage that many people are out there. So don’t worry about being alone or getting dumped, as there is Plenty of Fish across the globe.
POF has both a website and an app, which is convenient. You can pair with folks based on shared interests on a conventional dating website.
Moreover, they offer excellent video-date features that may make you feel more comfortable meeting someone.
| PROS | CONS |
| Free to join | There are no message boards |
| Huge number of users | Does not verify IDs |
| Real accounts | There are numerous advertisements. |
| Variables in searching capabilities | Free version has fewer options |
| Relating people based on their common interests | |
| Can message directly | |
| Test your compatibility in relationships | |
| Available goldfish credit | |
| There are log-in points |
6. Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison’s primary goal is to bring together mature individuals seeking flings. The fact that Ashley Madison values secrecy is a significant benefit.
We like how few phony profiles there are on Ashley Madison. Almost everyone listed as a genuine individual is looking to have some naughty fun outside of their marriage.
To start with AM, you only need a free, although basic, account. Also, it’s more than enough to get you a sizzling hookup. However, you may purchase some of the site cash if you can benefit from a more upscale experience. It will open up a plethora of options for you.
| PROS | CONS |
| There is a diverse group of users looking for open relationships. | Some have incomplete profile information. |
| Globally-present users who are actively engaged. | Users tend to be between the ages of 30 and 50. |
| Quick and simple registration. | Most men use it. |
| Signing up requires basic information only. | |
| Men pay to send messages, but women can send them for free. | |
| You can view profiles without spending a penny. |
7. Bedpage
Another option for Backpage is Bedpage. Although it has many other categories, the “Dating” and “Adult” sections would particularly interest those looking for a Backpage substitute.
Remember, you should proceed with caution as many people attempt to use this site to defraud people and engage in illegal activity.
| PROS | CONS |
| The interface is simple, making it ideal for newcomers. | There is a reasonable risk that you will only be able to locate the relevant posts if you reside in a small city outside the United States and Canada. |
| Reading threads doesn’t require a user account. It’s so easy and pleasant to scroll through the posts. | Numerous posts are fake because they all look the same. |
| If you happen to be a resident of a major city in North America, you’ll have various choices. | Bedpage is mainly about connecting prostitutes with clients, so if you’re searching for a real hookup, you might want to go elsewhere. |
8. Locanto
The interface of Locanto is similar to that of Oodle and the other Backpage alternatives. For instance, the category “Casual Encounters” has numerous subcategories. You can submit a personal ad to let people know what you want to find.
Similar to Oodle, men are the ones who are primarily posting. Unfortunately, some of the female entries seem like they might be scams. If you exercise good judgment, Locanto is a reliable option for meeting people.
| PROS | CONS |
| Numerous users. | The data provided by a dating profile is limited. |
| Can sort members in a variety of ways to suit your requirements better. | The site’s design could be more precise. |
| Can identify many subgroups depending on gender, sexual orientation, geographic area, etc. | Males dominate this community. Because of this, it takes more work for men to find casual encounters quickly. |
| You can easily find the ideal romantic partner in a short amount of time. | |
| This service is suitable for those seeking casual dates and long-term partners. | |
| Members are active. |
9. Doublelist
Another website like Backpage is Doublelist. The requirement for registration makes browsing their website, which has the tagline “Connect with straight, gay, bi, and curious!” a little bit challenging.
Doublelist makes it easy to figure out what most people want to find. They assert more than three million members in the US, so there’s a bigger chance you’ll find something. Always be on the lookout for scammers and catfishers.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to use. | The number of fake profiles continues to grow |
| All sexual orientations are given the same opportunities | Using age as a criteria |
| Free | |
| Protections against spammers are excellent | |
| Strict zero-tolerance rules |
Best Backpage Alternatives for Classified Ads
10. Geebo
To uphold its reputation as a “Safe Community Classified,” Geebo has a “Scams & Shams” website that advises users to buy locally, meet in a public place, bring a friend, and trust their instincts.
All sites evaluated here should generally adhere to these guidelines. Still, it’s commendable that Geebo goes above and beyond to promote safety.
Additionally, Geebo has a job portal that can assist you in finding your potential next employee. The service is a bit pricey at $299 for a month of access.
| PROS | CONS |
| The website’s admins have taken a strong stance against spam and other forms of abuse. | If you aren’t cautious, you could fall victim to fraud when utilizing this website. |
| Numerous listings in a huge selection of fields | The site is now exclusive to the United States market. |
11. Offerup
Offerup is a website for buying and selling products, including clothing, furniture, headphones, and guitars. The app is a little more practical, even though you can use it on your desktop.
Additionally, unlike other alternatives, there is a shipping option, allowing you to find items from across the nation as long as the seller is ready to ship their goods.
It also gives you additional choices as a buyer or seller. The “free” area on Offerup is another fantastic feature that enables you to take advantage of items that people want to give away.
| PROS | CONS |
| Confidence in your salesmanship is essential. | Shipping fees |
| There is no listing fee. | Tension to create new products |
| Exposure to local customers. | Customers remain to hide their identity. |
12. Gumtree
Suppose you happen to reside in the UK. In that case, Gumtree is undoubtedly one of your top possibilities because it is the “Craigslist” version in the country. You can go through listings for jobs, vehicles, video game consoles, apartments, etc.
Gumtree also offers the chance to rate the people you do business with. It is a convenient tool as it gives you a better idea of someone’s reliability before you start working with them. Gumtree generally receives positive online evaluations because of its user-friendly interface.
| PROS | CONS |
| You’ll be able to get good choices | Items may be different from what it describes. |
| Affordable prices | Items could damage or get lost in the delivery. |
| Worldwideshipping | Sellers might steal your money and vanish. |
13. Craigslist
You don’t need much of an introduction to Craigslist if you reside in the United States because it is well-known. Despite the Backpage incident, Craigslist no longer has a “personals” section. However, it is still one of the finest options if you’re trying to buy or sell something locally.
| PROS | CONS |
| Costs nothing! There are zero one-time or recurring expenses. | No automated posting is available on Craigslist. |
| You can find bargains on Craigslist that you can resell on sites like eBay and Amazon for a profit. | Putting an ad up in specific Craigslist categories will cost you $3 to $5. |
| Safety is not an issue while selling on Craigslist, unlike when selling as an individual. | The scammers on Craigslist are well-known. |
| Craigslist only serves as a localized platform. |
14. Want Ad Digest
Like Penny Saver, Want Ad Digest has been publishing for over 50 years. This website caters to states like New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, etc., on the East Coast.
Using Want Ad Digest, you may locate watches, electronics, automobiles, campsites, and farm equipment. It has all the typical categories you’re used to seeing on other websites, concentrating on cars, trucks, power sports, trailers, boats, and other items.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easily find goods and services | Needs internet connection |
| Free job advertising | Chance of lying about facts |
| You can find anything you need |
15. Kijiji
If you live in Canada, Kijiji is a great alternative to Backpage. There is a Kijiji Autos page specifically for people wishing to purchase or sell a car. Since it’s a Canadian website, you may browse in either English or French.
You choose your region, followed by your city, just like with Backpage. Like PennySaver, you can find almost anything on Kijiji to save money on things like cars, apartments, services, and pets.
| PROS | CONS |
| Selling is easy | Some are scammers |
| Free to use | Sellers can take your money |
| Can choose the right item | |
| Customer friendly |
16. Free Ads Time
Free Ads Time is a worldwide classifieds website, which is convenient because you might utilize it anywhere globally. Unfortunately, I could only discover postings for my city. Therefore it has few active members, a relatively good-sized one.
Like most websites, Free Ads Time has all the typical categories. You can look for roommates, jobs, pets, cars, furniture, clothes, apartments, or houses to rent.
| PROS | CONS |
| Cost nothing | Scarce Room |
| Directing one’s efforts toward a specific market | The loss of the signposts |
| Easy to use and navigate | |
| Nice images | |
| Can easily maintain | |
| Fast Replies | |
17. LetGo
LetGo’s fundamental message, to let go of what we don’t need so that others may enjoy it, is right there in the name. LetGo is a more recent app similar to OfferUp. You can access its mobile app if you download it to your iOS or Android device.
LetGo, like OfferUp, aims to give you access to the “hidden economy right in your area,” according to its website. These sites feel a little safer than others reviewed here because, like OfferUp and Gumtree, you can rate other users on the site with whom you transact.
| PROS | CONS |
| Free to use | You can only sell to people in your immediate area. |
| Not requiring any seller fees | To close sales, you must personally interact with potential customers. |
| The ability to negotiate a sale price gives you an edge. | The app does not facilitate monetary transactions, so the buyer and seller must agree. |
| Over 65,000 users have given the app a rating of 4.6 stars. | The software has some technical issues, according to several users. |
| Can send money to you in whichever way you prefer. | Unfortunately, spammers and con artists can also join the site. |
| You can respond to negative feedback by disputing it if necessary. |
18. Pennysaver
Another well-known website for those constantly looking for ways to save money is PennySaver. You can search for listings for real estate, automobiles and motorcycles, jobs, services, and even pets on the site.
The PennySaver, which has been running for over fifty years with its original printed listings and mailers, offers many different ways to save money. It is yet another fantastic Backpage substitute with a local focus, so you may cutting costs is now possible.
| PROS | CONS |
| Bringing together buyers and sellers to exchange the most significant deals in the area. | Not that flexible |
| Largest U.S. magazine devoted to direct mail shopping | |
| Simplify the process of locating the information you require |