Backpage is a website you may have heard of. It allows you to place ads for virtually any item you can imagine. Backpage was popularized by some unscrupulous people who were using it for questionable motives. Backpage was legitimately used by many people to purchase or sell regular goods as you can do with OfferUp.
Craigslist is an alternative to Backpage. However, it does not allow personal ads. Read on to find out more about twenty Backpage alternative websites. We will first discuss Backpage alternatives to meet people casually for hookup (like Tinder), and then we will cover alternative sites for buying or selling goods.
11 Backpage Alternatives to Dating and Meeting People
Backpage was popular for its personal ads section, which allows you to find others looking for “casual” relationships. Let’s start by looking at the best Backpage alternatives to casual online dating. Be aware that not all of these pages have the same issues as Backpage. In fact, some may even be worse than Backpage. The following disclaimer should be considered:
These sites are generally legitimate. However, there may be scams or ads for illegal activities. It is important to be careful when you use unvetted public websites or Backpage-type websites. Make sure you meet in public and that you trust your instincts.
1.) Tinder
Tinder doesn’t need to be introduced, since almost everyone and their mom have heard of it. Because of its popularity with Gen Z and millennials, Tinder has become a global dating app. Tinder is quite simple, in case you aren’t familiar. You will see random profiles within your area, along with photos and text. To indicate your interest, you can swipe right, or leave if not. Next, you will be matched with people you swiped right for who also swiped right from you profile. Then, you can begin messaging and move on. You can also use the free Tinder Gold tier for unlimited swiping and additional features.
2.) Ashley Madison
Most likely, you’ve seen Ashley Madison ads on those sites. Because this website is focused on connecting adults who want casual hookups. Ashley Madison really values discretion. You can become a member by clicking “Online services” on your credit card. This will allow you to access all the features of this website, such as “Traveling Man,” that allows you to connect with people in the region you are visiting. See our full Ashley Madison review.
3. ) Adult Friend Finder
Adult FriendFinder is one of the best alternatives to Backpage when it comes down to romantic encounters. It is referred to as the “World’s Largest Dating Site and Swinger Personals Community” and has over 100 million members. The free option is similar to Ashley Madison but is much less than the paid subscription. You can chat, vlog, message, and use a (paid feature) called Stories to share your dreams of a romantic life. This allows you to connect with others who have the same goals or vibes. Read more about Adult Friend Finder.
4.) Kasual
Kasual, also known as Yumi before it was renamed, is a unique Backpage alternative. Instead of being matched via algorithm or swipe, you connect randomly with a person. The two of you can then start talking and see if there is any connection. This app is available in both Android and iOS. The free version is very complete. The Premium membership can be purchased if you’d like. Kasual is, in the end, a breath of fresh water compared to other hookup websites like Tinder. Kasual’s focus on casual hookups is what made it so popular (hence its rebranded name).
5.) Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish, also known as POF, is a reference to the old dating maxim that there are “plenty” of fish in the sea. In other words: don’t worry about being single or getting separated, because there are lots of people out there (billions). POF can be used as a website, or an app. This is quite nice. You can find people you share common interests on POF, which is pretty standard dating site. A video-date feature is also available that can make you feel more comfortable (especially for women) meeting up with someone after watching them via video.
6.) Pernals Logo
Pernals, an app that is all about personal ads, is called Pernals. You can easily create your personal ad free of cost so that you can specify exactly what you are searching for (a casual relationship, casual hookup or friend). Pernals lists itself as a direct replacement for Backpage classified ads. These pages feature relationships categories similar to Backpage’s personals page: platonic, woman looking woman, man seeking woman and woman seeking woman, etc. The app is only available in the Apple Store and Google Play.
7.) Bedpage
Bedpage is another Backpage alternative. There are many categories on this site, but the two most relevant to Backpage users looking for an alternative are the “Dating” and “Adult” categories. It is important to be cautious when using this site as scammers and/or criminals may try to take advantage of it.
8.) Doublelist
Doublelist, another site similar to Backpage, is also available. Doublelist has one downside. You have to sign up to view their site. The tagline, “Connect with straight-gay, bi and curious!” makes it difficult to find what the majority of people are looking for. Although they claim that there are more than three million users in America, it is possible to find something you enjoy. Watch out for scammers like catfishers.
9.) Oodle
Oodle’s features are similar to those of old dating sites. You can choose from categories such as “Men Want Women”, “Women Want Men,” etc. If you are looking to reduce the number of people, there are filters that include age. This site doesn’t appear to have a lot of users, but it is worth a try. For my particular area, I have noticed that there are more women posting than men on this site. It might not be the best option, depending on what you are looking for.
10.) Locanto
Locanto is similar to Oodle or the other Backpage personals copies. You can find a “Casual Encounters” category, which includes many subcategories. Post a personal ad and let people know what your needs are. Oodle also has a majority of men posting, and some female postings look a little shady. Locanto is a great place to meet people, provided you use your best judgment.
11.) Ebackpage
Ebackpage is, as you guessed, a Backpage clone. It looks almost exactly like Bedpage. Ebackpage has personal ads. Like Bedpage, it also offers adult classifieds. The site doesn’t seem to have many visitors. The “Women need men” section has the most recent posts from May 2021. It is possible to give it a shot, but beware of the scammers.
9 Backpage Options for Posting Classified Ads
All of the apps and websites mentioned have the same goal: to connect people for love. Backpage, however, was a one stop shop for all things. The next Backpage alternatives will concentrate on sites that allow you to post ads for selling or buying goods such as an electric guitar, Playstation, couch, and other items.
1.) Craigslist
Craigslist, which has been around for quite some time, is probably familiar to anyone who lives in the U.S. Craigslist is something I love personally. You should be careful with scams with any of these sites, but I’ve had many smooth, easy transactions with people in my area. Craigslist has lost its “personals page” following the Backpage scandal. But it’s still one of the best places you can go to if your goal is to buy or sell in your area.
2.) Offerup
Offerup allows you to sell and buy goods online, including shoes, clothing, headphones or guitars. The app works better than the desktop version. You have the option to ship, unlike Craiglist. So you can find stuff anywhere in the country as long the seller is willing to ship it. This gives you more options as a seller and buyer. Offerup has another cool feature: You can use the “free” section to get access to what other people are selling quickly.
3.) Pennysaver
PennySaver, another popular site for those of you who are always looking to save money, is also available. You can search for homes, cars, motorcycles, jobs and services. Even pets! You have many options to save money with the PennySaver. It has been around for over fifty years and still relies on its original printed mailings and classifieds. This Backpage alternative offers a local focus that allows you to save money, whether it’s on a plumber or dining out.
4.) Kijiji
Kijiji, a Canadian-based website, is the best Backpage alternative. It’s a Canadian website so you can browse in English and French. Additionally, there is a Kijiji Autos page for people who are looking to sell or purchase a car. Similar to Backpage, you choose your location and then your town. Kijiji has everything you need, just like PennySaver. That means that you can find great deals on cars and apartments as well as services and pets.
5.) Geebo
Geebo calls itself “Safe Community Classifieds.” Geebo’s “Scams & Shams” page encourages users follow safety practices such as buying locally and meeting in public. These are all good guidelines to follow for all sites, but Geebo takes extra steps to ensure a safer experience. Geebo also provides a job portal which can help you to find your next employee. However, it does seem expensive at $299 per month.
6.) Gumtree
Gumtree is the U.K.’s Craigslist. If you are a Gumtree user, this is your best option. You can peruse job listings, cars, gaming consoles, apartment listings, etc. Gumtree offers the ability to rate people with whom you do business. This is a useful feature because you can get a better understanding of whether someone is trustworthy and will be able to make an informed decision before you engage with them. Gumtree is generally well-received online, with people praising the simple interface.
7.) Free Ads Time
Free Ads Time is an international classifieds site that you can use anywhere you are. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear be many active users. I couldn’t find any postings in my small city. Free Ads Time offers all the usual options, such as roommates, apartments, houses for rent, rooms to share, jobs, pets and furniture.
8.) Want Ad Digest
Want Ad Digest can be compared to Penny Saver because it has a history that goes back more than 50 years. This site is primarily focused on the East Coast. It caters to states such New York, New Jersey and Vermont. Want Ad Digest is a great place to search for electronics, watches, cars, campers and farm equipment. It has all the categories you would expect to find on other sites but a particular focus on trucks, cars, powersports, boats and the like.
9.) LetGo
LetGo’s core idea can be found in its name. LetGo encourages us all to let go of everything we don’t need so others may enjoy it. LetGo is a brand new app which shares many similarities to OfferUp (see above). This means it can only be accessed via mobile app (iOS/Android). LetGo, just like OfferUp, allows you to access the “secret economics right in your locality,” according their website. Like OfferUp and Gumtree, you can rate other users of the site with whom you transact. This makes these sites feel more secure than others.
Final Thoughts
You can see that there are many options for Backpage alternatives. You can see from the reviews that they are not all equal. These are some of the best.
You should stick with one the most popular dating sites or hookup websites if you’re visiting the U.S.A. You can also sell and buy stuff on OfferUp or LetGo. Kijiji works well in Canada. Gumtree works well in the U.K.
Although some of these sites might be acceptable, many others seem to have a lot more scams than others. If you use one of the less-known sites, be sure to take extra precautions. You should use common sense. Don’t send any money to strangers before you’ve met with them and confirmed that everything is legitimate. If in doubt, trust your gut. Stay safe out there