Best Craigslist Personals Alternatives for Safe and Casual Encounters in 2024
Craigslist is a golden site with at least 62.88 million users from across the globe. The Personals section was one of the most prized features of the site, which sadly faced a shutdown in 2018. But don’t worry; recently, Craigslist Personals alternative sites have emerged to serve the same purpose.
These adult personals help many register quickly and match with hundreds of people within minutes. They also sometimes don’t require any money to access some great features. However, with many websites similar to Craigslist for personal ads to choose from, which ones are legitimate?
Our in-house dating experts registered and tried 50+ similar to Craigslist Personals websites to find the 15 best alternative sites. These offer a safe way to post ads or browse some to find your next hookup partner or love interest.
Let’s get right in!
New Craigslist Dating Sites/Apps
1. Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison has replaced Craigslist Personals for people who want to have affairs. Among its 70 million registered user base, you can browse someone married or single to have an affair with. It is a male-dominated platform, with most men in the age range of 24 to 35 years old.
It is free for women, while it might cost men $27.99 for one month of use. People in the US can pay for their services using PayPal, prepaid Visa/Mastercard credit cards, money orders, or cashier’s checks. While browsing, you can send messages to a person you are interested in, becoming a website similar to Craigslist for Personal.
They are available in 45 countries and plan to expand more to help people access Craiglist-like services and become one of the best sites like Craigslist Personals. Ashley Madison also has strong security features, like disappearing messages, anonymous profiles, and discreet billing, to help you keep yourself safe and maintain your affairs without any worries.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Ashley Madison”
2. Adult Friend Finder
Adult Friend Finder is the one of the best Craigslist Personals alternatives online. The site has a massive user base of 80 million+ registered entries, with 98,897,765 photos available. They also have around 3,942,096 connections available for people who want to match with like-minded people.
Some cities in the US have at least 37,254+ members online, so you can instantly find your ideal match. This also helps you find local matches around your location, just like Craigslist for sex. Every profile you come across is detailed and contains the most basic information, like age, name, location, pictures, and specifics about their preferences in bed.
You can explore alternative lifestyles, such as fetishes, because of its sex positive community. The basic pricing starts from $27.95, allowing you to add friends, read chats, reply to messages, watch live streams of other members, etc. The alternative site also allows trans people and couples to find swingers near them.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Adult Friend Finder”
3. Seeking
Seeking is the best Craigslist replacement for single women. The site accommodates 46 million+ profiles from men with great backgrounds. You can have luxury dates, casual relationships, quick hookups, and other alternative lifestyles within minutes. Finding matches is very easy as the site suggests various profiles, or you can also search for your ideal match online.
Craigslist hookups promote hypergamy, a concept similar to sugar daddy. This is why there is a 4 to 1 female-to-male ratio. You can get an attractive and wealthy match to spend for your needs. If you are uncertain about your match, you can instantly unmatch with them and find new ones from their 800,000 active members weekly.
They also have filters like “recently active” to help you sort out the most active members who can instantly respond to you and plan dates. The pricing plans for females start at $15 for a month, while males have to pay $109.99 monthly. Also, women using the .edu email address get a free premium upgrade.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Seeking”
4. Alt.com
Alt.com is known for being a site to find sex on Craigslist like alternatives. You can browse from 2 million+ active members from a community that is sex-positive and prefers alternative lifestyles. You can also find 3,201 BDSM amateurs and dominatrixes who can help you understand these lifestyles if you are new to them.
People have also posted more than 9,619 member bondage photos this week itself. You can also find at least 700,000+ people active daily who would like to engage in various kinks, like role-playing, voyeurism, exhibitionism, foot fetish, and more.
You can also access 100% free live videos and cams after you register. This Craigslist casual encounters alternative can also help you find matches within 15 to 20 minutes after use by selecting the filters, such as sexual orientation, body type, race, marital status, and role. You will also only find verified profiles, as they require proof of identity during account creation.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Alt.com”
5. OutPersonals
OutPersonals is one of the sites like Craigslist for gay dating. The user base is relatively small compared to the other sites, with just 1.3 million members. But, their community is known for promoting sex dates, romantic matches, and more for gay people.
This site to find sex on Craigslist alternative has many features to make the dating experience easy. You can have live video chats, make a page for your friends to see what’s happening with you, and more. The best feature is the instant messaging, so you can quickly connect with your ideal hookup or date and plan something without any waiting.
To create your profile on this website similar to Craiglist Personals, you have to provide your username, gender, age, and preferences to make the search easy. Then you can buy a monthly membership, which will cost you $29.96 to access every paid and free feature available on the site.
6. HER
HER has replaced Craigslist Personals as the best LGBTQIA+ dating site. It has 15 million+ users and promotes lesbian dating, LGBTQIA+ relationships, and more. You can enter 35+ communities, like “Good Vibes Only,” “Lesbian,” “Bisexual,” and “40+ Community”. You can send photos or chat with multiple people while on the app or website.
This Craigslist for sex site has matched over 300 million lesbians across 114 countries. It has become a safe platform for many queer women, non-binary and trans people who are looking to date online. Most members belong to the US, and you can access their dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
They allow people to add pronouns, gender identity, sexual orientation, and a litany of other fun facts and pins to their profile, unlike other dating apps. You can also add other Pride Pins to your profile so you can easily let potential matches know whether you’re QPOC, T4T, chapstick or masc lesbians, intersex, and more. The pricing starts at $14.99 per month.
7. DoubleList
DoubleList is known as the best Craigslist Personals alternative, as you can post adverts just like Craigslist. You can explore sex dates, casual relationships, hookups, platonic relationships, friendships, and more. The site is available in 248 different locations, with most users looking for FWB, DTF, or other hookup opportunities.
This adult personals site has 3 million users in the USA. It doesn’t discriminate between gay and lesbian dating. You can post your adverts within minutes of signing up for 100% free without any hidden fees. They also encourage people to get verified to prevent catfishing.
They have over 43 categories, such as curious, chub, dom, watch, twink, married, and more, to make it easier for you to find what you want. The membership is very affordable for people, starting at $10 per month. But, if you want to access even more features and are an active person on Craigslist for sex sites, you can go for their Hardcore Tier at $20 monthly.
8. Pernals
Pernals is a Craigslist Personals replacement site for people who want to post personalized ads. It has the smallest user base, just 100,000 people, but you can find legit personal ads that describe what users are looking for in terms of dating.
It is a relatively new Craigslist Personals alternative established in 2018. It has a very high reply rate of 83%, which means you can easily find a date within 24 hours of use. Most of the user base is also young, with people ranging between 25 and 30 years of age. You can find users from the US, UK, and Canada.
If you prefer a mobile version, you can use their dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android devices. They also have 7 categories, like strictly platonic, women seeking women, women seeking men, men seeking women, men seeking men, misc romance, and casual encounters. These categories make your search easy and quick.
9. Flirt.com
Flirt.com is a site similar to Craigslist Personals that helps people find romantic or flirtatious dates easily. While the site has 1 million registered users worldwide, they do not have a dedicated mobile application for people to access.
If you really want to try their services without the risk of spending any money, you can go for a 3-day trial membership and explore the features. If you later decide to spend $28.80 for 1 month of this Craigslist replacement site membership and are not satisfied, you can get a partial refund from their Satisfaction Guarantee Program.
They also offer a 1-day membership at $0.99, which is very affordable for any user to invest in. This is an alternative to Craigslist, which will grant you protection against catfishers with anti-scam protectors and moderators. They also use unique Roulette-type matchmaking for people, so you can like or reject a potential match suggested by the algorithm.
10. LesbianPersonals.com
LesbianPersonals.com is a great Craigslist for sex site for lesbian dating. They provide an international platform of a lesbian-forward community, which can help you get like-minded matches easily. You can use Instant Messenger Chat (IMC), exchange photos and videos, and get up-close and personal on a two-way webcam.
The site has 250,000 users from the US and at least 9,500 members active weekly. This is also one of the only sites on our list with the highest response rate in the industry. They use a personality test to then match people based on psychological matchmaking.
This replaced Craigslist Personals, which provides a safe space for such women to explore sex videos and explicit photos of each other on a paid membership. You can link multiple accounts for free if you are registered on its sister sites. You can register as a woman, a straight couple, a lesbian couple, or a group. They also host contests through which you can win 1 free membership for yourself.
11. Match
Match is the best website similar to Craigslist for Personals to communicate anonymously. From the 480,000 members you can find online from the US, you can easily match and start communicating through an anonymous email network. This keeps your information and messages safe.
This is similar to Craigslist Personals, which also offers a compatibility rating. This score can help you find better matches and also accept connections that match your preferences the best. There are also excellent search filters, like gender, age, location, interests, looks, personal information, and lifestyle. You can find profiles from 24 countries and daily matches that you can like or skip.
The membership is a bit expensive, at $40.41 per month for three months. There is no one-month plan, but you can cancel your membership anytime you want. You can upload up to 26 photos of yourself in your profile to make it attractive to potential matches. This sex personal site is best for people who want to match instantly within an 8 million+ registered user base.
12. Tinder
Tinder is the most popular sex personals site, both online and mobile. The user base consists of young adults from the ages of 18 to 24, which is great for youngsters who want to find serious or casual dates. There are 75 million registered users, more than any site online, from 190+ countries. This makes Tinder a diverse Craigslist alternative.
They use a location-based matching system to help you find dates locally and across many countries. This was also the first platform to introduce the swipe mechanism to match or unmatch a profile. You may find very limited information about people, but you can browse many photos of them.
For 1 month, you can pay $17.99 to go premium and unlock many great features, like incognito mode, read receipts, boost your profile, super likes, passport feature, rewind your swipe, control your profile, hide ads, daily top picks, and message before matching.
13. Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish is the best Craigslist Personals alternative app for people. They have a seamless dedicated app for both iOS and Android users. They also have a massive 169 million registered user base, which can help you find dates much easier.
You can participate in spicy dating games, live streaming, or send a good old-fashioned DM. You can create a 90-second livestream to attract better matches to your profile. As a new user, you can build your profile for free and fill in information like your name and location. Then, you’ll be directed to a screen that allows you to set preferences.
If this is not enough, this Craigslist replacement also offers a compatibility quiz for matches. This is for people who wish to find romantic relationships more than one-night stands. You can also hop on the Meet Me page and swipe through the potential matches. If you want to bag a potential date before others, you can use the First Contacts feature to highlight your message on the top for 24 hours.
14. Grindr
Grindr is the best Craigslist for sex site to find same-sex matches easily. They are known as one of the leading gay Craigslist Personals, with 13 million active users daily worldwide. They are also available in 190 countries, making it easier for same-sex couples to find great matches within minutes.
Whether you want to indulge in casual sex, alternate relationships, or even polygamy, you can find someone on Grindr for it. They use geolocation technology to help gay, bi, trans, and queer individuals to find local matches, just like Craigslist for sex. Although 1-month starts at $13, you can save more by upgrading to the bigger plans.
There are special groups called “Tribes” available on Craigslist replacement, which are basically the sexual preferences of a person. You can choose from Bear, Clean-cut, Daddy, Discreet, Geek, Jock, Leather, Otter, Poz, Rugged, Trans, and Twink, to name a few. As they support LGBTQIA+ communities, you can select your preferred gender and pronouns while making your profile.
15. Reddit Personals
Reddit Personals is the best replaced Craigslist Personals, which you can use for free. You have to join the communities, which can help you find instant hookups and one-night stand relationships. There are at least 674,000 members or more in some communities, with some allowing people to find romantic matches as well.
Similar to Craigslist, you can post personalized ads stating what you are looking for in people. Others can see your ad and then respond to let you know if they are interested in you. At times, there are at least 200 to 300 people online, but as there are people from around the world, it can take time to find potential matches.
You may find many popular communities, but one of the best ones is r/r4r, which is like Craigslist for sex. If you want, you can easily find many platonic or non-platonic friends, gaming buddies, online friends, soulmates, travel mates, smoking buddies, activity partners, friends with benefits, or casual encounters. The moderators on the site also keep you safe from potential catfishes.
Why Look for Craigslist Personals Alternatives?
There can be hundreds of reasons to list as to why you should look for Craigslist Personals alternative. Here are some of the popular and valid points why you should find alternatives:
User Base and Demographics
Alternatives offer a more diverse and active user base. For instance, platforms like Adult Friend Finder and DoubleList have grown substantially, with DoubleList boasting over 12 million users since its launch in 2018.
These sites cater to various demographics, including those seeking casual encounters, long-term relationships, or specific interests like gay Craigslist Personals. This wider range of users makes finding connections that align with your preferences easier.
Platform Accessibility
Another reason to consider alternatives is improved accessibility. Websites similar to Craigslist Personals often feature modern, user-friendly interfaces that enhance the overall experience.
Platforms like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison offer desktop versions and mobile apps, making it convenient to connect on the go. This ease of use is a significant upgrade from Craigslist, which lacked a dedicated mobile app.
Safety and Privacy Concerns
Safety and privacy are essential when choosing a Craigslist replacement. Alternatives like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison have implemented advanced privacy settings, encrypted messaging, and verification processes to ensure user security.
In contrast, Craigslist faced widespread criticism for its lack of safety measures, which contributed to the shutdown of its personals section. Craigslist casual encounters alternatives prioritize user safety, offering a more secure interaction environment.
Legal Considerations
Legal issues are a major factor in seeking alternatives. The 2018 FOSTA-SESTA law led Craigslist to shut down its personals section due to potential legal liabilities.
Sites like Adult Friend Finder are great alternatives that adhere to strict legal frameworks. They ensure compliance with U.S. laws and provide users with a safer, legally sound environment.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Craigslist Alternative
Not every Craigslist alternative site will help you find hookups or quick sex dates. There are some factors you can consider when looking for the best possible Craigslist Personals replacement.
Content Variety
When selecting an alternative, it’s essential to consider the variety of content available. Platforms like Adult Friend Finder and DoubleList offer diverse categories that range from casual encounters to serious relationships.
A website similar to Craigslist for personal ads should provide various options to meet different user needs, ensuring you find the right match quickly.
Safety and Security Features
Safety is a top priority when choosing a Craigslist replacement. Look for platforms that offer robust safety measures, such as identity verification, encrypted messaging, and reporting tools.
For example, AdultFriendFinder has implemented strict security protocols, making them reliable sites like Craigslist. These features protect users from potential scams and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
User Interface and Experience
The user interface significantly impacts your interaction with a platform. Websites like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison have modern, intuitive designs that make browsing and connecting easy.
A seamless user experience is vital in a replacement site, as it allows users to quickly navigate the site and find what they’re looking for without unnecessary complications.
Community and Interaction
A strong community can enhance your online interactions. Platforms like Alt.com and Match.com offer active communities where users can discuss and share interests. A Craigslist casual encounters alternative with a vibrant community not only facilitates connections but also provides a supportive environment for users.
Reputation and Reviews
Finally, consider the reputation and reviews of any Craigslist Personals alternatives. Websites with positive user feedback and a good track record, like Ashley Madison and Seeking, are more likely to offer a trustworthy service.
Checking reviews can help you identify the best options and avoid platforms that may have issues related to safety or user satisfaction.
FAQs About Craigslist Alternatives
Q1. What Happened to Craigslist Personals?
Craigslist Personals was shut down in 2018 following the passage of the FOSTA-SESTA law, which increased liability for platforms hosting adult content. This law led Craigslist to remove its personals section to avoid potential legal issues, prompting users to seek an alternative for similar services.
Q2. What Are the Best Craigslist Personals Alternatives?
Some of the best alternatives include Adult Friend Finder, Ashley Madison, and Seeking. These platforms offer diverse categories for casual encounters, relationships, and sex personals, making them excellent replacements for the Craigslist personal section. Each of these sites has features that make them reliable options for those looking for adult personals.
Q3. Can I Still Use Craigslist for Personal Ads?
No, you can no longer use Craigslist for personal ads. The personals section was permanently removed in 2018 due to legal concerns. However, you can find a Craigslist replacement on platforms like Adult Friend Finder, which offers similar services for those seeking connections or casual encounters.
Q4. How Do I Stay Safe on Craigslist Personals Alternatives?
To stay safe on alternatives, always use platforms with strong security features like user verification and encrypted messaging. Avoid sharing personal information too quickly and report any suspicious activity. Websites like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison are examples of Craigslist casual encounter alternatives that prioritize user safety.
Q5. Do Craigslist alternatives offer free personals?
Yes, many Craigslist alternatives offer free personals. Platforms like Reddit Personals and DoubleList provide free access to most of their features, allowing users to post and browse ads without charge. These sites serve as a Craigslist personals replacement while maintaining accessibility for those seeking adult personals.
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Concluding Thoughts About The Best Craiglist Personals Alternatives
Craiglist had its era when people only knew how to post and respond to ads. But, with new technology and matchmaking algorithms, people can now seek endless kinds of relationships on Craigslist Personals alternative. Whether it is a romantic venture or a casual one, these alternatives have you covered.
Among our recommendations, though, is that you can first register yourself at Ashley Madison and Adult Friend Finder . These sites have a great reputation and have millions of users worldwide. These websites are also similar to Craigslist for Personal, so you can find your ideal matches within minutes because you know how to use them.
But you should be careful when using Craigslist Personals replacement sites. First, you should be aware of catfish who might try to scam you. Second, you should be responsible and share information carefully to avoid any mishaps.
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