 Pure | |
 Ashley Maddison | |
 Tinder | |
 Bumble | |
 Coffee Meets Bagel | |
 Zoosk | |
 OurTime | |
 BlackPeopleMeet | |
 ChristianMingle | |
 BeNaughty | |
 OkCupid | |
 Plenty of Fish | |
 | |
 Grindr | |
 Her | |
 FriendFinder-X |
Craigslist used to rule over the realm of casual encounters. The dating website’s “Personals” section was a no-commitment, hassle-free way to find a one-night stand, and we know all Craigslist personals alternatives and sites like Craigslist.
A fair share of casual-encounter Craigslist fans got frustrated when Craigslist Personals shut down in March of last year. The good news is that while there aren’t too many platforms capable of competing with a personals’ comprehensive user base like Craigslist, you can find a few reliable alternatives to the platform for Craigslist dating.
In this post, we’ll review the best dating websites that do a fantastic job of replacing the Craigslist personals’ sex section.
All the websites on this top list are new Craigslist personals’ alternatives and are safe and reliable to use. You’ll find out more about the advantages and the drawbacks of each platform — it’ll feel almost as if you had tested these websites yourself. Let’s see what sex sites like Craigslist we could find.
But, before we move to my review of the best Craigslist personals’ alternatives, let me remind you that you have to be cautious about all the websites that I mention; take care of your personal information. Be careful as to what you share and with whom. If it comes to real-life dates, select a place wisely, especially if you’re a lady. It’s worth it to mention that some safety ground rules also apply. You don’t want to have a great night out, and several months later, find yourself at a doctor’s office speding a tremendous amount of money on treatments, right? Okay, daddy, now back to business. Let’s see which alternatives work better.
| 80 million members | 400,000 users daily |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| high fraud risk | Verification email |
| $39.95 - $239.95 subscription price |
Do you want to move past the small talk and long compatibility tests most websites offer to their users? If that’s the case, consider trying AdultFriendFinder. The service is aimed at users who’re in for casual, no-commitment sex like Craigslist personals.
Pros
- An inclusive space with dozens of gender affiliation and sexual orientation options as a fair Craigslist personals replacement;
- fast sign-up process, with only a short questionnaire that’ll match you with people who share the same sexual preferences;
- a wide range of free features.
Cons
- Over-the-top graphic interface: the home page of AdultFriendFinder feels like a strip club billboard.
- Unlike free personals back in the day, there are high odds of catfishing.
- A small fraction of users ready for a committed relationship or a long-term connection.
- The free version has an ad-heavy interface.
Pricing of AdultFriendFinder: Craigslist personals alternative
The Premium version of AdultFriendFinder, a.k.a., the Craigslist personals alternative, allows you to put your profile in the top of search results, get rid of annoying ads, create a custom blog or a group, open full-size profile pictures of other website users, watch an unlimited number of live streams, and so on. There are dozens of additional perks as well as a casual encounter section on Craigslist that you’ll be able to get after paying for AdultFriendFinder Gold.
AdultFriendFinder Gold Cost
- 1 month for $25
- 3 months for $60
- 12 months for $180
In a nutshell, AdultFriendFinder is a solid pick for open-minded people looking for friends with benefits like those on Craigslist; however, the website might be going out of style. Currently, AdultFriendFinder has no mobile app, but as for now, the platform has a high user activity — it only takes seconds to find a hookup here.
| 11 millions members | 300k per months |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification email, phone, photo |
| $0.95 – $45.95 subscription price |
Pure makes hookup search and casual encounters look classy just like Craigslist dating. The interface is sleek and elegant — there’s no need to worry about someone spotting you as you browse Pure.
Registration is very easy, and will not take you longer than two minutes. The only piece of information you will need to go online is your email address, or else you could log in with your Google/Apple account. In order to see other people around you, post an ad saying what kind of experience you’re looking for. You might also add a photo to your ad if you feel like it.
Pure is very considerate when it comes to privacy, which is why it’s a good alternative to Craigslist personals.
You will have a self-destructing 24-hour chat after matching with someone. When the time is up, all of your photos and any info shared in chats will be deleted. If you and your match are having a good time chatting, you can turn off the timer and chat as long as you want in Pure thus, keeping it all discreet and safe.
Users of Pure are very direct and openly say what they are looking for. The most common things people are interested in finding are friends with benefits or just one-night stands; no strings attached, just easy fun.
Pros
- Location-based matches according to your gender preferences and kinks.
- Large user base. There are over 750,000 active daters across different countries.
- User privacy protectionall messages are end-to-end encrypted and self-destructing; the chat disappears in 24 hours unless you both want to switch off the timer. If you leave the chat, it will automatically be deleted also.
Cons
- The pool of matches depends on your location. It’ll be narrower in rural areas.
- Messaging requires a paid subscription for male users.
Pricing of Pure: Craigslist hookup sex
If you’re a woman, the service is free; however, as a man, you can use Pure as a Craigslist Personals alternative to the fullest only after having paid for a subscription. If you’re only looking for a one-time date, check out their one-week subscription. There are long-term subscriptions as well, which are convenient for users who want to have the most fun possible.
Pure cost
- Free for female users
- 1 week from $11.99
- 1 month from $21.99
- 3 months from $43.99
- 12 months from $54.99
Pure is what you need for a low-key relationship. Signing up here doesn’t require a lot of time or a stellar commitment. Instead, you can test the waters of the online dating pool and see where the adventure leads you. Thanks to its openness, Pure is a very appealing tool for millennials, and it feels like the casual encounter section on Craigslist.
You only need a valid email address to start. There is no need to connect to your social media accounts or share your phone numbers in order to verify your account. Pure respects your privacy and won’t put you at any risk. A piece of side advice: I would suggest keeping personal information and any bank details to yourself and not share this with strangers anywhere.
| 60,000,000 members | 9,420,000 users per month |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| $29–249 per month subscription price |
AshleyMadison is unique among casual-encounter sites as it’s dedicated to people who are already engaged in a relationship but want to have an affair. It poses itself as a site like Craigslist. If you feel like life’s too short to be permanently involved with somebody, AshleyMadison users think the same way and wouldn’t mind spicing up their intimate life.
AshleyMadison has a broad user base that is based mainly in the US, the UK, Canada, and Brazil. The core of its audience consists of middle-aged men, so it is like a new Craigslist personals alternative. The good news is that AshleyMadison’s users are usually active daily — the odds of being ghosted or ignored are rather low, which is one more advantage of this Craigslist alternative.
Pros
- Easy signing up process that requires only necessary personal data.
- A wide range of messaging features — you can send direct texts or join the live chatroom.
- Viewing profiles and texting is free.
- Your data and personal information are secure, unlike on some other sites like Craigslist.
Cons
- Security issues: In 2015, AshleyMadison was at the center of a massive privacy breach.
- Most users don’t fill in their profiles fully.
- Users tend to upload over-the-top discreet photos.
Pricing of AshleyMadison: casual-encounter craigslist personals
AshleyMadison has an in-app currency — credits. They allow users to send gifts and personalized texts; thus, boosting their profiles to get more exposure and making the first move to start a chat. The cost of AshleyMadison credits:
- 100 credits for $59
- 500 credits for $170
- 1000 credits for $290
AshleyMadison is a platform where adultery is not judged. On the contrary, it’s somewhat encouraged. The website is not the place for exclusive and committed relationships, but it does help men and women who are unhappy with their current relationship to blow off steam on the side.
| 750,000 members members | 150,000 active users daily |
| 5/5 hookup chance | Extremely High Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification email |
| 11.99–54.99 subscription price |
The primary purpose of this platform is explicitly stated in its name. The list of sex activities includes kink, fetish, and other non-conventional approaches to intimacy. BDSM.com is often blamed for a small number of active profiles, just like old times with Craigslist dating.
Pros
- An active community with low-to-no odds of ghosting.
- A connected Premium system with ALT (another famous hookup service site like Craigslist that was created by the developers of BDSM.com).
- A dedicated magazine with articles and how-to guides on BDSM.
Cons
- A limited range of free features.
- Explicitly graphic interface.
- A lengthy, in-depth questionnaire.
Pricing
The list of BDSM’s free features is limited to browsing through the profiles and the platform’s magazine. In order to communicate and run live streams with matches, users have to purchase a Silver or Gold account.
The cost of BDSM Silver:
- 1 month for $19.95
- 3 months for $35.97
- 12 months for $107.40
The cost of BDSM Gold:
- 1 month for $29.95
- 3 months for $44.97
- 12 months for $149.89
BDSM.com is a feature-rich platform that allows users to have different interactions with potential matches, like it was on Craigslist sites. From a flirtation to a live webcam, you’ll be able to move the conversation at your own pace. The website is highly self-aware — that’s why its core audience is sexually open-minded and is ready for a one-night stand with no strings attached, the same as people were on Craigslist personals.
| 4 million members | 450,000/weekly |
| 2/5 hookup chance | Low Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| $29.96 subscription price |
The number of active websites for gay dating is quite limited, and OutPersonals is one of the most famous picks. The platform is aimed solely at gay men couples and has over 1.3 million registered users. Here, you’ll be able to find a soulmate, a long-term relationship, or a match for a hookup.
OutPersonal uses bulletproof security — firewalls and two-factor user authentication protect it. This way, you can be sure all conversations with potential matches stay only between you two.
Pros
- Easy-to-use signing in and matching.
- Advanced search filters, such as age, location, habits, body type, education, and so on.
- Webcam streams and live shows help you get to know a potential match on a deeper level.
- A community-driven dating magazine.
Cons
- The website specializes in casual dating rather than long-term relationships.
- Dated user interface.
- Only premium members can contact other users.
Pricing
OutPersonals uses a freemium subscription model. The free version of the platform is exploratory — if you consider using the website regularly, paying for a subscription is worthwhile.
OutPersonals Subscription Cost:
- 1 month for $29.96
- 3 months for $38.85
- 12 months for $83.40
The billing policy of OutPersonals offers an attractive feature for hookup-seekers. If you have no luck getting laid in three months, you’ll get the same amount of free membership time.
In a nutshell, OutPersonals is a platform that gives gay users flexibility and freedom, like Craigslist personals did before. There’s a broad range of search filters, and there are different ways to interact with potential matches, such as chats, video and voice memos, texts, tight security, and a broad user base. The user interface is one of the OutPersonals’ weaker points. It is proof that the website is not updated regularly and risks a shutdown shortly.
| around 10 million users members |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification |
| $14-19,95 subscription price |
The idea of finding a Daddy or Mommy may sound awkward to some daters; however, what harm is there in exploring the golden side of the match pool? Seeking is the platform that will help you test the waters of sugar dating. Its users are usually financially sustainable and open to offering monetary rewards for romantic involvements or companionship.
Pros
- A comprehensive user base: over 11 million registered and 10,000 daily active users.
- The majority of signed-up “sugar babies” are 18-25 years old.
- Free search with a range of supporting features, such as saving the results to view later, match suggestions, and so on.
- Free-of-charge messaging and live chat room.
Cons
- A detailed registration process. It takes around 10 minutes to set up an account.
- A fair share of fake profiles. You’ll need to scout thoroughly in order to make contact with a genuine user.
- All uploaded pictures are visible to website users.
Pricing:
Seeking is a platform with an extensive set of free features. Basic search filters, messages, and chat rooms are all available with no fees. A paid subscription provides users with an opportunity to shut ads down, mark a profile as featured, use the advanced search bar, and filter inbox messages.
Seeking Premium Cost:
- 1 month for $19.95
- 3 months for $44.85
- 12 months for $119.40
Seeking has the reputation of a safe and reliable dating website. All user profiles are strictly reviewed. When exploring Seeking, keep in mind that if you’re looking for a same-age relationship, the platform is far from being a fit.
| 600,000 members | 90,000/daily |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| $19.99/month subscription price |
Lucky is a new Craigslist Personal alternative that subverts the concept of a traditional dating space. By refusing to switch to the swiping matching system and setting a time limit for connections, the platform encourages users to be more open-minded to building relationships. On the other hand, you’ll be able to use the tool more efficiently if you know what you’re looking for in a romantic partner from the get-go.
Pros
- All users are fully anonymous.
- No sign-in process.
- 6-month free trial.
- Location-based matching.
Cons
- No filters apply to messages.
- A narrow user base.
- Time-limited connections, which increase the odds of missing out on a potential match.
- Not a fit for those who seek committed relationships.
Pricing
The good news is that during the free trial, you’ll be able to try all of Lucky’s features; there are no constraints. That’s why users have the opportunity to make a fully informed decision as to whether or not a subscription is worth giving a try.
The cost of Lucky Plus:
- 1 month for $19.99/mo
- 6 months for $69.99
- 12 months for $95.99
Lucky is not an established dating powerhouse yet, but in the future, it might very well give its main competitors a solid run for their money. For now, I would advocate that you try Pure. It has a much larger users’ pool and the matches are willing to make contact with you and move offline as soon as possible. At the moment, Lucky comes with all the constraints of a free platform — the lack of innovative features and a narrow matching pool; however, in a nutshell, the platform is still worth trying out as a Craigslist Personals alternative.
| 450,000 members | 150,000/daily |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification Facebook, phone numbe |
| $24.99 - $119.99 subscription price |
Happn managed to spread all over the world quickly as it was one of the few worldwide successful platforms to have been launched in Europe. The website’s innovative matching algorithm was mainly attributable to its sprouting growth. On any given day, we pass by hundreds of strangers, and the odds of accidentally missing out on the one who’s right for you are pretty high. Happn wants to make sure you don’t ignore your lucky acquaintance and make the most out of chance encounters.
Pros
- Hassle-free sign in — uploading Facebook or Instagram photos, along with necessary personal information, is all it takes.
- Selective, location-based matching.
- Lower odds of catfishing since you’re only matched with those you meet in real life.
Cons
- A miss for small-daters: your matching pool will be extremely narrow.
- No in-depth personality filters to help users find a genuine connection.
- Happn requires an active lifestyle — you need to walk by more people in order to increase the odds of finding a successful match.
Pricing
Happn has dozens of original features that users can explore, such as an instant date scheduler or the “CrushTime” game, which is dedicated to guessing users who liked your profile. The good news is that the platform allows you to choose which among these are more relevant to you personally. There’s a credit system used to select features.
Happn Credits Cost:
- 5 credits for $2.99
- 30 credits for $14.99
- 100 credits for $39.99
Happn skillfully walks the line of combining your real-life activity with the possibilities presented by technology to help step up your dating game; therefore, the platform is a hit for the residents of densely populated areas. It’s fast and easy to use. The website has a strong vibe of an ongoing adventure you can’t resist.
| 10 million members | 3 million/daily |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification email, Facebook |
| $9.99 – $47.88 subscription price |
Grindr is an acclaimed leader when it comes to location-based dating gay apps and is also a great substitute for Craigslist Personals. The platform is touted as a hookup space rather than an environment designed for long-term connection building. Grindr comes with a sack of perks — straightforward and easy-to-use navigation, a broad user base, and a set of matching algorithms that help find the right man for you, just the same as it was with Craigslist.
Pros
- Easy-to-set-up profiles (a username, a password, a short “About me” section, and a profile picture are all the essential elements you need).
- Geo-based targeting that helps you contact users that are easy to connect with offline.
- A secure reporting system for fighting fake accounts.
Cons
- Security breaches. A while ago, there was a scandal around Grindr: the platform leaked data about users’ locations online.
- Lack of detail in user profiles.
- The platform’s most innovative features are available only after paying for Grindr Xtra.
Pricing
Once you have paid for the Grindr Xtra subscription, you’ll be able to completely remove the ads from the website, get access to photo editing tools and filters, view up to 600 user profiles at once, save chat messages and display them in a separate tab, and so on.
Grindr Xtra cost:
- 1 month for $27.99
- 3 months for $39.99
- 12 months for $99.99
Grindr is an impersonation of gay culture condensed into a single platform. Here, you’ll be able to browse through a spectrum of potential matches that is so extensive that it’ll take years to connect to as much as a fraction of the platform’s users. The great news about Grindr is the platform’s average user profiles. On the website, you’ll quickly find confident, smart, and committed men to connect with, like it was with Personals. The other side of the spectrum is sufficiently represented as well — lightheaded people looking forward to hooking up with no strings attached.
| 450,000 members | 15,000/daily |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification Facebook, Instagram |
| $14.99 - $89.99 subscription price |
Her is a women-only top dating website that is pressure-free. Here, users can contact each other even if they don’t want to date per se. You’ll be able to connect with like-minded and creative people from all over the world and, hopefully, go out a couple of times. It is a great Craigslist Personals dating alternative.
Pros
- No time limits: the platform members can take as much time as they need to evaluate matches and answer texts.
- The platform is inclusive; it encourages both singles and people in relationships to sign up.
- When using Her, you’ll see the latest and upcoming LGBTQ events in the area, legislations, movements that support gay women, and so on.
Cons
- Low odds of finding a long-term connection.
- The list of features is elaborate but slightly confusing; the navigation of the website lacks a straightforward layout.
Pricing
Using the premium version of Her will provide you with additional perks, such as tracking users’ activity statuses, seeing the list of people that liked your profile, being able to know if a potential match has read your message, and so on.
Her Premium Subscription Cost:
- 1 month for $14.99
- 6 months for $60.00
- 12 months for $90
The range of communication opportunities that Her provides users with is almost limitless. From friendly connections to steady, long-term relationships, the platform helps unite lesbian and queer women and creates an active gay community. It is a Craigslist casual encounter replacement.
| 360 million members | 210 million/daily |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification Facebook, Instagram |
| Free subscription price |
“Hold up… is this the Snapchat that introduced filters and stories, but is not exactly a dating app?” — You might say that it is a Craigslist Personals at first. In fact, Snapchat is often used as one, which makes it one of the best free dating websites. There are several reasons why the platform is a popular online dating medium.
Pros
- Most content published on the platform is self-destructible — snaps disappear after 10 seconds and stories are gone in 24 hours.
- You’ll be able to see if a potential love interest has read your message or when she starts typing.
- Little room section for over-editing your messages and low pressure.
Cons
- A tedious learning curve to the platform’s navigation.
- Risks of sending a private photo or a story to the “wrong” person.
- There is a lack of matching algorithms and features that regular dating apps typically offer.
Pricing
The good news is that all Snapchat features are free to use.
As I said, it might be difficult at first to find your way around Snapchat; however, when you get used to it, it appears to be a rather safe place, mostly for sexting. If you are still new to sexting, check out our ultimate guide to sexting on Snapchat. Bonus: there, you will also find a list of hot steaming usernames, including famous models, both straight and gay. I know it might not be easy to find those names, so I have compiled several lists to make it easier for you.
Even if you’re an experienced sexter, it is always a good idea to remind yourself about the ground rules of sexting, as in, be careful about the angles, try not to show your face, choose your sexting partner wisely, and, last but certainly not least, sext only on safe and secure platforms like Pure.
At first, forging romantic connections via Snapchat might seem weird, but on the other hand, it’s a way to settle your personal life without having to pay for a dating app subscription. The platform might not incentivize taking proactive steps in dating — it’s up to you to choose if you want to build a steady relationship with a significant other or stay sexting buddies with no strings attached.
| 2 million members | 350,000 daily |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| From $6 subscription price |
BoldPersonals is a platform that attempts to bring back the glory days of Craigslist Personals. The website publishes ads from potential dating matches that’ll help you fit the bill — be it a new casual date, a lasting relationship, or a partner for a one-night sex-and-swinger.
With BoldPersonals, you’ll even be able to find users who want to try dom, fetish, and other non-textbook erotic stuff.
Pros
- All features are available for free.
- Different interaction options — you can leave a comment on a posting or react to it in order to connect with the author.
- User profiles are fully customizable.
Cons
- A dated interface that’s a far cry from being user-friendly.
- A limited range of filters, such as sexual preferences and location.
- The website is full of raunchy user photos — visually, it bears resemblances with porn engines.
Pricing
As mentioned above, BoldPersonals allows users to connect for free; however, if you want to increase your exposure, there are two ad packages — Silver and Gold. Paid postings are featured on the home page. When a user browses the category that your profile matches, he’ll see your account at the top of the search rankings.
- BoldPersonals Gold — $6 during the first six months and $3 for the next three months.
- BoldPersonals Silver — one-time installment of $6 for six months of advanced promotion.
BoldPersonals is not the most dynamic platform — that’s why if you want to find a committed relationship in a short amount of time, consider moving on to a different option. However, if you’re in for a one-night stand, the website will fill the bill in a straightforward, no-commitment way.
| 3 million members | 450,000/weekly |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| high fraud risk | Verification Facebook |
| free of charge subscription price |
Double or doublelist is a website that’s fueling the world of online double dating; another popular category within Craigslist Personals. The platform will undoubtedly come in handy if you want to meet other couples and spend time together. Once you have found potential double date partners at doublelist.com, you’ll be able to connect via a group chat and schedule a meetup.
Double has smart matching algorithms that pairs users based on bio similarities. While couples’ profiles are not quite detailed, they display all the necessary information, such as location, age, a short description written by users, and a profile picture that will set your doublelist account.
Pros
- One of the few platforms at doublelist.com dedicated to wingman dating only.
- Thanks to a group chat on double list, all four members of a double-date group can communicate simultaneously.
- Double uses profile similarities to match profiles — you likely have something in common with the couple you have been suggested.
Cons
- Double doesn’t support geo-based matching — a group you want to date can live in another area or town.
- To start communicating with a couple at doublelist.com, you have to wait until both of its members match you.
- Users need to find a wingman before joining the app.
Pricing
Double is free to use. You’ll be able to enjoy all features without constraints or limitations.
Double is a one-of-a-kind type of platform. Its creative approach to dating is well-paired with a stylish user interface. The app of doublelist is easy to use, has few fake profiles, and is secure. Users can report those who send inappropriate messages or try to catfish. Pure is quite the same but with zero catfishing. The entire app is built for you to have fun in no time. It is a handy tool to meet like-minded people for hookups. No fake account can survive there.
| 5 million members | 400,000/weekly |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| free subscription price |
For avid hookup fans, there can hardly be a better dating space to replace a casual encounter section that Craigslist had to offer other than Classified Ads Personals. This platform is a one-stop dating space with millions of active love-seekers. Here, you’ll be able to find a match for both no-strings-attached and long-term relationships.
Pros
- The interface and navigation are similar to those of Craigslist Personals.
- All posts and search queries are anonymous.
- No location-based limitations.
Cons
- A fair share of messages on the search board doesn’t sound too reliable and gives off a catfish vibe.
- The platform is mainly used in the UK.
- New postings appear with a two-to-three day frequency.
Pricing
ClassifiedAds is a free platform. You’ll be able to both post and respond to ads without having to pay for subscriptions.
ClassifiedAds Personals is similar to Craigslist Personals by the type of users, the navigation system, and the interface; however, the system is not half as elaborate and widespread. ClassifiedAds is not a tool you would use every day, yet browsing the board once every three to five days makes all the sense in the world. It helped me a lot when I was in London for a week.
| 1 billion members | 300,000/weekly |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification Facebook |
| free to use subscription price |
Oodle is a popular Craigslist casual encounter section alternative, and fifteen years after launching, it’s still relevant. By using Oodle Personals, you’re free to specify exactly what you’re looking for in your next partner — a date, a casual encounter, or a one-night stand.
Pros
- All ads posted on Oodle don’t contain pornographic material.
- Clean, minimalistic interface.
- The platform has over 1 billion active users.
Cons
- To create a profile, you need to have a Facebook account.
- The platform moderators strictly review all ads.
- Your posts are visible to all users, not just the registered ones.
Pricing
Oodle has no premium version.
Oodle is the new right choice for a US-based dater. The platform’s core audience comes from the States. The platform is also famous worldwide, with an overall user base of over 1 billion active visitors. Male users dominate on Oodle. Also, keep in mind that the platform flourishes with fake profiles that have no pictures and little-to-no descriptions. Finding a suitable match here is a ton of work, but at the end of the day, it can still be rather rewarding.
| 5 million members | 450,000/weekly |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| from $2.95/month subscription price |
Locanto is another platform that you can explore when looking for one-night stands, but only in certain areas of the globe. Keep in mind that the platform is occupied by sex workers promoting their services — if you’re not willing to pay for a night, it’ll be much harder to find a suitable partner. The only way to use it and succeed is if you go for a vacation to Thailand or India; it turns out that the majority of users are based there. The price also proves this as you will never find a proper website in the US that would cost you as little as $3 per month.
Pros
- Broad audience reach — Locanto is a popular international platform.
- Easy-to-use navigation and a clean interface.
Cons
- Shaky reputation — dozens of users around the web have complained about being scammed by the platform.
- Repeatable or fake ads are commonplace.
- The core audience of the platform lives in India and Thailand.
Price
Compared to other dating websites and casual dating platforms, Locanto has a low subscription cost. By paying a fee, you’ll be able to improve the exposure of your ads.
Locanto Premium Costs:
- Monthly subscription: $2.95/mo.
- The “Top Ad” feature: $7.95/mo.
Out of all of the Craigslist hookup alternatives described above, Locanto doesn’t seem like the most reliable one. Hiring a sex worker while using the platform is a gamble — be on the lookout for scams. This is the same reason why Craigslist Personals was shut down. Other than that, Locanto has an extensive list of potential matches — you will not have a hard time finding a suitable one-night-stand partner.
| 300 members | 10,000 options of escort |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| $49 – $119 subscription price |
TrystLink is a Craigslist casual encounter replacement that approaches the task of creating a platform for hiring sex workers with an impressive amount of thought and dignity. For one thing, the platform doesn’t have a standard strip-club-billboard-style interface. Instead, the pages look clean and are well laid out.
Sex worker profiles usually have a few profile pictures (the quality of photos did not disappoint) and a brief description. While TrystLink user descriptions lack detail, the provided information gives all the tools needed to resonate with a one-night stand partner on a primary level.
Pros
- Visually appealing user interface.
- Inclusive — non-binary, trans, and male sex service providers are all welcome.
- The platform has launched projects for struggling sex workers.
Cons
- Basic search filters — users can find matches by entering keywords in the search tab.
- The posts published by sex workers are free for public display.
Price
TrystLink has a premium version that gives access to a handful of premium features, such as live videos, profile verification for advanced safety, and sophisticated profile analytics.
TrystLink Cost:
- Basic: $49/m
- Standard: $79/m
- Premium: $119/m
TrystLink is among a few examples of a platform that handles hiring sex workers in a safe, responsible way. The website has all the tools needed to ensure that your next sex will be safe and enjoyable. Most importantly, the platform monitors all ads and detects scams, which is one of the close versions to Craigslist Personals. If you are looking for hookups but don’t want to hire an escort, Pure will be the best option for you. It has over 750,000 users, and the ones you’ll see will be in your area.
| 250,000 members | 140,000 visits per month |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| free subscription price |
Each Yumi user gets four cards — you can flip them over one by one and see random matches. If you like the profile, you can save the card and contact the user. It’s free and fast, and users don’t have to fill out long registration forms.
Pros
- Fast registration.
- Guaranteed anonymity.
- Rich choice of possible hookups even in small towns.
- Users are only interested in hookups — you won’t have to refuse long-term offers.
- No email or social media accounts are required.
Cons
- Limited matching customization.
- Not enough information about potential dates.
- Finding the best option requires a user to be active on the platform and look through a bunch of cards.
Yumi costs
It’s a free service. The mobile app is available on iOS and Android and makes profits from advertising. I saw several announcements on the feed and in-between the cards, but it was not as annoying as on some other Craigslist Personals alternatives.
Matching is built on random selection, and the only set criterion is the location. You will get dates nearby, which makes meetups easier — one of my matches happened to live only three blocks away from me. It only targets users who are looking for a one-time hookup without promising long-term relationships.
| 120 members | 15,000 users per month |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| high fraud risk | Verification email |
| free subscription price |
This alternative arguably comes the closest to the original Craigslist service in terms of design and functionality. The platform is almost identical to the original version — it allows posting casual dating ads and meeting people in your area.
In order to make sure that a partner is up for sex, users have to call the person and ask. You can surely understand what you are signing up to only in direct contact.
Pros
- The platform targets actual relationships, not port and sex-trafficking.
- Users all over the US.
- Similar to Craigslist, the platform hosts ads with no beforehand registration or matching systems.
Cons
- Limited filtering options.
- No pictures.
- Strict censorship.
Craigslist Activites costs
This is a free service — the ads’ hosters don’t have to pay a fee for publishing their announcement. The feed is free to browse, and all contacts are openly available.
The platform is almost identical to the original version. It allows posting casual dating ads and meeting people in your area. Craigslist Activites’ ads don’t support pictures. The only way that users have to stand out is with headlines and ad descriptions. However, don’t go overboard: the Terms of Use prohibit sex words and implicit vocabulary.
| 980,000 members | 28,400 monthly visits |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification Facebook account |
| $14.99 – $19.99 subscription price |
FetLife, a popular BDSM dating platform, hosts an ad section where people can find partners without undergoing complex matching or meeting partners in video chats. It’s a direct hookup road for those who don’t want to wait for a third date and would rather find a hookup directly.
Pros
- Detailed descriptions.
- Specialized BDSM dating.
- A fast matching system.
- More than 200,000 users worldwide.
Cons
- The user pool is dispersed all over the world, so finding a local match in a small town is tricky.
- You need to have solid BSM experience.
- Long registration.
FetLife costs
The monthly subscription costs $5 and provides access to the entire platforms’ functionality, not just ad service. You can chat with users in video rooms, use matching feeds, and play online matching games. Keep in mind, though, that the male-female ratio is far from even: only a quarter of users are female.
Here, ads target fellow members of the BDSM community. The typical ad texts feature the fetish descriptions, hunter-prey relationships, and rigger posts. To get more attention, it’s recommended that users describe their fetishes and favorite BDSM practices as such detailed ads attract more matches.
| 40 million members | 2 millions per week |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email, phone number, Facebook |
| $9.99 - $120 subscription price |
Many online daters think that Tinder is the next best thing for casual hookups after Craigslist Personals. The platform is very popular, if not more. The dating is based on location-analysis algorithms — the app finds matches nearby, and registration only requires a short bio.
Tinder shows you one profile at a time, and you can see a date’s picture and a short description. You can swipe right if you accept the match or left to decline. Some people on Tinder are looking for long-term relationships, so if you are looking for casual sex, be sure to discuss this beforehand in case the partner is not up to it. I had a couple of situations where everything went smoothly until the very moment when I gave her a wink and asked if she was looking for the same thing as me. Guess what? She was not, of course, and I was called names. So, be careful and, again, talk about your intentions out loud.
Tinder will ask your age, and the subscription price depends on it: users under 28 pay less than older ones. There are two types of subscriptions: Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold.
Pros
- Fast registration.
- Location-based search.
- Playful interface.
- More than 50 million users worldwide.
Cons
- No direct contacts.
- Within 50M users, you’ll inevitably see some fakes.
- The platform isn’t created only for casual dates.
Tinder costs – Tinder Plus
- 1-month subscription from $9.99
- 3-month subscription from $34.99
- 6-month subscription from $54.99
Tinder costs – Tinder Gold
- 1-month subscription from $14.99
- 3-month subscription from $52.99
- 6-month subscription from $82.99
Some people on Tinder are looking for long-term relationships, not just quick hookups, so if you are looking for casual sex, be sure to discuss this beforehand in case the partner is not up to it, or else just switch to Pure. Members of this app are in for a hookup ride only — no long-term stuff or serious relationships. There are zero bots compared to Tinder.
| 50,56 members |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| $9.99 – $29.99 subscription price |
Want Ad Digest is a versatile board for classified ads where people can get used cars and equipment as well as meet casual dates. Although the most popular website sections are transportation and used items, Personals take up a high-traffic portion.
The website offers a selection of the most wanted ads in your area. You can see the ads that have the highest view number and are considered trustworthy by the community. The ads are sorted by users’ genders and preferences. The design is outdated but there’s one subtle advantage of it: if somebody catches you browsing it, you can always say that you were looking for a second-hand bicycle and accidentally opened the wrong category.
Pros
- Ads are free and easy to publish.
- You don’t have to add personal pictures.
- Direct contact with a potential date – emails and mobile numbers are included in the ad.
Cons
- Personals isn’t the most popular section on the website.
- Not popular in small cities.
- Not enough selection.
Price
Posting an ad on the service is free. Users can acquire a premium subscription if they’re going to push their offers in the feed or receive advanced statistics.
Although the most popular website sections are transportation and used items, Personals takes up a high-traffic portion.
| 60,67 members |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| free subscription price |
This website is similar to an adult dating website rather than to the Craigslist ads. Here, you have a feed, chat, video rooms — all sections that are typical of a dating website. You have to register an account first, which means filling out registration forms and specifying your credit information.
Although the website positions itself as free, it’s not the case. In order to message users, you have to buy credits; otherwise, you can only browse the feed without actually contacting the match.
Pros
- Detailed matching algorithms for casual dating.
- Versatile matching functionality.
- Free access to the feed.
Cons
- The website isn’t free — you need to purchase a subscription to contact users.
- Long registration.
Price
Although the registration is free, it only allows you to browse the feed and familiarize yourself with the website’s functionality. The membership that provides access to messaging and unlocks all functionality costs $40 per month.
To message users, you have to buy credits — otherwise, you can only browse the feed, without actually contacting the match.
| 11 million members | 11,000 active/weekly |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification phone number, Faceboo |
| $8.99 - $79.98 subscription price |
On this dating site, women take the initiative in matching while guys sit back and wait for the invitation from a potential partner. Due to this rule, the platform has attracted a lot of girls — they don’t have to worry about being harassed anymore.
The interface and functionality are similar to Tinder. The app shows one profile at a time, and users swipe right or left to decide if they want this date or not. However, unlike Tinder, there is a third option: you can slide a person to a friend zone if you’d like to chat, but avoid being involved sexually or romantically. This is called Bumble BFF, and you can switch between these moods as much as you like.
I matched with some nice girls but they didn’t use their 24-hour window to say hello, even though Bumble offers some ready-made opening lines to make our lives easier, so that was a bit of a disappointment. If I had been able to make the first move, who knows, maybe those matches would have turned into something real. If you want to know more about personal experiences in this app, then check our first-hand Bumble review.
Pros
- Guys don’t always have to show the initiative, and girls, on the other hand, can take action and start the conversation.
- The chat is available only for 24 hours — this encourages live dates and shortens the foreplay.
- Friendzone mode allows users to make friends, not just look for love or a hookup.
Cons
- Each user must connect a Facebook profile to a personal dating account.
- Men can’t influence their dating activity; the only thing there is to do is pay for their profile’s promotion in the feed.
- Profile descriptions are superficial, and matching algorithms mostly focus on pictures rather than on compatibility.
Bumble costs
The essential website’s version with the basic functionality is free, and it includes the possibility of messaging a limited number of people and applying basic filters to your search.
Premium users receive access to profile stats, in-depth filters, premium groups, and chat rooms, and can promote their profiles in the feed. The premium subscription costs $8.99 per week.
Unlike Tinder, there is a third option — you can slide a person to the friend zone if you’d like to chat, but avoid being involved sexually or romantically.
| 10 million members | 1 million daily logins |
| 3/5 hookup chance | Medium Sex Chance |
| low fraud risk | Verification Facebook |
| $7.95 - $23.70 subscription price |
This is a liberal and woke dating website for casual and long-term dating. OkCupid is one of the most open platforms out there — it features dozens of sexual orientation communities and supports multiple genders, not just classic male-female division.
OkCupid has a precise compatibility-based matching system. The feed with potential matches is already customized according to your registration answers as each user answers a set of questions before starting to date. I personally liked the variety, but bumped into a few ladies who seemed to be down to everything at first, but when the conversation came to the jot topics, they just ghosted me. One even blocked me, saying that I was a douchebag. Hey, I was just straightforward about my intentions!
Pros
- Rich free version.
- Fun interface.
- Detailed profile.
- Precise matching algorithms.
- Different ways to find a partner: a simple feed with profiles. DoubleTake with the best of the best, and also you can explore according to the answers to the questions.
- Open-minded community.
Cons
- The website isn’t popular in small towns.
- It’s difficult to find a sex partner.
- Users have to connect their Instagram accounts.
OkCupid costs
- 1 month from $19.95
The feed with potential matches is already customized according to your registration answers — each user answers a set of questions before starting to date, but honestly, the registration isn’t worth the time spent. It is better to try out Pure. There, you’ll have much more active users and instant starts with just an email and a photo or a text ad.
| 150 members | 200,000 visits per month |
| 4/5 hookup chance | High Sex Chance |
| medium fraud risk | Verification email |
| free subscription price |
If you are an active user of a Reddit community, you can try out the R4R threads. Different locations and interests group these redditor-for-redditor threads, so you can get a date who lives nearby and shares the same preferences.
The reason why I like using Reddit to look for casual hookups is that you can easily track another person’s posting activity and see what a person likes or does not like. It’s the shortest way to get to know a date better.
Any user can post an ad for free and tag it with F4M, M4F, M4M, F4F, and other tags. Sections have active moderations, and these teams spot and delete suspicious offers. It’s a highly relevant source of legit hookups — I haven’t seen much sex advertising there.
Pros
- Millions of users all over the US. The biggest thread is for South Californian users.
- Easy thread search. Look for “city name + R4R” keywords.
- Active moderation.
- No fees.
Cons
- Matches can get access to your Reddit posting history.
- No pictures.
- No account verification.
R4R costs
Reddit classified ads sections are free for all Reddit users. Everyone can leave the ad and browse other users’ posts. Contacts are either directly available in the ad or can be obtained via a direct message.
You can easily track another person’s posting activity and see what a person likes or not. It’s the shortest way to getting to know a date better.
FAQ
What are some adult personals, such as Craigslist?
Lucky, Pure, Doublelist, and BoldPersonals are Craigslist-alike apps.
Why did Craigslist Personals get shut down but not AdultFriendFinder?
Craigslist Personals was shut down due to sex trafficking, but FriendFinder was not accused of anything similar.
Where do I find free legit adult hookup personals just like Craigslist?
TrystLink and Pure are great apps to find a hookup.
What is Doublelist?
Doublelist is a great alternative instead of Craigslist Personals.
Does Craigslist have Personals anymore?
No, it was shut down.
Did Craigslist get rid of Personals?
They had to close the personal section due to the lawsuit.
How do I view messages on Doublelist?
You need to check the status and messages in order to see the texts from other users.
What other sites are like Craigslist?
AdultFriendFinder, Pure, and Doublelist are great sex apps that are similar to Craigslist.
Is there a way to search all of Craigslist?
In order to search all of Craigslist, you need a new comprehensive Craigslist search engine that is now available that utilizes a Google custom search.
When did Craigslist get rid of Personals?
It all happened in 2010.
What replaced Craigslist Backpage?
AdultFriendFinder, Pure, OutPersonals, and Doublelist are the main apps that replaced Craigslist Backpage.
Craigslist Personals alternatives – video review
Enjoy your experience of online dating at Craigslist Personals alternative!
Now that Craigslist Personals is not coming back, there will not be another platform quite like it. Where do you go now that Craigslist Personals is gone? The good news is that there’s plenty of fish in the sea. The list of Craigslist Personals alternatives is not limited to the picks reviewed above. Take your time to think what you’re looking for — a friendship, a casual date, or a long-term relationship. Then, choose from our list the one that resonates with your needs the most.
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