Craigslist personals was a go-to for casual encounters and dating, but users are searching for alternatives after its shutdown.
Here, we’ll explore the top 10 Craigslist personal alternatives, providing the best platforms for personal connections while ensuring user safety and enhanced security measures.
Best Websites Like Craigslist Personals
Below are our picks for the best Craigslist personal ads replacements. Each platform offers unique perks, with plenty of ways to connect, share personal details, and ensure you stay safe.
Let’s see what each one brings to the table.
- Adult Friend Finder – Best Alternative to Craigslist Personals
- Classified Ads – Top Website Similar to Craigslist for Personal Ads
- One Night Friend – Best Website Like Craigslist Personals for Casual Encounters
- Kasual – Best Craigslist Personals Replacement for Serious Relationships
- Ashley Madison – Best Alternative to Craigslist Personals for Discreet Dating
- Pernals – Top Platform for Local Dating Similar to Craigslist Personals
- Meet-N-Hook – Best Free Website Like Craigslist Personals
- Plenty of Fish – Best Craigslist Personals Alternative for LGBTQ+ Dating
- Locanto – Best Website Similar to Craigslist for Personal Ads & Hookups
- Tinder – Best Safe and Secure Craigslist Personals Replacement
1. Adult Friend Finder – Best Alternative to Craigslist Personals
Looking for a steamy casual dating site that invites you to explore your sexual preferences? Adult Friend Finder is a giant in the industry, boasting 80+ million members around the world.
It lets you connect through live chats, forums, and groups. If you miss the anything-goes spirit of old Craigslist, this site could be your top pick.
Pros
- A wide array of members (80+ million worldwide)
- Fun community forums for shared specific interests
- Straightforward signup with profile details and photo uploads
- Great for no-judgment, adult conversations
Cons
- Some fake profiles slip through
- The free version can feel limited
What We Liked About It
The community vibe on Adult Friend Finder feels welcoming and playful. Switching from friendly banter to a more intimate chat without awkward pauses is easy. The site’s bold approach to adult dating helps you find exactly what you crave.
2. Classified Ads – Top Website Similar to Craigslist for Personal Ads
Classified Ads is a neat substitute if you miss old-school online personal ads. The site resembles what we once saw on Craigslist.
It’s simple and free, and you can post about anything from local events to jobs—and yes, personal connections. This might be a fit if you prefer a direct approach without the bells and whistles of modern dating apps.
Pros
- Straightforward interface, unlike Craigslist
- Free listings for personal connections
- Covers local meetups and broader categories
- No complex signup
Cons
- Not strictly a casual dating site
- Potential risks from unverified users
What We Liked About It
It’s easy to navigate and mimics the feel of old Craigslist. You can sift through categories, post a simple ad, and wait for other users to respond. Plus, no flashy features means minimal distraction.
3. One Night Friend – Best Website Like Craigslist Personals for Casual Encounters
One Night Friend targets people seeking quick flings or short-term companionship. If your main goal is finding someone for a spontaneous night out (or in), this site might do the trick. It’s said to have around 3 million monthly visits, so you can typically find local matches.
You can set your dating profile to reflect your sexual orientation and specific interests; then, you’re off to browse matches and send private messages.
Pros
- User-friendly interface tailored for brief encounters
- Quick signup and easy search filters
- Sizable active user base (around 3 million visits monthly)
- Great for no-strings-attached fun
Cons
- Some free features are limited
- May attract fake profiles if you’re not cautious
What We Liked About It
One Night Friend delivers for those nights when you just want a simple, laid-back meet-up. Its quick messaging options and casual vibe help spark instant connections. The service is straightforward and doesn’t overcomplicate the process of finding a person for a fun evening.
4. Kasual – Best Craigslist Personals Replacement for Serious Relationships
While “Kasual” might sound playful, don’t let the name fool you. This app focuses on building deeper bonds for those craving meaningful connections. The site encourages you to share who you are and what kind of relationship you want. Because of that, it filters out random flings, letting you focus on those who want something real.
Pros
- Friendly environment to meet relationship-minded people
- Transparent matchmaking system to highlight shared goals
- Easy to use on mobile apps or desktop
- Helps to weed out mismatched sexual preferences
Cons
- Smaller community than big-name dating sites
- Not ideal if you want fast-paced, hookup-centered chats
What We Liked About It
We enjoyed how the platform balances casual chat with genuine connection. The search tools let you find someone’s vibe before investing a ton of time. It’s a breath of fresh air if you’re tired of purely physical hunts.
5. Ashley Madison – Best Alternative to Craigslist Personals for Discreet Dating
Ashley Madison knows privacy matters. With 75+ million users, it’s long been a go-to for those seeking secret affairs, discreet encounters, or even open marriages.
Its interface has improved, and the community remains huge. Single or attached, this site offers features to keep your personal details hidden. It’s built for users who want hush-hush connections, from photo-masking to stealthy billing.
Pros
- Discretion tools, such as photo-blurring
- Large international user base (75+ million)
- Strict privacy settings to reduce potential risks
- Encourages users to use a separate, anonymous email
Cons
- Historically known for data breach concerns
- Heavily focused on extramarital affairs
What We Liked About It
If you’re interested in secret encounters, this site stands out. The user experience is smooth, and the anonymity controls are robust. It’s also known for blocking illegal activities, thanks to moderation, which is a perk in these uncertain times.
6. Pernals – Top Platform for Local Dating Similar to Craigslist Personals
Want a simpler approach to meeting new people in your city? Pernals might scratch that itch. Formerly known as Cragly, it’s all about local online personal ads. Just like the old days, you can post a quick ad, browse others, and meet up when it clicks.
Pernals aims to combat sex trafficking by verifying profiles, a valuable step to keep the community safer.
Pros
- Local focus for real-life meetups
- Quick sign-up process with optional photo verification
- Fewer profiles than bigger dating sites, but more personal approach
- Great for chatting about shared interests
Cons
- Smaller user base can limit matches in some areas
- Must stay alert for fake profiles
What We Liked About It
Posting your interests and location leads to fast connections. The site balances freedom with mild moderation, helping users explore comfortably but stay aware of potential risks.
7. Meet-N-Hook – Best Free Website Like Craigslist Personals
Meet-N-Hook offers a budget-friendly approach to hooking up. Its free features are ideal for those who prefer a no-cost platform.
This site is perfect if you’re dipping your toes back into the dating pool after missing Craigslist. Because it’s free, you’ll likely find a broad audience ready to chat about anything from casual flings to ongoing fun.
Pros
- No upfront subscription
- Basic search tools for quick matches
- Lets you specify your sexual orientation and boundaries
- Users can post about various kinks
Cons
- Advanced features require premium upgrades
- More free users can mean an increased chance of fake profiles
What We Liked About It
It’s user-friendly and cost-effective. You can sign up, send a few messages, and see if you like the vibe. The chat layout is simple enough for older or less tech-savvy individuals. It’s a gateway to exploring casual meets without emptying your wallet.
8. Plenty of Fish – Best Craigslist Personals Alternative for LGBTQ+ Dating
Plenty of Fish (or POF) isn’t always the first casual dating site that comes to mind for LGBTQ+ users, but it’s actually quite inclusive. With over 150 million registered profiles, it’s huge.
You can tailor your dating profile to show your sexual orientation and what you’re looking for. It’s free to use and offers many ways to share personality traits, from fun questions to descriptive prompts.
Pros
- Massive member base (150+ million profiles)
- Various communication tools like instant chat and forums
- Tons of filters for location, interests, and more
- Generally free to message
Cons
- A free site often means more ads
- Ease of sign-up can lead to spam accounts
What We Liked About It
We loved the broad diversity on POF. You can meet people from all walks of life, which is fantastic if you’re exploring your identity or want to find people who share your experiences. The chat features also allow conversation to flow naturally.
9. Locanto – Best Website Similar to Craigslist for Personal Ads & Hookups
Another general classifieds site, Locanto, has a strong reputation for personal listings and local announcements. It’s suitable for those who still crave that “throw up a quick ad and see who responds” approach.
The site spans many categories—job ads and adult dating—so you’ll find many potential matches. Just filter your city, post a listing, and see what happens.
Pros
- Simple, free posting
- Great for local connections
- International coverage for travelers
- It lets you choose from multiple categories (jobs, events, dating, etc.).
Cons
- Not a dedicated dating apps platform
- Can attract scammers or shady ads if you’re not careful
What We Liked About It
Locanto is refreshingly straightforward. It resembles a Facebook marketplace but for personal encounters. You can easily navigate to the “dating” or “personals” section to find what you need without sifting through unrelated listings.
10. Tinder – Best Safe and Secure Craigslist Personals Replacement
When it comes to dating apps, Tinder leads the pack with 50+ million users worldwide. It has robust verification tools and a global presence.
The swiping system is easy; you can set your specific interests to attract the right attention. There are also paid features like boosted visibility. If you want an extra layer of security, Tinder offers photo verification to help weed out potential catfish.
Pros
- Huge global user base (50+ million)
- Simple swipe-based interface
- Offers photo verification for added safety
- Flexible for casual dates or long-term connections
Cons
- Competitive environment can be overwhelming
- Free version includes ads and limited features
What We Liked About It
We love the blend of user-friendly design and security. It’s simple to get started, and you can meet all kinds of people. The optional photo verification puts minds at ease, making Tinder a standout if you’re looking for something safer than old Craigslist ads.
Finding the Right Platform
Choosing the best Craigslist personals alternative depends on what you want from a casual dating site. Are you hunting for local flings, exploring your sexual orientation, or searching for real romance? Think about your comfort level with sharing personal details.
Some places focus on serious connections, while others are all about carefree fun. The good news? Many of these platforms are free to try, so you can sample a few before settling in.
User Preferences
Everyone’s different. Some folks want to meet nearby for spontaneous coffee dates, while others are open to exploring the world. Maybe you prefer a site with group forums and video calls, or perhaps you want something hush-hush to avoid prying eyes.
The right platform respects your sexual preferences while offering ways to connect with other users who share your vibe. Take a little time to consider which environment suits you best.
Features and Benefits
Look for a site or app that has the features you need. Is profile verification a must? Do you like sites that allow you to detail your specific interests? Some might offer advanced search options, while others rely on swipe-based pairing.
A busy live chat system helps you strike up conversations faster. Meanwhile, automated filters help reduce potential risks like unwanted messages, fake profiles, or even illegal activities.
Safety Tips for Online Dating
It’s crucial to stay safe. Here are 10 practical tips to keep in mind:
- Verify Before Meeting: Video calls or voice chats confirm someone is real.
- Meet in Public: First meetings should happen in well-lit, public venues.
- Guard Personal Info: Don’t overshare personal details like your home address early on.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, politely bow out.
- Check for Red Flags: Watch for fake profiles or pushy behavior.
- Use Secure Payment: Never wire money to a stranger for any reason.
- Rely on Built-in Messaging: It’s safer than moving to external apps too soon.
- Tell a Friend: Let a person you trust know your plans and location.
- Watch Out for Scams: Be cautious if someone claims they need urgent help with money.
- Combat Sex Trafficking: If you spot suspicious activities, report them to site admins or local authorities.
Understanding Craigslist Personals
The personals section on Craigslist was once a robust part of internet culture. It lets people post simple, direct ads for meetups, casual flings, and romance. That sense of freedom was unmatched back then. But times changed, and so did the legal landscape. Now, it’s history—but not forgotten.
History and Purpose
Craigslist’s personal ads became popular because they were easy to use and free. You’d select a category, post your ad, and wait for responses.
It drew a diverse crowd with varying sexual orientation and relationship goals. Over time, it branched out from casual meetups to serious dating, forging a unique place in the online realm.
Reasons for Shutdown
Things took a turn in 2018 when heightened regulations aimed to combat sex trafficking and illegal activities put Craigslist under scrutiny. Fearing legal consequences, the site removed its personal section altogether. While done to comply with the law, it left users scrambling for new ways to connect.
Impact on Users
The shutdown left an immediate gap for many people seeking quick connections. People who relied on Craigslist for local meetups, missed connections, and dating found themselves adrift.
Some turned to mainstream dating apps out of necessity, while others discovered sites like Adult Friend Finder, Locanto, and Ashley Madison alternatives to get their personal listings out there.
FAQs
Can I still use Craigslist for personal listings?
No. Craigslist has removed its entire personals section to reduce potential illegal or exploitive content risks. You can still find other types of listings, but you’ll need an alternative site like the ones above for personal ads.
Are these sites safe to use?
Most are as safe as you make them. Always stay alert. Look for verified profiles, read reviews, and remember the usual online dating safety tips. If a platform offers moderation or photo verification, that’s even better.
Can I post any type of personal ad on these platforms?
Each site has its own rules. Some allow explicit content, while others use more general contact ads. Check the terms of service to avoid breaking the rules or engaging in illegal activities.
Why not use Facebook Marketplace for personal ads?
Facebook Marketplace focuses on buying and selling goods. It’s not designed for personal ads or hookups. While some people may post personal ads there, it’s not as structured or secure for meeting new partners.
Craigslist Personals Alternatives: Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect Craigslist personals alternatives may take some trial and error, but at least you have an exciting range of dating sites to explore. Each one caters to different needs—you might be into flirting, casual hookups, or searching for a deeper bond.
Take your time, stay safe, and enjoy reconnecting with the world of online dating. Good luck!
