10 Best Craigslist Personals Alternatives

The Craigslist hookup category has a pretty long history. Craigslist was first launched as an advertisement website where people posted ads about job vacancies, houses for sale, or services. Soon the geography of ads expanded, and the websites started to post announcements in Canadian cities. Currently, it covers over 70 countries in the world.

Over time, advertisements about dates and casual hookups also started to appear on the website. Hence, a new section called Craigslist Personals was created exceptionally for these types of announcements. The Craigslist hookup section includes posts for strictly platonic, romantic relationships, casual hookups.

Since online dating platforms weren’t popular back then, it was the favorite option for finding partners for gay and lesbian individuals. The service was free, open, and non-conservative.

The “Men Seeking Men” section of Craigslist was launched in 2005. Later, it turned out that these online hookup ads were the second most common source of spreading syphilis. Then, later in 2018, the platform was accused of promoting and enabling prostitution and sex trafficking. And finally, when the law on fighting sex trafficking came into effect in the USA, Craigslist shut down its hookup advertisement section.

After the closure of the Craigslist Personals section, many people were confused because they didn’t know where they could find hookup services. It is when they started searching for Craigslist Personals alternatives. These are online adult dating and casual encounter platforms. Unlike Craigslist, there are no ads and announcements on these websites. Instead, everyone should create an account and set up a personal profile by entering basic personal information and uploading a picture. Users can mention the relationships of their interests, their sexual preferences, or other details.

The Craigslist hookup section didn’t have a matchmaking system. People had to look through announcements manually and choose who to contact. The Craigslist Personals alternatives work differently. They have a special matchmaking system that does the job of selecting compatible accounts. It narrows down the number of possible matches, and users receive already qualified candidates.

The possibility of Craigslist hookup scams was pretty high. The platform used to appear in the spotlight of public health officials and the police for enabling sex trafficking and spreading STDs. But the Craigslist hookup alternatives don’t get into these kinds of troubles. They clearly state that they are only responsible for ensuring a healthy environment on the platform. They cannot be responsible for whatever happens outside, in real life.

To choose a good Craigslist hookup site, you should check the candidate platforms according to the following criteria:

• Before registering on any site or app, learn its Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy sections to know what information it collects and how it’s used.
• Check out customer reviews to learn whether real users recommend the site or not.
• Read articles to find out what features the platform has.
• Check what services are provided free and which ones are available for paying members only.
• Look through the prices to make sure that premium packages are affordable for you.
• Try to find out the ratio of male and female users.
• Check what the percentage of fake profiles is.

Ashley Madison (Web; iOS; Android)

Among dozens of hookup sites like Craigslist, Ashley Madison is famous for targeting married men and women. The platform offers them to diversify their everyday routine and spice up their boring sex life. According to the website’s concept, everyone deserves to feel loved and be satisfied. So if you aren’t happy with your current partner, have an affair with someone who can make you feel special.

Over time, Ashley Madison has been criticized multiple times for encouraging extramarital sex and relationships. However, the platform claims that it doesn’t contribute to betrayal in marriage but only helps spouses who are already thinking of betrayal find a suitable partner. The next thing for which this hookup site like Craigslist was criticized is its hack and data leakage in 2015. But since then, the platform has improved its security system providing safe services to over 60 million people worldwide.

Pros:

• Ashley Madison has a huge, 60-million-user database where everyone can find a suitable partner.
• The website requests only basic information without exposing anyone’s identity.
• The option of sending unlimited messages is free for female users.

Cons:

• The platform’s user base is imbalanced; most users are males.
• There is a high percentage of empty profiles without even the minimum required information.
• Some features aren’t accessible unless you upgrade your account.

Prices:

• Free version
• 63.00 USD/100 credits
• 189.00 USD/500 credits
• 309.00 USD/1000 credits

AdultFriendFinder (Web; iOS; Android)

AdultFriendFinder is a Craigslist alternative hookup website that contains sexually explicit photos and videos and encourages any content related to sex. In addition, the platform provides all the tools that one could require for satisfying their sexual needs – instant chat, webcams, live videos, and more.

AdultFriendFinder doesn’t impose any racial, age, or gender restrictions. The platform welcomes straight people, gays, lesbians, trans individuals, and all other representatives of the LGBTQ+ community.

For security and privacy purposes, users don’t have to write their real names. It means that AdultFriendFinder is the number one anonymous Craigslist hookup alternative. While, on the other hand, it means that the percentage of fake profiles is quite high. Hence, you should be very careful not to fall into the trap of scammers that ask for money and aim to steal your credit card info or send malicious links to infect your device. Unfortunately, the platform doesn’t conduct regular database cleanups since it’s difficult to identify genuine profiles from fake ones.

Pros:

• The platform has an incredibly enormous member base which gives users multiple choices.
• There are plenty of search filters and other options for finding whatever your heart desires.
• The availability of webcam performances, live sex shows, and journals contribute to the self-expression of users.

Cons:

• You’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for information about users’ hobbies, likes, education, or interests.
• Advanced features are available for premium users only.
• The number of fake accounts is very big.

Prices:

• Free version
• 39.95 USD/1 month
• 80.85 USD/3 months
• 239.40 USD/12 months

FetLife (Web; iOS; Android)

FetLife is a casual hookup site like Craigslist targeted at providing service to the fans of BDSM and fetish. The website is a hybrid of online hookup and social networking platforms.

FetLife provides several options for finding a compatible hookup partner. You can check the explorer tab where the system display profiles of suitable candidates or access the Perv Kinkster Nearby section to see profiles of nearby users. Once you’ve met someone you like, don’t hesitate to initiate a conversation. Unlike other hookup sites like Craigslist free messaging is available for all users on FetLife.

If someone is bothering you with too many or offensive messages, you can use the “Block Member” function to block their accounts. Or you can report them to the FetLife administration, who will observe their behavior and remove the accounts.

Pros:

• The unlimited messaging option is available for all users.
• The platform targets those interested in BDSM, kinks, and fetishes only.
• FetLife also has a mobile application for iOS and Android devices.

Cons:

• The website design is outdated and unattractive.
• Many accounts don’t have photos or any detailed personal information.
• Though only people over 18 years old are eligible for registration, the website doesn’t conduct any age check.

Prices:

• Free version
• 30.00 USD/6 months
• 60.00 USD/12 months
• 120.00 USD/24 months

SeekingArrangement (Web; Android)

Among casual hookup sites like Craigslist, SeekingArrangement is well-known by people looking for sugar–daddy–sugar–baby relationships. These relations are mutually beneficial and acceptable for both sides. Usually, sugar-daddies are successful and financially stable senior men that want to date young and beautiful ladies. They know that girls of that age are only interested in money and expensive gifts and they’re quite all right with it. On the other hand, sugar-babies love the idea of traveling with their senior partners and staying at luxurious hotels.

As a rule, no one of them is emotionally attached or in love with the other one. However, some Craigslist hookup stories exist about how these couples interested in mutually beneficial relationships ended up falling in love with each other.

Pros:

• Male users are lucky. The ratio of female users is much higher, which means that men have plenty of variants to choose from.
• While male users have to pay for many features, women enjoy completely free services.
• Users are straightforward and honest about their expectations and intentions.

Cons:

• Male users can send only ten free messages. To send more, they have to buy a subscription package.
• SeekingArrangement isn’t a good place to look for a soulmate or marriage partner.
• The platform indirectly contributes to the spread of prostitution.

Prices:

• Free version
• 19.95 USD/1 month
• 44.84 USD/3 months

Grindr (Web; iOS; Android)

After the shutdown of the platform, many gay hookup sites like Craigslist came to replace it. Grindr is one of them. This online dating and social networking platform operates exceptionally as an app. It helps gay, bisexual, and trans individuals find hookup partners and spend an unforgettable time together.

The searching algorithm of Grindr is based on the location of users. The app uses GPS and searches for other members nearby. This feature is particularly useful for big cities with multi-million populations. Once you have created an account, the system automatically looks for registered users in your neighborhood and suggests the most compatible ones. Grindr is the leading Craigslist gay hookup app since it creates real opportunities for meeting compatible gay hookup partners.

Pros:

• The non-judgmental and cozy atmosphere on the platform encourages everyone to be open about their sexuality.
• The GPS function finds and recommends nearby matches.
• There is an option for blocking fake profiles and offensive users.

Cons:

• Grindr’s subscription packages are relatively expensive, but the quality is worth the cost.
• Only premium users can see online members.
• Free users are struggling with many irritating ads.

Prices:

• Free version
• 19.99 USD/1 month
• 39.99 USD/3 months
• 66.99 USD/6 months
• 99.99 USD/12 months
• 50.00 USD/monthly unlimited
• 300.00 USD/annual unlimited

Bedpage (Web)

People who used Craigslist hookup ads to find casual encounter partners are now using Bedpage Classified ads. Alongside Craigslist, the government shut down Bedpage as well, but the platform could revive the portal.

One of the most important things about the Bedpage is its coverage. The platform has sections for all states of the United States, all provinces of Canada, and some major European countries. Its classified ads are also available in Asia, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries.

Like Craigslist hookup sites, Bedpage’s Classified ads also provide services to all people regardless of their gender. It has separate sections like Men > Men, Men > Women, Transgender, Women > Women, Women > Men, and HookUp.

Pros:

• You don’t need registration to look through posted ads.
• The platform has a huge geographical coverage.
• Putting an ad isn’t expensive.

Cons:

• Many posts on Bedpage are fraud, and very few ads are put by legitimate individuals.
• Though Bedpage coverage is huge, it has very few readers and even fewer advertisers.
• The website is at risk of getting shut down.

Prices:

• Free option for viewing ads only
• 2 USD/1 post
• 3 USD/move your post to the top
• 15 USD/ads in the premium section
• 7.50 USD/post in multiple cities

Yumi (iOS; Android)

On the list of Craigslist hookup safe platforms, the Yumi app has a significant place. It’s an anonymous chat and flint app that allows people to talk to strangers without exposing their identities. The app doesn’t require any personal information, not even a profile photo. But if users want to use a picture anyways, they can use the app’s stickers or filters to disguise or blur their faces.

The app operates interestingly and offers to play. The system displays four cards, and your potential hookup partner is located under one of them. Therefore, the chances of guessing the right card are 50:50. Once you have successfully found your match, you have exactly 24 hours to start a communication; otherwise, the match will disappear.

Pros:

• Chatting is entirely anonymous. You don’t have to provide any personal information or upload any pictures.
• There is an option for sending voice messages.
• You can send your physical location via the app to meet the person in real life.

Cons:

• Only premium users have the advantage of getting six extra flips.
• The conversation opportunity of free users expires in 24 hours.
• There is only a 50% chance of meeting your potential matches.

Prices:

• Free version
• 19.99 USD/1 month
• 39.99 USD/3 months
• 59.99 USD/6 months

CasualX (iOS; Android)

One of Craigslist hookup tips says that you should make your intention clear, mentioning on your profile what kind of relationships you’re looking for. CasualX guarantees that you’ll never appear in awkward situations when you’re matched with someone looking for long-term relationships. Everyone is interested in something casual on this app – one-night stands, hookups, or short flings without any emotional attachment.

The matchmaking algorithm of the CasualX app is based on swiping photos of candidates. Like on many online dating apps, swiping to the right matches people successfully while the left swipe rejects matching. For receiving suitable match suggestions, it’s recommended to enter accurate personal information. The app uses your interests, hobbies, and other details and finds other people with similar interests.

Pros:

• CasualX has a mobile application compatible with iOS and Android devices.
• Standard users can upload up to 30 photos to their private albums.
• The app has a user-friendly design and provides an amazing users experience.

Cons:

• CasualX has no website. It’s available only as a mobile application.
• Messaging is a core feature, but it is available for paying members only.
• There are some escort services and fake profiles.

Prices:

• Free version
• 14.99 USD/1 month
• 35.99 USD/3 months
• 54.99 USD/6 months

BeNaughty (Web; Android)

The list of Craigslist hookup safe alternatives would be incomplete without BeNaughty – a popular dating service for no-strings-attached relationships. The platform is designed for people with various tastes and preferences in bed. Here people can be open about their sex fantasies, the weirdest desires, and the dirtiest dreams. So no matter what pictures your imagination draws, you’ll be able to find an adventurer like you.

BeNaughty has a pretty active audience. Minutes after registration, users already start receiving messages. However, since there are also fake profiles, it’s difficult for newcomers to differentiate genuine users from scammers. That’s why it’s highly recommended to be careful and never share detailed personal information by which your identity can be discovered.

Pros:

• Standard users can initiate five charts free of charge.
• All users can see which members are online at the moment.
• The environment is friendly and judgment-free.

Cons:

• Only paying members have the privilege of sending unlimited messages.
• Free users cannot attach videos or photos to their messages.
• Advanced search functionality is blocked for standard users.

Prices:

• Free version
• 0.99 USD/day for a 3-day membership
• 0.91 USD/day for a 1-month membership
• 0.51 USD/day for a 3-month membership
• 0.41 USD/day for a 6-month membership

Jack’d (iOS, Android)

Jack’d is one of the best gay hookup sites to replace Craigslist. It’s an inclusive platform that unites over 5 million gay, bisexual, and queer individuals from over 180 countries of the world. Like some other popular hookup apps, Jack’d also uses the geolocation of its users to find and match close people. While browsing profiles, you can tap either the “yes” option or the “no” one.

Jack’d attracts users with its beautiful design. The app is user-friendly, very convenient, and logically organized. The “Discover” and “Browse” sections are where members browse profiles of possible matches. Once you have met someone you find interesting, don’t hesitate to message them.

Pros:

• The Jack’d app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
• The app is multilingual. It’s available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and European languages.
• It’s an inclusive platform for all the representatives of the LGBTQ community.

Cons:

• The privilege of uploading an unlimited number of pictures belongs to paying members only.
• You cannot see the list of people who viewed your profile unless you’re a premium member.
• The website was made for informational purposes only.

Prices:

• Free version
• 9.99 USD/1 month

Conclusion

As you could see, Craigslist Personals used to be pretty popular among people looking for local hookup partners. However, at some point, ads published on the website became uncontrollable and raised public health officials’ criticism, which led to the section’s shutdown.

However, though people using Craigslist hookup services got confused for some time, they found several alternatives. These websites provide gay hookup services, anonymous chats, no-strings-attached, and mutually beneficial relationships. Users can control what information they enter or which photos they upload. Some of these platforms have verification procedures, but others don’t have any mandatory fields. Anyone can register and start browsing hundreds of profiles in search of a compatible hookup partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

✔Are Craigslist hookup alternative sites safe?

Not entirely. By considering these websites’ nature, there is always a high risk of falling into the traps of scammers. On the other hand, though the websites are armed with advanced security technologies, there is no 100% guarantee that it will protect the site from cyber attacks. For example, several years ago, Ashley Madison was hacked, and the personal information of thousands of users was leaked.

💲Are Craigslist hookup alternatives free?

No, Craigslist hookup sites aren’t entirely free. Most platforms are hybrids. It means that they provide both free and paid services. Usually, free accounts are used by registrants to explore the platform, learn the quality of recommended candidates, and decide whether they want to go on using it or not. They should subscribe to a premium package if they decide to stay since the free membership has restricted functionality.

💵Can I cancel premium subscription on Craigslist hookup alternatives?

Yes! Usually, after the first payment, the websites store your credit card details and auto-renew your subscription when it expires. However, you can go to your account settings and disable this auto-renewal function. It means when your premium subscription expires, your account will go back to being a standard one.

🚫Can I block someone on Craigslist hookup alternative sites?

Yes! Blocking is basic functionality that almost every website has. Since many users on the Craigslist hookup sites receive offensive or annoying messages, they use this function to block those users. They can even go further and report these members so that the website’s administration observes their behavior and takes appropriate actions.

📷Is there photo verification procedure on Craigslist hookup sites?

No! Considering that most users don’t want to expose their identities, many Craigslist hookup sites don’t have a photo verification procedure.