In 2018, U.S. law enforcement agencies cracked down on personals sites, like Backpage and Craigslist Personals, aiming to make online dating a bit safer and more reputable.
Since Backpage has shut down for good and Craigslist has removed personals, many singles and couples are left wondering where they can now place a classified ad to meet new people online.
Not to worry, there are over 8,000 dating sites out there, and many of them have proven effective and safe options for finding casual sex. We’ve picked out some of our favorite free classified sites to help singles who are seeking an alternative website to their old standby. Let’s get to it!
Best Sites Like Backpage & Craigslist Personals
Backpage and Craigslist suddenly closed, effectively shutting down many sex traffickers. However, this also left genuine online daters searching for a new place to meet like-minded individuals without the fear of illegal activities.
Over the years, several top hookup platforms have become the go-to alternatives to sketchy personals sites and sex job listings. You can explore them for free and easily delete your old Craigslist ad.
Ashley Madison is a breath of fresh air for single or attached folks experiencing a sex slump. This exciting dating site and app offer tons of opportunities to mingle, match, flirt, and hook up discreetly. Over 91 million profiles await you on Ashley Madison, and it's free to create an anonymous account.
- Discreetly arranges one-night stands
- More than 91 million profiles worldwide
- Travel-friendly features for seeking matches in other cities
- Browse Ashley Madison profiles 100% free »
Ashley Madison is a scandalous dating site (and mobile app) where single and married people can explore romantic possibilities and have a romantic affair that makes them feel alive.
Since 2001, Ashley Madison has attracted millions of curious, restless, and open-minded daters. Its discreet features include a photo-masking tool, so you don’t have to bare everything in this sexually charged and fast-paced database.
Ashley Madison is a dating site for married individuals or those seeking discreet affairs, allowing them to follow their hearts and take a break from their daily routines. As a Backpage replacement, Ashley Madison discreetly connects people with hookup partners. It’s a go-to site for romance and classified ads.
2. NaughtyCharm
When it comes to arranging hookups, NaughtyCharm is fast, easy, fun, and safe. This dating site has built a global network of sexy men and women who want to skip the small talk and cut right to the chase. If you're interested in short-term romance, NaughtyCharm is the place to go and get your flirt on.
- A global network of naughty singles over 18
- Ability to blur nude and explicit content, if desired
- Advanced search filters and one-on-one messaging
- Browse NaughtyCharm profiles 100% free »
NaughtyCharm is a sex-positive hookup website where singles can send flirty messages and create mutual matches without paying any subscription fees. We consider NaughtyCharm to be one of the best Backpage alternative sites because it offers free communication for all female users.
Once you have a valid profile picture (no stock photos or nudes), you can start chatting with anyone who catches your eye on NaughtyCharm.
NaughtyCharm requires users to add photos, verifying that individuals are genuine and willing to put themselves out there. If you spot a fake profile or suspicious ad, you can report it to NaughtyCharm, and the moderators can block or remove that person from the site.
3. Fling.com
Fling.com is a casual dating network with a sleek interface and fast matchmaking. The website boasts having over 2 million verified photos, ranging from car selfies to bikini pics. There’s also live video available to spice things up. Members who are feeling flirty can send pictures and videos in the private messaging windows. Fling profiles put turn-ons and kinks front and center, so members can cut right to the chase and start sexting.
- Fun video technology
- Free anonymous browsing
- No location limits on searches
- Browse Fling.com profiles 100% free »
Dynamic. Bold. Kinky. Fling.com is full of kinksters who come right out and ask for casual sex. There is no playing coy here. Though it doesn’t allow nudes to be posted, many members like to share some steamy and suggestive profile pics.
Fling.com delivers fast connections based on sexual chemistry and turn-ons. Its chatting tools include messaging, video chat, and private photo swapping.
The anonymity of browsing with a username on Fling.com is reminiscent of Backpage’s vibes — but Fling does a better job at vetting new profiles (over 2 million pictures verified and counting) and keeping users safe.
Registering for an account on Adult Friend Finder (AFF) is like speeding into the fast lane of the online dating world. This hookup site puts you in the center of action and encourages sexy singles and swingers to satisfy their secret fantasies. Anyone over 18 can join AFF and browse millions of profiles for free, but only full-fledged members have access to the revealing content in the community forums and chat rooms.
- One of the largest adults-only sex communities
- Free and fast registration process
- Dating forums and live chats foster live flirtation
- Browse Adult Friend Finder profiles 100% free »
Since 1996, AdultFriendFinder has established itself as the go-to classified website for singles, couples, and groups in need of a sexual release.
This trusted hookup site boasts the largest community of sexy singles and swingers, and it has created over 4.5 million connections so far.
The AFF adult section is more than a Backpage replacement site — it’s a safe solution that has free classified ads, group discussions, erotic blog posts, video broadcasts, and live member chatting to turn up the heat and get members in the mood to party.
FriendFinder-X offers sexy singles the gratifying experience of meeting hot dates within a few clicks. This hookup site is designed to excite people's imaginations and fill them with sexual energy. Whether you're chatting privately or in a group forum, singles and swingers can be upfront about their sexual desires, fetishes, and fantasies.
- A casual personals site for singles, couples, and groups
- Profiles have suggestive photos and strip tease videos
- Chat live via a two-way webcam or private messaging
- Browse FriendFinder-X profiles 100% free »
FriendFinder-X is a hookup site “where good girls do bad things.” The free site offers a classified and anonymous space to explore your sexuality and arrange a casual encounter with potential love interests.
FriendFinder-X empowers singles to find sexy dates nearby who are seeking intimacy and romance. It’s easy to woo someone in this eager dating network, which is even larger than CL Personal or Backpage ever were.
As soon as you post your ad, you can enjoy a casual dating experience in private chats and discussion forums. If you want to verify that your online crush is who he/she says, you can arrange a two-way video chat on FriendFinder-X and establish a good vibe before meeting up in person.
6. Tinder
First impressions matter on Tinder. The dating app gives its users the chance to find romance by liking the photos and bylines of local singles. The app's casual atmosphere encourages flirty conversations that quickly lead to exchanging numbers or arranging in-person dates. Every week, Tinder facilitates over 1.5 million dates and hookups in 190+ countries.
- The dating app of choice for millions of sexually active singles
- Accelerating the dating process through swiping
- Has led to over 97 billion mutual matches
- Browse Tinder profiles 100% free »
Since 2012, Tinder has become one of the most popular dating apps in the world because it gives singles the power to decide who shows up in their inbox. You can swipe through its profile listing to find a person who measures up to your standards.
Unlike personals sites, Tinder boasts matchmaking tools that help you focus on local dates. Its mutual matching system speeds up the dating process and ensures you only message people who are actively online and interested in a casual hookup or serious relationship.
As of 2025, Tinder has seen over 97 billion matches and facilitates more than 1.5 million dates per week.
7. SaucyDates
SaucyDates is an award-winning hookup site that takes online security seriously. The moderators check all profiles and photos before they’re posted. Erotic and revealing photos are permitted, but stock images or AI pics will be deleted. The straightforward interface makes it easy to find common ground through shared kinks and fetish. Sign up for free and get saucy!
- Verified photos
- Streamlined messaging
- Award-winning moderation
- Browse SaucyDates profiles 100% free »
SaucyDates has created a streamlined system where online conversations lead to real-life romances. It doesn’t cost anything to join the hookup site and explore new matches. Posting sexy photos is free as well.
Since 2007, SaucyDates has established itself as a safe space for casual dating. Its network spans across the U.S., the U.K., India, Australia, and South Africa, offering a global reach for users.
With just an email address, singles can set up a profile, search for dates, and enjoy private chats in a safe and friendly space that’s basically a modern wingman.
Best LGBTQ+ Sites Like Backpage & Craigslist Personals
A few years back, Match surveyed 1,000 LGBTQ+ singles in the U.S. to find out how they felt about the modern dating scene. The results indicated that gay men love the single lifestyle.
Only 40% of gay men expressed a desire to get married someday, just 36% were interested in having children, and 68% mentioned they had dated someone they met online.
If you’re gay, single, and want to play the field, I recommend trying these queer-friendly hookup sites.
8. MenNation
MenNation has tons of X-rated content to arouse the senses and stimulate conversation. The hookup site attracts single men and gay couples all over the world and has grown its network to include over 93 million people. Free members can browse these profiles for as long as they want and send flirts to anyone who catches their eye.
- A massive men-only sex and swinger community
- Browse profiles and send private messages to your favorites
- Profiles feature erotic videos and sexually explicit blogs
- Browse MenNation profiles 100% free »
First up, we have MenNation, the largest gay hookup site on the market. Millions of men have followed their libidos and found dates on this classified site, which is open 24/7 to anyone feeling horny.
As you can tell from its name, MenNation is a men-only site, and it requires users to be at least 18 years old to create a personal ad and take part in the fun. This website can escort men to a casual sex life where they’re in control.
MenNation offers a judgment-free dating zone for men only. It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning — as long as you’re looking for no-strings-attached sex with local guys. Transgender men are welcome, too, and have the ability to filter matches or go incognito to stay safe.
9. HER
The HER team believes in the unequivocal power of queer womxn, and its niche dating community lets these strong female voices ring out loud and clear. Whether you’re looking for a date, a travel buddy, or an interesting conversation, you can mingle freely and safely here.
- Welcomes women of all orientations
- Moderators patrol the app 24/7
- Location-based matches and events
- Browse HER profiles 100% free »
HER is a female-friendly app for LGBTQ+ women seeking local dates and new friends. Its newsfeed is engaging and community-driven, and it has strict guidelines to protect its users.
HER welcomes women from all walks of life. With over 15 million downloads in the past decade, it holds a good reputation among lesbians. The biggest grumbles I’ve noticed are about men sneaking into the app trying to connect with bisexual or lesbian women.
HER has moderators to remove catfish profiles upon detection. And you can always use the block button to get rid of anyone making you feel uncomfy.
10. Grindr
Grindr facilitates hookups by telling local singles where the hottest guys in town are and giving them a direct line of communication. It's easy to jump into this active dating pool and start flirting with gay and bisexual men near you.
- Sexually active men can create free profiles
- Matching system uses GPS information to find local dates
- Millions of prospects available in 192 countries
- Browse Grindr profiles 100% free »
Since launching in 2009, Grindr has become synonymous with the gay dating scene, and it has built a massive membership base of over 27 million men — and counting. Even in their heyday, you wouldn’t find that many gay guys mingling on Backpage or Craigslist Personals.
Grindr uses location data to help you find hot dates that are just a short walk away. This gay dating app is perfect for singles who are out and about and eager to connect right away. Your match could be at the bar next door or dancing at a nearby club, and just a few messages can spark something special.
“It’s like fishing. Find a good spot. Put your bait out,” said a Grindr user named Chris. “Some days it’s hard, and no one bites, but another day you may find three encounters in the same day.”
FAQs: Which App Is Best for One-Night Stands?
The aptly named SparkMeets offers easy access to easy dates, so it’s the best classified website for arranging a one-night stand.
The service encourages users to freely pursue their desires online. SparkMeets lives up to its name by helping people find exciting friends for the night, without the shady business of sex work.
You don’t have to put in much effort to find a date. As soon as you post your profile, you can begin swiping, searching, and messaging in this sexy community.
The site will do some work behind the scenes to vet new profiles, so you won’t be accosted by unsavory folks upon signup.
What Is Doublelist?
Launched in 2018, Doublelist is a personals site aiming to fill the gap left by Backpage and Craigslist — except without the sex trafficking, drug deals, prostitution rings, and other scams that got those businesses in trouble. It’s a new Backpage, basically, but with better verification.
The personals section advertises real people, and trustworthy moderators will remove a fake profile upon detection.
Doublelist ensures user authenticity by requiring both an email address and phone number during the sign-up process, living up to its name by double-verifying its users.
Whether you’re into dating, hookups, chatting, or just looking for entertainment, Doublelist is a safe space where you can express yourself and connect with like-minded folks (not sex workers) nearby. The site is active in over 240 cities and is quickly becoming a popular alternative to Backpage.
What Is CasualX?
CasualX is a hookup app that markets itself as “Tinder minus marriage-minded daters.” Naturally, its service appeals to sex-oriented singles looking for casual encounters online and offline.
One of the standout features of CasualX is its locking option. You can set an unlock pattern to ensure that nosy individuals can’t peek at your dating profile on your phone. It’s exclusively for your eyes.
CasualX stands out as a solid Backpage alternative because it’s accessible on the go and the platform doesn’t tolerate any illegal activities.
Can Singles Still Use Craigslist to Find Casual Sex?
While it’s true that Craigslist officially closed its personals section in 2018, it’s also true that some creative online daters have continued to use its classified ads to meet potential dates. They just can’t do it directly.
Instead of posting a personal ad that they’re looking for a casual hookup, a single person may enter the community forums or strike up a flirty chat with a local dog sitter or handyman. The conversation could still lead to a hookup.
While the site limits posts about romantic interests or adult services, it doesn’t stop the playful connections, flirty chats, and friendships that often grow into more personal relationships.
Which Hookup App Has a Similar Backpage Look & Feel?
The PURE hookup app has a lot of similarities to the Backpage website. Both offer classified advertising for sex-driven people, and both provide anonymous and no-strings browsing of profiles. Some people have even called PURE “the new Backpage” in reviews.
However, there’s a key difference between a PURE profile and a Backpage post, and it’s a significant one: PURE enables sexting and hookups without stepping into illegal territory.
PURE is a hookup app, not an escort site. That means its matches are between consenting adults who are looking for casual sex. The ads on PURE say things like “I’m looking for friends with benefits” or “I’d like to meet for coffee and see where things go.” They do not seek money or gifts for sexual favors.
Creating a free ad on PURE takes under a minute, and it will only show up to other PURE members when you’re actively searching for casual dates.
Personals Sites Can Offer Direct Access to Local Singles
Backpage and Craigslist Personals may be gone for good, but online dating continues to grow in popularity, particularly among casual daters. Singles can seek hot dates and arrange steamy encounters on dating sites — and we recommend starting with the ones on this list. They have proven successes and solid reputations.
I’ve highlighted several great alternatives to shady personals filled with sex workers. This way, singles can enjoy online dating without the anxiety of encountering fake ads, human trafficking, or law enforcement crackdowns.
These adult services are free to join, so there’s no harm in creating a profile and seeing who’s out there.
If you’re interested in exploring the casual dating scene, then create a profile on two or more dating sites and keep an open mind as you browse, message, and match with people. You never know who you’ll meet online, and that’s part of the fun!
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