Launched in 2004 by New Times Media, Backpage was then considered the second-largest website for classified ads in the US. It included sections for adult classifieds, which eventually led to its downfall. Backpage went way beyond its competitor Craigslist. The ads related to prostitution, which was illegal in the US, didn’t go well with authorities. The site got into trouble in 2011, as multiple suits were filed in an effort to shut down the adult section. In 2018, US law enforcement shut down sites like Backpage and Craigslist Personals to make online dating safer. As a result, Backpage was permanently shut down, and Craigslist removed its personal sections, leaving many singles and couples without a platform to connect.
There are several sites similar to Backpage that are both effective and safe. If you are feeling overwhelmed about which one to choose, we have picked some of the best free classified sites to help singles. Take a look!
Kasual
Kasual, which was previously known as Yumi, is an online dating app that focuses on privacy. Users need not share any of their personal information to use it. This platform is perfect for those who are looking for secret hookups or casual encounters. It has millions of users worldwide. Since the app is sensitive to location, it won’t work if your IP address is hidden. It has general free service and options for upgrade. While Kasual Pro costs $19.99 monthly, Kasual Elite is $29.99 monthly.
Pros
- Although it’s a hookup app, it doesn’t allow nudity or explicit content.
- All profiles are anonymous and private.
Cons
- Users have reported occasional technical issues, such as bugs and glitches.
- The app is location-based and only works if your location is turned on.
Bedpage
If you are missing Backpage app, then this site is an excellent substitute. The design is simple and based on text links, so users can browse easily. Users can use standard classified ads and explore a variety of legal options for casual hookups. One thing people will notice about Bedpage is, it openly promotes “Escorts”. For those who are looking to post ads, they need to sign up and account activation is needed. Bedpage does not operate on subscription model, instead users have to pay per ad they post. A single ad typically costs between $1 and $3. If you choose to create premium ad, the cost is different. For single city, the cost is $15 and if you want to place premium ad across multiple cities, it costs $7.50 per city.
Pros
- It is very similar (look and feel) to Backpage.
- You can browse through the post without registration.
Cons
- There may not be many listings or matches in small towns or less populated areas.
- A large number of posts in dating sections are fake and spam.
- Many listings are related to prostitution and sex work, which is not what the platform is meant to be used for.
- Only a few ads are real and trustworthy.
Ashley Madison
You might have heard about Ashley Madison, yes, the same website used for finding extramarital affairs, which suffered major data breach in 2015. Thousands of people’s personal details were leaked. Although it was quite complicated that time, the service has now revamped its data collection practices and improved their security to prevent any such incident. It is now considered safe and as of August 2019, the service has garnered 32 million users again. The platform now takes privacy and anonymity seriously. You need not connect your account to any public social media accounts, all that’s needed is a private email to sign up. You can upload photos and hide your identity by using built-in blurring and masking tools. It is destination for all kinds of people- single, married or people with “it’s complicated” status – of all ages and from all walks of life. The service is free for women and affordable for men. Its basic membership plan, which includes 100 credits, costs $74.00.
Pros
- It’s easy to user and has modern user interface.
- To maintain discretion, chat disappears.
- It uses strong security features to maintain safe identity.
- The premium feature is free for women and affordable for men.
Cons
- The payment system is confusing.
- Users frequently complain about auto-generated messages from fake profiles designed to encourage purchasing credits.
- It doesn’t have auto-matchmaking feature.
- Profiles are not in detail or not complete.
AdultFriendFinder
AdultFriendFinder is a dating site for singles or couples looking for casual fun. The site is well-designed and has a strong userbase with over 80 million users worldwide. The site has more male members than female members. The service is location-based allowing people to join for free and browse profiles in their area. Although free account is enough to get started, to take full advantage of the service, you need a paid account. Gold membership costs $27.95 per month and Voyeur costs $14.99 per month.
Pros
- You can register and create profile for free.
- Users are active and responsive.
- Open to all sexual orientations, kinks, and fetishes.
Cons
- Web design is outdated.
- More male users than female users, which makes it harder to find matches.
- This is not the best place if you are looking for serious relationships.
Seeking.com
SeekingArrangment was rebranded to Seeking.com to give the site a modern look and appeal to a broader audience. The site focuses on connecting “sugar daddies/mommies” with “sugar babies.” The tagline might give the wrong notion, but the service clarifies it isn’t for “Gold Diggers,” women here aren’t simply after cash; they’re interested in meaningful and enjoyable relationships. Also, it’s not about controlling men. These are wealthy men looking for no-strings-attached relationships with attractive women who are interested in enjoying their company and their money! So, the services focus on relationships that are mutually beneficial and fulfilling. And both people have control and get what they are looking for. Plans start from $15.00 per month, the starting price, and additional premium options exist.
Pros
- Easy-to-use website with lots of features.
- Simple and no drama dating arrangements.
- Gives free benefits to members to confirm their identity after signing up.
Cons
- The app is only available on GooglePlay for Android devices.
Tryst.link
If you used Backpage mainly for adult services, then Tryst.link is a good alternative. Tryst.link is not a regular classifieds site and focuses entirely on escort services. The site looks modern, with eye-catching photos, contact details and clear pricing, and has a lot of ads for escorts. Most profiles have detailed personal information, including the escort’s stats, availability, a short bio, and what kind of clients they prefer.
Starting when your profile is first approved, the site offers a free one-month trial of the Standard plan. After the free trial ends, you will automatically be switched to the free Lite plan unless you choose a paid plan. As of March 6, 2023, the cost of the standard plan is $69 per month, and the Premium plan is $119 per month.
Pros
- A free plan is available.
- The platform focuses on supporting workers and offers fair pricing.
- It uses manual profile checks and anti-trafficking tools to reduce scams and maintain safety.
- It has global reach, covering countries like US, Canada, UK and Australia.
Cons
- It has fewer listings compared to its competitors.
- Even with verification, there is still some risk of scams.
Adult Search
Adult Search is not a classified service site; it mainly focuses on escorts, strip clubs, massage parlors and adult shops. You can find paid ads for escorts and escort services, reviews of adult businesses and a large forum filled with free ads on these topics. Even though content is based on different states and regions, the platform mainly focuses on adult services. It’s more like a forum, where users discuss, share and post ads. If you are looking for casual hookups, then this platform is not for you. But, if you are interested in hiring an escort or are interested in reading and sharing reviews about adult businesses, then this site could be useful.
For clients (browsers), searching for services is free, no subscription or access fees are required. Providers (escorts and service providers) can also post basic ad for free in some cases, though it depends on region and category). A basic paid ad typically costs around $50-$100 for a set duration, while a premium can range from $150-$300+ per month. Some providers may ask users to go through a one-time verification process to prove their age and identity, which usually costs $10-$20. However, this step isn’t always required and depends on the providers.
Pros
- It’s free for clients to use.
- It’s available in many countries.
- Offers a variety of services.
- Some providers ask for a verification process to ensure authenticity.
Cons
- People complain about poor customer service.
- While it is free to browse, posting ads can sometimes be confusing due to hidden fees.
- Since the platform focuses on adult services, it operates in a legal gray area.
- Some users report fake profiles and scam activity on the site.
Classified Ads
Classified Ads has more users than Bedpage and works in a similar way. If you are looking for casual hookups, you’ll find many recent ads, most of which appear genuine, though, like any site, there are some scammers. One nice feature here is that the platform shows when ads expire, so you won’t miss out. You won’t see many obvious ads for paid sex, as they are likely hidden. The platform seems to focus on staying legitimate and avoiding the kind of trouble that caused Backpage to shut down.
The platform allows users to post ads for free under various categories. Paid options are used to enhance ad visibility. Premium features come with an additional cost, which varies depending on factors like ad type, duration and category.
Pros
- Most ads are free to post.
- The platform is easy to use.
- No account is needed to post ads.
- It covers several different type of listings.
- Users can search and post ads in their local area.
Cons
- The site is outdated and lacks modern features.
- Some users have reported scams.
- Customer support is not very responsive.
(Note: Prices may vary by location and are subject to change over time.)
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