Although Craigslist has long been a go-to destination for finding personals, the site’s recent shutdown of its personal ads section has left many users searching for alternative options. Luckily, there are other websites that offer similar features and functionalities to help individuals connect with others in their area. Here are some of the best alternative sites with personals like Craigslist that you should check out.
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The End of Craigslist Personals: Why You Need to Find Alternatives Now
In the year 2025, many people have turned to online dating as a way to find love or casual encounters. One popular website that was used for this purpose was Craigslist Personals. However, in 2018, the US Congress passed a bill called FOSTA-SESTA which aimed to combat sex trafficking but ultimately led to the shutdown of Craigslist Personals.
For those who relied on Craigslist Personals for their dating needs, this closure left a void and forced them to search for alternative sites. Fortunately, there are numerous platforms available that offer similar services and even better features compared to Craigslist Personals. We will explore some of the best alternative sites with personals like Craigslist.
Why You Should Consider Alternative Dating Sites
Before diving into the specific websites, it is important to understand why you should consider using alternative dating sites instead of sticking with traditional methods like meeting people in person or relying on personal ads in newspapers.
Online dating offers convenience and ease. It allows you to browse through potential matches from the comfort of your own home without having to go out and physically meet people. Most alternative dating sites have advanced algorithms that help match you with compatible individuals based on your preferences and interests.
Moreover, these websites often have strict verification processes in place which can help ensure safety when meeting someone new. This feature is especially important since Craigslist Personals had been known for its lack of security measures. Now, finding love and companionship through female-female dating can be a beautiful and empowering experience for any woman seeking meaningful connections with other women.
Alternative dating sites generally have more diverse options compared to traditional methods. They cater to different types of relationships such as serious commitments or casual hookups and also provide options for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Now let’s take a look at some of the top alternative dating sites with personals like Craigslist:
Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison is a well-known platform for individuals seeking discreet affairs, but it also offers personals for those looking for casual encounters. The website has been around since 2002 and has gained popularity due to its straightforward approach in connecting people who are interested in extramarital relationships or no-strings-attached hookups.
Pros:
- Diverse User Base: Ashley Madison has over 65 million users worldwide, providing a wide pool of potential matches.
- Discreet Communication: The platform offers features such as private messaging and blurred profile pictures to ensure discretion when communicating with other members.
- User Verification: Members must undergo photo verification and email confirmation before their profiles are approved, ensuring that you are chatting with real people.
Cons:
- Pricing can be quite expensive compared to other alternative dating sites.
- The website’s reputation may deter some individuals from joining, especially those looking for serious relationships rather than just casual encounters.
BeNaughty
If you’re looking for a more lighthearted and fun alternative to Craigslist Personals, BeNaughty might be the perfect fit. This platform caters to singles who are looking for some flirty conversations and casual hookups without any strings attached. You can easily find the perfect match for a casual encounter with the best meet and fuck sites available on Missy’s network.
Pros:
- Straightforward Registration Process: Signing up on BeNaughty is quick and easy, requiring only basic information such as age and location.
- Browsing Options: You can search through profiles based on specific criteria such as physical attributes or interests.
- Variety of Communication Features: In addition to private messaging, BeNaughty offers video chat options for more interactive conversations.
Cons:
- Safety measures on the website may not be as strict compared to other alternative dating sites, making it vulnerable to fake profiles or scammers.
- The website’s focus on casual hookups may not appeal to those looking for serious relationships.
Signal
If privacy is your top priority when it comes to online dating, then Signal might be the perfect alternative site for you. This platform offers end-to-end encryption for all communication and also allows users to choose who can see their profile.
Pros:
- User Control: You have full control over who can view your profile and message you, providing a sense of security while using the platform.
- Familiar Interface: Signal has an interface similar to popular social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, making it user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- High Level of Privacy: As mentioned, all communication on Signal is encrypted, ensuring that your messages are kept private from potential hackers or third-party access.
Cons:
- The lack of advanced features such as search filters may make finding specific matches more difficult.
- The strict privacy measures may limit the number of potential matches since only people within your contact list can see your profile.
Sext Local
Sext Local is another alternative dating site with personals similar to Craigslist. It caters specifically to individuals looking for casual encounters in their local area.
Pros:
- Free to Use: The website offers basic features for free, making it accessible to those who don’t want to spend money on online dating.
- Focused on Local Hookups: Sext Local narrows down its search options based on location, allowing you to find potential matches nearby.
- User-Friendly Interface: Sext Local’s interface is simple and easy to use, ideal for those who are new to online dating.
Cons:
- The limited features may not appeal to individuals looking for more advanced options in their search for potential matches.
- The focus on casual hookups may not be suitable for those seeking serious relationships.
The Verdict
While the closure of Craigslist Personals was a disappointment for many, the rise of alternative dating sites has provided a new realm of opportunities. Whether you’re looking for discreet affairs or casual encounters, there is now a wide range of platforms available that cater specifically to your preferences.
When trying out these alternative sites, make sure to prioritize safety by being cautious when interacting with strangers online and always meeting in a public place. With that said, happy dating! Often, it can be difficult for individuals to find women in their area who are older and share similar interests!
Ashley Madison
✔️ No signup or payment for first month
✔️ Millions of local members
✔️ Chat & fuck in your area
BeNaughty
✔️ Zero bots and millions of members
✔️ Guaranteed sex
✔️ Best matchmaking
Signal
✔️ End-to-end encryption for privacy
✔️ Self-destructing messages for confidentiality
✔️ Share photos, videos & sexts
Sext Local
✔️ Connect with local sexy singles nearby
✔️ Private, secure sexting features
✔️ Share photos, nude videos & sexts
What are some alternative websites that offer a similar personals section to Craigslist?
Some alternative websites that offer a similar personals section to Craigslist are Doublelist, Bedpage, and ClassifiedAds. These sites allow users to post personal ads for various categories such as dating, casual encounters, and platonic relationships. They also have filters and search options to help users find specific types of connections or individuals. Another website worth mentioning is Locanto, which offers a wide range of categories including romance, friendship, and long-term relationships. It is important to note that these alternatives may vary in terms of features and popularity compared to Craigslist’s personals section.
Are there any safety measures I should take when using these sites for personal ads?
Yes, it is important to take precautions when using sites with personals like Craigslist. Some safety measures include meeting in a public place, informing a friend or family member of your plans, and trusting your instincts about potential scams or dangerous situations.