10 Best Backpage Alternatives in 2024
Last updated November 2, 2024
Backpage started its classified ad service in 2004. As many of you know, it continued operating until it was infamously shut down in April 2018. Following the website's controversial ban, which ended with the Backpage CEO pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiracy, the market remained wide open for new types of Backpage alternatives.
However, you're probably aware that scammers often target sites featuring classifieds, so you need to be extra careful when using them. This is why we'll focus only on the best Backpage alternatives with a rich user base and systems in place to prevent fraudulent behavior.
People use classified ads to advertise everything from electronics to ads promoting services and selling used goods. That said, let's remember that Backpage wasn't a typical website of its kind. Aside from allowing people to buy and sell items, it also focused on personal (dating) ads. This is why we've tried to dig deep to find alternatives that imitate the original platform's functionality in the best way possible.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best Backpage alternatives for individuals who miss the convenience of the old platform. The following recommendations are trustworthy and promise to offer a similar experience, helping you buy or sell stuff in a reliable way.
That said, here are the 10 best Backpage alternatives in 2024.
1. Bedpage
Bedpage is a one-stop solution for classified services. It is operational worldwide and is particularly popular in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. In terms of its looks and functionalities, the site is a clone of Backpage, offering defined sections and allowing users to post under multiple categories.
Bedpage charges a minimum fee of $35.00 per single ad and offers premium options for users to push their ads to the top of the listings. However, premium features like 'Auto Re-Post Ad' and 'Sponsor Ad' have their own pricing structure. Since most of its services are premium-priced, the site is considered safe from scammers and has genuine posters with actual offers.
PROS
- Lots of daily posted ads.
- Covers numerous categories.
- Cloned Backpage interface.
CONS
- Not all locations are equally popular.
2. 2Backpage
Here, we have another Backpage clone, launched soon after the original website was shut down. As such, 2Backpage is an interesting option if you're looking for a genuine Backpage replacement, as it covers numerous cities across the US, Canada, and the rest of the world.
We'll also note that posting and browsing ads is completely free. You'll encounter some premium options if you want to promote your ad. Also, let's not forget to mention that 2Backpage covers adult ads, as well as automotive ads, various services, real estate, jobs, and more. To become a user, you'll need to sign up using your Google account, and there are no other sign-up alternatives.
PROS
- Full clone of Backpage.
- Covers the entire world.
- Offers dozens of ad categories.
CONS
- Google accounts are supported only.
3. YesBackpage
YesBackpage brings together a variety of classified platforms in one place. This platform allows users to visit just one site instead of hopping between platforms to explore their options, which benefits the user in terms of saving time. In addition, ad posting on the platform is entirely free.
The design rules of YesBackpage are similar to those of popular classified platforms, as it has a minimalist interface. Apart from regular listing categories, YesBackpage also features a separate section for adult and dating services. Users can also switch between cities to find more relevant results. Currently, the site's operations are limited to the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
PROS
- Highly popular adult ads.
- Complete free to browse and post.
- Covers a diverse range of ad types.
CONS
- Not available worldwide.
4. Obackpage
As you can see by now, the Internet is flooded by Backpage clones, and Obackpage doesn't hide that it's copying the original site. Its interface is a perfect replica of Backpage, covering various locations across the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania.
That said, not all locations are equally popular, naturally. The website is primarily oriented towards the US, where it offers ads for dating and adult services, as well as various buy/sell/trade ads, job listings, real estate, and more. Even though it's free to browse ads, there's a small charge to post ads. Plus, you'll encounter premium prices if you wish to promote your ad.
PROS
- Covers the entire world.
- Highly active sections for adults.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
CONS
- Affordable premium features.
5. BackpageAlter
Finally, we have a Backpage alternative that doesn't clone the original site's design. Although you'll find many similarities with the original, BackpageAlter offers its own spin on the classic design, and it covers the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Posting ads requires you to create an account and pay $10 if you post for a single city. Discounts are available for posting across multiple cities. Plus, premium options are available if you wish to highlight your ad or make a sticky one. The site focuses on adult ads, but you'll also find a diverse range of other ad categories, such as job listings, services, tech, health and fitness, and more.
PROS
- Focuses on adult ads.
- Offers highlighted and sticky ads.
- Very popular in the United States.
CONS
- Posting ads requires an account.
6. Adult Friend Finder
Unlike our recommendations from above, Adult Friend Finder is dedicated to finding adult relationships. The website was founded in 1996, making it one of the oldest "dating apps" of its kind. It's especially popular in the US, in larger cities, where you'll find lots of users overall.
It's free to sign up, and you can use on-site activity to unblock certain premium features. That said, it's easier to pay, but you'll encounter steep pricing plans. We'll also note that Adult Friend Finder allows its users to confirm their identity, which is a nice benefit. Even though it doesn't offer the most attractive design, it's a viable option to find a human connection.
PROS
- Plenty of active users across the US.
- Useful filtering options.
- Handy personality questionnaire.
CONS
- Heavily outdated visual design.
- Pricey premium plans.
7. Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison is a "married dating app," advertising itself as a place free of judgment. You've probably heard about this dating service in the past, as it was hit by a major cyber-attack in 2015, which might sound problematic, but it now features high-end cyber-security measures.
This is a hugely popular dating app with millions of active users. According to the latest statistics, around 70% are men and 30% are women. Upon signing up, you'll encounter a detailed questionnaire and in-depth filtering options. Unlike most other dating apps, this one offers an elegant UI design, responsive support, and advanced privacy measures.
PROS
- Free for women.
- Hugely popular across the US.
- Millions of active users.
CONS
- Previous hacking incident.
8. Seeking
This Backpage alternative started out as a website for "sugar dating." However, it was rebranded in 2019 with a more significant focus on long-term relationships. Although many individuals on the site are still looking for sugar dating, plenty are leaning toward traditional relationships.
Seeking offers many features that allow you to use it discreetly, but you'll need to invest in a premium membership. You can also verify your identity, which gets you a special badge. Other interesting features include uploading short clips of your daily life, boosting your profile during specific periods, and similar. All in all, Seeking does set itself apart from the competition in many ways.
PROS
- Social media-like features.
- Ability to verify your identity.
- Large dating pool.
CONS
- Heavy reliance on sugar dating.
9. Slixa
Slixa is dedicated to connecting escorts with clients, which means that it's not a standard dating app. When signing up, providers need to go through an in-depth screening procedure, which makes Slixa a great place to find verified individuals and real advertisements.
The website offers location-based listings covering the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. You can also expect advanced search filters, secure communication channels, and an easy booking procedure. Overall, Slixa is nicely designed and very easy to use, and it's one of our top picks due to its safety and privacy.
PROS
- In-depth screening procedure.
- Emphasis on safety and privacy.
- Features adult service providers.
CONS
- Not a traditional dating app.
10. Craigslist
Unquestionably, Craigslist is the most popular local sales channel in the realm of digital classifieds. It’s a massive network of online communities with separate categories devoted to housing, jobs, personal ads, services, and more.
Free-of-charge listings can be manually renewed every 48 hours. However, renewing a post doesn't extend its 30-day life span. The platform can be a good solution for local one-location businesses (aside from being used by individuals, of course). Also, know that in March 2018, Craigslist removed personal ads to control solicited prostitution on the website (and to avoid Backpage's fate).
PROS
- Hugely popular across the US.
- Structured categories.
- Local emphasis.
CONS
- Outdated interface.
Final Thoughts
As expected, the demise of Backpage has created plenty of space for its competitors to thrive, which is precisely what happened during the last couple of years. As explained in this guide, you'll find plenty of well-established Backpage alternatives, all of which are trustworthy. That said, we'll remind you to be extra careful when using dating apps or hookup sites.
Most of the recommendations above offer ways to screen those who post ads, which is crucial to staying safe in real life and online. So, stick to reputable sites only and ensure the other person is real before you make any plans with them.
That's all for our guide on the best alternatives for Backpage. If you have anything to add, please use the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
