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The 8 Best Hookup Sites Like Craigslist [2025]

Last Updated: September 30, 2025

If you’re looking for hookup sites like Craigslist that actually work then you’re not alone. When Craigslist Personals got shut down in 2018, it left a huge gap for people wanting quick and casual connections without all the hassle of traditional dating apps. We’ve tracked down the 8 best alternatives that capture that same easy, no-strings vibe Craigslist was famous for.

Why People Use Hookup Sites Like Craigslist

The shutdown of Craigslist Personals hit hard. For years, it was the go-to spot for anonymous hookups, casual meetups, and those “looking for tonight” connections that mainstream dating apps don’t deliver. Singles used it, couples explored with it, married people found discreet flings through it, and the LGBTQ+ community had a space for connections.

It all came to a halt because of legal changes like SESTA/FOSTA, leaving millions of users scrambling to find alternative Craigslist hookup sites that worked the same way. Most options either felt too corporate, had few-to-no active users, or weren’t safe to use. Considering 40% of online dating app users only want to date casually, are there any hookup sites like Craigslist today that are worth using?

Yes, there are still active Craigslist-style hookup sites available, some offering safer features than the original. We’ve put together a list of 8 platforms that are active, trustworthy, and built for people who want real casual connections with the same simple, casual vibe of Craigslist Personals.

Navigation

Overall Best: Instabang

Niche Picks:

Free: Reddit r4r
Community: AdultFriendFinder
Discreet: Ashley Madison

FAQs:

What makes them different from mainstream dating apps?
Are they safe?
Can you use them for free?
How long to get results?
Which is best for someone looking for quick, local hookups?

1. Instabang

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Overview

Instabang launched in 2015 as a hookup-focused platform inspired by Craigslist Personals, but with added safety features. It’s built specifically for people who don’t want to waste time on small talk or coffee dates but take privacy seriously.

The platform uses a straightforward classifieds-style approach similar to Craigslist. You can log in, find someone nearby who’s looking for the same thing, and make the connection without jumping through a bunch of hoops. But unlike Craigslist, Instabang includes photo and profile verification to reduce spam and fake accounts.

It works for singles, couples, swingers, and anyone curious about making connections without judgment. The whole feel of the platform is sex-positive and direct so you’ll see people post exactly what they want, set their boundaries, and connect with others who are on the same page. When checking out hookup sites like Craigslist this platform offers a similar experience but much safer.

Key Features

Instabang has great features to making connections safe and easy:

Verified photos and ID confirmation help weed out fakes and time-wasters.
Real-time cam chat lets you video chat before meeting up in person.
Discreet Mode keeps your activity private and lets you control who sees your profile.
Smart filters help you search by location, intentions, kinks, body type, and relationship status.

User Experience

Signing up takes maybe a minute and just needs your email, gender, and what you’re looking for. The navigation is super straightforward so you can check out people nearby, take a look at new members, or search by specific kink tags if that’s your thing.

The search filters actually work. You can target by location, age, and exactly what kind of connection you want whether that’s cam sessions, meetups, just sexting, and more. Communication happens through DMs, video calls, or profile interactions so connecting feels natural instead of forced.

Pricing & Value

Free users can browse profiles and see previews, but you’ll need a premium subscription to actually message people. There’s a variety of membership options, including a monthly subscription for $34.95. This is a favorite because it unlocks unlimited messaging, full profile views, cam features, and priority placement with no weird token systems or hidden fees, which is refreshing when looking for alternative sites like Craigslist for hookups:

2-day trial membership: $4.95
7-day trial membership: $9.95
1-month membership: $34.95
6-month membership: $69.95 ($11.65/month)
12-month membership: $119.88 ($9.99/month)

The value is solid if you’re serious about casual connections. The member base leans slightly male (about 60/40), but there’s high activity from bisexual couples and curious users. It’s strongest in U.S. cities, so rural users might have fewer options.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Captures that “fast, no-strings” Craigslist energy but adds verification for safety.	Messaging and cam access require a paid plan, which limits free users upfront.
Cam features let you connect visually, not just through text.	A smaller rural user base may limit connections outside cities.
Anonymous browsing and discreet billing protect your privacy.

Join Instabang now and meet real people

2. Reddit /r/r4r

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Overview

Reddit’s r/r4r (Redditor for Redditor) is basically a version of Craigslist Personals that never died. This public subreddit is where people post personal ads just like the old days. It’s completely free, totally anonymous, and user-controlled.

If you miss the DIY aspect of Craigslist, this is your spot. There are no fancy profiles and no algorithms, just people posting what they want and others responding if they’re interested. It works best for users who want an unfiltered experience without needing to create dating profiles or jump through verification hoops.

The community polices itself through upvotes, downvotes, and Reddit karma. Posts range from super specific requests to vague “looking for fun tonight” ads. It’s chaotic in the best way, just like Craigslist was.

Key Features

With Reddit you’re going to find the following:

Completely free to browse, post, and respond.
City-specific subreddits like r4rNYC, plus specialized ones like r/dirtyr4r for kink stuff.
Custom headlines let you post exactly what you want without profile restrictions.
User karma system provides some social proof for safety.

User Experience

You just need a basic Reddit account to participate so there’s no additional setup needed. Navigation happens through subreddit searches, pinned megathreads, or sorting posts by new/top. All communication goes through Reddit’s DM system.

It’s pretty bare-bones, but that’s the point. You post your ad, people respond, and you take it from there. No bells and whistles, just like Craigslist Personals used to be.

Pricing & Value

Reddit is 100% free with no premium tiers or upsells. The value depends entirely on how active your local subreddit is and timing your posts right. Major cities like NYC, LA, and Chicago stay busy, but smaller areas can be hit or miss.

Reddit doesn’t track gender data, but the poster base definitely skews male. Still, it’s one of the more active free alternatives to Craigslist out there.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Totally free with zero barriers to entry.	No verification process so you’re on your own for safety.
Classified-style posting feels exactly like old Craigslist.	Posts get buried fast without upvotes or good timing.
Active in major cities and niche communities.

3. Bedpage

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Overview

Bedpage launched right after Backpage got shut down and named itself as a direct replacement for those classified-style personals. It’s probably the closest thing to the actual Craigslist Personals formatting you’ll find since it has the same layout, city-by-city navigation, and posting format.

The site works best for highly localized connections and people who don’t want to mess around with dating profiles. It’s got that old-school classified vibe down to the category structure and post layouts. Moderation is limited, so genuine posts often appear alongside promotional or service ads.

Key Features

Bedpage has a few nice features like:

City-based pages across the U.S. and major international cities.
Multiple categories for dating, casual encounters, and adult services.
Reply system that may have small fees to cut down on spam.
Highlighted ads available for better visibility.

User Experience

You don’t need an account to browse for hookups or post in most cases. You pick your city, choose your category, and scroll through ads just like you did on Craigslist. Each post includes contact info and conversations happen off-platform through email or phone.

It’s pretty straightforward, but the experience varies a lot by city. Some areas are super active whereas others are basically dead.

Pricing & Value

Bedpage is free to browse and post in most cities. Some premium categories might cost a few bucks but it’s not expensive. The value really depends on your location so bigger cities have more activity and better response rates.

No official user data available, but it’s mostly female users with a strong presence of promotional ads for services instead of regular personals.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
City-by-city navigation preserves that local “meet tonight” feel.	High volume of spam and escort ads, which makes genuine posts harder to find
No login required for browsing listings.	Content moderation isn’t strong so posts that violate the platform can still slip through.
Still very active in major cities.

4. AdultFriendFinder

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Overview

AdultFriendFinder has been around since 1996, making it one of the original hookup sites like Craigslist. It’s changed way beyond simple personals into a full adult community with forums, blogs, and group features that actually keeps up a little of what made Craigslist special.

This platform works best if you’re comfortable sharing detailed info about your sexual preferences in exchange for access to a large user base. It includes forums and groups that cater to users interested in kink, group play, or more niche communities.

The overall feel of AdultFriendFinder is openly erotic and sex-positive since a lot of profiles have NSFW content and users are encouraged to be explicit about what they want.

Key Features

Since it’s been around so long, you’d expect AdultFriendFinder to have some good features. You’ll come across:

Advanced search filters for sexual preferences, fantasies, and relationship status.
Live cam shows and private video chat.
Detailed profiles with videos, photos, and sexual preference checklists.
Community features like blogs and group discussions that feel like a personals board.

User Experience

Getting started on AdultFriendFinder means creating a detailed profile with your sexual orientation, preferences, and photos. You can browse by distance, what you’re looking for (cam, chat, meet), or keyword searches. Communication takes place using private messaging, cam chat, comments, and group forums.

The interface feels a bit dated compared to newer apps and other alternatives to Craigslist, but it’s functional and packed with features.

Pricing & Value

Free accounts can browse and view limited profiles, but you need premium membership for messaging, cam features, and group access. It’s pricier than some alternatives, but the value is solid if you want community features plus casual sex opportunities.

The paid subscription options for AdultFriendFinder are:

1 month: $39.95
3 months: $80.85 ($26.95/month)
12 months: $239.40 ($19.95/month)

The user base is heavily male (about 70/30), but there are plenty of active female and couple profiles, especially in urban areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Large global user base with diverse interests.	Setup and navigation can feel overwhelming for simple “post and go” users.
Community features like forums and blogs mimic that Craigslist feel.	Premium membership is needed for most useful features.
Built-in cam tools and detailed kink filters go beyond just text-based personals

5. Locanto

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Overview

Locanto started as a general classifieds site but kept its “Personals” and “Casual Encounters” sections active in many cities. Although not designed solely for hookups, Locanto’s local-ad format can still be used for anonymous meetups.

This platform works best in areas where mainstream dating hookup sites like Craigslist are limited or if you just prefer the anonymous, no-profile-required setup. The format varies by region, so some cities stay pretty active while others are ghost towns.

Key Features

When you check out Locanto, you’ll find features like:

Open classifieds with dedicated Personals sections.
Anonymous posting without detailed profile requirements.
City-specific pages for local connections.
Basic flagging system for spam control.

User Experience

You can browse and respond on Locanto without having to create an account. Navigation follows the classic country/city/category flow just like Craigslist does. Contacting someone happens through form submissions that go to email addresses meaning there’s no internal chat system or history. It’s very bare-bones which you may either enjoy or find frustrating.

Pricing & Value

It’s free to post and browse in most locations on Locanto. You can pay for highlighting or top placement, but it’s not a requirement to show up in the listings. Value on this site depends on activity in your city and how well the category is moderated.

Most posters are male, and the personals sections skew heavily toward men seeking women or couples.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Feels like Craigslist with the country → city → category flow.	Little-to-no required verification means higher risk of spam and bots.
Anonymous ad-style posting without detailed profiles	No built-in chat so everything happens off-platform.
Completely free to use.

6. Oodle

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Overview

Oodle is a classifieds aggregator that pulls listings from various sources, including some Facebook Marketplace content. It maintains “Personals” sections in certain regions with a format similar to old Craigslist but you can’t post directly on the platform.

It works best as a backup option in areas where other platforms aren’t active. The site is pretty sparse with minimal community engagement so think of it like more of a bulletin board than social experience.

Key Features

Since Oodle is pretty limited in functionality, the features are more basic:

Aggregated listings from multiple partner sites.
Personals sections in some cities.
Anonymous browsing with no account required.
Basic location and category filters for your search.

User Experience

Sign-up is optional for browsing on Oodle. The personals listings are organized by city and category (Women Seeking Men, Men Seeking Both, etc.). Because it’s an aggregator and not a standalone platform, you might end up viewing profiles on third-party sites depending on where the listing came from.

Communication from Oodle happens off-site through email or phone numbers included in the posts.

Pricing & Value

It’s free to browse categories, with no premium upgrades available. Like other Craigslist alternatives on this list, the value on this site depends completely on activity in your area, so some cities are decent while others are dead.

We found that most personals posts are male-authored with pretty low engagement overall.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Feels like classic Craigslist with no profile requirements.	Personals sections are hard to find in some regions.
100% free with no paywall.	Minimal safety features with manual vetting required by users.
Aggregates multiple sources for broader reach.

7. Tinder

Rating: 3.3/5.0

Overview

Tinder created the swipe-based dating app format when it launched in 2012. While it’s more polished than Craigslist Personals ever was, plenty of users treat it like a hookup app for casual connections over real relationships.

It works best for younger users looking for short-term dating or sex-first interactions based on photos instead of reading a profile, even though you can write one. Tinder is profile- and photo-driven, making it less anonymous than Craigslist-style platforms.

Key Features

Tinder has a lot of features, but most of the best ones are now locked behind paywalls for various premium subscription tiers. Some features you’ll see on the app are:

Swipe-based matching by location.
Verification badges through selfie scans.
Boost and Super Like tools to show up more frequently to other users.
Passport feature that lets you connect with users in other cities.

User Experience

Tinder requires a full photo-based profile to get started. There’s the option to fill out your profile, but if you’re looking to use it more similarly to sites like Craigslist, it’s probably not overly necessary. Just make sure you’re using good photos that really look like you. The swipe interface is mobile-first with very little text and you have to match before messaging so it’s not open posting like Craigslist.

There are no forums, cam chat, or community features. It’s purely one-on-one matching.

Pricing & Value

Tinder is free to swipe and match with limited daily activity without a subscription. Paid tiers unlock unlimited swipes and location changes. The value of this app depends on your age and location so it typically works better for younger users in cities.

The current pricing on Tinder subscriptions are:

Tinder Plus: $9.99/week, $24.99/month, $59.99 for 3 months, or $149.99/year
Tinder Gold: $13.99/week, $39.99/month, $89.99 for 3 months, or $179.99/year
Tinder Platinum: $17.99/week or $49.99/month, $119.99 for 3 months, or $239.99/year

We found the user base is about 70% male with the biggest demographic being ages 18 to 35. If you don’t need extra features then there are other alternative Craigslist hookup sites that might work better.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Paid Passport feature gives wider reach similar to Craigslist’s multi-city posting.	Not ideal for Craigslist-style posting since it requires profiles and mutual matching.
Easy signup with just photos and basic info.	Feature heavy, which may be overwhelming for those looking for simple ways to connect
Large global user base.

8. Ashley Madison

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Overview

Ashley Madison launched in 2002 as a site for married people looking for affairs and has stayed focused on that niche ever since. It’s one of the few platforms still built around discreet, anonymous encounters.

Sites like Ashley Madison work best for users wanting secret hookups (often while in committed relationships). The community skews a little older and typically values privacy above everything else. Women join and message for free while men use a credit system.

After the 2015 data breach they’ve put serious focus on security improvements and discretion features but there’s still a damaged reputation that makes some potential users hesitant to try it out.

Key Features

On the Ashley Madison site, you’ll find features to make hooking up easier like:

Traveling Man tool for planning discreet encounters in other cities.
Stealth profile settings and photo blurring options.
Email verification and basic screening processes.
Self-destructing messages for secure communication.

User Experience

Getting started on Ashley Madison requires you to do a full profile setup with interests, location, and relationship status. You can search other profiles by city, profile type, and online status. Messaging on this platform is done one-on-one with optional encrypted chats. Cam features are limited compared to other platforms, but the focus is on put on discretion instead of video chat.

Pricing & Value

Ashley Madison is free for women to join and send messages. Men pay per message through a credit system, which gets expensive fast.Credits start at $59 for 100 credits, with no monthly subscription options. The high price point is justified by the anonymity and niche targeting but may not be ideal for regular casual hookups.

The member base is heavily male (about 85/15) with strong engagement from older professionals in suburban and metro areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Global presence with strong privacy controls.	Expensive for male users due to the credit system.
Travel tools for out-of-town connections.	No classifieds format, as it’s more like traditional dating.
Large, established user base.

Ashley Madison’s 2015 data breach hurt its reputation, though the platform has since added stronger security measures.

Hookup Sites Like Craigslist Comparison Table

Here’s how all these hookup sites like Craigslist compare against each other for the features that matter most: anonymity, verification, user base size and ratio, and notable strengths.

Platform	Cost	Top Features	Free Features	Member Base	Gender Ratio	Notable Strengths
Instabang	$34.95/month, $9.99/month with annual subscription	Profile verification, location-based matching, advanced interest filters, cam chat, private messaging, 24/7 support	Limited browsing and chat	Large (per platform reports)	~60/40 male-female	Fast, sex-forward matches with cam preview and strong filters; built for discreet, secure, casual meetups.
Reddit r4r	Free	Browse posts, private DMs	Browsing posts, DMs	Very large	Unavailable, typically higher ratio of male to female	Closest to Craigslist’s personals feel; huge reach, free
Bedpage	Free, deposit to interact w/ ads	Swipe-based matching, private messaging, location and interest filters, incognito mode for privacy, premium boosts	Browsing posts	Large (estimate)	Unavailable	City-by-city listings with old-school classifieds flow; highly localized
AdultFriendFinder	$39.95/month	Profile verification, chat rooms, messaging, live streams, advanced search filters, profile boosts, location-based matching	Basic browsing, forums	Very large (per platform reports)	~70/30 male-female ratio;	Massive global community with cams, groups, and kink filters; more than just 1:1.
Locanto	Free	Search and browse local posts, free posting	Browsing, messaging, posting	Medium (estimate, personals specific)	Unavailable	Simple with local reach, feels similar to Craigslist
Oodle	Free	Search and browse local posts, aggregated personals from third-party sites, paid ad posting	Browsing	Medium (estimate)	Unavailable	Active personals/casual posts in many regions; feels similar to Craigslist
Tinder	$24.99/month (lowest tier)	Swiping-based matching, profile verification, messaging, location-based matching, profile customization, premium travel feature	Limited swiping, limited messaging	Very large (per platform reports)	~70/30 male-female;	Large user base for quick discovery; variety of features for every type of user
Ashley Madison	Credit-based system ($59.99 for 100 credits)	Anonymous profiles, profile verification, private messaging, priority messaging, premium travel feature	Browsing	Very large (per platform reports)	~85/15 male-female	Niche for discreet affairs, with focus on privacy

How to Choose the Right Hookup Sites Like Craigslist For You

Finding sites like Craigslist and other of the best free hookup apps for adults comes down to what matters most to you. Pick the platform that’s got the privacy, cost, community size, or type of connections you want.

Privacy matters: If discretion is your top priority, look for sites that have features like stealth browsing, encrypted messages, and discreet billing, like Instabang or Ashley Madison. Reddit and Locanto offer anonymity but with no formal moderation.
Budget conscious: Figure out what you’re comfortable spending to find hookups. Are you okay with a monthly membership fee? Prefer a credit-based system to pay as you go? If you need something completely free, Reddit r4r, Locanto, and Oodle won’t cost you anything.
Community vibes: If community is important to you, look for sites or apps that feature forums or groups. AdultFriendFinder has the most community features if you miss the Craigslist discussion boards, and Reddit r4r gives a user-generated content feel, which may be the community you want.
Safety first: Platforms with zero moderation like Oodle force you to handle all the vetting yourself. Use burner contact info and trust your instincts. Platforms with verification like Instabang, AdultFriendFinder, and Ashley Madison give you more protection.
Mobile vs desktop: Reddit, Bedpage, and Locanto work fine in browsers. Tinder is app-only. Instabang, Ashley Madison, and AdultFriendFinder are fully responsive and work on any device.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Hookup Sites Like Craigslist

Alternative sites to Craigslist might take a little adapting to get used to. To get the most from them, follow these tips:

Keep it direct: Be clear about what you want because vague posts get ignored. Mention your location, intentions (hookup, cam, ongoing), and any preferences upfront.
Skip the copy-paste: Authentic messages get better responses on platforms like AdultFriendFinder and Instabang. Start with something personal about their post or profile instead of generic “hey” messages.
Verify before meeting: Use cam features if they’re available to make sure the person matches their photos. Never send money, and meet in public first if you’re planning to hook up in person.
Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. What’s great about hookup sites like Craigslist is there are always more people to connect with.

FAQs About Hookup Sites Like Craigslist

What makes them different from mainstream dating apps?

Hookup sites like Craigslist are meant for casual connections without relationship expectations. Most let you browse anonymously, post what it is you want, and skip the profile setup that normal dating apps require.

Are they safe?

Safety varies by platform. Sites with verification are safer whereas free classified-style sites require more personal vetting. Always meet in public first and trust your instincts.

Can you use them for free?

Options like Reddit r4r, Locanto, and Oodle are completely free. Others like Instabang, AdultFriendFinder, and Ashley Madison need a subscription or credits for messaging but offer free browsing to check out the platform first.

How long to get results?

It depends on your location and approach to others on the platform. Paid platforms usually have faster results because the users are more serious about meeting up while free sites can be hit or miss.

Which is best for quick, local hookups?

Instabang and Reddit r4r are your best bets for fast and local connections. Instabang offers verification and cam features for safety whereas Reddit is free but requires more personal screening.

The Right Craigslist Alternative is Out There

The hookup scene didn’t die when Craigslist Personals shut down, it just spread out across different platforms. Some Craigslist alternatives are focused on staying anonymous and posting for free while others offer verification and video features for better safety.

If you want that fast, anonymous Craigslist experience with modern safety features, start with Instabang. Looking for something totally free? Reddit r4r and Locanto are pretty similar to the original Craigslist Personals format.

There’s no exact replacement for the original, but there are plenty of hookup sites like Craigslist that have different parts of what made it special. Try one or two that fit what you’re wanting and see what works in your area. The casual connection scene is alive and well, you just need to know where to look.

Soraya Bennett

I never planned to write about tech and intimacy, but somehow it all clicked – probably because I’ve always been more curious about people than platforms. I spent a few years covering fashion and lifestyle before realizing the juicier stories were happening online. At Camsoda, I get to follow how users shape their own experiences in ways no algorithm could predict. Outside of writing, I love flea markets, karaoke (badly), and taking long walks without a destination.

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