When Backpage went offline in 2018, it left a big hole in the online classifieds, especially for casual dating and escort services. Backpage had made it super easy for folks to post ads, keep things private, and link up with clients. Ever since it disappeared, a lot of people have been on the lookout for a site that gives them the same easy, safe, and dependable way to post ads for dating and escort services.
This article will show you some of the best alternatives that stepped in to fill the gap left by Backpage. We’ll check out 2backpage, obackpage, starbackpage, and a few other sites that have really taken off in 2026. Whether you’re offering services on your own or looking for some company, knowing these platforms will help you pick the right one to make your connection.
Why Did Backpage Shut Down?
Before we jump into the new sites, it’s worth knowing what caused Backpage to shut down and how that affects its users. The site got the plug pulled mainly because the government said it was helping illegal activities through its ads. New laws like FOSTA and SESTA put way more legal pressure on websites that hosted anything tied to sex work, which is why Backpage is no longer around.
After some major legal changes, a bunch of sites, including Backpage, shut down or scaled back a lot. This left a gap, especially for adult services and casual dating ads. The need for these services didn’t really go away, though; it just popped up on newer platforms that are built to be safer, easier to use, and more in line with the rules.
If you’re hunting for a replacement, here’s what a good Backpage-like site should have:
Privacy and anonymity: You should be able to post without giving out phone numbers or addresses.
Ease of use: Apps and sites need to be straightforward, so you can start right away without needing a college degree in tech.
Wide audience: A big crowd means more eyes on your ad, and that’s what you want.
Moderation and safety: Good sites keep scams and fake posts in check, so you can trust what you see.
Support for adult content: The rules should be clear on hosting escort and dating ads without a bunch of red tape.
The top platforms check these boxes and keep the vibe trustworthy.
1. 2backpage – The Winner for 2026
If you’re searching for the strongest Backpage twin out there, 2backpage is the site that keeps coming up on everyone’s list. 2backpage took what people loved about Backpage and added fresh features to make it perfect for folks into casual dating and adult services.
Why is 2backpage so loved? First off, it rolls out the welcome mat for escorts and casually dating types, so they can list what they want without heavy censorship. This kind of freedom pulls in a mix of users, from solo workers wanting to get the word out to people hunting for real connections.
The site is simple to navigate, almost like slipping back into a favorite old jacket. Anyone who remembers how Backpage worked will feel right at home. You can get a listing up in just a couple of clicks, and the choice of free posts for testing the waters or premium ones for a front-page boost keeps it flexible. The free option is a no-risk way to start, while the premium ones make sure more eyes land on your ad.
2backpage casts a wide net, covering all the major U.S. cities and reaching all the way up to Canada and across to Europe and Australia. That global reach means you can connect with fresh clients who might not see you on smaller, local-only boards.
Privacy matters a lot on 2backpage. You can use a nickname instead of your real name, and all messages funnel through a secure inbox, so your phone number stays in your pocket. The site’s moderators work around the clock to catch spam and fake ads, which gives everyone a touch more peace of mind.
Wondering if 2backpage really is the best site like Backpage right now? 100% yes, especially in 2026 when you want a site that adapts, keeps your info safe, and doesn’t make you waste time.
2. obackpage
obackpage is a solid backup that’s catching on with the casual dating and escort crowd. What makes obackpage shine is that it welcomes pretty much every kind of adult service and cares a lot about how easy the site is to navigate.
You’ll see ads from all kinds of providers here—guys, girls, transgender, and people from the LGBTQ+ community—so it feels like a space where everyone can fit in. The site is also built to work great on phones and tablets, so you can snap a pic, write a short ad, and get it posted without racing to a laptop.
When it comes to safety and keeping things private, obackpage has your back. You decide how much of your real info you want to share, and the site has messaging tools that hide your phone number and email from everyone else.
obackpage is especially popular in big U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Chicago. You’ll also find users in Canada and the U.K. The only catch is that it doesn’t cover the whole world quite as widely as 2backpage does.
If you want a simple, user-friendly site that has the same vibe as the old Backpage, but really values diversity and keeps your info private, obackpage is definitely worth a try.
3. starbackpage
If you’re after a fancier, more upscale online space that’s still close to what Backpage offered, check out starbackpage. It’s aimed at higher-end escort services and providers who want to show off a polished, professional look.
starbackpage works hard to keep the site clean and safe by closely moderating ads. That way, you won’t have to sift through fake profiles or spam, and both providers and clients can feel more secure.
A big perk of starbackpage is its solid search engine game. When you post a listing here, it often pops up in Google search results, so you can reach people who aren’t even logged into the site.
The layout is set up by city and region like Backpage used to be, so you can easily browse your area. There’s also an option to pay for a more prominent listing if you want your ad to get even more eyes—perfect if you’re looking to reach as many clients as possible.
Overall, starbackpage is perfect for professionals who want their ads in front of serious, verified clients. If you’re looking for a Alternative to Backpage that keeps things safe and still looks good, this site is a solid choice.
4. YesBackpage – Slick, Simple, and All About Privacy
YesBackpage is a fresh take that pours effort into making a tidy, modern space for adult and personal ads. You can slide into the site, post an ad, and still feel like you’re in control of the info. Editing your ad is a breeze—just log in whenever you need to change your hours, services, or whatever else. That’s a big win if your schedule is always shifting. The site is most loved in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., so you won’t find ads in every corner of the world like you do with 2backpage, but the trade-off is a safe, steady spot for casual dates and escort ads.
Privacy is built in: you can post without showing your real name, and the built-in messaging keeps your phone number and email private.
5. AdultSearch – All About Escorts and Trusted Profiles
AdultSearch skips the mixed bag of ads and zeroes in on escort services. That means you’re less likely to bump into a random roommate looking for a date, and more likely to find verified, serious profiles. You can search by location, services, and customer reviews, which helps you know you’re connecting with a legit provider. This system helps providers and clients trust each other, and that trust is super important in the adult services world. AdultSearch doesn’t try to be the same big classy vibe that Backpage had, but it’s still a solid choice for serious providers who want to build a good name and attract the right clients.
6. EroticMonkey – Another Trusted Review Site
EroticMonkey is more than a plain old classifieds board. EroticMonkey lets clients see escort reviews and reputations all in one place. That means you can quickly tell who’s legit and who isn’t worth the effort. Many providers run EroticMonkey together with 2backpage or starbackpage. The reviews bring a trust factor that’s hard to find when you’re booking adult services online. That trust can make or break the decision. It’s not a straight classifieds site, but EroticMonkey works perfectly with other Backpage-style platforms—especially if you want to deal with people who have a track record you can count on.
What to Keep in Mind When You Use These Sites
Even though these sites are trusted and used a lot, you’ve still gotta be careful when you post or reply to ads. Here’s a short list of smart moves:
- Use anonymous email accounts or the site’s messaging tools to keep your real info private.
- Don’t spill personal details until you really feel you’ve built some trust.
- Pick meeting spots that feel safe and don’t ignore your gut.
- If you spot sketchy or scammy ads, report them to the site moderators right away.
Conclusion
Backpage may be gone, but the desire for casual dating and escort ads is still here. Sites like 2backpage, obackpage, and starbackpage fill that gap, putting your privacy and safety first while still being easy to use.
Whether you’re an escort looking to get the word out or someone seeking companionship, these platforms give you a friendly place to meet up. Pick the site that fits your needs best, but the ones listed here are great places to begin your search.
If you want the smoothest switch from the old Backpage, 2backpage is still the best bet in 2026. Its simple layout, huge audience, and escort-friendly rules make it the go-to choice for casual ads.