The internet makes connecting and trading simpler by the hour, so it was no surprise when classified sites stepped forward to serve our everyday needs from job boards to “meet-ups.” Last year, though, the curtain closed on Backpage, and the site’s devoted users scrambled for trustworthy stand-ins. You’re one of them if you’re reading this.
Below you’ll find the ten sites that step up as the best Backpage substitutes. Some cover romance, temp gigs, or job ads, while others set a spotlight on adult services. We studied what could go wrong, then spotlighted only options that combine safety, dependability, and a plain layout that won’t get in your way. We’ll take you on a quick guided visit to the doors you can try first.
Why the Search for a Replacement?
Before Backpage closed in 2018, its listings for personal ads, adult services, and quick temp gigs pulled in the highest volume on the web. When the site vanished, it left a lot of readers blinking at a blank screen, wishing for their go-to. Nearly five years on, the need for personal ads, gig work, and adult posts hasn’t dimmed, and the market won’t quit finding substitutes that load in under a shade of a minute and let you browse without players in the ad bombarding the page.
If you still need a quick-service guide, skim step-by-step site tours that keep you a step ahead of clever scams. Discretion and ease are your first bargaining chips on any new visit, and the candidates that lined up for today’s list still put those terms first.
So, what should you look for in a good Backpage replacement? Three big ones are: your data stays private, posting is a breeze, and you can often advertise without paying a dime. Let’s dig in.
1. 2backpage – The Top Choice
When folks ask for a Backpage-like site, 2backpage is the name that keeps coming up. Whether you’re hunting for a personal ad, a side gig, or a special service, this site usually gets the job done in just a few clicks. It even sports a layout that feels familiar, so you don’t have to waste time figuring things out.
What’s the draw? The site divides categories clearly—Personal Ads, Escorts, Adult Services, and so on—so the listing you want pops up in seconds. Plus, a reliable moderation team keeps the creeps and spam at bay, making the browsing experience a lot safer and more trustworthy.
When safety is your biggest concern, 2backpage proves it is the one you can trust to keep your personal details safe. Everything runs over secured, encrypted connections, usernames are masked, and you even get to peek at ads without needing to log in first. If a safe, easy, and free way to post ads is what you seek, 2backpage is the site to save in your bookmarks.
2. obackpage – A Worthy Alternative
obackpage is the runner-up everyone mentions. This site is very similar to how the old Backpage worked, so many users who left that platform now prefer it. obackpage has sections like “Adult Services,” “Personals,” and “Jobs,” covering a wide range of ads that people search for in a single visit.
Another plus is that listing is free, which attracts users who don’t want to pay for the basics. The quick-search tool lets visitors sort results by region, saving time whether you’re offering a service or searching for a date or companion. The experience is clean, making it easy for anyone to post or browse.
Perhaps the site’s biggest draw is the active member base. From big cities to smaller towns, users check in regularly. This equals quick replies and a higher chance you’ll see fresh, relevant listings that match your needs.
3. starbackpage – A Growing Platform
With a similar design and growing traffic, starbackpage is another up-and-coming site for anyone who misses the original Backpage. Loyal users appreciate that the layout is almost identical, so they can start searching or posting with no learning curve. starbackpage makes it super easy to find what you need with a clean layout and loads of categories, including personal ads and casual dating.
So why do users keep coming back to starbackpage? The answer is pretty straightforward. The site’s straightforward design lets anyone jump in quickly and it’s free to post ads. Whether you’re advertising for casual dating or listing a personal service, there’s a good variety of choices. Safety stays front and center on starbackpage, too. The site lays out straightforward rules for what must be in each ad. Plus, it offers secure in-site messaging, so you can chat without showing your real phone number or email.
4. ClassifiedAds
ClassifiedAds is another site folks trust when they want a no-fuss Backpage substitute. The simple look works for everything from jobs and real estate to personal ads. You won’t find tons of explicit adult listings here, but it’s a handy spot for all kinds of general classified ads. A big bonus of ClassifiedAds is the active user base. You’ll see ads for gigs and services of all kinds, and while the adult service section isn’t strong, it’s still a solid spot for standard classified advertising.
5. Craigslist
Even if it’s not targeting adult ads, Craigslist remains the go-to name for classified ads. Craigslist has a lot more going for it than you might think. Sure, it doesn’t host as many adult ads as Backpage did, but it still checks off enough boxes for anyone doing casual online shopping. Want to list a job, find an apartment, or swap a vintage guitar? Just type, click, and you’re done—all for free. There’s an entire bustling user base in nearly every city around the globe, and the interface looks the same in Prague as it does in Peoria: super simple.
6. Locanto
Locanto is a solid backup for Backpage fans. This worldwide hub posts everything from job ads to “showers in ten” notices, and it does it without charging a dime. If you’re the globe-trotting type, you’ll like the fact that it serves more than 60 countries, so you can read local listings in whichever timezone you end up. The interface loads quickly, and you can post regions instead of entire countries or cities, which keeps you from wading through irrelevant posts.
7. AdultSearch
AdultSearch is explicit about its mission: it’s for grown-up content, plain and simple. The homepage is full of escort listings, escort reviews, and everything else that’s not getting shared on family-oriented sites. Navigation is direct, and the posts include all the details typically needed for a rendezvous. If that’s the kind of local “transaction” you’re after, it delivers without the cut- and- dry “we don’t allow that here” messages you might hit elsewhere.
If you’re seeking adult services, AdultSearch stands out as one of the best Alternative to Backpage. It delivers a tidy, user-friendly design that’s built only for adult entertainment. The site’s appeal lies in its sizable, active audience. Users can sign up and post ads at no charge, which lets providers reach many potential clients in a hurry. If adult services are your main interest, AdultSearch is well worth your time.
8. Cityxguide
Cityxguide is another strong addition to your favorites if you miss Backpage. Like its predecessor, it lets posters share ads for free, and the main focus is on personal and adult services. You can also filter by location, making finding nearby providers simple.
Cityxguide stands out for its profile verification. Every account goes through a check to weed out fakes and possible troublemakers. That, along with its simple layout and clean design, makes it the go-to choice for anyone switching over from the old Backpage site.
9. Bedpage
If you miss the adult sections of Backpage, give Bedpage a look. The site picks up the same community spirit and offers the same type of sections. With simple searches and active boards, it’s easy to continue your browsing experience from the past.
Bedpage is the new kid on the block when it comes to classified ads. Even so, it buzzed onto the scene, gaining traction especially for ads connected to adult services. The site is built for speed, with clean menus, free post options, and categories that cover just about everything. The standout feature? International reach. No matter if you’re posting from Tokyo or Toronto, you can set your ad to show up anywhere. Plus, its safety-first approach includes real humans checking the posts, so scams and rule-breakers are kept to a minimum.
10. SkipTheGames
SkipTheGames is a well-loved favorite in the adult services world. The no-frills layout keeps the focus on what matters: fast posting and browsing. What really keeps users happy is the built-in private chat, so messages go back and forth without anyone swapping phone numbers too soon. Menu options and layout are kept simple, so nearly anyone can jump in without a tutorial. All in all, it’s a user-friendly go-to for personal ads and escort services.
Conclusion
With Backpage now history, people need solid replacements without all the hassle. Adults, personal ads, and other classifieds still have options, and the list keeps growing. 2backpage is at the top for its top-notch safety, straight menus, and a loyal community that keeps spam in check.
obackpage and starbackpage stand out as solid choices too. They let you post ads at no cost and the layout feels cozy if you’ve used the original sites. For a one-stop shop that combines everyday finds with adult services, check out ClassifiedAds, Locanto, or Craigslist.
Before you hit “publish,” keep safety front and center. Go for sites that let you chat behind a safe wall, and make sure you skim the guidelines so you steer clear of expensive mistakes. Stick with trusted platforms, and you’ll keep enjoying quick, easy ads without leaving your security behind.