Backpage was once one of the largest online classified ads websites in the United States. However, a controversial section of its platform—the adult classifieds section—led to its downfall.
Backpage began in 2004. It was created as a free online platform for classifieds. While similar to Craigslist, Backpage allowed more adult ads. It even went further by offering ads for prostitution, trying to protect sex workers.
This caused problems. Prostitution is illegal in most US states. Only a few counties in Nevada allow it. Authorities were concerned. They suspected human trafficking and exploitation. Backpage said it was working to block illegal content. But this didn’t calm critics.
In 2017, a Senate report accused Backpage of supporting child sex trafficking. Soon after, the adult section was taken down. In 2018, the US Department of Justice shut down the site. The CEO of Backpage pleaded guilty to serious charges.
What Did Users Do After Backpage Was Shut Down?
When Backpage closed, many users were left without a platform for adult classifieds. Many were using the site to find partners, not for illegal services. When Craigslist also shut down its personals section, it left people searching for alternatives.
Thankfully, many new websites emerged to help fill the gap. These platforms offer dating, casual connections, and more. In this article, we look at some of the best options for 2025.
Top 13 Backpage Alternatives for 2025
- Casual
Monthly Visits: 16.51M | Top Country: US (80.57%)
Kasual is a dating app focused on anonymity. It doesn’t ask for personal details. Users can enjoy total secrecy. Kasual also makes dating fun. You flip cards to find matches. Some cards are local; others are random. It’s a game-like experience. This app is perfect for people who want anonymous hookups. But it’s not a direct replacement for Backpage’s adult ads.
- Adult Friend Finder
Monthly Visits: 49.59M | Top Country: US (76.47%)
Adult Friend Finder is a favored option for everyday dating. It’s free to join, and you can browse profiles nearby. The site is well-designed and has many users. It’s easy to find matches based on your preferences. You can chat, share photos, and even use webcams. Premium members get more features. They can send private messages, share nude pictures, and access exclusive rooms.
- Bedpage
Monthly Visits: 4.57M | Top Country: US (92.98%)
Bedpage is a lot like Backpage. It offers similar services and classified ads. Users can find legal sexual services and casual connections. While the site has fewer users than Backpage, it still has decent activity, especially in larger cities. It also has a section for escorts, similar to what Backpage offered. Bedpage is a solid option for those looking for a similar experience.
- Ashley Madison
Monthly Visits: 10.55M | Top Country: US (65.73%)
Ashley Madison is known for helping people find extramarital affairs. Despite its past data breach, the site has revamped its security. It takes privacy seriously. You don’t need to link your profile to any social media. You can communicate with a private email. Whether you’re single or married, the platform helps you connect with others discreetly.
- Seeking Arrangement
Monthly Visits: 11.42M | Top Country: US (68.79%)
Seeking Arrangement is different from other platforms. It connects wealthy men with women seeking relationships that come with perks. The platform is not about “gold-diggers” but about meaningful relationships. It focuses on mutual benefits, where both parties get what they want. If you’re not wealthy, this may not be the right platform for you.
- ClassifiedAds
ClassifiedAds is a simple classifieds website. It’s much like Craigslist, offering various categories. Users can find casual connections or jobs. The site doesn’t focus on adult services, but it still gets a lot of traffic. It’s a good platform for people seeking general classifieds without adult content.
- Adult Search
Adult Search specializes in adult services. It’s a platform for finding escorts, strip clubs, and massage parlors. Post free ads. If you’re looking for escort services or adult businesses, this is the site for you.
- Oodle
Oodle is another standard classifieds platform. It features various categories, but Meetup4Fun hosts its personals section. If you want to connect with others, you’ll be redirected to another site. While the design is clean, Oodle doesn’t provide its personalized content, making it less valuable than other platforms.
- Gumtree
Gumtree is a UK-based platform that focuses on regular classifieds. It doesn’t offer personals or adult ads. But it’s an excellent site for finding jobs, real estate, and other categories. If you’re looking for standard classifieds, this is a good option.
- Tryst Link
Tryst Link is dedicated to escort services. Unlike other platforms, it only focuses on adult ads. It’s well-designed and offers detailed listings of escorts. This platform is a suitable replacement for users who previously relied on Backpage for adult services.
- Geebo
Geebo is another straightforward classifieds platform. It offers categories like housing, jobs, and services. It doesn’t have a personals section, but it’s a solid choice for general classifieds. It’s easy to use, but the ads could be better organized. If you prefer simplicity, Geebo is worth trying.
- UKClassifieds
For users in the UK, UKClassifieds is an excellent option. It has a wide range of categories, including personnel. It also has an escort section for those interested in adult services. The site is easy to use, and it gets regular updates, making it a reliable choice for UK users.
- Free Ads Time
Free Ads Time is another standard classifieds site. It features a variety of categories, but its posting volume is low compared to other sites. While it does offer unique features like local business listings, it’s still growing. If the categories fill up, it could become a more helpful platform.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Alternative for You
Backpage’s shutdown created a gap in the market. But as you can see, there are now many alternatives available. Whether you’re looking for casual dating, adult services, or general classifieds, there are plenty of platforms to explore. Be sure to use these services responsibly and in line with local laws.
