A few years ago, Backpage was the first thing that crossed our minds whenever we thought about placing an ad. But things are different now!
Since the forced shutdown of the largest personal classifieds sites in 2018, there have been dozens of backpage alternatives on the internet.
However, not all of them can be called a better backpage replacement just because these sites look like Backpage. In order to compete with the original, websites must offer various classified ad categories, an intuitive user interface, and a huge user base to interact with. If you are also on the same page, let's take a look at some of the websites that came close to delivering a similar experience -
Note: Alexa rank is a measure of website popularity.
Best backpage alternatives for 2020
Craiglist tops the list when we talk about sites like Backpage. The classified ad website has a large user base, a simple user interface with many different categories.
Among the many classifieds, Craiglist was once famous for its personal ads. These also included adult ads, but the service was shut down in 2010 when U.S. state attorneys general said many ads promoted prostitution. In March 2018, Craiglist decided to completely remove personal ads.
Although Craigslist is no longer a dating site, it is still famous for posting other types of classifieds. On the home page, you can select a specific classified category. There are also helpful links on the left side of the home page, such as "avoid scams and fraud" and "personal safety tips".
Alexa Rank - # 147
Why use Craiglist?
- Second most popular classified ad website after Backpage
- Useful and informative articles to avoid scams
Facebook is one of the main social media platforms on the planet. But what you might not know is that many Facebook users also use it to buy and sell products.
Assuming you already have an account, to sell something on Facebook, just click on the "Buy and Sell Groups" button in the Explore menu. Now jump to any group and start posting your ad. Since Facebook has the maximum user base of all Backpage alternatives, the classifieds list here is more comprehensive.
If you are looking for a specific product, you can simply type the keyword in the Facebook search bar at the top. There is no structured way to contact buyers, so you can either comment on their posts or message them directly. Besides the market, there is also an employment section. However, it is not as popular as other job portals.
In 2018, Facebook also launched a dating platform for its users. With such a huge user base, Facebook is definitely one of the best Backpage alternatives of 2020.
Alexa Rank - # 6
Why use Facebook?
- Over 2.5 billion active users
- Quick interaction with buyers
ClassifiedAds is another popular Backpage alternative where you can post personal ads as well as ads in other classifieds categories. The "Dating" section on the homepage has many categories, such as casual dating and more. There is a long list of steps involved in posting ads to the classifieds, but you can check out the video tutorial for help. The only problem with this Backpage Similar Website is the intrusive ads mixed up among the regular ad posts.
Alexa Rank - # 26,145
Why use classified ads?
- Easy to use interface
- Post a free ad without registering
Locanto is another popular classifieds destination, perfect for people looking for Backpage alternatives in 2020. Originally founded in Germany, the site is now available in over 60 other countries. The site offers many categories of classifieds, such as automobiles, furniture, jobs, real estate, and personal ads. The website also offers an Android app as well as an iOS app.
Posting an ad is pretty straightforward in Locanto. Due to the huge user base, there is a good chance that your ads will get a huge response. The Indian version of Locanto is also a popular destination for weddings.
Alexa Rank - # 16783
Why use Locanto?
- Modern user interface
- A separate section for dating
Reddit is one of the biggest social media platforms where you share news, content, literally anything while keeping your identity anonymous. New Reddit users may not be familiar with "Subreddits," which are essentially communities of people with common interests.
One of those millions of communities is Reddit Personals with over 334,000 members. As you might have guessed, the subreddit allows people to meet other people. The idea is similar to Backpage Worked Dating - you post your requirements and details about yourself such as your interests, hobbies, etc.
The best part is that there are no borders because people all over the world can communicate with each other. In a way, this is the best alternative to Backpage dating. However, classified ads are not accessible on this website.
Alexa Rank - # 18
Why use Reddit Personals?
- Meet people from different countries
- Stay anonymous
Gumtree should definitely be on your mind if you are looking for something similar to Backpage Ranked Advertising. Once a popular UK based advertising website, the site has grown to be one of the best Backpage alternatives, given that you are only looking for classifieds related to properties, cars, etc.
Posting a free classified ad on the website requires the creation of an account. But even without having an account, you can browse thousands of products listed on the site daily. I wouldn't exactly call this a Backpage replacement because it doesn't include personal ads. However, it is one of the top ranked websites available on the internet. Gumtree is only available in the UK.
Alexa Rank - # 3207
Why use Gumtree?
- Clean and visually appealing design
LetGo is probably the first classified ad website that people around you will suggest if you are considering selling a product. Founded in 2015 by the former CEO of Olx, the Backpage alternative has gained an immersive user base.
The market has a smooth and clear user interface. Some major categories of advertisements are visible on the home page. Further down you can see the list of different products and services. Once logged in, you can even record an announcement. You also have the option to share it on social media platforms. The Backpage type website also has an Android app as well as an iOS app.
Alexa Rank - # 2589
Oodle is a classifieds aggregator launched in 2004. The site has thousands of queries from different websites. In 2006, Oodle launched their personal ads section, so it's more or less Craigslist's new personal ads alternative.
Unlike other Backpage alternatives, the classifieds on Oodle are purely aggregated results from different websites. With the help of Oodle, you can get a feel for which site has the most comprehensive listing of ads. This is useful if you are looking for a particular combination of attributes that are not available on all websites.
Alexa Rank - # 23,268
Why use Oodle?
- A section dedicated to personal ads
- Aggregated queries
The game of matchmaking in the new digital world is different from what it was a few years ago. I'm pretty sure you've heard of Tinder: the popular matchmaking app available on desktop and smartphone users.
OkCupid is quite similar to Tinder, but it is much more popular than Tinder. The referral process on these websites is quite the same as personal advertising on Backpage alternatives.
You create a profile, put together a bio, put in a nice photo of yourself, and that's it. You can now browse hundreds of profiles in your area. Once a mutual connection is established, you can start chatting with the person. Come to think of it, OkCupid and others are kind of like the new Backpage of this era.
Alexa Rank - # 1507
Why use OkCupid?
- Ideal for dating
- Hundreds of questions to describe you
OLX is another popular replacement for Backpage. It is popular around the world for being the best buy and sell website. Unfortunately, it's not available in the US, UK, Australia, and other top tier countries.
People can find free classifieds on almost everything from furniture, cars, pets to houses and apartments. Additionally, there is a huge section for job postings with defined categories.
There is no adult section, so it's not completely similar to Backpage. But people looking for an alternative to Backpage in 2020, especially for classifieds, would certainly be happy.
In perspective, this is the new Backpage equivalent for 2020, excluding adult content of course.
Alexa Rank - # 1260
Why use OLX?
- Famous buy and sell website in several countries
- Hundreds of classified ad categories
Backpage replacement site for dating
Like OkCupid and Tinder, there are hundreds of portals where people go - for fun. Following the closure of Backpage, many have already moved to these matchmaking sites. On top of that, these websites even have apps on Android and iOS.
Also Read: Best Tumblr Alternatives For Joining Like-Minded Communities