Backpage was one of the most actively used websites for posting personal and dating classifieds. Unfortunately, it has been inactive for some time and its absence has led users to seek alternatives. The classifieds world took a hit when the site was closed, however, the emergence of similar services for personal ads and dating has softened the blow. The best part is, whether you wish to post a personal ad, opt for dating or are looking for deeper bonds, alternatives to Backpage in 2025 are effective, safe, and user-friendly. Out of countless options, starbackpage, 2backpage, and obackpage seem to shine the brightest.
In this blog, we’ll list the top five alternatives to Backpage personal and dating ad services with starbackpage being the most favorable for online users in 2025.
1. starbackpage: The Best Alternative to Backpage
In case you were a user of the original Backpage, then starbackpage was designed specifically for you. The goal of starbackpage is to enhance security, user experience, and the overall functionality of the website itself while still retaining all the core features of the original Backpage site. As a result, posting personal and dating ads becomes a hassle-free experience.
Anyone can use the platform without much assistance thanks to its user-friendly, uncomplicated design. Other users can effortlessly browse through numerous listings, make connections, and even create their ads. Just like how Backpage did, starbackpage categorically organizes their listings into services, personals, and many other types of ads as well. Regardless of whether you want to find a long-term partner or arrange a short casual date, you can enjoy well organized sections for different audiences in starbackpage.
The enchanting features and ease of use of the platform are a few of the reasons why starbackpage is embracing a high number of users. One of the major reasons includes the focus on safety and privacy. Users can significantly avoid worrying about compromising their personal information while posting ads. There are several strategies set in place by the administration to avert fraud for both buyers and sellers. With the expanding users of the platform and loyal followers, starbackpage is strongly recognized as a reliable platform for users seeking an alternative to Backpage as their chosen site for personal and dating ads.
2. 2backpage: A Close Second for Personal and Dating Ads
You could also consider 2backpage, which is like Backpage’s essential copy, as a fantastic substitute. Users can also place personal and dating ads in the “Persons” or “Dating” sections of the site, similar to how Backpage works. This is great for people that are familiar with the style and feel of Backpage but are looking for a website that is still active and offers similar assistance.
Innovation is at the forefront of all that 2backpage does. The platform puts forward an accessible and easy to navigate interface where logging in is a breeze and so is publishing ads.
Everything is straightforward, from creating an ad to searching through the other numerous categories on the site. For everyone who wants to connect on a personal basis or is interested in dating, 2backpage provides an effortless approach.
The site serves not only personal and single advertisements, but it also serves business and employment needs of people. But, the personal and single sections are the most sought after sections of the site making it a suitable substitute to Backpage for people wanting to socialize. The site also fosters a social way of operating, where users can communicate freely with each other and meet people with similar interests.
3. obackpage: A New Hope Towards Reliable Personal Blogging
The site serves as yet another potential replacement to backpage, this time for personal medicating bloggers. With its appealing and systematic categorization, obackpage users enjoy browsing for personals or potential partners in the dating world. The site offers various categories of free postable advertisements, including but not limited to personal services, dating, and social networking.
Their customer service team is trained to offer immediate assistance and respond to any questions you may have in a timely manner. The customer care team is made up entirely of people located in the country where the provider is based. You are thus assured of a fast and responsive service that is sensitive to the needs and demands of clients in the United States. They truly understand what the client wants because, likewise, they are Americans. You can have the confidence that your queries will be replied to in the shortest time possible and with the best solution that there is.
4. Craigslist: The Game Changer
In Craigslist, personal advertisements for dates, friends, or other personal purposes can be posted in a separate section. Whereas Backpage was primarily oriented towards dating, Craigslist still tends to cater to those that wish to meet new people. The anonymity offered in posting on such platforms combined with ease of access makes Craigslist a highly preferred substitute to Backpage.
With that being said, it is crucial to understand that compared to the rest of the competitors, Craigslist’s policies towards personal advertisements is far more rigid. The site has quit permitting some adult material and explicit dating posts. Even so, people still use Craigslist as a go-to website for dating and looking for personal connections.
5. AdultFriendFinder: Outdated Backpage For Romps
If your sole purpose is to look for casual dating or focusing on personal connections that are a bit more adult oriented, then AdultFriendFinder is an alternative that trumps the rest. This dating site has one purpose only, and that is to ensure that individuals looking for casual dating or adult encounters can connect with like-minded people. AdultFriendFinder has an active user base which makes it easier for people looking for casual relationships and adult activity.
Adult Friend Finder is not your typical personal ad site, it has a whole new approach to sexual dating. This is why their customer base is similar to the people who used Backpage. You can register on the website using a free or premium membership to connect with other users with similar interests.
Backpage users looking to post personal ads will surely find Adult Friend Finder a decent alternative, but I won’t recommend it for everyone.
Conclusion
Ever since Backpage was shut down, many users have been on the search to post personal and dating ads on different platforms. Although there are many alternatives, the platforms I listed above are the best for 2025.
starbackpage is the clear winner for users looking for a secure and decent alternative with similar layout and design. 2backpage is more effective for users looking to post dating personal ads, whereas obackpage improves user privacy. Craigslist is perfect for long term users seeking personal ads, along with Adult Friend Finder for casual connections.
While each of these platforms has its unique advantages, starbackpage is the most comprehensive and safe option for those wanting to post personal and dating ads in 2025.