25 Safer and Better Sites (2025)

While Craigslist pioneered online classifieds and still attracts millions of users, it hasn't kept pace with how we shop and sell today. The platform's outdated interface, safety concerns, and lack of modern features like secure payments and identity verification have opened the door for better alternatives.

Instead of one clunky site for everything, you now have dedicated marketplaces with built-in protections, mobile-first design, and features tailored to exactly what you're buying or selling.

Whether you're selling furniture, looking for freelance work, or searching for local events, there's a platform designed specifically for your needs.

Most are safer, easier to use, and more effective than Craigslist at connecting buyers and sellers.

Best Sites Like Craigslist for Selling Items Locally

Facebook Marketplace is now the leading platform for selling items locally, thanks to its massive user base and integrated messaging features.

While Craigslist remains active, most sellers turn to Marketplace and other mobile-first apps for faster sales and broader neighborhood reach.

#1. Facebook Marketplace

Quick summary: Anyone with a Facebook account can sell items via Facebook Marketplace. You can post ads with photos and details of what you're selling, just like you post vacation photos.

This has been my primary go-to for selling stuff locally for years. The process is straightforward: snap a few photos, write a quick description, and post. I've sold everything from furniture to kids' toys, and I typically arrange contactless pickup right at my front door (for lower cost items).

The ads are visible to anyone with access to Marketplace, but they don't get posted to your timeline. That means your friends and family won't see what you're selling unless they're searching for that particular item.

Best for: Facebook Marketplace is the all-around best Craigslist alternative because it has such a wide reach. Facebook is used by 3 billion people worldwide, and Marketplace is built into the Facebook mobile app. This is where most people turn first today when buying or selling items online.

Pro tip: Facebook Marketplace is free, but you can “Boost” your Marketplace ads by paying a small fee to increase visibility.

Boosting your post increases its ranking in search results when people are browsing items, and boosted ads can appear in the timeline of users who have recently searched for similar items. You can set your own budget and duration, and even a couple of dollars per day can substantially increase the number of people who see your listing.

#2. Facebook Groups

Quick summary: Facebook Groups exist for nearly every topic and interest imaginable, from specific neighborhoods to niche hobbies. Many Groups are dedicated to buying and selling, either based on location (like “Brooklyn Buy/Sell/Trade”) or item type (like “Vintage Camera Collectors”).

Best for: Reaching highly targeted buyers when Marketplace feels too broad. Groups work especially well for:

• Niche items where the right buyer needs specific knowledge (vintage guitars, camera gear, collectibles)
• Hyper-local sales in neighborhood groups where people prefer buying from nearby neighbors
• Items that need context where you can explain the value to people who already care about that category

For example, selling a vintage film camera in a “Film Photography Enthusiasts” group will attract serious buyers who understand its value, versus listing on general Marketplace where casual browsers may lowball you.

When to use Facebook Groups vs. Marketplace

• Use Marketplace for: General items with broad appeal (furniture, appliances, everyday goods)
• Use Groups for: Specialized items, neighborhood-only sales, or when you want to tap into an existing community of enthusiasts

Pro tip: Always read the group rules before posting. Some groups have specific posting days, required formats, or restrictions on certain items. Violating rules can get you kicked out of the group and may result in your Facebook account being flagged, which can affect your ability to use Marketplace and join other groups.

#3. OfferUp

Quick summary: OfferUp is a mobile-first marketplace app (Android and iPhone) that rivals Facebook Marketplace in popularity. With built-in messaging, rating systems, and a streamlined interface designed specifically for local selling, it's become one of the top platforms for peer-to-peer transactions.

Best for: Higher-value items and reaching buyers who prefer a dedicated marketplace app over Facebook. OfferUp attracts more serious, committed buyers since people download the app specifically to buy and sell—unlike Facebook where browsing happens alongside social media scrolling.

When to use OfferUp vs. Facebook Marketplace:

• Choose OfferUp for: Electronics, furniture, or anything over $100 where you want serious buyers with verified ratings
• Choose Facebook for: Quick sales on everyday items where you want maximum local visibility
• Use both: For expensive items, cross-post to reach different buyer pools

Pro tip: OfferUp's rating system is its superpower. Before responding to anyone, check their profile for ratings and reviews. Users with verified badges, positive reviews, and completed transactions are far more reliable. Don't waste time on profiles with no history or negative feedback—flakers are easy to spot and avoid.

Best Craigslist Alternatives to Selling Stuff Online

Craigslist was built for local, in-person transactions, which limits your buyer pool to whoever lives nearby.

Today's specialized marketplaces let you ship items nationwide (or even globally), reaching millions of potential buyers instead of just your zip code—and they offer built-in payment protection, authentication services, and shipping tools that Craigslist never had.

Whether you're selling vintage clothing, collectibles, or everyday household items, the platforms below help you reach the right buyers for what you're selling.

(Not sure what to sell? Check out our guide on the best things to sell online.)

#4. eBay

Quick summary: The original online auction site remains a powerhouse for specific categories. While eBay has evolved beyond its auction-only roots, it's still used by millions of buyers and sellers monthly, especially for collectibles, vintage items, and hard-to-find goods.

Most sellers today use eBay's “Buy It Now” fixed-price format rather than auctions, since modern buyers prefer instant purchases. However, auctions can still work well for rare collectibles or items where you're unsure of the value and want the market to decide.

Best for: eBay excels when you're selling items that need a global audience to find the right buyer. This includes:

• Collectibles and antiques
• Vintage items (clothing, toys, memorabilia)
• Discontinued or hard-to-find products
• Specialty items with niche audiences

The logic is simple: a vintage Star Wars action figure might have zero interested buyers in your town, but thousands of potential buyers worldwide. eBay gives you access to that global collector base.

Pro tip: Before pricing your item, search for similar products and filter by “Sold Items” to see what they actually sold for (not just what people are asking). This shows real market value and helps you price competitively. Items listed too high sit forever; items priced at recent sold prices move quickly.

#5. Mercari

Quick summary: Mercari is a mobile-first marketplace focused on making selling easy and fast. The platform generates prepaid shipping labels in the app, and you can skip printing them entirely—just show a QR code at UPS or FedEx and they'll print the label for you.

Best for: Everyday contemporary items like clothing, shoes, electronics, toys, and home goods. Mercari's younger, casual audience makes it ideal for modern items from well-known brands in good condition.

When to use Mercari vs. eBay:

• Choose Mercari for: Current fashion, everyday electronics, and brand name toys.
• Choose eBay for: Collectibles, vintage items, discontinued products, specialty goods (things collectors seek out)

Think of it this way: sell your used iPhone on Mercari, sell your vintage Game Boy on eBay.

Pro tip: Use Mercari's authentication service for designer handbags, sneakers, or luxury items over $150. The “Authenticated” badge significantly increases buyer confidence and helps you sell at higher prices.

#6. Depop

Quick summary: Depop combines social media with marketplace selling, creating an Instagram-like experience for buying and selling fashion. The app attracts a predominantly Gen Z audience looking for unique, vintage, and trendy clothing.

Best for: Vintage clothing, Y2K fashion, streetwear, thrifted finds, and one-of-a-kind pieces. If your style is trendy, edgy, or nostalgic rather than classic or designer, Depop is your platform.

When to use Depop vs. other platforms:

• Choose Depop for: Vintage band tees, 90s/2000s fashion, thrifted gems, streetwear, alternative styles
• Choose Poshmark for: Designer brands, professional workwear, contemporary fashion
• Choose Mercari for: Mainstream clothing brands at everyday prices

Pro tip: Depop is highly visual and style-driven. Flat lays and aesthetic photos perform poorly—model the clothing or use creative styling. The app rewards sellers who treat their shop like a curated Instagram feed with a cohesive look and vibe.

#7. Poshmark

Quick summary: Poshmark blends social media with marketplace selling, creating a community-driven platform for buying and selling fashion. Unlike other marketplaces, Poshmark emphasizes activity—you need to actively share listings, engage with buyers, and maintain visibility to generate sales.

Best for: Contemporary designer brands, professional workwear, women's fashion, and brand-name clothing. Poshmark buyers tend to be women looking for quality brands at discounted prices rather than vintage or ultra-trendy pieces.

Pro tip: Keywords are your secret weapon on Poshmark. Sellers report sales increasing “overnight” after adding detailed, searchable keywords to listings. Instead of just “Blue Dress,” write “J.Crew Navy Blue Midi Dress Fit and Flare Cotton Size 6 Cocktail Wedding Guest.” The extra keywords help your items appear in more searches both on Poshmark and Google. Also, send “Offers to Likers” with aggressive discounts (30-40% off) within 10 minutes of someone liking your item—this aggressive pricing strategy drives conversions far better than waiting or sending modest discounts.

#8. Whatnot

Quick summary: Whatnot is a live-streaming marketplace where sellers host real-time shows to auction or sell items directly to viewers. Think QVC meets Twitch—you go live, showcase products, and buyers bid or purchase instantly while chatting with you and other collectors. The platform is rapidly growing, recently raising $225 million in funding as investors bet big on the future of livestream shopping.

Best for: Collectibles, trading cards (Pokémon, sports cards), sneakers, vintage fashion, and items with a “wow factor” that benefit from live presentation. The platform thrives on impulse purchases and community engagement, with buyers spending an average of 80 minutes daily in the app.

Whatnot requires seller approval (application + live onboarding session) and works best when you can commit to regular live shows. It's not passive selling—you need personality, consistency, and entertaining presentation skills.

Pro tip: Start small and stay consistent. New sellers typically have low viewership initially, but regular shows (even 2-3 times per week) build a loyal audience. Use $1 starting bids to create excitement and fast-paced action—aggressive deal pricing converts far better than high reserves. Between shows, promote upcoming streams on Instagram or TikTok to drive traffic.

Best Sites Like Craigslist for Finding Jobs and Gigs

Craigslist job listings were once the go-to for local employment, but the platform became notorious for scams, fake postings, and unvetted employers offering questionable opportunities.

Today's job platforms offer verified employers, detailed company reviews, application tracking, and robust filters for remote work, salary ranges, and company ratings—protections that Craigslist simply doesn't provide.

Whether you're seeking traditional employment, gig economy jobs, or remote opportunities, the platforms below connect you with legitimate employers and give you the tools to evaluate them before applying.

Looking specifically for remote work? See our guide to BBB accredited work from home job sites.

#9. Indeed

Quick summary: Indeed is the world's largest job search platform, with over 130 million job listings and 300 million monthly visitors. When you apply through Indeed, you're tapping into the single biggest pool of employers and opportunities—no other job site comes close in sheer volume.

Best for: Any type of traditional employment across all industries and experience levels. From entry-level retail to executive positions, if there's a job opening, it's likely on Indeed.

Pro tip: Use Indeed as your job discovery engine, not your application platform.

Search for roles that interest you, then verify the company on Glassdoor (checking reviews and confirming the job is real—ghost postings are common).

Once verified, apply directly on the company's career page instead of through Indeed's “Easy Apply.” Direct applications go straight into the company's system and get more attention from hiring managers, while Indeed applications often get buried in a flood of one-click submissions.

Think of Indeed as your search tool, Glassdoor as your verification step, and the company website as where you actually apply.

#10. TaskRabbit

Quick summary: TaskRabbit (owned by IKEA since 2017) connects people who need small tasks done with local Taskers who have the skills and time to do them. Browse nearby jobs, choose the ones you want, confirm details with the client, and get paid directly to your bank account within 24-48 hours after completing the task.

Best for: One-off tasks like furniture assembly, hanging TVs, helping with moves, or general handyman work. If you have practical skills and flexible availability, TaskRabbit provides steady gig work.

Pro tip: Don't undervalue yourself, even for “simple” tasks. For example, standing in line (yes, really—people pay $30/hour+ for someone to hold their spot for limited-release sneakers or entering a show) requires your time and reliability. Price your services based on what clients are willing to pay for convenience, not just the “skill level” of the task.

#11. Nextdoor

Quick summary: Nextdoor is an app that aims to connect people within neighborhoods. It's used for all kinds of purposes, from promoting local events to bringing neighbors together to solve local problems.

That said, Nextdoor doesn't have the most sterling of reputations.

However, it can be a good place to find local work. And unlike TaskRabbit, there's no middle man — you'll get to keep every penny you earn.

Best for: The people on Nextdoor are literally your neighbors, so it's a great site to find gigs that require a good reputation, like babysitting and dog walking. (If you're interested in dog walking specifically, you should also check out Rover.)

Pro tip: Neighbors like to exchange information — like the name of a good babysitter or dog walker — so Nextdoor is an excellent place to get a side hustle going, thanks to that kind of word of mouth. Just do your best to avoid getting sucked into the drama noted above.

#12. Upwork

Quick summary: Upwork is a freelancing site for people with almost any type of skill or experience. Most of the work is remote and contract-based, and the pay can be quite good. Check out our beginner's guide to Upwork to learn more about the opportunities it offers (and how to actually get your first job on the site).

Best for: Upwork is one of the largest freelancing sites on the internet, with thousands of new jobs posted daily across dozens of categories. Whether you're looking for part-time work or a full-time freelancing career, Upwork is a great place to start.

Pro tip: Consider working for slightly less than you're worth when you're first getting started. It can be hard to get your first job on Upwork, but once you have a couple of positive reviews from clients, you'll be able to raise your rates substantially — which will more than make up for it.

#13. Fiverr

Quick summary: Fiverr is similar to Upwork. The main difference is that on Upwork, clients post jobs and freelancers submit proposals.

On Fiverr, it's the other way around: freelancers (called “sellers”) create “gigs” and clients (called “buyers”) order those gigs as though they were products.

See our guide to Fiverr vs. Upwork to learn more.

For example, your gig might be, “I will design a logo for your business within 72 hours for $500.” The client can then simply order that work without even contacting you first.

Best for: Fiverr is more suited to those who just want to make a few extra bucks on the side. Many of the clients on the site are individuals rather than companies, so it's a little less formal and structured.

Pro tip: People on Fiverr aren't typically looking for professional-level freelancers, so it can be a great place for those starting out to get some projects to build a portfolio. Once you do, move over to Upwork where the pay is better!

Best Sites Like Craigslist for Housing

Today's housing platforms offer verified listings, detailed photos, virtual tours, built-in lease signing, rent payment systems, and community reviews that help you avoid bad landlords and unsafe situations—protections Craigslist never provided.

#14. Zillow

Quick summary: Zillow is the go-to platform for buying and selling homes online, offering broad exposure, verified agent listings, and useful price data. Most buyers and sellers in the U.S. rely on sites like Zillow—not Craigslist—which is rarely used outside unique situations like private cash sales or unconventional properties.​

Best for: Nearly anyone buying or selling a home should start with Zillow for visibility and trusted information. Craigslist can work for rare, DIY deals, but comes with major risks like low visibility and potential scams.​

Pro tip: List with an agent or use Zillow's FSBO features for best results; only consider Craigslist when you have a special situation or want to market to cash buyers.

#15. Apartments.com

Quick summary: Apartments.com is one of the largest rental platforms in the U.S., offering millions of apartment, condo, and home listings. The site features advanced filters for price, amenities, lease terms, and building reviews, letting renters efficiently match on-the-ground needs with high-quality photos and virtual tours.

Best for: Renters looking for reliable, up-to-date apartment information and a streamlined way to apply, sign leases, and even pay rent online. The platform is especially popular among those moving to new cities or seeking specific amenities.​

Pro tip: Use Apartments.com's filtering tools to narrow choices and schedule in-person or virtual tours before signing. Always read the lease closely, ask what utilities and fees are included, and check parking and neighborhood reviews if possible.

#16. Facebook Groups and Marketplace

Quick summary: Many cities have dedicated Facebook groups for finding roommates, sublets, and rooms for rent—like “Chicago Roommates” or “Chicago Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets.” These groups connect users looking for available rooms with those seeking new roommates, and posts are often vetted or organized around specific neighborhoods or interests.​

Best for: Renters seeking flexible options, individual rooms, or short-term sublets. These groups are especially popular for newcomers, students, and anyone open to sharing housing to reduce costs.

Pro tip: Browse local Facebook Marketplace for apartments, homes, and room rentals. Listings range from private landlords to short-term arrangements. To improve results, join active local groups, introduce yourself with details and preferences.​

Craigslist Alternative for Buying and Selling Cars

Craigslist still sees some niche activity for buying and selling used cars, especially with private sellers and unique vehicles, but the online marketplace has shifted toward platforms like Facebook Marketplace, CarGurus, Autotrader, and specialty sites.

Craigslist appeals more to older users, while younger people tend to use Facebook Marketplace for local deals.

Here are some options to consider:

#17. Facebook Marketplace

Quick summary: Facebook Marketplace is widely used for local car sales by private sellers and buyers. It's free, easy to use, and leverages social connections for trust, but users warn about scam risks and lowball offers.

Best for: Sellers looking for quick, no-cost local sales and buyers interested in private party deals without dealership markup.

Pro tip: Always vet potential buyers/sellers carefully, meet in public safe places, and be prepared for negotiation and some lowball offers.

#18. AutoTrader

Quick summary: AutoTrader features an extensive dealer-heavy inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned cars, supported by robust search tools and dealer services including instant cash offers.

Best for: Buyers and sellers who prioritize dealer-backed transactions, comprehensive vehicle information, and are comfortable with a more formal, professional buying or selling process.

Pro tip: Use AutoTrader to access dealer promotions, certified vehicles, and to get instant cash offer quotes to simplify selling.

#19. Cars.com

Quick summary: Cars.com focuses on a mix of dealer and private-party listings, often with more budget-friendly and older vehicles than AutoTrader. It offers solid browsing tools tailored for deal-seeking buyers.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers looking for good deals, and sellers wanting more exposure to private buyers as well as dealers.

Pro tip: Pair your search with AutoTrader listings for a broader market view, especially if you want to compare prices on similar vehicles.

Best Craigslist Alternatives for Finding Local Services

Craigslist offers no vetting, reviews, or payment protection when hiring service providers, making it difficult to verify if you're hiring a legitimate professional or risking a scam. The platforms below provide background checks, customer ratings, and secure payment systems that Craigslist simply doesn't offer.

#20. Thumbtack

Quick summary: Thumbtack connects customers with local professionals for home services and projects. You describe your job, and interested pros send you personalized quotes that you can compare before hiring. The platform focuses on skilled professionals, many of whom are licensed, insured, and running established businesses.

Best for: Complex or ongoing projects like home renovations, plumbing, electrical work, painting, weekly lawn care, or event planning. Thumbtack works best when you need a professional with specific expertise, want to compare multiple quotes, and have time to evaluate your options before committing.

Pro tip: Write a detailed project description upfront to get accurate quotes. Vague requests like “need plumbing help” attract low-quality responses, while specific details (“replace kitchen faucet and fix leaking pipe under sink”) help serious pros give realistic estimates. Then compare quotes not just on price, but on response time, communication quality, and whether they ask clarifying questions—pros who engage thoughtfully upfront are more likely to do quality work.

#21. TaskRabbit

Quick summary: TaskRabbit is the “Uber of services”—a mobile-first platform connecting customers with local Taskers for quick, same-day jobs. The barrier to entry is lower than Thumbtack: anyone can become a Tasker after passing a background check, and the focus is on speed and convenience over professional credentials.

Best for: One-off tasks that need to be done quickly: furniture assembly, TV mounting, small repairs, moving help, or cleaning. TaskRabbit shines when you need someone today, not next week, and the job doesn't require licensing or specialized expertise.

Pro tip: Ask yourself one question: “Is this a quick task or a bigger project?” Use TaskRabbit for same-day furniture assembly or hanging pictures—jobs where speed matters more than professional credentials. Use Thumbtack for anything that involves your home's systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), requires permits, or is an ongoing project where you want to compare quotes from licensed professionals. Many Thumbtack pros carry insurance and proper licensing; most Taskers don't. Also note that TaskRabbit's fees can add 35% to your total cost (service fee + trust & support fee), so factor that in when comparing prices between platforms.

Today, you can easily find local groups, activities, and happenings through sites designed specifically for building real communities — not just posting ads.

Whether you're looking to meet new people, join a hobby group, or discover what's happening in your city this weekend, these platforms make it easy to connect both online and in person.

#22. Meetup

Meetup is a site and mobile app used to organize in-person events for people with similar interests. Depending on your location, you can find dozens of Meetup groups for everything from outdoor yoga to cooking clubs to home brewing groups.

Meetup is especially useful for professional networking, as it's one of the main ways local professional and civic organizations coordinate and advertise meetings and events. If you're looking to get involved in local government or volunteer organizations, this is where to start.

Also, while it's not a dating site per se, it is one of the best ways to increase the size of your social network. That makes it a great place to meet like-minded people without the pressure of a site like Tinder or POF.

#23. Reddit

Reddit is a social media platform comprised of mini-sites called subreddits.

There's a subreddit for almost everything in the world (from cute cats to simple explanations of complicated topics), and there are also city-based subreddits — which are a great resource for local area news and event notifications.

Related: How to Make Money on Reddit.

#24. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is an event management platform used by organizers to sell tickets, RSVPs and reservations, as well as for paperless ticketing (just show a barcode on your phone to get into an event).

However, it's so widely used that it's also a great local event search engine: the app has tons of listings across a range of categories, from plays to music events to art openings.

You'll find a mix of big, professionally-organized events (like concerts) and small events (like a group of friends putting on a comedy show).

The best part? Many of the events are 100% free.  

#25. Bandsintown

If U2 is coming to your city, chances are you've heard about the show. But if you're a fan of more obscure bands and musicians, it can be hard to keep track of their tour schedules.

If you've ever had the sinking feeling of learning that one of your favorite artists was in town just a couple of days ago, then you'll appreciate Bandsintown.

The free site and app lets you see all the concerts in whatever area you specify on a day-by-day basis, and virtually all concerts (big and tiny) are listed.

You can also track your favorite musicians and see their local show dates in a separate part of the app, which helps make sure you never miss them. Plus, you can get emails and/or notifications when they (or a similar band you might like) are playing locally.

In some ways, this provides a similar function as Eventbrite. But it's solely focused on music, and it has a more complete listing of the shows in your community. So, the two apps complement each other nicely.

Alternatives to Craigslist: Final Thoughts

Many people have a soft spot for Craigslist, the classified website that revolutionized peer-to-peer transactions. It helped wean us off the weekend print edition of Penny Saver and acclimated us to the online economy.

For a long time it was the best way to sell your old stuff, find good jobs to apply for, or nice apartments to rent.

But times change, and it's no longer the best option in every case.

There are many Craigslist alternatives that are super high-tech in comparison, and which offer a better and safer overall experience — whether you're selling old stuff online or looking for lucrative side income.