Craigslist alternatives are other sites and apps for local classified ads, where people sell secondhand items, find jobs, rent rooms and swap things nearby. Neighbourhood apps suit local sales between people who live close by, classified sites suit cars, jobs and property, and auction sites suit items you'd post anywhere. Pick by what you're selling and who needs to see it.
Craigslist has been the go-to for local ads for years, but it can feel dated, and in some areas the ads have dried up. If nobody's replying to your listing, a different site might bring the buyers.
Here are ten Craigslist alternatives, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Some are apps built for selling to neighbours, some are classified ad sites covering many cities, and a couple are popular outside the US.
The right one depends on what you're selling and where. A sofa sells best to people nearby, while a collectable might find a buyer anywhere in the country.
Whichever you choose, the biggest risk isn't the site. It's the moment you meet a stranger to hand over an item, so read the next section before you arrange a meet-up.
Craigslist alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the site's own pages or its app store listing describe free access or a free download, and No means neither is stated there. Each site has its own rules for posting, so read them before you list anything.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClassifiedAds.com | Classified ad site | Free ads across many categories | Yes |
| eBay | Online auction and shopping site | Items you'd ship anywhere | Yes |
| Geebo | Classified ad site | Jobs, homes and cars in the US | Yes |
| Gumtree | Classified ad site | Local ads in the UK | Yes |
| Hoobly | Classified ad site | Local listings by city | No |
| Kijiji | Classified ad site | Local ads in Canada | Yes |
| Locanto | Classified ad site | Free classified ads by city | Yes |
| Nextdoor | Neighbourhood app | Selling to neighbours | Yes |
| OfferUp | Local buy and sell app | Selling locally from your phone | Yes |
| Oodle | Classified ad site | Browsing listings across categories | No |
Ten Craigslist alternatives for local ads
ClassifiedAds.com
Best for: Sellers who want to post a free ad in categories from cars to jobs and housing.
eBay
Best for: Sellers with collectables or items worth shipping who want buyers well beyond their town.
Geebo
Best for: People in the US looking for jobs, apartments, homes and cars in one place.
Gumtree
Best for: Buyers and sellers in the UK who want a well-known local classified ad site.
Hoobly
Best for: People browsing local classified ads by city across the US.
Kijiji
Best for: Buyers and sellers in Canada who want local ads, free stuff and swaps.
Locanto
Best for: Sellers who want free classified ads organised by city and category.
Nextdoor
Best for: People who'd rather sell or give things away to neighbours in their own area.
OfferUp
Best for: Sellers who want to snap a photo, post an item and sell to someone nearby quickly.
Oodle
Best for: Buyers who like browsing listings across categories, from tools to furniture.
The safety rules for meeting a buyer
Craigslist's own safety page gives advice that applies on every site here. When you're meeting someone for the first time, it says to insist on a public meeting place like a bank or police department, and notes that some police departments have buy and sell areas set aside for meeting.
It also says not to meet in a secluded place or invite strangers into your home, to be especially careful with high value items, and to tell a friend or family member where you're going. Those few habits matter more than which site you use.
Picking the right site for your item
- Bulky items: local apps and neighbourhood sites, so buyers can collect.
- Cars and property: classified sites with dedicated categories.
- Collectables: sites with a national audience and shipping.
- Free stuff: neighbourhood apps are perfect for giving things away.
- Country: some sites are strongest in the UK or Canada.
Writing a listing that sells
- Take clear photos in daylight from several angles.
- Write an honest title with the brand, item and condition.
- Describe any marks or faults so there are no surprises.
- Say when and where you're happy to meet, in public.
- Reply quickly and keep the conversation on the site's messages.
Selling beyond your neighbourhood
Once you've cleared out the spare room, you might catch the selling bug. If you'd like to sell to a far bigger audience, here's how to sell on Amazon and what it involves.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
And if you run a local business, the same neighbourhood apps can bring you customers too. My guide to hyperlocal marketing explains how.
Do you make local buying and selling apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on selling locally
List on the site where your buyers already are. For furniture, that's usually a local app. For a rare collectable, it's a site with a much wider reach.
And keep it safe. Meet in public, bring a friend for anything valuable and never let a stranger rush you. A good buyer will happily wait for a sensible meeting place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Craigslist?
It depends on what you're selling. Local apps suit bulky items, and classified sites suit cars, jobs and homes.
Where can I sell things locally for free?
Many local apps and classified sites let you post ads free.
Is it safe to buy and sell on classified sites?
It's safer if you meet in a public place, like a bank or police station, and tell someone where you're going.
Where should I meet a buyer?
In a busy public place. Some police departments have areas set aside for buying and selling.
Which site is best for selling furniture?
Local apps and neighbourhood sites work well because buyers can collect nearby.
Can I sell to people outside my town?
Yes, on sites that support shipping and reach a national audience.
Are there Craigslist alternatives in the UK?
Yes. Some classified sites on this list are popular in the UK.
Are there Craigslist alternatives in Canada?
Yes. At least one site on this list focuses on local ads in Canada.
How do I avoid scams when selling?
Meet in person, keep messages on the site and be wary of buyers who won't meet.
Can I give things away for free?
Yes. Neighbourhood apps and some classified sites have free stuff sections.
Can I post jobs and rooms for rent?
Some classified sites have categories for jobs and housing.
How do I get more replies to my listing?
Use clear photos, an honest title and reply quickly to messages.
