What are some apps like Craigslist?

Alternative Apps
1

I’m looking for alternatives to Craigslist for buying, selling, and finding services. I’ve had mixed experiences on Craigslist and want to try other platforms. What apps do you recommend that are similar?

2

  1. Facebook Marketplace
    Homepage Link: https://facebook.com/marketplace

    Pros:

    • Vast user base ensures many buying and selling opportunities.
    • Easy to use as it’s integrated with your Facebook account—profile validation adds a layer of trust.
    • Local-focused approach and responsive messaging system.

    Cons:

    • Messaging happens via Facebook Messenger, so some users find buyers/sellers unresponsive.
    • Little to no buyer or seller protection in place.
    • Spam and scam profiles are still prevalent.

    Features:

    • Filter by location, price, condition, and more.
    • Integrated shipping options for certain items.
    • Public “viewable profile” for transparency on seller or buyer activity.

    User Reviews:
    Most users appreciate the convenience and the variety of items available. However, many complain about inconsistent communication from sellers and ambiguous item quality.

    Verdict:
    A solid Craigslist alternative for local trades but ensure proper vetting of deals and profiles yourself.

  1. OfferUp
    Homepage Link: https://offerup.com

    Pros:

    • Secure communication through the app itself.
    • Offers seller ratings for better accountability.
    • Built-in payment systems and shipping options for non-local sales.

    Cons:

    • Heavy focus on mobile means the desktop experience isn’t as polished.
    • Some users report fake profiles and questionable listings.

    Features:

    • ‘Promote’ listings option that boosts your sales.
    • Safe Meetup Spots recommended for completing transactions in public areas.
    • Buyer/Seller ratings for transparency.

    User Reviews:
    Very positive overall, especially for local sales. Users love the app’s intuitive design but dislike recurring issues with fraudulent listings.

    Verdict:
    Great for local buying/selling with added security features. Just watch out for scams!

  1. Letgo (now part of OfferUp)
    Homepage Link: https://letgo.com

    Pros:

    • Clean and user-friendly interface.
    • Focus on local trades with geolocation matching.
    • Instant chat features for quick negotiations.

    Cons:

    • Integrated with OfferUp, diminishing its standalone identity.
    • Slightly fewer category options compared to Craigslist.

    Features:

    • Listing suggestions based on geolocation and browsing history.
    • Image recognition to automatically suggest item categories.

    User Reviews:
    Mostly positive for simplicity and convenience until merged with OfferUp. Many appreciated its quick and smooth local marketplace approach.

    Verdict:
    Although absorbed into OfferUp, it still functions excellently under the joint model for local buying/selling.

  1. Nextdoor
    Homepage Link: https://nextdoor.com

    Pros:

    • Hyper-localized community focus.
    • Features beyond buying/selling, from local news to events.
    • Fewer spammy listings compared to Craigslist due to its private community structure.

    Cons:

    • Limited reach outside your chosen neighborhood.
    • Not as strong for online sales or distant trades.

    Features:

    • Local listings of goods, free items, services, and recommendations.
    • Real identity verification for added security.

    User Reviews:
    Users like the community-centric vibe but admit it’s not ideal for high-volume buying or selling. Most appreciate the safe space it provides for connecting with neighbors.

    Verdict:
    Perfect for neighborhood-specific sales, but don’t expect the variety seen on nationwide platforms.

  1. eBay Classifieds (Kijiji)
    Homepage Link: https://www.kijiji.ca/

    Pros:

    • Combines the reach of eBay with a user-friendly classified ad approach.
    • Strong presence in Canada but also serves other markets.
    • Buyer and seller reviews to identify trustworthy profiles.

    Cons:

    • Not widely used in areas dominated by Craigslist.
    • Local restrictions on exposure depending on your region.

    Features:

    • Advanced search filters.
    • Seller and buyer ratings.
    • Options for both shipping and local pickup sales.

    User Reviews:
    Canadian users swear by this app due to its reliability. However, users outside stronger regions like Canada or Germany feel its popularity pales against bigger competitors.

    Verdict:
    A Craigslist alternative worth considering, especially in Kijiji-dominant regions like Canada.

  1. 5miles
    Homepage Link: https://5milesapp.com/

    Pros:

    • Easy to browse items and services in your local area.
    • Includes a job board, housing rentals, and services beyond stuff for sale.
    • Phone and email verification adds a layer of trust.

    Cons:

    • Smaller reach compared to other apps.
    • Complaints about outdated or overly promoted listings.

    Features:

    • Built-in negotiation tools.
    • Verified user badges to prevent scam profiles.
    • “Live” marketplace auctions within the app.

    User Reviews:
    Users mention its simplicity to navigate but notice fraudulent sellers slipping through the cracks. Others enjoy niche listing options not found on other platforms.

    Verdict:
    Best for hyperlocal exchanges in smaller cities, but it doesn’t quite stack up against larger marketplaces.

  1. Wallapop
    Homepage Link: https://wallapop.com

    Pros:

    • Excellent for European users looking for a highly local marketplace.
    • Simple, modern interface.
    • Direct communication via chat within the app.

    Cons:

    • Smaller footprint in North American markets.
    • Still affected by fake listings or unverified sellers.

    Features:

    • Maps to locate listings near your area.
    • Excels in specialty or niche market items.

    User Reviews:
    Extremely popular in Spain and surrounding countries. North American users report slower success due to limited user adoption.

    Verdict:
    Amazing for localized buying/selling in Europe, but less so for U.S. users.

  1. VarageSale
    Homepage Link: https://varagesale.com

    Pros:

    • Moderated community groups that enhance user trust.
    • Family-friendly with vetting processes for all members.
    • Geographically targeted for hyperlocal buying and selling.

    Cons:

    • Requires signup approval that delays entry to local groups.
    • Not as large or diverse listings compared to Craigslist.

    Features:

    • Verified profile feature for more confidence in transactions.
    • Moderation team actively filters out bad actors.

    User Reviews:
    Highly praised for its safe, parent-friendly atmosphere. But some buyers/sellers feel restricted by the slower signup process.

    Verdict:
    A safer, more tightly-knit alternative—perfect for worry-free local trades.

  1. Preloved
    Homepage Link: https://www.preloved.co.uk

    Pros:

    • Focus on second-hand goods at affordable prices.
    • Strong presence in the UK market.
    • No auction-style bids—transactions are direct like Craigslist.

    Cons:

    • Limited functionality in regions outside the UK.
    • Older-style UX compared to modern apps.

    Features:

    • Pet and animal sales listings.
    • Premium membership for broader access to listings.

    User Reviews:
    UK users find it great for pre-owned goods and pet sales. However, international users complain about poor visibility.

    Verdict:
    Better suited for UK residents, particularly if buying second-hand items cheaply.

  1. Shpock
    Homepage Link: https://shpock.com

Pros:

  • Strong for mobile-first design.
  • Features buyer protection for online sales.
  • Clean, Instagram-like display of listings.

Cons:

  • Listings are sometimes not as diverse as larger platforms.
  • Payment protection often involves extra fees.

Features:

  • “Pay and Ship” option to secure buyer/seller transactions.
  • Modern design and effortless navigation.

User Reviews:
European users appreciate its reliability and clean interface. U.S. users note fewer local listings compared to places like OfferUp.

Verdict:
Good for European markets—it’s worth trying but keep expectations realistic.