Facebook Marketplace vs Craigslist: Which Is Better?

For decades, Craigslist was the undisputed king of local classifieds. Then Facebook Marketplace arrived in 2016, and everything changed. Today, both platforms have hundreds of millions of users, but they serve buyers and sellers quite differently.

So which platform should you use? The answer depends on what you're buying or selling, how much risk you're willing to take, and what kind of experience you prefer.

Quick Comparison

Audience & Reach

Facebook Marketplace has a significant advantage in raw numbers. With over 1 billion monthly users, it dwarfs Craigslist's approximately 250 million. More eyeballs mean faster sales and more options for buyers.

But numbers aren't everything. Craigslist users tend to be more serious, experienced buyers. They know exactly what they're looking for and how to negotiate. Facebook Marketplace attracts more casual browsers, which can mean more tire-kickers but also more impulse purchases.

Safety & Trust

This is where Facebook Marketplace pulls ahead significantly. Every seller has a real Facebook profile you can examine—their friends, their history, their other listings. This transparency makes scams harder to pull off.

Craigslist's anonymity was once a feature; now it's often a bug. Without identity verification, scammers can create unlimited fake listings. You have no way to vet a seller before meeting them.

Ease of Use

Facebook Marketplace wins on user experience. Creating a listing takes about 60 seconds—snap some photos, add a description, set a price, and you're live. The interface is modern, mobile-first, and intuitive.

Craigslist feels like it hasn't been updated since 2005 (because it largely hasn't). The interface is utilitarian, the mobile experience is clunky, and creating listings requires more effort. That said, some users prefer Craigslist's no-nonsense approach—no algorithms, no notifications, just straightforward classifieds.

For sellers, Facebook Marketplace also offers the advantage of built-in messaging through Messenger. Communication stays organized in one place. Craigslist uses an email relay system that can feel disjointed and often ends up in spam folders.

Deal Quality: Where to Find Better Prices

Here's where Craigslist still holds an edge for savvy buyers. Because Craigslist attracts more experienced sellers and buyers, prices tend to be more realistic. Sellers know the market value and price accordingly.

Facebook Marketplace is flooded with casual sellers who either price too high (because they're emotionally attached) or too low (because they don't research). This creates more variance—you'll find great deals, but you'll also wade through more overpriced listings.

For buyers willing to do the research, Facebook Marketplace's wider selection and occasional uninformed seller can lead to better deals. For sellers, Craigslist buyers are often more serious and less likely to ghost you.

Best For Each Category

Final Verdict

Facebook Marketplace is the better choice for most casual users. The combination of massive reach, identity verification, built-in messaging, and mobile-friendly design makes it the default choice for buying and selling locally in 2024.

That said, Craigslist still has its place. If you value anonymity, prefer a no-frills experience, or are looking for jobs, housing, or services, Craigslist remains a solid option. And for experienced buyers hunting specific items, Craigslist's more serious user base can mean less time wasted on flaky sellers.

The best strategy? Use both. List items on both platforms to maximize exposure, and search both when you're buying. Just be sure to follow safety best practices on whichever platform you choose.

Key Takeaways

Facebook Marketplace beats Craigslist for most buying and selling thanks to its larger audience, better safety features, and more modern experience. Craigslist still excels for housing, jobs, and privacy-conscious users. Smart shoppers use both platforms and apply proper safety precautions regardless of where they transact.