If you want a quick answer, yes, there are plenty of solid flippa alternatives where you can buy passive income sites without dealing with endless auctions and flaky sellers. Some are curated brokerages, some are private marketplaces, and some even sell ready made sites that are already earning, so you skip the setup part completely.
Flippa is big and popular, but it can be noisy. You get a mix of great deals, total junk, and everything in between. That is not always bad, but it can be tiring. So if you want better filters, more serious sellers, or just a different style of deal flow, looking beyond Flippa is a smart move.
I will walk through 11 alternatives, how they work, what kind of sites they focus on, and who they are best for. I will also point out a few traps I have seen people fall into when buying “passive” sites, because that word gets abused a lot.
What to look for before you leave Flippa
Before talking platforms, it helps to be clear about what you actually want.
Do you want:
- a vetted online business with real profit history, or
- a cheap starter site you can grow, or
- a completely done-for-you setup that claims to be passive?
Those are very different things. Some platforms focus on serious investors who want 4 or 5 figure monthly profit. Others focus on starter or “turnkey” builds under 2,000 dollars. If you mix those up, you either overpay for a toy or waste time if you only have a small budget.
Passive income is rarely 100 percent passive. What you are usually buying is a system that needs light but steady attention.
So as you read through these options, keep your budget, your risk tolerance, and your free time in mind. A site that makes 1,000 dollars a month but needs 1 to 2 hours a week is very different from a site that needs daily work.
1. Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers is one of the biggest curated marketplaces for established online businesses. They are closer to a traditional broker than an auction site.
What you get
- Sites are vetted. They verify revenue and traffic.
- Most listings are already profitable.
- Includes content sites, SaaS, ecommerce, FBA, and more.
- They handle migration for you.
The buy-in is higher than on Flippa. Many deals start at mid 5 figures and go up fast. You will rarely see cheap starter sites here.
For passive income buyers, the most relevant listings are:
- content or blog style sites with display ads
- affiliate sites that earn from Amazon, digital products, or programs like ShareASale
- simple ecommerce with strong organic traffic and minimal operations
One thing I like about Empire Flippers is that they show earnings history in a standard format, so you can compare deals more easily.
The main drawback is competition. Good listings can get reserved very quickly, and their deposit system turns away tire kickers but also adds a bit of friction when you are just getting started.
2. FE International
FE International behaves much more like a classic M&A broker. They focus on larger deals, so if you want a 1,000 dollar starter site, this is not for you.
Best for
- buyers with mid to high 6 figure budgets
- acquisitions of established SaaS, content, or ecommerce assets
- people who want a structured process and are ready to move slowly and carefully
The process here is more formal. You will likely sign NDAs, talk directly with advisors, and go through due diligence that feels closer to buying a small offline business.
From a passive angle, FE International is strong for content and affiliate sites that already have teams in place. Some buyers keep the team or hire a manager so the owner role stays light.
Downside: not beginner friendly, and the deal size makes mistakes painful. If you are still learning what you want, this might be a later step rather than your first stop after Flippa.
3. Motion Invest
Motion Invest is more niche. They focus mainly on content and affiliate sites, often in the 3,000 to 50,000 dollar range.
Why people like it
- Listings are focused on content sites, not every business model on earth.
- They buy some sites themselves, so sometimes you buy directly from Motion Invest.
- They show traffic and earnings history in a simple layout.
If your goal is to buy a small site and grow it, this place feels more accessible than some of the big brokers. A site making 100 to 500 dollars per month from display ads or Amazon is pretty normal here.
The risk is that smaller sites are more fragile. A Google update can hurt them quickly. That is not specific to Motion Invest; it is just the nature of small content sites.
I think Motion Invest sits somewhere between Flippa auctions and the high end brokers. Less chaos than Flippa, but without the strict high price barrier of FE International.
4. Investors Club
Investors Club is a private marketplace for content and affiliate sites. It requires membership, but the idea is to keep both sides a bit more serious.
Key features
- Vetted listings with data and commentary on risk.
- Focus on sites that already earn.
- Fee structure is a bit more buyer friendly than some brokers.
A nice detail is their reports. They break down where traffic comes from, what the top pages are, and how earnings are spread. That matters when you want passive income, because a site with one key page is more fragile than a site where revenue comes from many pages.
When you look at any listing, ask yourself: If one traffic source dropped by half, what would happen to earnings?
Investors Club is not huge in volume compared to Flippa, but the quality is usually higher. You will still see risk, but it is easier to understand what you are buying.
5. Quiet Light
Quiet Light is another brokerage with a strong focus on mature businesses. They tend to showcase ecommerce, content, SaaS, agencies, and similar models.
Good fit if you
- have a 100,000 dollars plus budget
- want something with a real operating history and clean books
- are open to hiring or keeping staff so you can stay more hands off
You will find content and affiliate sites, but they are often more complex, sometimes with email lists, info products, or multiple revenue channels. Which can be great, but also takes more thought to run, even passively.
Quiet Light advisors tend to be former founders. That can help, because they see through fluffy claims. Although you still have to do your own homework.
6. MicroAcquire (now Acquire.com)
MicroAcquire, now called Acquire.com, grew fast by matching startup owners with buyers, often without heavy broker fees.
What you can buy here
- SaaS projects
- apps
- micro businesses with recurring revenue
Is that passive? It depends on your skill set. Some SaaS tools are stable, with low churn and minimal support. Others need frequent updates and hands-on work.
For someone with a technical background or access to a dev, this platform can be interesting. You can buy small recurring-income projects and simplify or focus them.
The main downside: quality is mixed. Some projects are side experiments with almost no revenue. Some are healthy but underpriced because the founder is tired. You need to filter heavily and ask direct questions.
7. Onfolio
Onfolio is a bit different. They both acquire and operate online businesses and invite investors, and they also occasionally sell sites. Think of them as an operator and asset manager wrapped into one company.
Why it matters for “passive”
- You can sometimes buy into a site or portfolio and let their team run it.
- They usually focus on content and digital product sites.
- They are very open about risk, which I personally appreciate.
This is more like buying into a fund than scrolling a marketplace. So, yes, you might give up some control, but you also give up the need to manage writers, SEO, and content updates.
This path fits people who want exposure to online businesses but do not want to be the operator. Though you should still read all documents carefully and treat it like any other investment.
8. Private website brokerages and boutique firms
Outside the big names, there are many smaller brokers who handle a few deals at a time. Some are one-person operations. Some are small teams.
What they often offer
- Closer relationships and more direct communication with the broker
- Sometimes better deal flow, because sellers want quiet and privacy
- Niche expertise, for example only ecommerce, or only content sites
The challenge is trust. With a small brokerage, you need to check:
- track record and past deals
- how they verify seller claims
- how they handle escrow and migration
You can find these firms through simple searches, forums, or referrals. Names change over time, but the pattern is the same: fewer listings than Flippa, but often better curation, especially when the broker is picky about who they take on.
9. Turnkey and ready made affiliate sites
This group covers sellers that build and sell pre made affiliate websites or “done for you” sites. The pitch is simple: you buy a site with content, design, tracking, and sometimes even starter traffic or links already in place.
Some common categories:
- niche sites for sale in specific topics like pets, fitness, finance
- turnkey affiliate websites focused on programs such as Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or other networks
- pre built affiliate websites with product reviews and comparison content
- passive income websites for sale that claim you only need to “check in” sometimes
The honest part of this: a lot of buyers like the idea of skipping the setup phase. Domain registration, hosting, WordPress, theme, plugins, basic content, all of that can feel boring. So they are happy to pay someone to get past that.
The tricky part is that not every “done for you” offer includes real traffic or revenue. Some are just nice looking shells. They might still be worth buying if the price is low, but they are not really passive income yet. You still have to rank pages, do SEO, and improve content.
Always separate “ready made” from “proven.” A new site can be ready, but only an established one is proven.
When you look at ready made affiliate websites, ask for:
- current traffic stats and sources
- any revenue history, even small amounts
- information about content quality and originality
Used well, these sites can save time. You start from a base instead of a blank page. Just do not assume they are money machines out of the box.
10. Turnkey ecommerce and dropshipping sites
Another big part of the Flippa alternatives world is turnkey ecommerce websites for sale and turnkey dropshipping websites. People like the idea of owning an online store without touching inventory.
Common models
- Shopify or WooCommerce stores with products imported from AliExpress or similar sources
- Print-on-demand stores for shirts, mugs, and other custom items
- Hybrid models with both dropshipping and some stock items
These can be passive if you have systems:
- automated order routing
- VA handling support tickets
- ad campaigns that do not need daily tweaks
But there are risks. Supplier issues, shipping delays, ad costs rising, and chargebacks all add friction. So if you want something as passive as possible, choose stores with:
- organic traffic
- email list sales
- low refund rates
Also, check whether the “turnkey” store is unique. Some sellers resell the same store template to dozens of buyers, so you end up competing with clones.
11. Direct deals: buying from owners without a marketplace
The last alternative is not a platform at all. You can approach site owners directly and make offers. This takes more effort, but the upside can be huge.
How people find direct deals
- Search Google for niche keywords and reach out to smaller sites in the results.
- Look at affiliate or content sites you already know and like.
- Connect with owners through communities and ask casually if they have ever thought about selling.
Direct deals come with no platform fee, but also no built-in protections. You handle:
- valuation
- due diligence
- escrow and payment structure
- domain and asset transfer
For passive buyers, buying a quiet but steady niche site directly can be one of the best moves. The owner might be tired of writing content or growing the project and happy to get a fair lump sum.
You just need to be patient and clear about your criteria. You will get many “no” answers for every “maybe.”
Comparing options: quick overview
This simple table condenses how these alternatives differ in price range, vetting, and passiveness.
| Platform / Path | Typical Price Range | Vetting Level | Best For | Passive Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Flippers | 50,000 to 2,000,000 dollars | High | Serious buyers of content, FBA, ecommerce | Medium to high with good delegation |
| FE International | 100,000 to 10,000,000 dollars | Very high | Investors and operators buying large assets | Medium to high with teams |
| Motion Invest | 3,000 to 50,000 dollars | Moderate to high | Buyers of small content and affiliate sites | Medium, but more fragile |
| Investors Club | 10,000 to 500,000 dollars | High | Content and affiliate site investors | Medium to high with systems |
| Quiet Light | 100,000 to 10,000,000 dollars | Very high | Mature online business acquisitions | Medium to high, often with staff |
| Acquire.com | 5,000 to 2,000,000 dollars | Mixed | SaaS and app buyers | Low to high, depends on product |
| Onfolio / Operators | Varies by deal | High on their own buys | Hands off investors | High, but lower control |
| Boutique brokers | 20,000 to 3,000,000 dollars | Varies by firm | Niche buyers | Medium to high |
| Turnkey affiliate sites | 500 to 20,000 dollars | Low to moderate | Beginners and time-poor buyers | Low at first, can grow to medium |
| Turnkey ecommerce | 1,000 to 50,000 dollars | Low to moderate | Store owners, dropshippers | Low to medium, needs systems |
| Direct deals | 1,000 to 2,000,000 dollars | Your due diligence only | Proactive buyers | Medium to high, if you choose well |
How to decide which Flippa alternative makes sense for you
I do not think there is one “best” platform. There is just a better or worse fit for the stage you are in.
Ask yourself a few hard questions
- How much capital can you afford to lose without it ruining you?
- How many hours per week can you put into the business?
- Do you enjoy content, tech, operations, or something else?
- Are you patient enough to wait for the right deal, or are you tempted by every shiny listing?
If your budget is under 10,000 dollars and you want something as passive as possible, a small content or affiliate site is probably more realistic than a complex ecommerce store. A simple site that earns from ads and a few affiliate links is easier to manage than a store with logistics.
If your budget is 100,000 dollars plus, a curated brokerage or a portfolio operator can make more sense. You get better vetting and often better support. You might even skip day to day operations entirely.
The worst mix is a big, complex business and a buyer who only wants to spend one hour a week on it.
Whatever you choose, try to match the size of the business to your attention span and your willingness to learn.
Common mistakes when buying passive income sites
Before wrapping up, it is worth calling out a few mistakes that keep repeating in this space. I have seen these in forums and in real conversations with buyers.
1. Believing “set and forget” promises
If a listing claims you never have to touch it, be suspicious. Algorithms change. Affiliate programs change terms. Hosts have issues. Something always needs at least a bit of oversight.
2. Ignoring concentration risk
Many sites earn 80 percent or more from one page, one product, or one traffic source. That is not always bad, but you need to know it. If one Google keyword drop can cut earnings by half, you should price that risk in.
3. Skipping your own due diligence because the platform is “trusted”
Even the best brokers can miss things. Always:
- ask for read-only analytics access
- confirm revenue through screenshots or direct access
- look for unnatural traffic spikes or sudden earnings jumps
4. Buying something you do not understand
If you hate SEO, buying a content site might frustrate you. If you know nothing about ads, a paid traffic ecommerce store might drain your budget fast. Try to buy in a model where you at least like the work, even if you plan to delegate later.
Q & A: Quick answers before you start shopping
Are Flippa alternatives safer than Flippa?
Some of them are safer, mainly because they vet listings and filter out hobby projects. But no platform removes risk. Flippa gives you volume and cheaper deals. Brokers give you more filtering but higher prices. You still need to check each site carefully.
Can you really buy passive income?
You can buy cash flow that exists without you doing the work that created it. That is close to passive. But you still need to monitor, maintain, and adapt. Think of it as low-touch income instead of completely hands off.
What is a realistic budget for a beginner?
Many people start between 3,000 and 30,000 dollars. Under 3,000 dollars, you are often buying either a starter site or a small project that might not survive a big algorithm change. Above 30,000 dollars, you can find more stable assets, but mistakes are more painful.
Should I start my own site instead of buying?
Starting your own site costs less money and more time. Buying a site costs more money and saves time. If you enjoy building and you are patient, building can be smart. If you want to skip the slow zero to first dollar phase, buying can be faster. Both paths work; they just trade time for money in different ways.
What is the single most important thing to check before buying?
If I had to pick one, I would say: verify the earnings and understand where they come from. Traffic without revenue is not income. Revenue without a clear source is unstable. Once you know exactly how the money is made, you can judge if it suits the kind of “passive” business you want to own.
