The best replacement for perlite is vermiculite.

The best alternatives to perlite are rated as following:
★★★★★  vermiculite
★★★  pumice
★  coco
★  lava rock
★  hydroton
★  coco coir
★  vermiculite gardening
★  vermiculite garden
★  peat moss
★  de
  styrofoam
  calcium silicate
  rockwool
  clay pebbles
  diatomaceous earth
  perlite \/ vermiculite
  gypsum
  pearlite
  expanded clay
  grit
  perlite vermiculite

Your alternative for perlite is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about perlite, one probably shouldn't forget about soil.

Other search terms related to perlite and their ratings are:
★★★★★ soil
★★★★★ potting soil
★★★ miracle grow
★ fox farm
★ compost
You have in mind a companion for perlite and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of perlite in all years. Click on graph for more.
perlite
vermiculite
pumice