Free directory software: the options and what free includes.
You can start a business directory with a free WordPress plugin. Each is free to download and runs on hosting you pay for, and each sells add-ons or plans for paid listings, claims and reviews. Here is what each free version includes. Yclas isn't free: it has a 15-day free trial, then a monthly plan with hosting included.
Last checked: 23 October 2026. Facts about other products come from their own websites; the sources are listed at the end of this page.
4 options, and who each one suits.
Year one means what a working site costs in its first year, from each product's own prices. Hosting for self-hosted software depends on the host you choose, so it is left out.
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1
Yclas
A hosted directory and classifieds platform: business data to fill it, paid listing levels, claims, reviews with replies, deals, leads and AI, in 44 languages.
See pricing →Year one 15 days free, then $19 a month for 3 months, then $69 a month Good for Owners who want the directory tools built in rather than bought as add-ons. -
2
Directorist
A WordPress directory plugin with a yearly membership for its extensions, on hosting you run, against a hosted directory platform.
Yclas vs Directorist →Year one $129 + hosting Good for Your site already runs on WordPress and you want the directory inside it. -
3
GeoDirectory
A free WordPress directory plugin; paid listings (Pricing Manager), claims, multi-locations and ratings by criteria are paid add-ons, all in its membership. You run the WordPress hosting. [1]
Year one $139 (membership, 1 site) + hosting Good for A WordPress site that wants a free directory to start with and add-ons later. -
4
Business Directory Plugin
A free WordPress directory plugin that takes real payments, with an extra 3% Stripe fee until you buy a licence; reviews, maps and claims are on its paid plans. [2]
Business Directory Plugin alternative →Year one Free + hosting; plans from $99 the first year Good for A simple directory inside a WordPress site.
What free still costs
- Hosting: a server or WordPress hosting, a domain and SSL, paid every month or year.
- Add-ons: payments, messages, maps and reviews are often paid extensions on top of the free core.
- Time: updates, security fixes and backups are yours to do, or to pay someone for.
What is the best free directory plugin?
Directorist, GeoDirectory and Business Directory Plugin are the most used free directory plugins for WordPress; each sells add-ons or plans for paid listings, claims and reviews.
Is Yclas free?
No. Yclas has a 15-day free trial with no credit card, then plans from $19 a month for 3 months, then $69 a month, with hosting, business data, claims and reviews included.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Prices change: the vendor's own page is always the latest word. If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.
- GeoDirectory vs Brilliant Directories: free core, membership prices, hosting, the SaaS to come
- Business Directory Plugin on WordPress.org: 6.4.29, 10,000+ active installs, Stripe fee in the free plugin
- Yclas pricing
Product names belong to their owners and are used only to identify the products compared. Yclas is not affiliated with them.
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