Head-to-head · Directory Creation And Management Software
Brilliant Directories vs DirectoryEasy
Brilliant Directories leads on 0 checks, DirectoryEasy on 1, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBrilliant Directories · 8.8/10
- Free planonly DirectoryEasy
- Free trialonly Brilliant Directories
- Most featuresDirectoryEasy · 6 of 6
Brilliant Directories scores higher on our rubric for directory creation and management software: 8.8 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
DirectoryEasy offers free plan; Brilliant Directories doesn't.
Brilliant Directories is the better fit for full-featured directory businesses. DirectoryEasy is the better fit for solo operators building small self-hosted directories.
- Brilliant Directories fits best
Full-featured directory businesses
- DirectoryEasy fits best
Solo operators building small self-hosted directories
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Side by side
| Feature | Brilliant Directories 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | DirectoryEasy 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Directory Creation And Management Software | #8 in Directory Creation And Management Software |
| Best for | Full-featured directory businesses | Solo operators building small self-hosted directories |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $40/mo | $199 one-time |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Tickets, Community, Docs | Community |
| Compliance | GDPR, 2FA | GDPR |
| Integrations | 5,000+ integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Brilliant Directories 0/6 · DirectoryEasy 6/6 | ||
| Paid listings | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Listing claims | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Recurring memberships | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Custom listing fields | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Reviews and ratings | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Map search | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Brilliant Directories brings directory listings, membership tools, payments, publishing, and email features together in a hosted website platform. It is aimed at entrepreneurs, associations, agencies, communities, and organizations… Read the review → |
DirectoryEasy is a no-code tool for creating, managing and monetizing online directories. Its small-business fit is clearest for solo operators who want to accept submissions and claims, organize listings with custom fields and categories,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Brilliant Directories — where it wins
- Combines searchable listings, member profiles, and recurring membership payments.
- Supports branded sites with custom domains, themes, and gated content.
- Offers API access, webhooks, and integrations including Stripe and Zapier.
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan; monthly plans start at $40.
- Cloud deployment may not suit teams seeking a self-hosted platform.
- Payment processor fees apply even though the platform fee is 0%.
DirectoryEasy — where it wins
- Free Starter plan supports one directory and up to 1,000 listings
- Claims, reviews, maps and custom listing fields cover core directory needs
- Paid plans add Stripe and PayPal monetization and custom domains
Where it doesn't
- Starter includes a watermark and limits listings to 1,000
- Paid lifetime plans start at $199 one-time
- Support is community-based
- Brilliant Directories8.8/10 · 7-day trial
Build a branded directory business with listings, memberships, payments, and publishing tools.
Visit siteFull verdict → - DirectoryEasy7.5/10 · Free plan
A self-hosted directory builder with listings, maps, reviews and payment tools.
Visit DirectoryEasyFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update