Head-to-head · Business Directories
Hotfrog vs Brownbook
Hotfrog leads on 0 checks, Brownbook on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHotfrog · 7.8/10
- Free planboth
Hotfrog scores higher on our rubric for business directories: 7.8 against 7.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #15 and #23.
On listing submission, Hotfrog gives you Both where Brownbook offers Free.
Hotfrog is the better fit for simple business profile management. Brownbook is the better fit for free global business listings.
- Hotfrog fits best
Simple business profile management
- Brownbook fits best
Free global business listings
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Side by side
| Feature | Hotfrog 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | Brownbook 7.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.0 |
| Ranking | #15 in Business Directories | #23 in Business Directories |
| Best for | Simple business profile management | Free global business listings |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Features Hotfrog 3/4 · Brownbook 3/4 | ||
| Claim listing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reviews on profiles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Verified profiles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Listing submission | Both | Free |
| Audience focus | Local | Local |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Hotfrog is a web-based business directory for local companies and services. Businesses can create and manage profiles with contact information, descriptions, websites, social links, opening hours, logos, images, coupons, and special… Read the review → |
Brownbook is a global online business directory for people discovering businesses and for organizations managing their public listings. Visitors can search by business type or name and city, while businesses can add new listings for free… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Hotfrog — where it wins
- Free profiles include contact details, images, and coupons
- Supports ownership claims, verification, reviews, and special offers
- Bulk uploads and API publishing support larger listing workflows
Where it doesn't
- Platform coverage is limited to the web
- Paid advertising adds complexity beyond basic profile management
- AdVantage pricing is not presented in the published plans
Brownbook — where it wins
- Free listing submission and profile claiming
- Rich profiles with photos, videos, social links, and reviews
- Publisher API for bulk listing search and management
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access limits platform breadth
- Focused on directory listings rather than broader business tools
- Bio pages use the BLINX format
- Hotfrog7.8/10 · Free plan
A practical web directory for managing local business profiles and adding promotional tools.
Visit HotfrogFull verdict → - Brownbook7.0/10 · Free plan
A free, web-based directory for finding, managing, and enriching business listings.
Visit BrownbookFull verdict →
All business directories comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update