Head-to-head · Business Directories
ShowMeLocal vs Brownbook
ShowMeLocal 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 scoreShowMeLocal · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
ShowMeLocal scores higher on our rubric for business directories: 7.9 against 7.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #14 and #23.
ShowMeLocal is the better fit for local listings with social distribution. Brownbook is the better fit for free global business listings.
- ShowMeLocal fits best
Local listings with social distribution
- Brownbook fits best
Free global business listings
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Side by side
| Feature | ShowMeLocal 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Brownbook 7.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.0 |
| Ranking | #14 in Business Directories | #23 in Business Directories |
| Best for | Local listings with social distribution | Free global business listings |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $49.99/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Features ShowMeLocal 3/4 · Brownbook 3/4 | ||
| Claim listing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reviews on profiles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Verified profiles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Listing submission | Free | Free |
| Audience focus | Local | Local |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ShowMeLocal is a web-based local business directory and growth platform for small and medium-sized businesses. Businesses can create or claim listings, publish updates, collect and monitor reviews, distribute listing information, track… 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
ShowMeLocal — where it wins
- Free listing creation and claiming with customer reviews
- Distribution to Google, Facebook, and 28+ platforms
- Review tools, Live Posts, contact analytics, and advertising
Where it doesn't
- Free Live Posts are limited to ShowMeLocal
- Post scheduling starts on a paid plan
- Full SML Agent access is limited to Platinum
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
- ShowMeLocal7.9/10 · Free plan
A local listing platform that combines reviews, publishing, distribution, and advertising.
Visit ShowMeLocalFull 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