57 directories · 25 read on their own pages · updated 2026-10-15
Best startup directories, compared honestly
The best startup directories are the curated ones whose buyers match yours and whose rules you can check. A few good listings beat a hundred link dumps. Below, 25 directories are compared on price, review time and link type, each value linked to the page we read it on; for the other 32, we say “not verified” instead of guessing.
By the CodeTrendy Editorial Team. Pages read 2026-10-11 to 2026-10-13; Domain Rating fetched from Ahrefs 2026-11-01; dataset audited 2026-11-01. Looking for launch platforms, communities and press too? See where to promote your startup.
How many startup directories give a followed link?
Of 57 directories, we saw a followed link on a live listing for 5. 10 use nofollow or show no link to your site, 7 depend on a paid plan, votes or the launch, and 35 we have not verified. A directory is worth it for the visitors who browse it, not for the link.
Why this matters: Google defines link spam as links made “primarily for the purpose of manipulating search rankings” and names “low-quality directory or bookmark site links” as an example (Google spam policies, read 2026-10-15). It also asks sites to mark paid and user-generated links with sponsored or ugc (link attributes).
Which startup directories did we check, and what did we find?
25 directories, highest Domain Rating first. A grey value was not stated or not checked. CodeTrendy and its 2 sister directories are marked; we publish this page.
| Directory | Price | Review time | Link type | DR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SourceForgeSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceNot verified | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNofollow or no link (website shown as plain text on a basic listing) Source for SourceForge link type | DR93 |
| CapterraSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceFree option Source for Capterra price | Review timeCan take over six weeks Source for Capterra review time | Link typeNofollow or no link (no link to your site on a free profile) Source for Capterra link type | DR91 |
| G2Software review and comparison sites | PriceFree to claim a profile Source for G2 price | Review timeClaims reviewed within 1-3 business days; a new product is verified in about 3-5 Source for G2 review time | Link typeNot verified | DR91 |
| Product HuntLaunch platforms | PriceFree Source for Product Hunt price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNofollow or no link (ugc) Source for Product Hunt link type | DR91 |
| WellfoundStartup directories | PriceFree option Source for Wellfound price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNofollow or no link (the website is a button, not a link) Source for Wellfound link type | DR87 |
| GetAppSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceFree option Source for GetApp price | Review timeCan take over six weeks Source for GetApp review time | Link typeNofollow or no link (no outbound link to your site seen) Source for GetApp link type | DR85 |
| TrustRadiusSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceFree option Source for TrustRadius price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNot verified | DR85 |
| FazierLaunch platforms | PriceFree with a backlink to Fazier on your site; paid plans from $29 Source for Fazier price | Review timeWithin 30 days on the free plan; paid plans can publish at once Source for Fazier review time | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (followed link seen on launch pages; guaranteed only on paid plans) Source for Fazier link type | DR84 |
| AlternativeToSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceNo listing fee stated; optional $5 priority review Source for AlternativeTo price | Review timeNo date for free submissions; 1-2 business days with paid priority Source for AlternativeTo review time | Link typeFollowed link seen Source for AlternativeTo link type | DR82 |
| SaaSHubSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceFree Source for SaaSHub price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNofollow or no link (nofollow) Source for SaaSHub link type | DR81 |
| PeerlistLaunch platforms | PriceNo launch fee stated. Needs a Verified profile; workplace verification is free. Source for Peerlist price | Review timeGoes live immediately; launches open on Mondays (UTC) Source for Peerlist review time | Link typeNofollow or no link (only the top 5 projects of the week get a backlink) Source for Peerlist link type | DR78 |
| StackshareSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceNot verified | Review timeNot stated | Link typeFollowed link seen Source for Stackshare link type | DR78 |
| BetaListLaunch platforms | PricePaid only. Prices appear at the end of the submit form. Source for BetaList price | Review timeDepends on the plan you buy Source for BetaList review time | Link typeFollowed link seen Source for BetaList link type | DR77 |
| There's An AI For ThatAI tool directories | PricePaid: from $49, a one-time review fee Source for There's An AI For That price | Review time1-2 days on average Source for There's An AI For That review time | Link typeFollowed link seen (seen in the rendered page) Source for There's An AI For That link type | DR77 |
| UneedLaunch platforms | PriceFree option Source for Uneed price | Review timeFree queue: between 30 days and 5 months Source for Uneed review time | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (dofollow from an upvote score of 20, nofollow below) Source for Uneed link type | DR77 |
| SaaSworthySoftware review and comparison sites | PriceFree option Source for SaaSworthy price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNofollow or no link (JavaScript redirect, no crawlable link) Source for SaaSworthy link type | DR75 |
| FuturepediaAI tool directories | PriceNot verified | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNofollow or no link (nofollow) Source for Futurepedia link type | DR73 |
| SideProjectorsLaunch platforms | PriceFree option Source for SideProjectors price | Review timeMost projects reviewed within 2-5 business days Source for SideProjectors review time | Link typeNofollow or no link (nofollow, ugc) Source for SideProjectors link type | DR71 |
| Dev HuntLaunch platforms | PriceFree listing with a nofollow link; $19 to pick your launch week and get a dofollow link Source for Dev Hunt price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (nofollow on free listings, dofollow on paid launches) Source for Dev Hunt link type | DR70 |
| Future ToolsAI tool directories | PriceFree Source for Future Tools price | Review timeNot stated | Link typeNot verified | DR70 |
| CodeTrendyour networkStartup directories | PriceFree, or a paid plan Source for CodeTrendy price | Review timeImmediate on paid plans; free listings wait at least 7 days and need our badge on your site Source for CodeTrendy review time | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (nofollow on free listings, followed on most paid plans) Source for CodeTrendy link type | DR66 |
| Startup StashLaunch platforms | PriceNot verified | Review timeNot stated | Link typeFollowed link seen Source for Startup Stash link type | DR66 |
| MicroLaunchAI tool directories | PriceNot verified | Review timeNot stated | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (followed link seen on launched pages; none before launch) Source for MicroLaunch link type | DR64 |
| SitePatentour networkSoftware review and comparison sites | PriceFree, or a paid plan Source for SitePatent price | Review timeImmediate on paid plans; free listings wait at least 7 days and need our badge on your site Source for SitePatent review time | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (nofollow on free listings, followed on most paid plans) Source for SitePatent link type | DR52 |
| MediaProNetour networkAI tool directories | PriceFree, or a paid plan Source for MediaProNet price | Review timeImmediate on paid plans; free listings wait at least 7 days and need our badge on your site Source for MediaProNet review time | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launch (nofollow on free listings, followed on most paid plans) Source for MediaProNet link type | DR42 |
All 57 startup directories
Startup, SaaS, AI tool and launch directories only. Filter by cost or link type, or download all 213 places we track (name, URL, DR, category) as a CSV.
All 57 directories, highest Domain Rating first.
| Name | Cost | Link type | DR |
|---|---|---|---|
| SourceForgeSoftware review and comparison sitesLong-running software directory. Business software is added through its vendor program. | CostNot verified | Link typeNofollow or no linkwebsite shown as plain text on a basic listing · source (link type evidence for SourceForge) | DR93 |
| CapterraSoftware review and comparison sitesSoftware review and comparison site. Free basic listing for products that fit; pay-per-click placement is paid. | CostFree option (cost source for Capterra) | Link typeNofollow or no linkno link to your site on a free profile · source (link type evidence for Capterra) | DR91 |
| G2Software review and comparison sitesSoftware review site. Claiming your product profile is free; ranking depends on customer reviews. | CostFree option (cost source for G2)Free to claim a profile | Link typeNot verified | DR91 |
| Product HuntLaunch platformsDaily launch platform. Post from a personal account; launch days start at 12:01 AM Pacific. | CostFree option (cost source for Product Hunt)Free | Link typeNofollow or no linkugc · source (link type evidence for Product Hunt) | DR91 |
| FinancesOnlineSoftware review and comparison sitesB2B software review platform. Products are suggested through a form that also asks about ad budget. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR87 |
| WellfoundStartup directoriesStartup jobs and company profiles, formerly AngelList Talent. The company profile is free. | CostFree option (cost source for Wellfound) | Link typeNofollow or no linkthe website is a button, not a link · source (link type evidence for Wellfound) | DR87 |
| GetAppSoftware review and comparison sitesBusiness-software directory in the same review network as Capterra and Software Advice. Free listing. | CostFree option (cost source for GetApp) | Link typeNofollow or no linkno outbound link to your site seen · source (link type evidence for GetApp) | DR85 |
| TrustRadiusSoftware review and comparison sitesB2B software review site. Vendors can claim their profile for free. | CostFree option (cost source for TrustRadius) | Link typeNot verified | DR85 |
| FazierLaunch platformsLaunch platform. Free if you link back to Fazier from your site; paid tiers are also offered. | CostFree option (cost source for Fazier)Free with a backlink to Fazier on your site; paid plans from $29 | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchfollowed link seen on launch pages; guaranteed only on paid plans · source (link type evidence for Fazier) | DR84 |
| Twelve ToolsLaunch platformsTool directory. Review-based listing. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR84 |
| AlternativeToSoftware review and comparison sitesLists software as alternatives to better-known tools. No closed betas or invite-only apps. | CostFree option (cost source for AlternativeTo)No listing fee stated; optional $5 priority review | Link typeFollowed link seensource (link type evidence for AlternativeTo) | DR82 |
| SaaSHubSoftware review and comparison sitesSoftware alternatives directory. Free to submit, then verify the product is yours. | CostFree option (cost source for SaaSHub)Free | Link typeNofollow or no linknofollow · source (link type evidence for SaaSHub) | DR81 |
| Turbo0Launch platformsSubmit directly from dashboard. Good UX. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR81 |
| PeerlistLaunch platformsDeveloper network with a weekly project Launchpad. Launching needs a verified profile. | CostFree option (cost source for Peerlist)No launch fee stated. Needs a Verified profile; workplace verification is free. | Link typeNofollow or no linkonly the top 5 projects of the week get a backlink · source (link type evidence for Peerlist) | DR78 |
| StackshareSoftware review and comparison sitesCommunity where teams share their tech stacks. Existing tools can be claimed; there is no public add-a-tool page. | CostNot verified | Link typeFollowed link seensource (link type evidence for Stackshare) | DR78 |
| Wired BusinessLaunch platformsBusiness tools directory. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR78 |
| BetaListLaunch platformsPre-launch and newly launched startups. All submissions are paid; there is no free option. | CostPaid only (cost source for BetaList)Paid only. Prices appear at the end of the submit form. | Link typeFollowed link seensource (link type evidence for BetaList) | DR77 |
| There's An AI For ThatAI tool directoriesLarge AI tool directory. Listing starts with a one-time paid review fee. | CostPaid only (cost source for There's An AI For That)Paid: from $49, a one-time review fee | Link typeFollowed link seenseen in the rendered page · source (link type evidence for There's An AI For That) | DR77 |
| UneedLaunch platformsDaily launch directory. Free submissions wait in a long queue; paid options are on its pricing page. | CostFree option (cost source for Uneed) | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchdofollow from an upvote score of 20, nofollow below · source (link type evidence for Uneed) | DR77 |
| SaaSworthySoftware review and comparison sitesSaaS discovery site with rankings and ratings. Free standard listing. | CostFree option (cost source for SaaSworthy) | Link typeNofollow or no linkJavaScript redirect, no crawlable link · source (link type evidence for SaaSworthy) | DR75 |
| Crozdesk VendorSoftware review and comparison sitesB2B marketplace. List as vendor. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR74 |
| StartupBlinkStartup directoriesGlobal startup map. Add with Chisinau location. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR74 |
| FuturepediaAI tool directoriesLarge AI tool directory organized by category. It has no public submit page. | CostNot verified | Link typeNofollow or no linknofollow · source (link type evidence for Futurepedia) | DR73 |
| Software.comSoftware review and comparison sitesSoftware comparison. Claim your page. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR73 |
| Compare CampSoftware review and comparison sitesSaaS comparison reviews. Pitch for inclusion. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR72 |
| Featured CustomersSoftware review and comparison sitesCase study + review based. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR72 |
| Startup.infoStartup directoriesEU startup media. Claim profile. Good for press coverage. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR72 |
| SupertoolsAI tool directoriesThe Rundown AI's tools directory. Large newsletter audience. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR72 |
| SideProjectorsLaunch platformsMarketplace for showing and selling side projects. Free to list after a short review. | CostFree option (cost source for SideProjectors) | Link typeNofollow or no linknofollow, ugc · source (link type evidence for SideProjectors) | DR71 |
| Dev HuntLaunch platformsLaunch platform for developer tools only, run in weekly batches. Free basic listing; a launch is paid. | CostFree option (cost source for Dev Hunt)Free listing with a nofollow link; $19 to pick your launch week and get a dofollow link | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchnofollow on free listings, dofollow on paid launches · source (link type evidence for Dev Hunt) | DR70 |
| Future ToolsAI tool directoriesCurated AI tool directory. Free to submit; most submissions are rejected. | CostFree option (cost source for Future Tools)Free | Link typeNot verified | DR70 |
| SlantSoftware review and comparison sitesCommunity-driven product rankings built around "what is the best X?" questions. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR70 |
| Yo DirectoryAI tool directoriesNewer tech tool directory. Submit for discovery. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR70 |
| SerchenSoftware review and comparison sitesSaaS review directory. Good for older/niche tools. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR68 |
| CodeTrendyStartup directoriesCurated startup directory. A free listing is published automatically once it is at least 7 days old and shows its badge; paid plans publish immediately with no badge needed. | CostFree option (cost source for CodeTrendy)Free, or a paid plan | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchnofollow on free listings, followed on most paid plans · source (link type evidence for CodeTrendy) | DR66 |
| Startup StashLaunch platformsCurated directory of startup tools and resources, added through its listing form. | CostNot verified | Link typeFollowed link seensource (link type evidence for Startup Stash) | DR66 |
| SeedTableStartup directoriesEuropean startup rankings. Good for EU visibility. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR65 |
| TopAI ToolsAI tool directoriesCurated. Good traffic for AI-adjacent tools. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR65 |
| Altern AIAI tool directoriesAI alternatives directory. List as alternative to major tools. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR64 |
| EasyWithAIAI tool directoriesPopular AI tool aggregator. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR64 |
| MicroLaunchAI tool directoriesLaunch platform for micro-SaaS products. The site shows paid launch tiers; a free option is not stated. | CostNot verified | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchfollowed link seen on launched pages; none before launch · source (link type evidence for MicroLaunch) | DR64 |
| StartupRankingStartup directoriesAlexa-style ranking for startups. Good for tracking growth. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR62 |
| Startup ResourcesStartup directoriesCurated tools for startups. Good for SaaS tools. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR61 |
| Startup InspireStartup directoriesCurated startup listing. Simple form. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR60 |
| Tool Finder B2BSoftware review and comparison sitesB2B tools finder. Clean UX. Active audience. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR59 |
| HeybotAI tool directoriesNiche AI chatbot and tool directory. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR57 |
| ShipitLaunch platformsNo gatekeeping philosophy. Good for early launches. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR56 |
| SaaS AI ToolsAI tool directoriesSaaS tools with AI focus. Niche but relevant. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR54 |
| Startups.coStartup directoriesStartup profiles. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR53 |
| SitePatentSoftware review and comparison sitesSaaS and website directory with a free listing option. | CostFree option (cost source for SitePatent)Free, or a paid plan | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchnofollow on free listings, followed on most paid plans · source (link type evidence for SitePatent) | DR52 |
| ToolsadayAI tool directoriesDaily AI tools curation. Submit for featured listing. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR47 |
| Startup BufferLaunch platformsAccepts SaaS and tools. Simple form. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR44 |
| MediaProNetAI tool directoriesCurated tech and media product directory with a free listing option. | CostFree option (cost source for MediaProNet)Free, or a paid plan | Link typeDepends on plan, votes or launchnofollow on free listings, followed on most paid plans · source (link type evidence for MediaProNet) | DR42 |
| Startup TrackerStartup directoriesTracks startup progress. List and update monthly. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR42 |
| The Startup PitchStartup directoriesPost your startup pitch. Investor visibility. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR38 |
| Unicorn HuntStartup directoriesStartup discovery. Growing community. Easy form. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR30 |
| ToolScoutLaunch platformsAI and developer tool discovery. Growing fast. | CostNot verified | Link typeNot verified | DR29 |
How this comparison was made
The rows come from our source database, audited 2026-11-01. Domain Rating (DR) is Ahrefs' 0-100 estimate of backlink strength, fetched 2026-11-01; it is the date of the number, not of a check, and it says nothing about traffic. Directories rated below 20 are left out.
Price, review time and link type appear only where we read them on the directory's own pages, and every such value links there. A link type is shown only where a live listing or the directory's own rules or pricing page shows it. No directory paid to be included. Check terms on the destination site before you submit or pay.
A startup directory is a website that keeps a permanent, categorised page for each product or company, so people browsing a category can find it. Launch platforms that keep a page up after launch day, such as Product Hunt or BetaList, count too.
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