7 Best Directory Plugins for WordPress in 2024

Have you ever struggled with organizing business listings and professionally showcasing them? For business owners, having a well-structured directory can be a game changer, as it can turn your basic website into a powerful tool to effortlessly connect with your customers.

A directory plugin helps you create organized, searchable listings for your business or industry. Whether you’re building a local business directory, a job board, or a real estate listing site, the right plugin can make all the difference.

We’ve tried and tested the top-rated options to create a list of the best directory plugins to help you elevate your WordPress site. Now, let’s get started!

An Overview of the Best Directory Plugins for WordPress

Plugin Name	Free Version	Premium Pricing	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Business Directory Plugin	Yes	Starting at $99/year	Unlimited listings, customizable fields, front-end submissions, monetization options	Supports various directory types, modular design	Advanced features require paid plans, initial learning curve
Directorist	Yes	Starting at $79/3 months	Multi-directory support, drag-and-drop form builder, WooCommerce integration, mobile app compatibility	Flexible customization, extensive monetization tools	Advanced features may require multiple extensions, complex initial setup
GeoDirectory	Yes	Add-ons starting at $19; Memberships from $115/4 months	Multi-location support, front-end submissions, Google Maps integration, BuddyPress support	Scalable for large directories, extensive add-ons	Full functionality requires multiple add-ons, some themes may feel outdated
Classified Listing Plugin	Yes	Pro version starting at $149/year	Ad promotions, live chat, multiple payment gateways, Elementor integration	User-friendly, robust monetization tools	Advanced features require Pro version, interface may be overwhelming for beginners
HivePress	Yes	Paid extensions available	Custom fields, search filters, front-end submissions, WooCommerce integration	Free core plugin with useful extensions, easy customization	Advanced features require paid extensions, limited video upload support
AWP Classifieds	Yes	Pro version starts at $99/year	Paid/free ads, customizable categories, multiple payment gateways, spam protection	Robust feature set, flexible user management	Advanced features require paid add-ons, complex initial setup
Listdom	Yes	Pro version pricing starts at $27/month	80+ skins, multiple display styles, map integration, SEO tools	User-friendly, extensive customization options	Advanced features in Pro version, learning curve for full feature utilization

7 Best Directory Plugins for WordPress

Now that you have a run-through of the best directory plugins on WordPress, let’s take a look at what makes them popular among its users.

Here are the top seven options for directory plugins, complete with their pricing, and their pros and cons to help you find the perfect one for your site.

Business Directory Plugin

The Business Directory Plugin is a super easy-to-use WordPress tool that lets you build and manage a killer business directory on your website. No matter what kind of business listing or catalog you intend to make, this plugin can help you find a solution.

With unlimited listings and customizable fields, you can easily tailor your directory to fit your specific needs. You can even let your users submit their own listings, especially if your directories are community-driven.

Looking to monetize your directory? No problem! The plugin also allows you to offer premium listings and integrate features like maps, SEO, and payment gateways. The free version is packed with features, while premium modules unlock even more advanced capabilities.

Advantages of Business Directory Plugin

• Supports unlimited listings, making it suitable for a directory of any size.
• Fully customizable field, allowing you to create customized directories.
• Front-end submission forms, making it easy for users to add listings,
• Modular designs allow you to add features like advanced search or ratings.
• Monetization options include premium listing, subscriptions, and many other things.

Disadvantages of Business Directory Plugin

• Advanced features like attachments, reviews, and priority listings are locked behind paid plans.
• You may require some configuration for larger, more complex directories.
• The initial learning can be tough for beginners with WordPress directory plugins.

Pricing

A free version is available; premium plans start at $99/year and extend up to $249/year with higher-tier bundles offering more advanced features.

Directorist

Directorist is a modern, feature-packed WordPress plugin for creating scalable and professional directory websites. Whether you’re building a restaurant directory, a medical listing, or a multi-category platform, it’s packed with flexibility and ease of use.

You get unlimited custom fields, advanced search filters, geolocation, and front-end submission for a smooth and dynamic experience. Standout features like private directories, WooCommerce multi-vendor compatibility, and even a mobile app make it incredibly versatile. Monetization tools include paid memberships, featured listings, and rank boosting.

Advantages of Directorist

• Multi-directory support with drag-and-drop form builder for easy customization.
• Monetization options include paid listings, memberships, and rank boosting.
• Integrates with WooCommerce, Elementor, and other popular plugins.
• Mobile app compatibility for broader user reach and convenience.
• Private directory functionality for exclusive listings and user control.

Disadvantages of Directorist

• Some advanced features like geo-location and private directories require premium plans.
• Costs can increase with multiple extensions and themes.
• Initial setup can be complex for large-scale or niche-specific directories.

Pricing

The core version is free, and the premium plans start at $79/3 months and extend up to $587 for a Lifetime.

GeoDirectory

GeoDirectory is a powerful and flexible WordPress plugin designed for creating detailed directories and listing websites. The free core plugin includes all the essentials, while premium add-ons unlock advanced features like multi-location support, paid listings, claimable entries, and events management.

It’s compatible with any WordPress theme but also offers its own free and premium themes tailored for directory sites. Helpful features like smart location switching, customizable front-end submission forms, Google Maps integration, and BuddyPress support make this plugin super versatile.

Whether you’re starting small or going big, GeoDirectory has the tools to make it happen!

Advantages of GeoDirectory

• Free core plugin with many essential features.
• Compatible with any WordPress theme and supports page builders like Elementor.
• Advanced location-based tools, including “near me” filtering and multi-location support.
• Flexible monetization options via add-ons like Pricing Manager and Claim Listings.
• Extends functionality with 28+ add-ons and a library of themes.

Disadvantages of GeoDirectory

• Free version lacks monetization and advanced tools.
• Premium add-ons can increase costs for full functionality.
• Some themes and designs may feel outdated.

Pricing

The core plugin is free, and add-ons start at $19. Membership options range from $115 for 4 months and $229 for 1 year.

Classified Listing Plugin

Classified Listing is a versatile WordPress plugin for creating classified ads or directory websites. With over 9,000 active installations, it supports responsive designs for job boards, booking sites, local directories, and much more.

GeoDirectory stands out with features like ad promotions, including “Top Featured” and “Bump Up,” which makes it easy to highlight listings. It also supports live chat for smooth buyer-seller interactions and offers multiple payment gateways for flexibility.

Monetization gets even better with add-ons for store memberships and customizable packages. Plus, it integrates easily with Elementor and the WordPress block editor, so you can design your site exactly how you want.

Advantages of Classified Listing Plugin

• Compatible with Elementor and WordPress block editor.
• Offers unlimited custom fields with admin control.
• Supports front-end submission and management.
• Includes advanced monetization tools like membership packages.
• The live chat feature improves buyer-seller communication.

Disadvantages of Classified Listing Plugin

• Most advanced features require paid plans.
• Beginners can find the interface overwhelming.

Pricing

The core version is free; the pro version starts at $149/year and extends up to $699/ year.

HivePress

HivePress is a free and beginner-friendly WordPress plugin perfect for building directories and listing websites, whether it’s a marketplace, job board, or real estate directory. It’s super versatile, offering free and premium extensions for features like paid listings, reviews, geolocation, and private messaging.

Monetization is simple with WooCommerce integration, and you can easily customize your site with HivePress themes. It also supports front-end submission, social login, advanced filters, and verified claims, so anyone can create a user-friendly and professional site with minimal effort.

Advantages of HivePress

• Free core plugin with useful free and paid extensions.
• Supports monetization with WooCommerce and paid listings.
• Offers front-end submission, geolocation, and private messaging.
• Compatible with page builders like Elementor and Gutenberg.
• Extensions enable reviews, social login, and advanced filters.

Disadvantages of HivePress

• Advanced features require paid extensions.
• Limited video upload support in listings.

Pricing

The core plugin is free; if you want to unlock advanced features, you need paid extensions.

WordPress Classifieds Plugin – Ad Directory & Listings

AWP Classifieds (formerly AWPCP) is a powerful WordPress plugin designed to create classified ad directories for any niche, such as real estate, cars, or general marketplaces. It offers features like paid and free ads, customizable categories, and image uploads-perfect for personal projects and businesses.

The plugin supports advanced payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net) and offers add-ons for enhanced functionality like region controls, featured ads, and membership plans. With built-in spam protection, flexible image settings, and auto-expiring ads, AWP Classifieds ensure a streamlined experience for both site admins and users.

Advantages of WordPress Classifieds Plugin

• Paid and free ad options with customizable categories and expiration settings.
• Integrates with multiple payment gateways, including Stripe and PayPal.
• Advanced add-ons like ZIP code search, featured ads, and ad campaigns.
• Spam protection using Akismet and flagging options for community moderation.
• Flexible user management with front-end editing, notifications, and privacy controls.

Disadvantages of WordPress Classifieds Plugin

• Many advanced features require paid add-ons, increasing the overall cost.
• Initial setup and customization may be complex for beginners.
• Limited design customization without using additional CSS or themes.

Pricing

This freemium plugin has a free version with basic features, and you can enable advanced features with its three pro plans. The Basic plan starts at $99/year and extends up to a Elite plan for $499/year.

Listdom – Business Directory and Classified Ads Listings

Listdom is a flexible WordPress directory plugin that makes building directories and classified listing websites a breeze. With 80+ customizable skins and a variety of display styles, it’s packed with features like map integration, advanced filtering, built-in SEO tools, and a mobile-friendly design.

The Pro version and add-ons unlock premium functionalities, which are ideal for creating specialized directories across various niches, such as real estate, services, and events.

Advantages of Listdom

• User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and professionals.
• 80+ customizable skins and multiple display options.
• Advanced map and search functionality with filters.
• Multilingual and SEO-ready for better reach.
• Wide range of add-ons for enhanced customization.

Disadvantages of Listdom

• Some advanced features are only available in the Pro version.
• Add-ons may increase overall cost.
• The learning curve for leveraging all features effectively

Pricing

It has a free plan. The pro plan starts at $27/month for one site; you can upgrade your plans based on your sites. Prices start at $79/month for managing five sites; for unlimited sites, pricing starts at $829/ year.

Conclusion

Selecting the best directory plugin for your WordPress site comes down to understanding your goals, budget, and needed features. A well-chosen plugin and its capabilities can transform your website into a professional platform for connecting users, managing listings, and driving engagements.

To select the right plugin, you need to invest a lot of time in testing and trying it out. However, we have brought you the best directory plugins to match all your needs. Check all of them out to find the right one!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Why should I use a directory plugin instead of custom coding?

Directory plugins provide pre-built functionality, saving time and effort. They offer user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and essential features like search filters, geolocation, and payment integrations without needing advanced technical skills.

Q. How do I monetize a directory website?

Directory websites can be monetized through paid listings, membership subscriptions, featured placements, advertising, and charging for access to premium features or categories.

Q. What features should I look for in a directory plugin?

Look for features like custom fields, search and filtering options, geolocation, front-end submission, payment gateway integration, and SEO optimization. These features enhance functionality and user experience.

Q. Can a directory plugin support a multilingual site?

Yes, many directory plugins are compatible with multilingual tools like WPML or Polylang, enabling you to create directories in multiple languages to reach a broader audience.