Listable: Directify Alternative for Directory Websites

Listable and Directify are both purpose-built directory website builders. Unlike general website builders, both platforms are designed specifically for creating directory websites with features like listings, categories, submissions, and payments.

So the question isn’t which one can build a directory - they both can. The question is which one gives you the best value and the right feature set for your project.

What is Listable

Listable is a no-code directory builder with a focus on simplicity and value. All core directory features - custom domains, payment acceptance, custom fields, submissions, and SEO tools - are available on every plan, including the entry-level tier.

Listable also offers a lifetime pricing option, giving you permanent access for a one-time payment instead of an ongoing subscription.

What is Directify

Directify is an AI-powered directory builder with a broader feature set on its higher tiers, including API access, webhooks, Google Sheets integration, and AI content generation. Its pricing is tiered, with features progressively unlocked as you move up plans.

Listable vs Directify: Feature Comparison

Why Choose Listable Over Directify

Everything included from day one

The most significant difference is how features are distributed across plans. With Listable, even the entry-level Starter plan includes a custom domain, payment acceptance, up to 2,000 listings, and no watermark.

Directify’s Starter plan ($9/mo) is limited to 50 listings with no custom domain, no payment processing, no analytics, and no custom pages. To get a custom domain and accept payments on Directify, you need the Professional plan at $29/mo.

Lifetime pricing

Listable offers a lifetime access plan for a one-time payment of $249. That gives you unlimited websites, unlimited listings, and all features - permanently. No monthly bills, no price increases.

Directify is subscription-only. Their comparable unlimited plan (Agency) runs $99/mo, which adds up to $1,188/year. Even their mid-tier Growth plan at $49/mo is $588/year.

PayPal support

Listable supports both Stripe and PayPal for payment processing. Directify offers Stripe and LemonSqueezy. If your audience prefers PayPal, this matters.

Cleaner UX and user flow

This is something we keep hearing from users who’ve tried both platforms. Listable’s interface is designed to be clean and intuitive - from the admin dashboard to the public-facing directory. Less clutter, fewer clicks to get things done, and a more polished experience for both you and your visitors.

We’re increasingly seeing feedback from users who’ve switched from Directify specifically because of the UX difference:

A directory builder isn’t just about the feature list - it’s about how those features feel to use day-to-day. A cleaner UX means less time managing your directory and a better experience for the people browsing it.

Pricing comparison at similar feature levels

To get a fair comparison, here’s what each platform costs at comparable feature levels:

Where Directify Stands Out

API and webhooks

Directify offers API access and webhooks on its Growth plan ($49/mo), which is useful if you need to integrate your directory with other systems or build custom workflows. Listable doesn’t currently offer API access.

Google Sheets integration

Directify has two-way Google Sheets sync, letting you manage listing data from a spreadsheet. This is handy for teams already working in Sheets.

AI content generation

Directify’s Growth plan includes an AI content generator for creating listing descriptions and page content. Both platforms use AI in different ways (Listable uses it for CSV column mapping during imports), but Directify’s content generation feature is more extensive.

Who Should Choose Which

Listable is the better fit if you:

• Want all features available from day one, even on the lowest plan
• Prefer a one-time payment over ongoing subscriptions
• Need PayPal support
• Want to run unlimited directories without a large monthly cost

Directify is the better fit if you:

• Need API access or webhook integrations
• Want Google Sheets sync for managing listings
• Need built-in AI content generation
• Are comfortable with a higher monthly cost for additional integrations

Final Thoughts

Both Listable and Directify are solid, purpose-built directory builders. The core directory features - listings, categories, submissions, search, and SEO - are well-handled by both.

The key differences come down to pricing structure and feature access. Listable gives you more for less upfront, with a lifetime option that eliminates subscription costs entirely. Directify offers more advanced integrations (API, webhooks, Sheets) on its higher tiers, although these are rapidly coming to Listable too.

If you’re building a directory and want to keep costs predictable, Listable’s lifetime deal is hard to beat.

If you’re also evaluating general website builders, see our Listable vs Unicorn Platform comparison. For inspiration on what to build, check out our guides on directory layout ideas and monetization strategies.