Brilliant Directories vs eDirectory: how each is bought, what each controls and who fits

Brilliant Directories vs eDirectory: the main difference

Brilliant Directories sells a hosted subscription in three tiers. Each tier caps members, monthly emails and imported listings, and the platform code stays with the vendor. eDirectory sells licenses. Two cloud options include hosting, and a one-time source license includes the PHP source code and lets you host the site yourself.

Both target paid directories and member sites, so the choice rests on limits, branding, code access and terms more than on headline features. Facts here come from each vendor's own pages, read on October 23, 2026.

Cost: how each one is structured, without the amounts

Amounts sit on each vendor's live page and change with billing toggles, so this section compares structure only.

• Brilliant Directories: monthly tiers named Essentials, Builder and Pro on its account pricing page, with a limited-time yearly discount, add-on blocks for extra members and emails, and fees that exclude taxes.
• eDirectory: a Professional cloud license, an Enterprise cloud service and an Enterprise source license sold as a one-time payment. The cloud options have a monthly and yearly toggle.
• What grows the bill: on Brilliant Directories, members, emails and listings past a tier limit. On eDirectory, all three options list unlimited listings and members, and the differences are branding, training, support, hosting and setup.
• Payments: both support recurring payments through card gateways. eDirectory lists payment processing as included in each option, and Brilliant Directories says it takes no platform fee while your processor's fees still apply.

What each lets you sell: listings, members, leads and ads

Both vendors describe several ways a directory can charge. Revenue claims on either site are the vendor's marketing.

• Brilliant Directories: paid memberships, featured-listing upsells, gated content, leads sold to members by the lead or in credit packs, banner ads and sponsorships, and digital products.
• eDirectory: listing levels with claimable listings, classifieds, events, deals, banner ads, articles and a blog, plus a lead-generation form and recurring payments with free trials through its Stripe gateway.
• Gap to check: Brilliant Directories highlights paywalls and digital products, while eDirectory highlights classifieds, deals and events. Match the list to your own revenue model.

Branding, apps and code access: where the two differ most

These are the points where the vendors' own pages draw the sharpest line.

• Branding: Brilliant Directories lists white-label branding on its plans. eDirectory shows a Powered by eDirectory label on the Professional cloud license and lists the Enterprise options as unbranded.
• Code: the eDirectory source license includes the PHP code, with a small share protected to control licensing. The Brilliant Directories plans page lists source code access, but its terms say platform code stays the company's property and may not be hosted outside the service.
• Hosting: both cloud routes include hosting. Only the eDirectory source license can be self-hosted.
• Apps: the Brilliant Directories plans page calls the site app-ready for Android and iOS. eDirectory describes an app builder for native apps and says app source code is not offered.

Trial, refund and renewal terms to compare before you pay

Brilliant Directories offers a seven-day trial and a free demo. Its terms promise a seven-day money-back guarantee on new, full-price subscriptions and exclude discounted, one-time and lifetime purchases. eDirectory routes visitors to a free demo through a form; the page says demo access is emailed and offers a walkthrough with a specialist. Its terms say service is billed in advance and non-refundable unless a refund is requested within 48 hours of purchase.

On renewals, the eDirectory terms say an agreement renews for terms of the same length unless either side gives 30 days' written notice, and that fees can rise on 45 days' notice before a renewal term. The Brilliant Directories terms say fees renew automatically unless canceled.

Who should choose which

Choose Brilliant Directories if you want a hosted tier you can start in a browser, a built-in paywall and lead-selling tools, and you accept its quotas and its terms on code. Choose eDirectory if you want unlimited listings and members on a license, a native app builder or the option to own and self-host the PHP code.

If neither fits, such as when you want a free plan or a WordPress site, read the best directory website builders guide. For the vendor details behind this page, see the Brilliant Directories review and the pricing guide.