Alternative to ListingPro Directory WordPress Theme: Why Directorist Is Worth Considering

ListingPro is popular, well-marketed, and built specifically for business directory websites. No argument there.

It gives you an all-in-one WordPress directory theme with search, filters, maps, reviews, paid plans, ads, claim listings, lead forms, events, coupons, invoices, and a built-in checkout system.

For a straightforward business directory, ListingPro can make sense.

But once you start looking beyond a simple directory — maybe you want multiple directory types on the same site, a free plugin foundation, unlimited custom fields, CSV importing, radius search, schema markup, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, and a larger extension ecosystem — then it is worth comparing ListingPro with Directorist.

That is where Directorist becomes a serious ListingPro alternative.

Directorist is not just a directory theme. It is a WordPress directory plugin with a free core version and paid plans that add premium extensions and themes. That difference matters because it gives you more flexibility in how you build, design, and grow your directory website.

Why People Look for a ListingPro Alternative

ListingPro works best when you want a self-contained business directory theme.

It has many built-in features, including IntelliSense search, instant filters, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps for advanced location features, appointment booking, Elementor and WPBakery support, a front-end submission form builder, lead forms, an internal inbox, reviews, events, deals, claim and verify tools, invoices, ads management, pricing plans, and listing analytics.

That is a solid feature list.

But there are a few reasons some directory builders may still look for another option.

First, ListingPro’s official FAQ says WooCommerce is not required and not supported. ListingPro uses its own built-in checkout system for paid plans, ads campaigns, and pay-to-claim features.

That may be fine if you prefer an all-in-one system. But if your project depends on WooCommerce-based pricing plans, WooCommerce extensions, or a broader WooCommerce workflow, then ListingPro may not fit.

Second, ListingPro is a theme-first product. Directorist is plugin-first. That matters if you want to use your own theme, switch designs later, or build a directory inside an existing WordPress site.

Third, Directorist offers several powerful features in its free version, including multi-directory support, unlimited listings, unlimited custom fields, a drag-and-drop form builder, CSV bulk importer, frontend submission, user dashboards, geolocation, radius search, Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, schema markup, reviews, admin approval, private directories, Elementor widgets through AddonsKit, Gutenberg blocks, and multilingual/RTL support. With free core plugin, Directorist offer a free directory theme “One Listing“

That free foundation is the main reason Directorist deserves attention as a ListingPro alternative.

Directorist: Built for Flexible Directory Growth

Directorist is designed for users who want to start with a free directory plugin and then expand with premium extensions when needed.

The free version is not just a trial. Directorist’s own free-version is available on WordPress.org, does not expire, and can be used to build a real directory website.

That makes Directorist different from a theme-only purchase. You can start with the free plugin, validate your idea, add listings, test your search experience, and then decide later whether premium extensions are necessary.

Multi-Directory Support in the Free Version

This is one of Directorist’s strongest advantages.

Directorist has multi-directory support in the free version. That means you can create different directory types on one WordPress site.

For example, you could run:

• A restaurant directory
• A real estate directory
• A service provider directory
• A job listings directory
• A local business directory

Each directory type can have its own fields and layout.

For ListingPro, multi-directory option is not available. If your site needs more than one directory type, Directorist gives you a clearer path.

Unlimited Listings and Custom Fields

Directorist’s free version includes unlimited listings and unlimited custom fields. You can choose from 14 field types and use those fields as search filters.

This is important because most real directory websites need more than a title, description, category, and address.

A real estate directory may need bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, rent, and property type.

A doctor directory may need specialty, insurance accepted, appointment availability, and clinic hours.

A vehicle directory may need make, model, mileage, fuel type, and transmission.

Directorist lets you create those fields in the free version.

ListingPro also offer a front-end submission form builder and custom filter types. Admins can use drag-and-drop tools for front-end submission forms and enable custom facet types including buttons, checkboxes, dropdowns, and price range filters.

So this is not an area where ListingPro is weak. The difference is that Directorist offers unlimited custom fields in the free version, while ListingPro is positioned as a paid theme.

CSV Import Is Free in Directorist

Directorist’s free version includes a CSV bulk importer. You can import many listings from a CSV file and map CSV columns to Directorist fields.

That is useful if you are launching with an existing database of businesses, properties, service providers, clinics, schools, restaurants, or local places.

ListingPro claims that WP All Import is tested and supported but not included in the package. That means ListingPro supports a known import workflow, but a built-in free CSV importer was not confirmed.

If bulk import matters and you want it inside the free core, Directorist has the clearer advantage. Also, Directorist offers a powerful extension “Directorist Listing Importer” which can help to import listing from google map & RSS feed to grow your directory fast.

Search, Maps, and Location Discovery

Both products document strong location and discovery features.

ListingPro documents IntelliSense search with instant live suggestions, keyword/category/listing-name search, city-based location search, instant filters, OpenStreetMap as the default map option, and Google Maps for advanced location features.

Directorist’s free version documents search filters, geolocation, nearby listings, radius search, Google Maps, and OpenStreetMap. OpenStreetMap requires no API key, while Google Maps requires an API key, but Directorist says the integration itself does not require a pro extension. However, if you want to give more precise and detailed search experience than “Directorist AI Search” extension can be a swiss knife army for you.

That makes Directorist especially attractive for local directory projects where users need to search nearby listings.

Schema and SEO

Directorist included schema markup in the free version. This helps every listing automatically gets structured data and that users can set directory-relevant schema without buying a pro add-on.

ListingPro also provide schema support. It offers a free lightweight schema plugin developed by the ListingPro team adds structured data markup for directory sites and listings.

So schema should not be presented as a ListingPro-only advantage. Both products document schema support.

Directorist also documents SEO-friendly URLs, compatibility with Yoast SEO and Rank Math, and configurable meta titles and descriptions per directory page.

Page Builder Support

ListingPro has Elementor and WPBakery support. Elementor is included with 25+ ListingPro elements and that front-end drag-and-drop is available for WPBakery.

Directorist has page builder support in two places. The free-version of Directorist is compatible with popular page builders, includes 25+ Elementor widgets through the free AddonsKit for Elementor plugin, includes 15+ Gutenberg blocks, and supports Divi through shortcodes. The current pricing page also lists drag-and-drop blocks for Elementor, Divi (in progress), and Gutenberg.

So both products builder support, but they approach design differently.

ListingPro is a theme with included builders. Directorist is a plugin that can work with WordPress themes and builders.

If you want an all-in-one theme experience, ListingPro may feel more self-contained. If you want a plugin that can fit inside different designs, Directorist may be more flexible.

Directorist Paid Plans: Where the Business Features Start

Directorist’s free version covers the foundation. But the paid plans are where the business-side features expand.

The current Directorist paid plan includes 30+ extensions, all premium themes, and everything Directorist builds.

That is important because the paid plans are not divided by feature access in the same way many plugins are. The main differences are site limits and license terms.

Directorist paid plans include feature groups such as:

• Pricing plans with recurring support
• PayPal and Stripe payment gateways
• WooCommerce Pricing Plans
• Claim Listing
• Ads Manager
• Coupon Manager
• Google Maps/OpenStreetMap
• Listings with map
• Geolocation search
• Radius search
• Location filtering
• Advanced search filter
• Universal search
• Search Alert
• Drag-and-drop builder
• Frontend submission
• Google Business Import
• RSS/feed importer
• CSV bulk import/export
• Listing FAQs
• Advanced multi-criteria review
• Report listing
• Verified badge
• Compare listings
• Mark as sold
• Booking-related features
• Business hours
• Live chat
• WPML/Polylang
• BuddyBoss/BuddyPress
• Mailchimp
• GamiPress
• REST API
• Hooks and filters
• Shortcode support

AI Search is listed as “Coming Soon,” so it should not be counted as an active feature yet.

Directorist Pricing

Directorist’s current pricing page shows:

Plan	Annual promotional price	Regular price shown	Renewal	Lifetime
Starter	$97/year	$129	$103/year after first year	$379
Pro	$110/year	$169	$118/year after first year	$579
Agency	$142/year	$219	$131/year after first year	$749

The paid memberships include all premium themes and extensions.

Feature Comparison: Directorist vs ListingPro

Feature	Directorist	ListingPro
Product type	Directory plugin with free core and paid plans including free directory theme	Directory WordPress theme
Free core product	Yes	No free core product
Multi-directory	Free	No
Unlimited listings	Free	on paid plan
Unlimited custom fields	Free	FES form builder and filters
CSV import	Free CSV bulk importer	WP All Import tested/supported but not included
WooCommerce	WooCommerce Pricing Plans in paid plans	Official FAQ says WooCommerce is not supported
Payment gateways	PayPal and Stripe in paid plans; PayPal integration also discussed in free article as separate free extension	Stripe, PayPal, 2Checkout, and Direct Transfer/BACS built in; PayFast, Razorpay, PayStack, Mollie and others via add-ons
Maps	Google Maps and OpenStreetMap free; more map features in paid plans	OpenStreetMap default; Google Maps required for advanced location features
Radius search	Free	IntelliSense based search
Reviews	Free star ratings and written reviews; advanced reviews are premium	Emoji-based multi-criteria reviews
Schema	Free schema markup	Free schema plugin
Builder support	Elementor widgets via AddonsKit, Gutenberg blocks, Divi shortcodes; paid pricing also lists Elementor/Divi/Gutenberg blocks	Elementor and WPBakery
Ads	Ads Manager is premium	Built-in ads management
Claim listings	Premium extension	Claim and verify listing available
Coupons	Coupon Manager in paid plans	Deals and coupons documented
Live chat	Premium extension	Lead forms and internal inbox
Mobile app	iOS and Android app documented as separate add-on, not included in free/bundle	Android app toolkit available for purchase; iOS not documented on official pages reviewed
ListingPro price	Not applicable	Official fetched homepage links to ThemeForest but does not show a pricing card; verify current price before purchase

What ListingPro Does Well

Fair is fair: ListingPro has a strong feature set for business directories.

Its official homepage documents IntelliSense search, instant filters, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps for advanced location features, appointment booking, multi-criteria ratings, events calendar, admin dashboard, Elementor, WPBakery, front-end submission form builder, lead forms, internal inbox, deals and coupons, claim and verify, invoices, tax settings, email notifications, flag and report, ads management, pricing plans, and listing analytics.

ListingPro also documents built-in monetization options. It supports paid plan membership, promoted listings, paid claim, and Google AdSense.

Its payment gateway setup is also clear. ListingPro says it has four built-in gateways: Stripe, PayPal, 2Checkout, and Direct Transfer/BACS. It also says free and paid gateway add-ons include PayFast, Razorpay, PayStack, Mollie, and others.

For users who want a self-contained business directory theme without WooCommerce, ListingPro can still make sense.

Where Directorist Pulls Ahead

Directorist becomes more compelling when you want flexibility.

The biggest difference is the free core. Directorist documents a usable free version with multi-directory support, unlimited listings, unlimited custom fields, CSV import, frontend submission, user dashboards, geolocation, radius search, maps, reviews, schema, private directories, and builder support.

That is a lot to test before paying.

The second difference is plugin-first flexibility. Because Directorist is a plugin, it can be used with different themes and builders. ListingPro is a theme, so its design and directory system are more tightly connected.

The third difference is the paid bundle model. Directorist’s current pricing page says every membership includes all premium themes, all extensions, premium support, and automatic updates. That means users who need claim listings, ads manager, advanced reviews, search alerts, WooCommerce pricing plans, live chat, business hours, or integrations can access the full extension set through the paid membership.

The fourth difference is WooCommerce. Directorist documents WooCommerce Pricing Plans in its paid feature list. ListingPro’s official FAQ says WooCommerce is not supported.

That does not mean ListingPro cannot process payments. It can. It has built-in checkout and gateway support. But if WooCommerce is part of your directory business plan, Directorist has the clearer documented path.

When to Pick Directorist

Choose Directorist if you are building:

• A directory you want to start for free
• A multi-directory website
• A local directory with radius search
• A directory that needs unlimited custom fields
• A site that needs frontend submission and user dashboards
• A directory where CSV import matters
• A directory that needs Google Maps and OpenStreetMap without a pro extension
• A project that may later need WooCommerce pricing plans
• A site that may need claim listings, ads manager, search alerts, coupons, or advanced reviews
• A directory you want to build with your own WordPress theme

Directorist is especially useful when you want to start lean and expand later.

When ListingPro Still Makes Sense

ListingPro still makes sense if you want:

• A self-contained directory theme
• Built-in checkout without WooCommerce
• Built-in ads management
• Built-in paid plans
• Built-in appointment booking
• Emoji-style multi-criteria reviews
• Elementor and WPBakery support inside a theme package
• OpenStreetMap as the default map option
• A business directory theme that includes many core directory features out of the box

If you are building a straightforward business directory and prefer a theme-first setup, ListingPro remains a valid option.

Bottom Line

ListingPro is a strong business directory theme. It offers search, filters, maps, reviews, ads, paid plans, claim listings, lead forms, events, coupons, invoices, and a built-in checkout system.

But Directorist is the better fit if you want a plugin-first directory system with a strong free version, multi-directory support, unlimited custom fields, CSV import, radius search, schema markup, flexible builder support, and a larger paid extension bundle.

The decision comes down to how you want to build.

Choose ListingPro if you want a self-contained paid directory theme.

Choose Directorist if you want to start free, keep your design flexible, and grow into a broader directory platform over time.

FAQ

Is Directorist really a good ListingPro alternative?

Yes, if you want a plugin-first directory system with a free core version. Directorist gives you multi-directory support, unlimited listings, unlimited custom fields, frontend submission, user dashboards, CSV import, geolocation, radius search, Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, reviews, schema markup, admin approval, and private directories in the free version.

Is ListingPro bad?

No. ListingPro is not bad. It is a well-documented business directory theme with search, filters, maps, reviews, events, ads, paid plans, claim listings, lead forms, inbox messaging, coupons, invoices, and built-in checkout.

It is better suited for users who want an all-in-one theme rather than a plugin-based directory system.

Does ListingPro support WooCommerce?

ListingPro’s official FAQ says WooCommerce is not required and not supported. ListingPro uses its own checkout system with built-in payment gateways and additional gateway add-ons.

Does Directorist support WooCommerce?

Directorist’s pricing page documents WooCommerce Pricing Plans as part of the paid feature set.

Which one has a free version?

Directorist has a documented free version available from WordPress.org. The official free-version article says it is not a trial and does not expire.

A free core version of ListingPro was not documented on the official pages reviewed. ListingPro’s official site links users to ThemeForest for purchase.

Which one is better for maps and local search?

Both document map support. ListingPro documents OpenStreetMap and Google Maps for advanced location features. Directorist documents Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, geolocation, nearby listings, and radius search in the free version.

Which one is better for multiple directory types?

Directorist is the clearer choice based on the reviewed sources because it documents multi-directory support in the free version. ListingPro multi-directory support was not documented on the official ListingPro pages reviewed.

Which one should I choose?

Choose Directorist if you want a free starting point, flexible plugin-based setup, multi-directory support, custom fields, CSV import, radius search, and room to grow with extensions.

Choose ListingPro if you want a self-contained directory theme with built-in checkout, ads management, paid plans, events, reviews, and lead generation tools.