Searching for details on the top free and paid press release platforms, along with what they cost? You’ll find everything you need right here.
This in‑depth guide highlights the most reputable PR websites out there, explaining which platforms are best for sending out your press release at no cost and what their price models look like. We’ll also point out affordable options that can help make sure your news gets the exposure it deserves.
Choosing the best platform for submitting press releases
Making sure your press release lands in front of the right people isn’t just another step in your PR plan—it’s the main driver behind your efforts. When it comes to getting your press release out, there are two main routes you can take:
Using a dedicated press release website:
One method is to use established PR distribution services such as the UK‑based Pressat or global networks like PR Newswire or Business Wire for their distribution packages. We’ll look at how each one works in detail later.
Working with an all‑in‑one PR platform:
Another option is to go with platforms like Prowly or Prezly. These PR tools can increase your chances of getting published while saving time and building stronger connections with journalists in your sector. This is mainly because of two key benefits:
Better media results
While a press release submission site might get your news posted on several outlets, the writing and direct outreach you do can make a huge difference. Sending tailored emails to specific journalists tends to lead to better, more relevant coverage—meaning genuine articles written about your story instead of just a straight copy‑and‑paste of the release.
Cost‑effectiveness
These platforms also shine in terms of volume. With their media databases, you can reach out to many journalists about your news at once.
And did we mention their databases include over a million media contacts? You can build your own lists and keep using them whenever you need.
That’s why tools like Prowly provide a great mix of flexibility and cost control, letting you reach a bigger audience without overspending.
Now, let’s dive into the list of submission sites—both free and paid.
Paid press release submission sites
We’ve looked closely at leading paid services—their prices, features, and pros and cons.
Here’s a roundup of sites that could be a strong choice if you’re considering paying for distribution.
Pressat [leading press service]
Starting price: £110 per press release
Pressat is an award‑winning press release distribution service that targets journalists, influencers, and media outlets across a variety of industries. Their packages include multimedia support, detailed analytics, and sector‑based targeting to boost the impact of your news.
✅ Best for everything!: Companies seeking affordable, precise press release distribution in the UK and abroad.
🔻 Drawbacks: Extras such as Press Association distribution, Nasdaq OMX, writing, editing, or translation cost extra.
Wire Association
The Wire Association is a well‑known EU news agency that also lets clients feed their own press releases into its internal wire. These releases are then featured in the Wire Association’s daily feed for subscribers. It’s an effective way to get coverage across the EU and some other agencies in the region.
🔻 Drawbacks: Approval can be tricky because the agency maintains very high editorial standards.
Prowly
Starting price: $258 per month (billed annually)
Prowly is a full‑service PR software platform designed to make creating, managing, and distributing press releases easier. It offers tools for handling media contacts, drafting releases, and hosting an online newsroom, all in one dashboard.
✅ Best for: PR teams looking for a single solution that includes a large media database, contact management, release creation, and newsroom hosting.
🔻 Drawbacks: Prowly isn’t a traditional distribution wire—it’s a toolkit for managing and sending releases directly to your own contacts.
PR Newswire
Starting price: From $350 per release
PR Newswire is one of the most recognized platforms for online distribution. With its extensive network of outlets and subscribers, it helps businesses reach broad audiences. It emphasizes multi‑channel reach, especially on social media, connecting your news to journalists and influencers that some other services might miss.
🔻 Drawbacks: Costs aren’t always clear up front. There are no free trials, and add‑ons or memberships can make final pricing unpredictable.
Business Wire
Starting price: From $475 per release
Business Wire offers a variety of distribution circuits, letting you target specific audiences by location or industry. It also provides detailed reporting and 24/7 editorial support to refine your outreach.
Disclaimer: Pricing and features may change. Contact their sales team for the most current information.
🔻 Drawbacks: Their pricing isn’t clearly listed, making it harder to determine overall value.
Globe Newswire
Starting price: Contact for a quote
Globe Newswire is known for distributing corporate news, financial updates, and multimedia releases to media, investors, and consumers worldwide.
It offers strong global reach but doesn’t include SEO extras, media monitoring, or direct journalist engagement.
🔻 Drawbacks: Pricing isn’t publicly available—you’ll need to contact their sales department for details.
FAQs
What are press release distribution services?
These services help organizations share news with journalists, outlets, and digital platforms. Traditional wires send releases broadly, while tools like Prowly enable you to curate media lists, pitch directly, and monitor engagement—giving you a more personal and effective way to gain coverage.
What is the best distribution service for press releases?
That depends on your goals. Standard wires can get your release posted online but may not lead to deeper coverage. Pressat is a great all‑round option, while Prowly offers smarter targeting by helping you find the right journalists, personalize outreach, and track responses.
Where can I distribute a press release?
You can use traditional wire services, your own website, social media, or direct journalist outreach. Prowly simplifies this by giving you access to a large journalist database and tools to send your releases directly to the right people.
What is the easiest way to distribute a press release?
Using services like Pressat or platforms like Prowly is the simplest. They let you write releases, pick your contacts, and send them out quickly. Unlike automated wires, Prowly’s direct outreach method improves your chances of genuine media pickup.
How much is press release distribution?
Prices vary widely. Wire services may charge anywhere from $99 up to more than $8,000 per release, depending on length, reach, and extras. Prowly offers subscription plans starting at $258 per month (billed annually), giving you ongoing control over creation, outreach, and newsroom hosting without paying per release.
