If you’ve been relying on HARO and watched it decline in quality, consistency, and journalist activity, you already know how tough it has become to secure solid media placements. At Pearl Lemon PR, we speak to founders, agencies, and consultants who need predictable placements through dependable journalist outreach platforms. The search for the best HARO alternatives has become a priority due to fewer verified media requests and tighter competition.
Recent industry data shows that only 18 percent of HARO queries now come from top-tier outlets, according to detailed audits shared across PR communities in 2024. Also, journalists open less than 23 percent of cold pitches when platforms lack proper verification systems, based on a 2024 Muck Rack survey.
We researched more than 40 digital PR tools, media request platforms, and PR link building tools used by agencies, SaaS brands, and consultants. Below are the 20 best HARO alternatives that consistently deliver stronger placements, higher response rates, and more targeted access to journalists.
What Is A HARO Alternative?
A HARO alternative is any platform, software, or PR tool that connects brands with verified journalists seeking expert commentary. These tools support media outreach, improve link acquisition strategies, and give brands a steady stream of media opportunities without relying on HARO’s unpredictable volume.
A strong HARO alternative should provide:
• Verified journalist activity
• Niche-targeted requests
• Better filters for PR campaigns
• Access to editors at digital publications
• Faster pitch delivery systems
• Support for PR link building
• Stable volume of media opportunities
These platforms matter because consistent earned media fuels authority, SEO growth, and brand trust. For agencies, predictable journalist outreach saves hours and reduces wasted pitches. For founders, timely responses to media request platforms translate into brand mentions that support marketing and search visibility.
Comparison Table: Best HARO Alternatives 2025
| Tool Name | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial | Rating | Key Feature |
| Qwoted | Agencies | £0 | Yes | 4.6 | Verified journalists |
| Terkel | SMEs | £0 | Yes | 4.5 | Community Q&A |
| Featured | Founders | £0 | Yes | 4.7 | AI-assisted matching |
| SourceBottle | Coaches | £0 | Yes | 4.4 | Niche requests |
| Muck Rack | Enterprise | £5k yearly | No | 4.8 | Media database |
| Prowly | Startups | £279 | Yes | 4.5 | PR CRM |
| JustReachOut | Solopreneurs | £197 | Yes | 4.3 | Pitch templates |
| Prezly | Agencies | £50 | Yes | 4.4 | Newsroom hosting |
| OnePitch | Tech brands | £0 | Yes | 4.5 | Pitch matching |
| PressPlugs | UK brands | £39 | No | 4.6 | UK-only requests |
| JournoLink | Small businesses | £25 | Yes | 4.4 | Press release distribution |
| ResponseSource | UK agencies | £95 | No | 4.6 | Journalist enquiries |
| PressHunt | Growth teams | £89 | Yes | 4.2 | Direct contacts |
| Meltwater | Corporates | £8k yearly | No | 4.7 | Media monitoring |
| Cision | Enterprise | £6k yearly | No | 4.6 | Media database |
| PitchRate | Coaches | £0 | Yes | 4.1 | Expert sourcing |
| Help a B2B Writer | B2B startups | £0 | Yes | 4.8 | B2B editorial requests |
| Connectively | General brands | £19 | No | 3.9 | HARO successor |
| Pitched | Founders | £29 | Yes | 4.3 | Automated pitching |
| PingGo | SMEs | £29 | No | 4.2 | Guided PR writing |
Best 20 HARO Alternatives
Below are all 20 tools we’ll cover:
- Qwoted
- Terkel
- Featured
- SourceBottle
- Muck Rack
- Prowly
- JustReachOut
- Prezly
- OnePitch
- PressPlugs
- JournoLink
- ResponseSource
- PressHunt
- Meltwater
- Cision
- PitchRate
- Help a B2B Writer
- Connectively
- Pitched
- PingGo
1. Qwoted – Verified Journalist Requests With Higher Response Rates
Qwoted is one of the strongest platforms on the list of best HARO alternatives because it focuses on verified journalists, tighter filters, and active media contributors. Agencies, founders, and consultants use it to secure brand mentions, editorial quotes, and digital placements without the noise that has overtaken HARO. Many PR teams use Qwoted as their primary media request platform because its newsroom activity is monitored and curated.
Key Features
Verified Journalist Profiles
Qwoted screens journalists before allowing them to post, which keeps spam low and pitch quality high. This leads to better outcomes for agencies running PR link building campaigns. Many users mention in Qwoted review threads that verified profiles reduce wasted time and improve placement consistency.
Topic-Based Request Feed
Requests are sorted by niche, allowing you to focus on categories tied to your brand, such as B2B, finance, SaaS, health, or eCom. This feature makes Qwoted a dependable alternative to HARO for teams that dislike irrelevant requests cluttering their inbox.
Expert Directories
Brands can create expert profiles so journalists can approach them directly. This creates a passive stream of placements without sending multiple pitches daily. It gives smaller teams a steady presence inside journalist outreach platforms.
Pitch Tracking Dashboard
The dashboard tracks responses, opens, and active conversations. It helps PR teams measure which topics generate more journalist replies, a common request from agencies searching for HARO alternatives with better visibility.
Journalist Search Filters
Qwoted includes a substantial database of media contacts with direct outreach options. Many agencies compare Qwoted vs Muck Rack and choose Qwoted due to lower pricing and simpler usability.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Verified journalists only | Lower volume than HARO used to have |
| High response rates | Some niches have fewer requests |
| Strong filters | Best features require paid plan |
| Direct journalist access | Limited global coverage outside US |
Pricing
Qwoted offers a free plan with limited access.
Paid plans begin with customised pricing depending on team size and feature requirements.
Best For Agencies Handling Consistent Client PR Campaigns
Qwoted suits teams that need predictable placements, quality journalist access, and a cleaner workflow.
• Agencies managing heavy digital PR workloads — faster filtering and verified reporters
• SaaS founders — steady editorial placements without heavy outreach
• SEO teams running PR link building — higher response consistency
• Consultants — on-brand expert commentary requests
• Local service businesses — easier niche targeting
Verdict:
Qwoted is a reliable alternative to HARO for teams wanting consistency, cleaner journalist requests, and better tracking.
Tip: How to Use Qwoted for Rapid Topical PR
Search for categories tied to emerging trends in your niche. Journalists posting in trending categories often publish within 24 to 72 hours, giving you quick placements many teams overlook.
Best Alternate Tool
Terkel is a strong alternate if you want a simpler, community-driven platform with broader submissions and easier participation.
2. Terkel – Community-Powered Q&A PR Platform
Terkel is one of the most approachable options on any list of best HARO alternatives. The platform works on a structured Q&A model, where brands answer targeted questions from verified publishers. This format reduces pitch fatigue and gives founders, consultants, and agencies a clearer path to earning placements. Many teams prefer Terkel over HARO due to its structured submission system and higher acceptance rate.
Key Features
Guided Answer Framework
Instead of sending cold-style pitches, users answer structured prompts. This simplifies the process for smaller teams and produces better results across PR link building efforts. Many Terkel review discussions mention this as the reason they switched.
Publisher Verification
Each question is tied to a confirmed outlet, which prevents spam and low-quality publishers from appearing in the feed. This improves hit rates for niches like SaaS, local business, eCom, and B2B.
Category Filters
Questions are organised by sector. You can target industry-specific requests with stronger alignment, making Terkel one of the most beginner-friendly HARO alternatives for niche outreach.
Submission Limits
The platform caps daily submissions to maintain quality. This keeps competition in check and reduces clutter for publishers.
Automated Notifications
Users receive alerts for new questions relevant to their industry, which reduces time spent refreshing feeds inside journalist outreach platforms.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple Q&A format | Some categories fill quickly |
| High placement rates | Quality varies by publisher |
| Easy for beginners | Limited international options |
| Strong filters | Best results require consistent participation |
Pricing
Terkel provides a free plan with basic access and paid plans starting at £75 monthly.
Best For Small Businesses and Individual Founders Seeking Predictable Placements
• Solo founders — quick submissions without complex pitching
• Consultants — consistent expert commentary placements
• Local businesses — niche questions with simpler phrasing
• PR freelancers — predictable placements for clients
Verdict:
Terkel is an excellent choice when you need a structured guide instead of open-form pitches.
Tip: How to Strengthen Acceptance Rates on Terkel
Reference specific steps, data points, or unique positioning in each response. Publishers prefer actionable responses over broad statements.
Best Alternate Tool
Featured is a strong alternate if you want AI-assisted matching for faster submissions.
3. Featured – AI-Assisted Journalist Matching
Featured is one of the most efficient best HARO alternatives due to its AI-based matching engine. Brands receive curated requests based on their profile, reducing time spent scanning feeds. Founders and consultants use it heavily because the response process is fast and publishers often provide direct attribution.
Key Features
AI-Based Matching System
Featured analyses your profile and pushes only relevant media opportunities. This reduces manual filtering and saves time for teams running high-volume PR link building campaigns. Many Featured review threads highlight the accuracy of matches.
Publisher Transparency
All requests display the publication, topic, and editorial needs clearly. This helps users understand tone and expectations before responding.
High Editorial Acceptance
Featured works closely with multiple digital publishers, which improves the likelihood of being chosen when your expertise aligns with the request.
Submission Management Dashboard
You can track which of your responses are pending, accepted, or published. This helps agencies provide transparent reporting to clients.
Fast Publishing Cycles
Many Featured submissions are published within days. This makes it popular among founders seeking quick brand mentions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| AI-curated matches | Limited niche categories |
| High acceptance rates | Some topics have fewer daily requests |
| Clear request details | Requires well-written responses |
| Quick publishing | No deep journalist conversation features |
Pricing
Featured is currently free to use.
Best For Founders Wanting Faster Media Wins Without Heavy Outreach
• SaaS founders — quicker visibility through curated requests
• Coaches and consultants — frequent expert commentary opportunities
• PR agencies — strong supplementary tool for daily campaigns
• eCom brands — fast top-of-funnel credibility opportunities
Verdict:
Featured is ideal when you want consistent, relevant requests with minimal filtering.
Tip: How to Build Authority Quickly on Featured
Build a profile with tight niche focus. The algorithm prioritises profiles with clearly defined expertise.
Best Alternate Tool
SourceBottle is a close alternative with a more community-driven setup.
4. SourceBottle – Niche PR Requests for Coaches, Authors, and SMEs
SourceBottle is one of the most established best HARO alternatives in Australia and the UK, offering niche-focused media requests across coaching, lifestyle, business, health, and wellness. Brands use it to gain consistent press quotes and editorial contributions without large subscription fees.
Key Features
Niche-Curated Requests
SourceBottle excels at lifestyle, coaching, SME, and wellness categories. This makes it a valuable tool for niches underserved by HARO.
Free Expert Alerts
Users receive email-based alerts matched to their categories. Many SourceBottle review highlights note how accurate these alerts are for targeting editors.
Anonymous Journalist Requests
Some outlets publish queries anonymously to prevent inbox overload. This allows more publishers to post without pressure, increasing total request volume.
Event and Giveaway Requests
SourceBottle also supports event coverage and product callouts, making it useful for eCom and DTC brands wanting audience reach.
Simple, Low-Cost Structure
The platform keeps its pricing accessible, making it suitable for small teams or freelancers.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong niche coverage | Less activity in US markets |
| Free alerts | Lower volume than some platforms |
| Good for coaches | Some anonymous posts lack detail |
| Low-cost options | Fewer enterprise targeting tools |
Pricing
Most features are free.
Premium options start around £19 monthly.
Best For Coaches, Authors, and SMEs in Lifestyle and Business Sectors
• Coaches — consistent lifestyle and business media opportunities
• Authors — editorial mentions during book promotion cycles
• SMEs — steady drip of niche-friendly placements
• eCom brands — product feature requests
Verdict:
SourceBottle works best for niche sectors that require more targeted and lifestyle-based media placement opportunities.
Tip: Use SourceBottle for Seasonal PR
Look for seasonal callouts tied to holidays or awareness weeks. These often convert well due to tight editorial turnaround times.
Best Alternate Tool
PressPlugs is a great UK-focused alternative if you need more structured journalist enquiries.
5. Muck Rack – High-End Media Database and Monitoring Platform
Muck Rack is one of the most comprehensive best HARO alternatives for enterprise brands and PR agencies. It is known for its accurate journalist database, real-time monitoring features, and detailed outreach tools. Teams use it to run large-scale media outreach campaigns with higher precision than traditional media request platforms.
Key Features
Extensive Journalist Database
Muck Rack maintains one of the most complete media databases available. Users can locate journalists by beat, outlet, region, or publication type. Many Muck Rack review comparisons favour it over Cision for accuracy.
Media Monitoring Tools
The platform tracks brand mentions across digital outlets, broadcast, and social channels. This helps agencies report outcomes clearly during PR campaigns.
Pitch Logging and Team Collaboration
Teams can track who contacted which journalist, preventing duplication during outreach. This is critical for agencies running large client rosters.
Real-Time Alerts
Brands receive alerts about mentions as they occur, supporting quick responses and follow-up actions.
Campaign Reporting
Muck Rack includes detailed analytics for understanding contact performance and media pickup rate.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Large, accurate media database | High price point |
| Excellent monitoring tools | Best suited for larger teams |
| Strong analytics | No free plan |
| Trusted by major brands | Steeper learning curve |
Pricing
Pricing starts around £5,000 yearly depending on team size and features.
Best For Enterprise PR Teams and Agencies Running High-Volume Outreach
• PR agencies — extensive media targeting and contact management
• Corporations — strong monitoring across multiple markets
• SaaS scaleups — precise journalist beat targeting
• In-house PR departments — advanced reporting tools
Verdict:
Muck Rack is best for organisations that need advanced databases and monitoring, not just media request platforms.
Tip: Use Beat Search to Improve Pitch Relevance
Searching by journalist beat ensures your pitch lands with someone who actively covers your topic.
Best Alternate Tool
Cision is the closest high-end alternative for teams needing similar functionality.
6. Prowly – PR CRM and Media Outreach Platform
Prowly is a strong contender among the best HARO alternatives thanks to its PR CRM features and built-in journalist database. Agencies and growing brands use it to manage contacts, send targeted pitches, and maintain digital newsrooms. Its structured workflow makes it attractive for teams wanting more organisation than HARO or Connectively can provide.
Key Features
PR CRM for Contact Management
Prowly centralises journalist information, pitch history, and outreach records. Many Prowly review discussions highlight how this replaces multiple spreadsheets and manual tracking systems.
Integrated Journalist Database
Prowly includes a global media database searchable by topic, outlet size, country, and publication type. This positions it as a strong PR software tool for ongoing campaigns.
Newsroom Builder
Brands can build an online newsroom to publish press releases, media kits, and updates. This supports long-term PR strategy rather than one-off pitches.
Press Release Distribution
Users can distribute press releases directly through the platform, making Prowly a complete solution for product announcements and launch communications.
Analytics and Engagement Insights
Prowly tracks pitch opens, clicks, and responses so teams can refine their message over time.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong contact management | Higher cost for full features |
| Global media database | Requires onboarding time |
| Newsroom hosting | Not ideal for quick daily media queries |
| Good analytics | Database strength varies by region |
Pricing
Plans start at £279 per month, depending on database access and newsroom options.
Best For Startups and Agencies Wanting a Structured PR System
• Startups — organised outreach and press releases
• Agencies — PR CRM for multi-client management
• SaaS companies — targeted journalist outreach
• Mid-market brands — newsroom hosting for long-term PR visibility
Verdict:
Prowly is ideal when you need organised outreach and ongoing communication with journalists.
Tip: Use Tags to Segment Pitch Lists
Tag journalists by campaign type to avoid sending irrelevant pitches.
Best Alternate Tool
JustReachOut is a good alternate if you want simpler pitching features without CRM depth.
7. JustReachOut – Pitching Software for Direct Journalist Outreach
JustReachOut focuses on simplifying outreach by helping users find journalists, craft angle-driven pitches, and send personalised emails in one place. It stands out among the best HARO alternatives because it emphasises outreach instead of feed-based requests.
Key Features
Built-In Pitch Templates
JustReachOut includes pitch templates written for various campaign types. Many JustReachOut review posts highlight that this shortens writing time for solo users.
Journalist Search Tool
You can locate journalists by recently written articles, ensuring each pitch aligns with their interests.
Keyword-Based Search Engine
You can search media opportunities by entering a keyword tied to your niche, making this helpful for SEO-aligned PR link building strategies.
Direct Pitch Sending
Users send pitches directly from the platform, which removes inbox clutter.
Tutorial Library
A large library of pitch breakdowns, examples, and frameworks makes this a strong tool for beginners.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong search features | Smaller database than enterprise tools |
| Good for beginners | No free plan |
| Keyword-based outreach | Best results require consistent manual work |
| Easy templates | No newsroom hosting |
Pricing
Plans start at £197 per month.
Best For Solopreneurs and Small Teams Learning PR Outreach
• Solo founders — guided templates keep pitching consistent
• Consultants — targeted journalist lists
• SMEs — direct outreach instead of waiting for queries
• Startups — pitching tied to trending topics
Verdict:
JustReachOut is excellent for users who want guided outreach using personalised emails.
Tip: Build Pitch Lists from Recent Articles
Target journalists who published within the last month for stronger reply rates.
Best Alternate Tool
PressHunt is a close alternate with a larger journalist list.
8. Prezly – PR Publishing and Relationship Management
Prezly is a full PR publishing system designed to host press releases, manage media contacts, and maintain consistent communication. It is often compared as a Prowly vs Prezly decision due to its newsroom-first approach.
Key Features
Visual Newsroom Builder
Prezly allows brands to publish visually structured press releases, images, and multimedia assets. Many Prezly review comments praise its clean presentation.
Contact Relationship Management
Users store contact details, pitch notes, and communication logs, making it easier to manage long-term PR communication.
Multi-Channel Distribution
Prezly distributes press releases through personalised email campaigns to targeted contacts.
Team Collaboration
The platform supports multi-team access, shared notes, and workflow organisation.
Attachment-Friendly Editor
Users can upload high-resolution images, PDFs, and brand files for press use.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong newsroom builder | No media opportunity feed like HARO |
| Easy press release hosting | Requires consistent strategy |
| Good contact management | Database add-on raises pricing |
| Great for visual content | Learning curve for new users |
Pricing
Plans begin at £50 per month with newsroom features included.
Best For Agencies and Brands That Publish Regular Press Releases
• Agencies — newsroom hosting for multiple clients
• Mid-market brands — clean press release layouts
• SaaS companies — detailed updates and announcements
• eCom brands — product launches needing visual assets
Verdict:
Prezly is ideal for teams that publish frequent announcements and want polished presentation.
Tip: Build a Category-Based Newsroom
Divide your newsroom into product, updates, and brand sections to make it easier for journalists to find information.
Best Alternate Tool
Prowly is the closest alternative if you need a heavier database focus.
9. OnePitch – Matching System for Tech-Focused PR Outreach
OnePitch is a niche-aligned tool that focuses on tech companies and startups. It uses a submission-driven model to match your pitch with journalists who cover your niche. This makes it a favourite among teams searching for best HARO alternatives with a more focused audience.
Key Features
Pitch Submission Form
Users submit a structured pitch template, and OnePitch matches it with journalists covering that topic.
Tech-Focused Journalist Pool
OnePitch review feedback often highlights that the platform is strongest in tech, SaaS, software, and innovation-focused sectors.
Pitch Delivery System
OnePitch distributes your pitch directly to matched journalists, removing the need for manual outreach.
Pitch Feedback Tools
The platform offers insights on pitch clarity and categorisation.
Category Targeting
Users choose categories such as SaaS, AI, finance tech, marketing tech, and related segments.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong for tech brands | Not ideal for lifestyle sectors |
| Easy pitch submission | Limited global journalist coverage |
| Matches handled automatically | No large media database |
| Low barrier to entry | Results depend on pitch quality |
Pricing
Best For Tech Startups and SaaS Brands That Want Targeted Outreach
• SaaS startups — structured matching with relevant journalists
• Tech founders — simple outreach process
• AI companies — targeted editorial visibility
• Digital agencies — consistent tech journalist communication
Verdict:
OnePitch is perfect for tech-focused brands that want automated outreach without heavy research.
Tip: Include a Short Case Point in Your Submission
Journalists respond well to submissions that show measurable results or unique angles.
Best Alternate Tool
Help a B2B Writer is a strong alternate if your focus is B2B content placements.
10. PressPlugs – UK-Based Journalist Request Platform
PressPlugs is one of the top best HARO alternatives in the UK market. It provides real media requests from editors, reporters, producers, and digital journalists across national and regional outlets.
Key Features
UK-Focused Media Requests
PressPlugs sends verified UK journalist queries, making it ideal for location-specific coverage. Many PressPlugs review threads mention strong results due to its geographic alignment.
Daily Digest
A daily feed of targeted enquiries keeps users updated on fresh media opportunities.
Keyword Filters
Users can filter by niche, publication type, topic, or intended audience.
Rapid Response System
Journalists typically publish on short deadlines, so opportunities often lead to quick placements.
Media Contact Access
Some plans include access to direct contacts for proactive outreach.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal for UK brands | Limited for global campaigns |
| Verified journalist requests | No free plan |
| Strong niche categories | Requires fast responses |
| Good for regional press | Smaller volume compared to global platforms |
Pricing
Best For UK Businesses, Agencies, and Consultants Seeking Local Press
• UK SMEs — regular press visibility
• Agencies — reliable journalist enquiries
• Consultants — expert commentary for UK outlets
• Local eCom brands — product and lifestyle features
Verdict:
PressPlugs is the top choice for UK-specific PR opportunities.
Tip: Respond Within the First Hour
Many UK journalists publish same-day, so responding early raises acceptance rates sharply.
Best Alternate Tool
ResponseSource is a close match with more corporate and enterprise-level enquiries.
11. JournoLink – Press Release Distribution for Small UK Businesses
JournoLink is a straightforward tool designed for small UK organisations that want regular press coverage without the complexity of enterprise PR systems. Many UK agencies place JournoLink on their list of best HARO alternatives because of its affordable press release distribution and access to verified journalists.
Key Features
Press Release Distribution
JournoLink distributes press releases to a UK-wide network of journalists, reporters, and bloggers across multiple sectors.
Business Profile Directory
Businesses create a profile journalists can browse. This often leads to inbound requests from reporters looking for commentary.
PR Calendar
The built-in calendar helps you prepare campaigns around news trends, seasonal topics, and national events.
Media Room Hosting
JournoLink hosts a simple media room for your press releases, giving journalists a quick hub for brand information.
UK-Focused Targeting
All requests and distribution tools emphasise UK relevance, making it ideal for region-specific visibility.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable for small teams | UK-focused only |
| Easy distribution tools | Fewer tech categories |
| Media room included | Limited analytics |
| Good for local press | Requires consistent releases |
Pricing
Best For UK Small Businesses Wanting Straightforward Press Distribution
• Local businesses — affordable outreach
• Consultants — frequent commentary requests
• SME brands — steady press opportunities
• PR freelancers — simple toolset for multiple clients
Verdict:
JournoLink is ideal for UK-based organisations seeking manageable press release distribution without complex software.
Tip: Use JournoLink’s PR Calendar to Time Releases
Journalists often pick up industry-specific stories tied to national days and seasonal peaks.
Best Alternate Tool
PressPlugs is a strong alternate if you want more journalist enquiries instead of distribution.
12. ResponseSource – High-Quality Journalist Enquiries for UK Agencies
ResponseSource is one of the most trusted UK journalist enquiry systems and is considered one of the most established best HARO alternatives for agencies. It provides verified requests from journalists working across national, regional, and specialised publications.
Key Features
Verified UK Journalist Enquiries
All requests come from verified reporters, editors, and producers. Many ResponseSource review threads note this as its biggest strength.
High Volume of B2B Queries
ResponseSource has more B2B-focussed requests than many platforms, attracting SaaS and service companies.
Category-Based Filters
Users can access sectors such as tech, finance, legal, marketing, health, and consumer lifestyle.
Fast Delivery to Inbox
Requests are delivered immediately, helping users respond before deadlines.
Corporate-Grade Options
ResponseSource offers premium access for larger agencies needing advanced targeting.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong UK journalist network | No free plan |
| High quantity of quality requests | Best suited for agencies |
| Good niche coverage | Requires fast turnaround |
| Trusted by corporate teams | UK-only system |
Pricing
Best For UK Agencies and Corporate Teams Handling Regular PR Workloads
• PR agencies — large enquiry volume
• B2B brands — consistent niche requests
• Consultants — steady expert commentary
• Corporate teams — organised journalist communication
Verdict:
ResponseSource is ideal for UK organisations that need a constant flow of verified journalist enquiries.
Tip: Save Journalist Names for Future Outreach
Many journalists posting enquiries accept pitches later when approached directly.
Best Alternate Tool
PressPlugs is a lighter, more affordable option for UK-focused media opportunities.
13. PressHunt – Journalist Database with Direct Contact Details
PressHunt positions itself as a cost-effective journalist database designed for direct outreach. Teams looking for best HARO alternatives that support proactive pitching prefer PressHunt because of its extensive contact list.
Key Features
Large Journalist Database
PressHunt includes thousands of contacts with direct email addresses, making it useful for manual outreach.
Article Search Function
Users search by keywords to find journalists who recently covered their topic.
Beat and Outlet Filters
Contacts can be filtered by beat, outlet size, region, and subject area.
Pitch Notes and Tracking
You can save communication notes to track past conversations with journalists.
Affordable Database Access
Compared to enterprise tools, PressHunt offers a more accessible price point.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable access | No built-in media request feed |
| Strong contact database | Manual outreach required |
| Search by recent articles | No press release distribution |
| Good for SEO-aligned PR | Limited automation |
Pricing
Best For Growth Teams and PR Specialists Running Manual Outreach Campaigns
• SEO teams — great for PR link building
• Growth teams — targeted journalist matching
• PR freelancers — cost-effective database access
• Startups — proactive outreach to niche reporters
Verdict:
PressHunt is best for teams that rely on direct pitching rather than waiting for media queries.
Tip: Use “Covered Recently” Search Filters
Journalists covering your topic within the last 30 days are significantly more likely to respond.
Best Alternate Tool
JustReachOut is similar but includes guided pitch frameworks.
14. Meltwater – Enterprise Monitoring and Outreach Platform
Meltwater is a top-tier PR platform combining media monitoring, social tracking, journalist databases, and outreach tools. It is often compared as a Meltwater vs Muck Rack decision for enterprise organisations evaluating best HARO alternatives.
Key Features
Advanced Media Monitoring
Meltwater tracks digital publications, social channels, broadcast media, and print outlets, giving large organisations detailed coverage data.
Global Journalist Database
The platform includes a vast journalist directory with international reach.
Campaign Reporting
Detailed analytics help PR departments report on campaign performance across multiple channels.
Influencer Search
Meltwater includes influencer discovery tools, expanding the platform beyond just traditional media.
Enterprise Collaboration Tools
Large teams can manage shared campaigns, workflows, and communication records.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive monitoring | Very high cost |
| Global journalist access | Not designed for smaller teams |
| Detailed analytics | No free plan |
| Multi-channel tracking | Complex interface |
Pricing
Pricing typically starts at around £8,000 yearly.
Best For Enterprise PR Teams Managing International Communication
• Corporations — need global visibility
• Enterprise SaaS — multi-market outreach
• Large agencies — detailed monitoring and analytics
• Public organisations — broad media tracking
Verdict:
Meltwater suits teams with large-scale PR demands requiring deep monitoring and reporting.
Tip: Use Meltwater’s Keyword Alerts for Trend Tracking
This helps your team pitch journalists at the right moment, based on current topic traction.
Best Alternate Tool
Cision is the closest enterprise-level alternative.
15. Cision – Enterprise Media Database and Distribution System
Cision is a heavyweight platform used by large corporates and agencies. It remains one of the strongest best HARO alternatives for companies needing global databases, advanced distribution, and large-scale campaign tools.
Key Features
Global Media Database
Cision maintains one of the largest journalist databases on the market, with contact details, beats, and outlet information.
Press Release Distribution via PR Newswire
Cision integrates with PR Newswire, allowing brands to distribute press releases worldwide.
Analytics and Reporting
Cision review discussions often highlight its detailed reporting tools for PR effectiveness.
Influencer and Outlet Discovery
Users can find influencers, editors, and publications aligned with their industry.
Team Access Controls
Large teams manage permissions, workflows, and communication history across regions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Global journalist database | High cost |
| PR Newswire distribution | Not suited for small teams |
| Strong analytics | Complex setup |
| Trusted by enterprise brands | Long onboarding cycles |
Pricing
Cision pricing begins around £6,000 yearly, depending on product modules.
Best For Enterprise Brands Requiring Global PR Capabilities
• International corporations — wide media reach
• Enterprise SaaS — targeted distribution
• Government organisations — structured communication
• Large agencies — multi-client management
Verdict:
Cision is best for companies requiring massive distribution networks and detailed reporting.
Tip: Build Region-Specific Lists
Create separate lists for each region to match journalists with local relevance.
Best Alternate Tool
Muck Rack is an excellent alternate if you prefer smoother journalist search functionality.
16. PitchRate – Free Expert Sourcing Platform
PitchRate is one of the simplest best HARO alternatives for coaches, consultants, and small business owners who want basic media opportunities without monthly subscriptions. Its community-style model connects journalists with experts seeking quotes and commentary.
Key Features
Free Access
PitchRate allows users to sign up and respond to journalist requests at no cost, making it accessible to professionals with limited budgets.
Category-Based Requests
Requests are sorted into categories like lifestyle, business, and health, helping users filter quickly.
Expert Profiles
You can create a public profile for journalists to review, which increases the chance of inbound requests from reporters searching for sources.
Weekly Digest
Users receive digests containing active media requests.
Beginner-Friendly Structure
The platform works well for people who want a low-pressure entry point into PR activity.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fully free | Lower volume than paid tools |
| Good for beginners | Fewer B2B queries |
| Simple structure | Limited targeting options |
| Easy to use | Smaller journalist pool |
Pricing
Best For Coaches, Solo Consultants, and First-Time PR Users
• Coaches — approachable platform for early placements
• Consultants — simple commentary opportunities
• First-time founders — low commitment PR entry point
• Lifestyle brands — steady soft-topic opportunities
Verdict:
PitchRate is useful as a supplementary tool when budget is tight or you’re just starting PR outreach.
Tip: Strengthen Your Expert Profile
Include niche keywords so journalists identify your expertise quickly.
Best Alternate Tool
Terkel is a more structured option with higher placement rates.
17. Help a B2B Writer – B2B Editorial Request Platform
Help a B2B Writer stands out among the best HARO alternatives for B2B brands. Instead of traditional journalist requests, you receive opportunities from editors seeking quotes for B2B content pieces. This makes it extremely effective for SaaS, agency, and consultancy visibility.
Key Features
Editor-Specific Requests
Requests come from editors working on high-quality B2B content, which often results in backlinks.
Industry-Focused Categories
Requests typically cover SaaS, marketing, sales, finance, and operations, aligning well with B2B growth sectors.
High Acceptance Rates
Many editors accept multiple quotes per article, increasing placement likelihood.
Transparent Publication Details
Editors list where the article will appear and whether they include links.
Free Access
The platform is completely free, making it easy to add to your daily PR workflow.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong B2B alignment | Not suitable for lifestyle sectors |
| High acceptance rates | Limited entertainment categories |
| Link-friendly opportunities | Smaller publisher diversity |
| Clear editorial needs | Dependent on content cycles |
Pricing
Best For B2B SaaS, Agencies, and Service Companies
• SaaS teams — consistent mentions in B2B publications
• Marketing agencies — authoritative commentary opportunities
• Consultants — expert positioning in niche topics
• Operations-focused tools — editorial visibility in workflow content
Verdict:
An excellent choice for B2B-focused PR and backlink acquisition.
Tip: Include Data or Practical Suggestions
Editors choose submissions that add substance, not broad statements.
Best Alternate Tool
OnePitch works well for tech-focused requests with a similar editorial angle.
18. Connectively – HARO’s Successor Platform
Connectively is the platform that replaced HARO and now functions with a more modern interface. Though opinions vary, it remains one of the best HARO alternatives simply due to volume and journalist diversity.
Key Features
Large Volume of Requests
Connectively continues HARO’s tradition of providing large numbers of queries daily.
Category Filters
Users can filter requests by niche, type, or deadline.
Profile-Based Pitching
Users create expert profiles that journalists can review after receiving pitches.
Deadline-Focused Alerts
Requests have expiry times, encouraging rapid responses.
Familiar Workflow
Because of its similarity to HARO, many teams switch over without needing new processes.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Large request volume | Some unverified queries |
| Easy learning curve | Quality varies widely |
| Familiar to HARO users | High competition |
| Free basic access | Not strong for niche categories |
Pricing
Best For Brands Wanting High Volume of Daily Requests
• Agencies — frequent opportunities at scale
• Founders — large variety of topics
• General consultants — broad-category requests
• SEO teams — multiple daily link opportunities
Verdict:
Connectively works best for teams willing to sort through many requests to find relevant ones.
Tip: Use Keyword Alerts Strategically
Set up alerts for niche terms to avoid drowning in irrelevant requests.
Best Alternate Tool
Qwoted offers a more curated and verified alternative.
19. Pitched – Automated PR Pitching Platform
Pitched automates parts of the pitching process by generating angles, identifying relevant contacts, and sending outreach emails. It appeals to small teams seeking lighter automation tools among the best HARO alternatives.
Key Features
Automated Pitch Drafting
Pitched generates pitch outlines based on your topic or goal.
Contact Matching
The system suggests contact lists based on niche, publication type, and recent reporting activity.
Automated Sending
You can schedule outreach sequences that send without manual effort.
Performance Dashboard
Tracks opens, replies, and follow-up needs.
Lightweight Toolset
Pitched focuses on speed rather than deep complexity.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast setup | Not ideal for enterprise outreach |
| Helpful automation | Smaller journalist list |
| Affordable | Pitches require personal refinement |
| Good for beginners | Limited customisation |
Pricing
Best For Small Teams Wanting Light Automation
• Startup founders — quick pitch creation
• Solo PR users — automated sequences
• SMEs — low-maintenance outreach
• New agencies — simple contact matching
Verdict:
Pitched is a smart add-on tool when you want to scale outreach lightly without enterprise software.
Tip: Edit Auto-Generated Pitches
Adding personal angles significantly improves reply rates.
Best Alternate Tool
JustReachOut is similar but with stronger editorial strategy resources.
20. PingGo – Guided PR Writing for Small Businesses
PingGo provides guided writing tools that help small businesses create press releases, case stories, and pitch messages. Its structured writing workflow makes it one of the most approachable best HARO alternatives for SMEs.
Key Features
Step-by-Step Press Release Builder
PingGo walks you through writing a press release using prompts and templates.
Message Library
Users can store key messages and narratives for reuse in future campaigns.
Audience-Focused Templates
Templates are adapted for specific audiences, such as journalists, local press, or niche publications.
Distribution Support
PingGo offers optional distribution support depending on your subscription.
Simple Interface
Easy for beginners who need help shaping PR messages.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Guided writing system | Limited journalist access |
| Good for beginners | Not ideal for advanced PR teams |
| Helpful templates | Small distribution network |
| Low monthly cost | No large opportunity feed |
Pricing
Best For SMEs Learning How to Write and Share PR Messages
• Small businesses — guided press release writing
• Consultants — easy messaging templates
• Local brands — structured communication
• New founders — simple PR support
Verdict:
PingGo is useful for creating consistent messaging without hiring a PR writer.
Tip: Create a Template Library
Reuse structured sections for quick campaign turnaround.
Best Alternate Tool
JournoLink is a good match if you want UK distribution included.
Final Words
Whether you’re a startup founder, a consultant, or an agency, the right tool depends on how often you pitch, what type of coverage you want, and how much time you can commit. At Pearl Lemon PR, we use many of these platforms daily, and each has a clear role in strengthening media outreach.
If you need help with PR beyond what tools offer, you can schedule a consultation with our team for guidance.
Get Expert Help
At Pearl Lemon PR, our team builds campaigns that combine journalist request platforms, proactive pitching, and targeted editorial outreach to secure consistent mentions for clients across competitive industries. Whether you need daily commentary placements, long-term publication targeting, or structured PR support, we tailor campaigns that match your sector and business goals.
Book a call with us to review your PR objectives, evaluate the best-fit platforms, and build an outreach plan that delivers consistent coverage for your brand.
FAQs
1. What makes a platform a strong HARO alternative?
A strong HARO alternative provides verified journalist requests, niche filters, and dependable volume. Many tools also include media databases, pitch tracking, or newsroom hosting.
2. Which platform works best for B2B companies?
Help a B2B Writer and OnePitch are strong for B2B content placements and editorial quotes.
3. Do any HARO alternatives provide global journalist data?
Tools like Cision, Meltwater, and Muck Rack offer global media databases suitable for international teams.
4. What’s the most affordable HARO alternative?
PitchRate, Featured, and Help a B2B Writer are free and provide a consistent flow of requests.
5. Which tools support proactive outreach instead of journalist queries?
PressHunt, JustReachOut, and Cision allow users to contact journalists directly.
6. Are HARO alternatives useful for SEO and link building?
Yes. Many requests result in editorial links, especially when placed in relevant content or expert commentary pieces.
7. Are any tools better for UK businesses?
PressPlugs, ResponseSource, and JournoLink are excellent for UK-focused press opportunities.
8. Does HARO still work?
HARO, now operating as Connectively, still offers volume, but many users prefer curated alternatives with stronger verification.
9. Which tool is best for lifestyle and coaching sectors?
SourceBottle is highly effective for health, lifestyle, coaching, and wellness categories.
10. How often should I respond to journalist requests?
Ideally, daily. Most queries operate on short deadlines, and quick submissions improve acceptance rates.
