Quick Overview
- 1#1: Business Wire - Distributes press releases to global media outlets, financial platforms, regulatory agencies, and trade publications with advanced targeting and analytics.
- 2#2: PR Newswire - Provides comprehensive press release distribution across thousands of newsrooms, websites, and journalists worldwide with multimedia support and SEO optimization.
- 3#3: GlobeNewswire - Offers press release distribution to major news wires, financial media, and international outlets with real-time dissemination and reporting tools.
- 4#4: Cision - Enterprise PR platform delivering press release distribution integrated with media monitoring, database access, and performance analytics.
- 5#5: Newswire - Delivers targeted press release distribution to journalists, online news sites, and regulatory bodies with multimedia and international capabilities.
- 6#6: EIN Presswire - Affordable service distributing press releases to top news sites, Google News, and search engines for enhanced visibility and SEO.
- 7#7: PRWeb - Distributes SEO-optimized press releases to online media, industry sites, and social channels for small to mid-sized businesses.
- 8#8: Prowly - Modern PR software with press release distribution, journalist CRM, and visual storytelling tools for targeted media outreach.
- 9#9: 24-7 Press Release - Provides budget-friendly live press release distribution to news sites, journalists, blogs, and social media platforms.
- 10#10: IssueWire - Global press release distribution service with SEO optimization, analytics, and syndication to news portals and search engines.
We evaluated tools based on media reach, feature depth (including analytics and multimedia support), user-friendliness, and value, ensuring the list balances versatility and performance for diverse users.
Comparison Table
Press release distribution software plays a vital role in amplifying brand messaging and connecting with diverse audiences. This comparison table examines top tools like Business Wire, PR Newswire, GlobeNewswire, and Cision, outlining key features, distribution reach, and usability to help you identify the best fit for your communication needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Wire Distributes press releases to global media outlets, financial platforms, regulatory agencies, and trade publications with advanced targeting and analytics. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | PR Newswire Provides comprehensive press release distribution across thousands of newsrooms, websites, and journalists worldwide with multimedia support and SEO optimization. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | GlobeNewswire Offers press release distribution to major news wires, financial media, and international outlets with real-time dissemination and reporting tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Cision Enterprise PR platform delivering press release distribution integrated with media monitoring, database access, and performance analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 5 | Newswire Delivers targeted press release distribution to journalists, online news sites, and regulatory bodies with multimedia and international capabilities. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | EIN Presswire Affordable service distributing press releases to top news sites, Google News, and search engines for enhanced visibility and SEO. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | PRWeb Distributes SEO-optimized press releases to online media, industry sites, and social channels for small to mid-sized businesses. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Prowly Modern PR software with press release distribution, journalist CRM, and visual storytelling tools for targeted media outreach. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | 24-7 Press Release Provides budget-friendly live press release distribution to news sites, journalists, blogs, and social media platforms. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | IssueWire Global press release distribution service with SEO optimization, analytics, and syndication to news portals and search engines. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Distributes press releases to global media outlets, financial platforms, regulatory agencies, and trade publications with advanced targeting and analytics.
Provides comprehensive press release distribution across thousands of newsrooms, websites, and journalists worldwide with multimedia support and SEO optimization.
Offers press release distribution to major news wires, financial media, and international outlets with real-time dissemination and reporting tools.
Enterprise PR platform delivering press release distribution integrated with media monitoring, database access, and performance analytics.
Delivers targeted press release distribution to journalists, online news sites, and regulatory bodies with multimedia and international capabilities.
Affordable service distributing press releases to top news sites, Google News, and search engines for enhanced visibility and SEO.
Distributes SEO-optimized press releases to online media, industry sites, and social channels for small to mid-sized businesses.
Modern PR software with press release distribution, journalist CRM, and visual storytelling tools for targeted media outreach.
Provides budget-friendly live press release distribution to news sites, journalists, blogs, and social media platforms.
Global press release distribution service with SEO optimization, analytics, and syndication to news portals and search engines.
Business Wire
enterpriseDistributes press releases to global media outlets, financial platforms, regulatory agencies, and trade publications with advanced targeting and analytics.
Unmatched global reach to 30,000+ media outlets and direct integration with financial databases for investor targeting
Business Wire is a premier press release distribution platform that delivers content to over 30,000 media outlets, journalists, websites, and financial databases worldwide. It supports multimedia attachments, targeted distribution by industry or geography, and provides real-time analytics for performance tracking. Additionally, it ensures regulatory compliance for SEC filings and offers guaranteed delivery with detailed reporting.
Pros
- Vast global distribution network including major wires and financial platforms
- Comprehensive analytics, SEO optimization, and multimedia support
- Regulatory compliance features like EDGAR filing integration
Cons
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for small businesses
- Quote-based model lacks upfront transparency
- Interface has a learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Large enterprises, public companies, and PR agencies needing extensive reach, compliance, and measurable impact.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; basic U.S. distribution starts at ~$450-$900 per release, premium global/multimedia packages $1,500+.
PR Newswire
enterpriseProvides comprehensive press release distribution across thousands of newsrooms, websites, and journalists worldwide with multimedia support and SEO optimization.
Unparalleled global reach with guaranteed placement on major wires like AP and targeted delivery to specialized trade media.
PR Newswire is a leading press release distribution platform that enables businesses and organizations to disseminate news to thousands of journalists, newsrooms, websites, and social channels worldwide. It offers advanced targeting options by industry, location, and audience, along with multimedia support for images, videos, and HTML formatting to enhance visibility. The service includes robust analytics to track reach, engagement, and media pickups, making it a comprehensive tool for professional PR campaigns.
Pros
- Extensive global distribution network reaching over 170 countries and 4,000+ outlets
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for measuring campaign impact
- Multimedia and SEO optimization capabilities for maximum visibility
Cons
- High pricing can be prohibitive for small businesses or infrequent users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced targeting and customization features
- Approval process can sometimes delay distribution timelines
Best For
Established enterprises, PR agencies, and public companies seeking maximum media exposure and detailed performance insights.
Pricing
Starts at around $350-$500 per basic release, with tiered packages up to $2,000+ for premium targeting and subscriptions for high-volume users.
GlobeNewswire
enterpriseOffers press release distribution to major news wires, financial media, and international outlets with real-time dissemination and reporting tools.
Guaranteed same-day delivery to financial platforms like Nasdaq, Bloomberg, and Reuters terminals
GlobeNewswire is a premier press release distribution service that delivers news content to an extensive network of over 60,000 journalists, major news wires, financial terminals like Bloomberg and Reuters, and social media channels. It supports multimedia elements such as images, videos, and HTML formatting, along with targeted distribution by industry, geography, or topic. The platform provides detailed analytics, guaranteed placements in key databases, and compliance with regulatory requirements for public companies.
Pros
- Extensive global distribution network reaching financial markets and major outlets
- Advanced analytics and real-time performance tracking
- Guaranteed placements in regulatory databases like EDGAR and OTC Markets
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for small businesses
- Pricing structure requires custom quotes for advanced features
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Public companies, investor relations teams, and enterprises needing broad financial media exposure and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Starts at ~$349 for U.S. distribution, $599+ for premium national/international; custom enterprise plans available.
Cision
enterpriseEnterprise PR platform delivering press release distribution integrated with media monitoring, database access, and performance analytics.
Cision's proprietary database of 1.7+ million verified journalists and influencers with AI-driven targeting for hyper-personalized distribution.
Cision is a comprehensive press release distribution platform that connects users to over 1.7 million influencers, journalists, and media outlets across print, online, broadcast, and social channels worldwide. It supports multimedia-rich releases with advanced targeting based on industry, location, and journalist preferences, while providing real-time analytics and reporting on reach, engagement, and media pickups. As part of the broader Cision Communications Cloud, it integrates seamlessly with media monitoring, influencer relations, and crisis management tools for end-to-end PR workflows.
Pros
- Extensive global distribution network with precise targeting capabilities
- Robust analytics and performance tracking including media pickups and share of voice
- Seamless integration with Cision's full PR suite for monitoring and relationship management
Cons
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small businesses or infrequent users
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and advanced features
- Custom quotes can lead to unpredictable costs and longer sales cycles
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises, PR agencies, and corporations requiring enterprise-grade distribution with integrated media intelligence.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $5,000 per release or $30,000+ annually for subscriptions; volume discounts available.
Newswire
enterpriseDelivers targeted press release distribution to journalists, online news sites, and regulatory bodies with multimedia and international capabilities.
Newswire Impact Score, which predicts and guarantees media pickups based on content analysis
Newswire (newswire.com) is a robust press release distribution platform that connects businesses with over 6,000 websites, 10,000+ journalists, and major news wires for wide-reaching news dissemination. It supports multimedia elements like images, videos, and links, along with targeted distribution based on geography, industry, and media type. The service provides real-time analytics, SEO optimization, and guaranteed visibility metrics to track performance effectively.
Pros
- Extensive distribution network including top-tier wires and outlets
- Advanced analytics and performance tracking tools
- Multimedia support for engaging releases
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses or infrequent users
- Interface has a learning curve for non-expert users
- Limited free or low-cost options compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized companies and PR agencies seeking targeted distribution with strong analytics.
Pricing
Starts at ~$349 for U.S. national distribution; premium plans range from $999 to $4,000+ for international, multimedia, and guaranteed placements.
EIN Presswire
specializedAffordable service distributing press releases to top news sites, Google News, and search engines for enhanced visibility and SEO.
Guaranteed placement on Google News and 10+ premium sites across all packages
EIN Presswire is a press release distribution platform that enables businesses and individuals to submit news releases for dissemination to over 200 news sites, journalists, bloggers, and search engines including Google News and AP News. It offers tiered packages with guaranteed publication on high-traffic sites like Yahoo Finance and Digital Journal, along with optional professional writing services. The service provides post-distribution reports on views, clicks, and social shares for tracking performance.
Pros
- Affordable entry-level pricing starting at under $100
- Guaranteed publication on major sites like Google News and Yahoo
- User-friendly online submission interface with quick turnaround
Cons
- Limited targeting options compared to premium competitors
- Basic analytics without advanced SEO or journalist targeting tools
- No free trial or revisions on lower-tier plans
Best For
Small businesses and startups seeking cost-effective distribution to build online visibility without complex features.
Pricing
Starts at $99.95 for Express (400 words, basic network), up to $499.95 for Platinum (1,000 words, premium distribution and writing services).
PRWeb
specializedDistributes SEO-optimized press releases to online media, industry sites, and social channels for small to mid-sized businesses.
Guaranteed inclusion on high-profile sites like Google News, Yahoo, and Associated Press wires for maximum exposure
PRWeb is a veteran press release distribution platform that enables businesses to broadcast news releases to thousands of journalists, bloggers, online news outlets, and search engines. It supports multimedia-rich releases with images, videos, and links, while optimizing content for SEO to boost visibility on Google News and other major platforms. Comprehensive analytics provide insights into views, clicks, and social shares post-distribution.
Pros
- Extensive distribution network reaching 200+ sites and major search engines
- Strong SEO optimization and Google News approval for enhanced discoverability
- Detailed analytics dashboard for tracking release performance
Cons
- Tiered pricing can be costly for small businesses or frequent users
- Limited editing flexibility after submission
- Customer support response times vary and can be slow
Best For
Established small to mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, SEO-focused press release distribution without advanced PR management needs.
Pricing
Starts at $119 for Basic Online Distribution, up to $999+ for Premium packages with satellite radio, targeted industries, and broadcast wires.
Prowly
specializedModern PR software with press release distribution, journalist CRM, and visual storytelling tools for targeted media outreach.
Fully customizable online newsroom that serves as a persistent, branded PR hub accessible to journalists 24/7
Prowly is an all-in-one PR platform designed for creating, distributing, and managing press releases with a focus on targeted journalist outreach. It includes a customizable online newsroom, a database of over 1 million journalists, and tools for email pitching and performance analytics. The software emphasizes visual storytelling and relationship-building over mass wire distribution.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop newsroom builder
- Extensive media database for precise targeting
- Robust analytics for tracking opens, clicks, and engagement
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or startups
- Limited integration with major newswires compared to competitors
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized PR teams and agencies focused on building journalist relationships and maintaining a professional online newsroom.
Pricing
Starts at €99/month (Basic), €189/month (Standard), €299/month (Premium); custom enterprise pricing available.
24-7 Press Release
specializedProvides budget-friendly live press release distribution to news sites, journalists, blogs, and social media platforms.
Same-day distribution to Google News and Yahoo News for rapid search engine visibility
24-7 Press Release is a press release distribution platform that enables users to submit and distribute news announcements to over 400 news sites, journalists, and search engines including Google News and Yahoo News. It offers tiered packages with features like targeted industry distribution, multimedia embedding, and SEO optimization for improved visibility. The service is geared toward quick, cost-effective dissemination for businesses of all sizes, with options for same-day posting.
Pros
- Affordable pricing tiers starting under $100
- Wide network including major search engines and news aggregators
- User-friendly online editor for quick release creation
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Pickup rates can vary with lower-tier sites dominating
- Fewer premium media outlets compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small businesses and startups seeking budget-friendly press release distribution to boost online visibility.
Pricing
Starts at $49 for basic distribution to 200+ sites, with premium plans up to $499 offering targeted industries, multimedia, and enhanced SEO features.
IssueWire
specializedGlobal press release distribution service with SEO optimization, analytics, and syndication to news portals and search engines.
Guaranteed indexing on Google News and SEO-optimized releases for better search visibility
IssueWire is a press release distribution platform designed for businesses, PR professionals, and individuals to publish and distribute news releases to a network of over 150 news sites, including Google News, Bing News, and Yahoo News. It offers tiered plans with features like multimedia support, SEO optimization, targeted industry distribution, and detailed analytics reports to measure reach and engagement. The service emphasizes affordability and ease of use, making it accessible for small-scale PR needs without the complexity of enterprise solutions.
Pros
- Affordable pricing suitable for small businesses and startups
- User-friendly interface with quick submission process
- Solid distribution to major news aggregators like Google News
Cons
- Limited reach compared to top-tier services like PR Newswire
- Basic reporting lacks advanced metrics in lower plans
- No guaranteed media pickups outside of aggregators
Best For
Small businesses, startups, and solo PR users seeking cost-effective distribution to online news outlets.
Pricing
Starts at $21 for Basic (limited distribution), $119 for Gold (Google News + more sites), up to $195 for Platinum (premium features and analytics).
Conclusion
When evaluating press release distribution software, the top performers stand out for their ability to reach global audiences, integrate advanced tools, and deliver measurable results. Leading the pack is Business Wire, renowned for its expansive global reach across media, financial platforms, and regulatory bodies, paired with powerful targeting and analytics. PR Newswire follows closely, offering comprehensive coverage and multimedia tools optimized for SEO, making it ideal for broad visibility. GlobeNewswire rounds out the top three, excelling with real-time dissemination and access to international outlets. Each of these tools caters to distinct needs, ensuring there is a strong option for various use cases.
Ready to amplify your story? Start with Business Wire to leverage its unmatched global distribution and analytics, and take your press releases to new heights.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison