What is AlternativeTo?

With over 145,000 apps listed and millions of user opinions, AlternativeTo is one of the web's most prominent reviews and discovery platforms. It organizes software by platform compatibility, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Web, mapping products based on how they substitute for one another. Instead of relying on static, generic categories, the directory uses crowdsourced recommendations to rank tools. This makes it an invaluable discovery engine for SaaS founders and indie hackers who want to reach users at the exact moment they are looking to migrate from a competitor.

How to submit to AlternativeTo

Submitting a product to AlternativeTo is straightforward and can be completed via an open form without needing to register an account. To begin, you navigate to the suggest-app page and provide essential details about your software, including its name, official website URL, and supported platforms. You must specify which existing, well-known applications your product serves as an alternative to, as this defines where your listing will appear. While no image is strictly required during the initial submission, providing a clear description of your software's core features and licensing model is crucial. Once submitted, the platform's community and moderation team review the suggestion to ensure it meets their quality guidelines before publishing it.

What you'll need to submit

Have these ready before you start so you can fill the form in one pass:

  • Your product name
  • A live, public URL (your real landing page)
  • A one-line tagline
  • A short description (a few sentences)
  • The category or tags that best fit your product

Tips to get listed on AlternativeTo

  • Identify and list the most accurate, high-profile competitors your software replaces so you appear on the highest-traffic alternative pages.
  • Write a unique, benefit-driven description that highlights exactly how your tool improves upon the established alternatives.
  • Tag all supported operating systems and platforms accurately to ensure your product shows up in filtered search results.
  • Encourage your existing users to leave honest reviews and opinions on your listing to help improve its crowdsourced ranking.

Is AlternativeTo worth it?

Listing your product on AlternativeTo is highly worth a founder's time, especially since it is completely free to submit. With a strong Open PageRank of 52/100, the platform carries significant domain authority, though the exact link type remains unknown. The real value of AlternativeTo lies in its high-intent referral traffic rather than just search engine optimization. Because users visit the site specifically to replace a tool they are unhappy with, getting listed as an alternative to a major competitor can drive highly qualified leads directly to your landing page. The main limitation is that your visibility depends heavily on user engagement, meaning you will need active community support to climb the rankings.