haro vs featured-com
HARO vs Featured.com — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
HARO (now Connectively) has been the go-to platform for journalist-source connections since 2008, building the foundational model that most PR professionals know. Featured.com launched in 2022 as a modern alternative, promising AI-powered matching to cut through HARO's notorious email overload problem.
The choice between these platforms often comes down to whether you want the established network with proven track record or the streamlined experience with better filtering. Both offer free tiers, but their approaches to connecting sources with journalists differ significantly in execution and user experience.
Feature Comparison
HARO operates on a traditional email digest system where journalists' queries get blasted to subscribers three times daily. You'll receive hundreds of opportunities across all categories, requiring manual filtering to find relevant matches. The platform recently transitioned to Connectively with AI-powered matching, but the core experience remains email-heavy with basic categorization. Featured.com takes a more targeted approach with AI-driven opportunity matching based on your expertise profile. Instead of email floods, you get personalized dashboards showing relevant opportunities with quality scores. Their system learns from your preferences and success rates, becoming more accurate over time. Featured also provides response tracking and analytics that HARO lacks, letting you see which types of queries convert best. The response process differs too — HARO requires standard email responses while Featured.com offers built-in response templates and automated follow-up sequences. Featured's platform also shows you competing response volumes before you pitch, giving strategic insight HARO doesn't provide.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms offer solid free tiers that cover basic functionality. HARO's free plan includes access to all daily query emails and basic source profile features. Their paid plans start around $19/month for priority access to queries and enhanced profile visibility. Featured.com's free tier provides personalized matching, basic analytics, and response tracking. Their premium plans begin at $29/month, adding advanced AI filtering, priority support, and detailed success metrics. While Featured costs more at the entry level, the time savings from better matching often justify the price difference for active users.
Best For
HARO is the better choice when you want access to the largest pool of journalist queries and don't mind manual filtering. If you're just starting with digital PR, have limited budget, or prefer the familiar email-based workflow, HARO's extensive network and established relationships with major publications make it the safer bet. Featured.com is the better choice when you value efficiency over volume and want modern tooling around your PR outreach. If you're overwhelmed by HARO's email volume, need better success tracking, or want AI assistance in finding the most relevant opportunities, Featured's streamlined approach delivers better results per hour invested.
The Verdict
For most SEO professionals and small business owners, Featured.com offers a significantly better user experience that justifies its slightly higher cost. The AI-powered matching saves hours of manual filtering, and the built-in analytics help optimize your approach over time. HARO remains valuable for PR agencies managing multiple clients who need maximum query volume, but individual practitioners will find Featured.com more productive for building quality backlinks through earned media.