Pick Sabai Directory only if you already run it on a live site and need to keep that site going. Pick Smart Directory Pro if you are starting a new directory or migrating off Sabai, and want a maintained theme and plugin with CSV import and AI tools.
Sabai Directory still sells on CodeCanyon at $25, but the last update (v1.4.17) shipped on April 23, 2024. The author now points new buyers to the newer Directories Pro.
What is Sabai Directory?
Sabai Directory is a CodeCanyon WordPress directory plugin from SabaiApps. It powers business directory websites with frontend submission, reviews, custom fields, and maps.
Claim listings are included, with claim expiration dates, lead notifications, and dashboard management. That is a solid basic claim flow for a plugin at this price.
The last shipped update was v1.4.17 on April 23, 2024. The author recommends Directories Pro for new users.
There has been no further release in over two years.
Sabai Directory pros and cons
- Low entry price at $25 one-time
- Claim listings with expiration dates and lead notifications included
- Same author as Directories Pro, so the patterns are familiar if you migrate
- No update since April 2024, effectively unmaintained
- No AI features listed on the item page
- Author recommends Directories Pro over this plugin for new users
Who should pick which
Keep Sabai Directory if it already runs a working site and you are planning a migration. Stay in the SabaiApps lineage with Directories Pro if you like the author’s approach.
Pick Smart Directory Pro for a new build or a migration that should land on a maintained theme and plugin. CSV import with AI column mapping moves your listings across.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sabai Directory?
Sabai Directory is a legacy CodeCanyon directory plugin from SabaiApps, last updated April 23, 2024.
How much does Sabai Directory cost?
$25 USD Regular License, $105 USD Extended License (one-time CodeCanyon licence). Check the CodeCanyon item page for current pricing.
Is Sabai Directory actively maintained in 2026?
No. The last release was v1.4.17 on April 23, 2024, and the author recommends Directories Pro for new users.
Does Sabai Directory support claim listings?
Yes. Claims include expiration dates, lead notifications, and dashboard management.
Who is Sabai Directory for?
Existing Sabai Directory users maintaining a live site, not new builds.
Who should avoid Sabai Directory?
Anyone starting a new directory in 2026.
Is Sabai Directory better than Smart Directory Pro?
It depends on use case. Sabai Directory costs $25 one-time but has not been updated since April 2024. Smart Directory Pro is $99 to $399 per year on an annual licence, ships theme and plugin together, and includes AI semantic search on every tier, plus an AI SEO audit and 5 AI content tools from Pro.
Is Sabai Directory worth it in 2026?
Only for keeping an existing site running while you plan a migration.
Sabai Directory vs Smart Directory Pro
This is a generational comparison, not a feature one. Sabai Directory has had no release since April 2024.
Smart Directory Pro ships AI semantic search on every tier, plus an AI SEO audit, 5 AI content tools, and programmatic SEO pages from Pro. If you’re on Sabai Directory and considering an upgrade, SDP is a current option, and you can see Smart Directory Pro running on a live directory.
If you want to stay in the SabaiApps lineage, the author points you at Directories Pro, not back at this plugin.
See it in action
These short clips show how listings move into Smart Directory Pro and become local search pages.
The bottom line
Sabai Directory had a long run but is finishing its life cycle. The author recommends new buyers pick a different product.
The last update is more than two years old. The price is low for a reason.
If you already run it on a working site, keep it patched and plan a migration. If you’re choosing a directory plugin today, pick a maintained product, including the author’s own Directories Pro.
