Pick PremiumPress if you plan to launch several different site types (directory, classifieds, auctions) and want every theme under one payment. Pick Smart Directory Pro if you are building a local business directory and want an email-verified claim flow, AI semantic search and ranked local SEO pages on an annual licence.
What is PremiumPress?
PremiumPress is a WordPress theme vendor selling a membership that covers all 21 of its themes, including Directory. It is one of the longer-running independent WordPress theme vendors still active.
The membership includes future theme releases, a 200+ block library and Elementor templates. The Directory theme sits alongside themes for classifieds, auctions and other site types.
How much does PremiumPress cost?
Personal Membership is $399 and Developer Membership is $599, both as a one-time payment with no subscription. Updates and support last 12 months, and you can extend them for $49 per 6 months.
Both memberships allow unlimited personal sites, and Developer adds client sites. The Directory theme is sold within the membership rather than as a separate per-theme purchase.
Pros and cons
- One-time payment, no subscription
- All 21 themes plus future releases
- Unlimited personal sites; Developer adds client sites
- 200+ block library and Elementor templates
- $399 entry price is high if you only need one directory
- Updates and support need extending after 12 months ($49 per 6 months)
- AI and programmatic SEO pages are not listed on the pricing page
- Check the Directory theme page for claim listing details before buying
Who should pick which
- You plan to launch several different site types, not only a directory
- You want unlimited sites on one payment
- You build client sites and need a developer licence
- You are building a local business directory
- You want an email-verified claim flow and AI semantic search on every tier
- You want ranked “best X in Y” pages from Pro at $199 per year
PremiumPress vs Smart Directory Pro
PremiumPress wins on catalog breadth: one payment covers directory, classifieds, auction and other themes. That suits operators running several different sites.
Smart Directory Pro focuses on local directories, with AI semantic search on every tier plus an AI SEO audit and 5 AI content tools from Pro. Pro also adds programmatic SEO pages, and every tier includes an email-verified claim flow.
Pricing: SDP is an annual licence at $99, $199 or $399 per year, with unlimited sites on Agency. PremiumPress is $399 or $599 once, plus $49 per 6 months to keep updates after the first year.
See it in action
These short clips show the local directory workflows Smart Directory Pro is built around.
The bottom line
PremiumPress is the right pick if you run several different site types and want one membership covering all of them. The catalog economics work at portfolio scale.
For a focused local directory with claims, AI search and ranked local pages, Smart Directory Pro fits better. You can see Smart Directory Pro running on a live directory.
Is PremiumPress worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you plan several different site types and want all 21 themes on one payment. For a single local directory, a focused product like Smart Directory Pro is a closer fit.
What does PremiumPress cost?
Personal Membership is $399 and Developer Membership is $599, both one time. Updates and support run 12 months, extendable at $49 per 6 months.
Is PremiumPress actively maintained in 2026?
PremiumPress is an active vendor and the membership includes future releases. Check the vendor changelog for the latest Directory theme update.
Who is PremiumPress for?
Buyers who want many niche site themes, such as directory, classifieds and auctions, under one licence.
Who should avoid PremiumPress?
Operators who only need one local business directory with claim and local SEO tooling.
Is PremiumPress better than Smart Directory Pro?
For multi-site portfolios across different site types, possibly. For a local directory with claims, AI search and ranked local pages, Smart Directory Pro ships more for that job.
