Brilliant Directories vs. Join It
A leaner alternative to Brilliant Directories
Brilliant Directories builds directory websites with searchable listings, paid ads and lead generation, and its reviewers describe a steep learning curve. Join It is all-in-one membership software that works with the website you already have: payments, automated renewals, member emails, event registration, a member directory and Wallet cards, from $29 a month.
Clean, modern interface
Transparent pricing
Integrates with the tools you already use
Here’s what happens when Brilliant Directories users switch to Join It
Built to support your workflow, not replace it
Join It offers all the essential membership tools, without forcing you into a closed ecosystem.
Member Timeline
Track key actions across each member’s lifecycle (no CRM degree required).
Useful Integrations
Join It integrates directly with the tools associations use most, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, QuickBooks, plus thousands more through Zapier on every plan.
Custom Checkout Options
Add optional donations, create flexible membership types, and set up one‑time or recurring payments.
Quick, Easy Setup
Get started in minutes. Everything’s self-serve, with fast support if you need help.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Feature by feature, here’s how it compares
From integrations to support to how pricing actually works, see what sets Join It apart.
Join It
Use with your existing website
Join It
Alternative
Custom membership types
Join It
Alternative
Multiple admin access
Join It
Alternative
Custom fields on member profiles
Join It
Alternative
Digital membership cards
Join It
Alternative
Automated renewal emails
Join It
Alternative
Member activity timeline
Join It
Alternative
Event management
Join It
Alternative
Public and private directories
Join It
Alternative
Mailchimp and Zapier integration
Join It
Alternative
Transparent pricing
Join It
Alternative
No onboarding fees
Join It
Alternative
No onboarding fees
Join It
Alternative
What sets Join It apart
Focused simplicity, not feature overload
Join It
Essentials only—transparent, intuitive, easy to adopt.
Brilliant Directories
Powerful, but heavy and complex with 1,000+ features
Included digital membership cards
Join It
Scannable mobile cards built in.
Brilliant Directories
Doesn’t offer this out of the box.
Clear and flexible pricing
Join It
Starting at $29/month, no surprises.
Brilliant Directories
Expensive plans or large one‑time fee; add-ons and complexity can cloud total cost
Plug-and-play integrations
Join It
Seamlessly connects to everyday tools like Stripe, Eventbrite, Zapier.
Brilliant Directories
Integrations via Zapier/Webhooks, but many features are baked into their own platform
How Brilliant Directories & Join It are alike
Directory & membership management
Both support setups with member tiers and management tools.
Both support setups with member tiers and management tools.
Recurring billing & automated emails
Both platforms handle renewals and communications.
Both platforms handle renewals and communications.
Customisable fields & forms
Collect whatever member data you need.
Collect whatever member data you need.
Searchable member directories and profile pages
Public or private.
Public or private.
Hosted solution with support
Both offer hosting, support resources, and training.
Both offer hosting, support resources, and training.
Join It vs Brilliant Directories pricing
Join It
Starting at
$29
/mo
Transparent per‑active‑member pricing
No onboarding or implementation fees
Includes digital membership cards and key integrations
30‑day free trial, no credit card required
Starting at
$79
/mo
/yr
$145/month when billed monthly
$950/year (~$79/month) or $1,450 lifetime deal
Self-hosted, white-label directory and membership platform
Free demo available; onboarding/training may be extra
Additional costs possible for add-ons or VIP club
What is the best Brilliant Directories alternative if my directory is only one part of my membership program?
Join It is a strong Brilliant Directories alternative for organizations that need membership management, payments, renewals, events, digital cards, and member records in addition to any directory experience.
How does Join It compare to Brilliant Directories for managing members beyond listings?
Brilliant Directories is centered on directory websites, while Join It is centered on the membership lifecycle behind those listings.
Can I migrate from Brilliant Directories to Join It?
Yes. Organizations can migrate from Brilliant Directories to Join It by exporting member or listing data and importing the membership records into Join It, with bulk import included for free on every Join It plan.
Real people. Exceptional support.
Clubs, associations and nonprofits in 40+ countries run their membership on Join It — and tell us about it in public.
“We have tripled our membership since using Join It. All our records are in one place, while automated emails, renewals, payments and receipts save us so much time.”
“I now know of only 2 membership management companies — Join It and others. I'm normally reserved on reviews but this one deserves more than my normal polite comments. Exceptional experience.”
“Join It has rescued us from WildApricot. This company understands the modern world. They integrate with the best technologies. And they excel in service, knowing that's the best way to serve their bottom line.”
Try Join It and see the difference
No pressure. No credit card. Just modern membership software that works the way you do.
Brilliant Directories vs Join It: how to choose
The short answer: Brilliant Directories suits organizations whose public directory is the product, with paid listings, ads and a hosted website, at $97 a month or $997 one-time with no platform fee (as of October 2026). Join It suits associations and chambers that want a simple all-in-one for member records, renewals, payments, events and member emails that works alongside their existing website, with plans from $29 a month, month to month, and a 30-day free trial with no credit card.
What is Brilliant Directories built for?
Brilliant Directories is a hosted, white-label website builder for searchable directories, membership communities and marketplaces, founded in 2010.
Brilliant Directories includes listings, profile pages, location search, SEO tools, website and email hosting, and email campaigns, and site owners can earn from paid listings, banner ads, lead generation and classifieds.
How much does Brilliant Directories cost?
As of October 2026, Brilliant Directories costs $97 a month, or $997 one-time for a lifetime plan, with no platform fee on payments. Brilliant Directories is promoting the lifetime plan as ending soon, so check the pricing page before relying on that price.
Brilliant Directories' price includes a hosted website that replaces your own. Join It works with the website you already have, so you pay for membership software, not a second website.
Join It publishes all of its pricing. Plans start at $29 a month on Starter (3% platform fee). Total, at $99 a month (2%), adds digital membership cards, member check-in, a member directory and API access, and Extra, at $199 a month (1.5%), adds custom domains and a dedicated account manager. Plans are month to month, Stripe's processing fees apply, and there are no setup fees. Annual billing saves 10%, and nonprofits get an additional 10% off. See full pricing.
When is Join It the better choice?
Join It is the better choice when the directory is one part of your membership rather than the product. Join It is usually the better fit if:
- You want to keep your current website. Brilliant Directories replaces your site. Join It works alongside WordPress, Squarespace, Wix and other websites. If you only need a simple online home for your members, the Join It member portal gives you one without building a whole site: share posts, list upcoming events and give members a searchable directory (Total plan and above).
- Renewals are the main job. Join It handles recurring billing and automated renewal reminders.
- You want members to carry their membership on their phone. Brilliant Directories does not list digital membership cards. On Join It's Total plan and above, members get digital membership cards in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and staff can check members in at the door.
- You want help getting set up. Brilliant Directories reviewers mention a steep learning curve. Join It's team can import your members for free on any plan, even during the free trial.
When Brilliant Directories may be the better fit
Brilliant Directories may be a better fit than Join It if:
- The directory is your product. Brilliant Directories supports paid listings, ads, lead generation and marketplaces.
- You want one hosted website for everything. Brilliant Directories includes the website, events calendar, email hosting and email marketing.
Can I switch from Brilliant Directories to Join It without members re-entering card details?
Yes, if your Brilliant Directories site takes recurring payments through your own Stripe account: Join It's team can bring those Stripe subscriptions across. Bulk import is free on every Join It plan. If your Brilliant Directories site uses PayPal or another gateway, members will set up Stripe payments in Join It when they next renew.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Is the public directory a product people pay to appear in, or a benefit for members?
- Do you want to replace your current website, or keep it?
- How much do members pay you each month, and how does a 2% or 3% platform fee compare with a flat $97?
- Do members need a Wallet card or check-in at events?
Join It is trusted by more than 4,000 membership organizations in 40 countries and has processed over $100 million in membership payments since 2016.
Comparing other options? See all Join It alternatives and comparisons.
Last reviewed: October 6, 2026. Brilliant Directories pricing and product details are taken from brilliantdirectories.com and may change. Check their current pricing before making a decision.
