5 Best HARO Alternatives in 2025 (Free & Paid Options)

If you’ve been dabbling in PR, online marketing, or just trying to get your name out there, you’ve most probably heard of HARO (Help a Reporter Out). It used to be one of our go to service for mentions in big media outlets, & I know a good number of people who swore by it too. But let’s be real—HARO could be a total grind. It was like throwing your darts in a hurricane, with a hope that one would hit the bullseye. A good number of people were pitching for the same gigs, & sifting through those daily emails felt like a part time job. Plus, with HARO shutting down after its weird to Connectively in late 2024, it’s time for us to move on. Lucky for us, there are few killer alternatives out there that can get you those media wins without the headache.

I’ve rounded up the 5 best HARO alternatives for 2025 platforms I’ve either used myself or heard great things about from folks I trust. These are straightforward, effective, & won’t leave you pulling your hair out. Whether you’re a small business owner, a PR newbie, or a link-building pro, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in & find the one that fits your vibe.

Why To Look for HARO Alternatives?

First, let’s talk about why HARO started feeling like a chore. Back in the day, it was a fantastic platform over a million people were using it, & journalists were practically begging for sources. But that was also the major problem: too many chefs in the kitchen. One would spend an hour working on a pitch, hit send, &… no response. It was like shouting into the void. Moreover, those three daily emails stuffed with queries were a lot to keep up with, & half the time, they didn’t even match what I could offer. & now that HARO’s gone for good, we’ve got no choice but to find it’s alternatives. So, what’s out there? Here we are listing five platforms that can pick up where HARO left off & maybe even do it better.

1. SourceBottle: A Clean – Simple Platform

Platform’s Overview

SourceBottle is like that laid-back friend who always knows what’s up but doesn’t make a big deal about it. It’s an Australian website which connects journalists, bloggers, & podcasters with sources all over the globe. I checked it a few years back when I was looking for something less crowdy than HARO, & it’s been a solid fallback ever since.

How It Works?

You sign up for free & pick the topics you’re into or know a lot about. SourceBottle shoots you “Drink Up” emails usually twice a day with journalist call-outs that fit your profile. You can also hop on their website & go through opportunities yourself, using filters like places like Australia, the US, or the UK. See something you like? Reach straight to the journalist’s email. Done.

Pros

• Free as Can Be: The basic plan doesn’t cost a single penny, though they’ve got paid plans on their website (starting approximately $5.95 a month) if you want premium features like faster alerts.

• Less Crowded: It’s not full of people like HARO was, so your pitch has a better chances of getting noticed by journalists.

• Niche Vibes: It’s a really great platform for lifestyle, business, or tech topics, & if you’re trying to get into Aussie or Kiwi media outlets, it’s a goldmine.

Cons

Their search tool isn’t the slickest it’s a bit clunky if you’re digging through opportunities manually. Also, while it’s global, it leans hard into Australia & a few other spots, so if you’re targeting super specific markets, you might not find as much.

Best For

Small business folks, bloggers, or anyone who wants a low-key way to l& media gigs without feeling like they’re in a shark tank.

2. Qwoted: The Clean-&-Mean Matchmaker

Platform’s Overview

Qwoted feels like the sleek, modern upgrade HARO never got around to being. It’s newer but doesn’t mess around it’s all about connecting journalists with legit sources without the overwhelm. I tried it out last year when I was hunting for a more polished experience, & it didn’t disappoint.

How It Works?

You sign up for free, but they’ve gotta approve your profile to keep things legit. Once you’re in, you can browse journalist queries or set up email alerts for your expertise. You pitch directly through the platform, & here’s the cool part: you can “mute” queries if they’ve already got enough responses, so you don’t waste your time.

Pros

• Smart Little Tricks: They’ve got a “Pitch Intelligence” feature (on paid plans) that shows if a journalist’s already bitten on someone else’s pitch huge time-saver.

• Free Tier Rocks: You get three pitches a month on the free plan, which is plenty to test the waters.

• No Spam Zone: Since they vet accounts, you’re not drowning in junk responses.

Cons

The free plan caps you at three pitches a month, which might feel tight if you’re trying to go big. Paid plans start at $149 a month, which isn’t cheap if you’re just starting out. Also, it’s still growing, so the journalist pool isn’t massive yet.

Best For

PR pros, marketers, or anyone who wants a cleaner, more professional setup without digging through a million irrelevant queries.

3. Source of Sources (SoS): The Nostalgic Throwback

Platform’s Overview

Source of Sources or SoS is like the scrappy little sibling HARO left behind. It was started by Peter Shankman, the same guy who kicked off HARO way back when. After HARO got bought out & turned into Connectively, he launched SoS as a free, no-BS alternative that feels like the HARO I used to know & love.

How It Works?

Sign up for free, & you’ll get up to three emails a day with journalist queries. It’s super straightforward: they trust you to only pitch if you’re a real match. You reply directly to the journalist via email, just like the good ol’ days.

Pros

• Totally Free: No hidden costs, no upsells just straight-up access.

• Feels Like Home: If you miss HARO’s simplicity, this is as close as it gets.

• Less Noise: It’s still newish, so there aren’t as many people fighting over the same gigs.

Cons

Since it’s early days, the number of queries isn’t huge yet. Also, it’s pretty bare-bones you’ve gotta do your own digging on the publications since they don’t h& you fancy stats like SEO metrics.

Best For

Anyone who’s feeling nostalgic for HARO & wants a free, no-frills way to pitch journalists.

4. Featured: The Collaborative Storyteller

Platform’s Overview

Featured (used to be called Terkel) does things a bit differently it’s more like a teamwork deal where experts & journalists build content together. Instead of just tossing out quotes, you answer questions, & Featured turns those into full articles on partner sites. I’ve had a few pieces go live through them, & it’s been a breeze.

How It Works?

Sign up as an expert (they’ve got a free plan), set up a quick profile showing off what you know, & browse questions from journalists or their editorial team. You write a short answer nothing crazy, just a few sentences & if they like it, it gets woven into an article with your name on it. Paid plans start at $99/month if you want unlimited answers or extras like filtering by domain ratings.

Pros

• Better Odds: Since they’re crafting whole articles, your chances of getting picked are higher than HARO’s hit-or-miss quote game.

• SEO Bonus: On paid plans, you can filter by domain rating & link type (dofollow or nofollow), which is awesome for link-building.

• Low Effort: You don’t need to write a novel just a solid paragraph or two can l& you a spot.

Cons

Links aren’t always a sure thing, & some folks worry Featured’s model might dip into private blog network territory, which could mess with SEO down the road. Also, the free plan limits you to three answers a month.

Best For

SEO nerds, content creators, or anyone who wants to build their name with minimal hassle & decent backlinks.

5. JustReachOut: The Go-Getter’s Secret Weapon

Platform’s Overview

JustReachOut isn’t a straight-up HARO clone. it’s more for people who like to take the reins. Instead of waiting for journalists to come to you, you go find them & pitch directly. It’s built around building real relationships with media folks, which I’ve found way more rewarding in the long run.

How It Works?

You sign up (Plans starts at $199/month no free plan is listed on their website), & JustReachOut gives you access to a database of journalists, bloggers, & podcasters. Search by keywords tied to your niche, check out their recent stuff, & pitch using customizable templates. They also pull in queries from other platforms like HARO & Qwoted, so you can still jump on those if you want.

Pros

• You’re in Charge: You pick the journalists who’d vibe with your story. No waiting game.

• Real Connections: It’s less about single time pitches & more about building serious media buddies.

• It Saves the Time: You can always track if your pitch got opened or ignored no more wondering.

Cons

It’s not a budget platform, & also there’s no free trial to test their services.

Best For

It’s a good platform for businesses & PR enthusiasts who are ready to invest their energy & money into going after media wins.

So, Which Platform is Right for You?

Selecting the best HARO alternative really comes down to what you’re after & how much time you’ve got. If you want a platform which is free & easy, SourceBottle or Source of Sources are our top picks. There you can find the old school HARO like charm without any hassle. In case, if you are looking for something fancier with less amount of competition? Qwoted’s is the one you should choose. If SEO & backlinks are your game, Featured will benefit you with low effort. & if you’ve got the good budget & want to take the bullet train for your journey, then you can choose the JustReachOut.

The media game’s always changing, & while HARO was undoubtedly awesome while it lasted, these platforms clearly show there’s no shortage of ways to get your story heard. Try a couple of platforms, see what clicks, & don’t sweat it if it takes a few swings to hit your stride. Got a platform I didn’t mention that’s been a game changer for you? I’d love to hear about it, I’m always on the hunt for the next big thing!