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Press release distribution for startups: what to compare
Compare five things: who writes the release, when you pay, the price, where it appears, and what report you get. Of ten services we read, the lowest public price is free (PRLog) and at least four sell writing separately. We are an eleventh option, and this page does not rank us.
Updated 4 Nov 2026
What should a startup compare?
- Who writes the release? At a self-serve service, you do. Some sell writing as an add-on.
- When do you pay? Press Elevate asks for payment after you approve the draft. We did not check this at the other ten.
- What is the real price? Look for word limits and extras. eReleases charges US$150 per extra 100 words.
- Where does it appear? “Distributed to” is not “published on”. Ask for a report with live links.
- What does it not promise? No honest seller promises press coverage, a ranking or a number of visits.
How do ten other services compare?
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
| Service | Cheapest public price | Who writes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRWeb | US$120 per release. Public tiers US$120–480; two more tiers say “Contact Sales”. | Self-serve (you write) | Source |
| EIN Presswire | US$149 per release. Pro+ US$499 for 5 releases (a limited-time offer adds 1 free). Corporate US$999 for 15 releases. | Self-serve (you write) | Source |
| Newswire.com | US$399 per release (Starter). Basic US$659, Feature US$965, State US$599. | Self-serve; writing offer unclear | Source |
| 24-7 Press Release | US$29 for Simple Post (own website only, no distribution). First distribution plan US$49. Mass Media Visibility US$479 (PR Newswire). | Self-serve; writing sold separately | Source |
| PRLog | Free (ad supported). Basic US$29, Premium US$49, Premium2 US$99. | Self-serve (you write) | Source |
| Send2Press | US$99 for U.S. Online Basic. State plans from US$129. National from US$199. | Self-serve, or writing add-on | Source |
| eReleases | US$399 for Buzz Builder (400 words). Newsmaker US$499, PR Pro US$699. | Self-serve, or writing add-on | Source |
| PR.com | US$60 / US$100 / US$300 paid packages. A free package has reduced distribution. | Self-serve (you write) | Source |
| IssueWire | US$21 for a single release (the page also shows “first PR is free”). | Self-serve (you write) | Source |
| EmailWire | US$99 per release (Mass Media SEO). Major Mass Media SEO US$199. | Self-serve, or writing add-on | Source |
| Press Elevate (us) | US$899 Core, US$1,499 Global. One-time. | We write it. You approve the draft, then pay. | Our prices |
Which one should a startup pick?
- Pick a free or very low-cost service if you write well, have almost no budget and only need your news on the web. PRLog has a free ad-supported plan. IssueWire shows US$21 for a single release. Read what each plan includes.
- Pick a self-serve wire if you will write your own release: PRWeb (from US$120), EIN Presswire (from US$149), Newswire.com (from US$399).
- Pick eReleases if you want PR Newswire national distribution (from US$399, writing US$300 extra). See eReleases vs PRWeb.
- Pick Press Elevate if you want the release written for you, one flat price (US$899 or US$1,499) and your approval before you pay.
- Pick a PR agency retainer instead if you need ongoing reporter pitching. Our cost comparison cites US$5,000–25,000 a month.
What can none of them promise?
A paid release is published or sent out. A newsroom can see it and may choose to cover you. Nobody can honestly promise that, or a ranking, or a number of visits. See Are press releases worth it? and how Yahoo Finance and AP News placements work.
Short answers
What is the cheapest way to distribute a press release?
Of the ten services we read, PRLog has a free ad-supported plan and IssueWire shows US$21 for a single release (read 4 Nov 2026). Compare what each plan includes before you choose.
Does a startup have to write its own press release?
At the self-serve services in the table, yes, unless you buy writing as an add-on. At Press Elevate we write it from your 2–3 line brief, and you approve the draft before you pay.
Which press release service is best for a startup?
It depends on who writes, your budget and the reach you need. This page does not rank services. Press Elevate is one of the options, so read it as a comparison, not a verdict.
Sources and read dates
- Prices and plans re-read on 4 Nov 2026: PRWeb, EIN Presswire, Newswire.com, 24-7 Press Release, PRLog, Send2Press, eReleases, PR.com, IssueWire, EmailWire. Plans and prices change.
- Our offer: pricing and FAQ. Retainer range: as cited on our cost comparison.
If the flat-fee route fits
We reply within one business day with a free plan. You approve the draft before you pay.
Email app did not open? Write to support@presselevate.com from any inbox. Use the subject “Order: Core Coverage ($899)” or “Order: Global Coverage ($1,499)”.