Press Release Distribution Pricing in 2026: Complete Cost Comparison Guide
TL;DR
Quick pricing summary:
| Service | Entry Price | National | International | Hidden Fees Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR Newswire | $350 + $195 membership | $805+ | $1,200-$8,700 | High |
| Business Wire | $475 | $760+ | $1,500-$10,000+ | High |
| GlobeNewswire | ~$350 | $900-$1,200 | Custom | Medium |
| EIN Presswire | $149 | Included | Included (200+ countries) | Low |
| eReleases | $299 | Included | N/A | Low |
| NewswireJet | $129 | $649 | Included | Low |
| PRLog | FREE | N/A | N/A | None |
Bottom line: Major wire services (PR Newswire, Business Wire) can cost $1,500-$3,000+ per release with add-ons. Budget alternatives (EIN Presswire, NewswireJet) offer global distribution at $129-$299. Free options exist but with significant limitations.
The Real Cost Problem
Ask someone at PR Newswire "how much does a press release cost?" and you'll get a simple answer: "$350 for local distribution."
But here's what they don't tell you upfront:
- $195-$249 annual membership required before any distribution
- $140-$2,200 for each 100 words over 400
- $325 per image or video
- $405/year for logo inclusion
- $325 for AP News syndication
- $700 for WebMax SEO package
A "simple" 1,000-word national release with two images easily exceeds $3,000.
This guide breaks down real pricing across 15+ services—including the hidden fees that can double your costs.
Major Wire Services
PR Newswire (Cision)
The industry standard—and most complex pricing.
Annual Membership (Required):
- $195-$249/year before any distribution
Base Distribution Tiers (400 words):
| Tier | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State/Local | $350-$445 | Single state (NY/NJ premium: $445) |
| Regional | $475-$575 | Multi-state region |
| National | $805 | US nationwide |
| National + Social | $880 | US + social media feeds |
| US & Canada Multicultural | $1,200 | Multicultural outlets |
| Asia | $3,500 | Asian markets |
| Europe | $3,500 | European markets |
| Global Premier | $8,700 | Worldwide distribution |
Add-On Costs:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Extra 100 words | $140-$2,200 (tier-dependent) |
| Image/Video | $325 each |
| Logo (annual) | $405 |
| AP News syndication | $325 |
| WebMax SEO | $700 |
Real-World Examples:
- 400-word local release: $350 + $195 membership = $545 first year
- 1,000-word national with 2 images: $805 + $840 (words) + $650 (images) = $2,295 (before membership)
- Global release with multimedia: $10,000+
Best for: Large enterprises requiring maximum reach and legitimacy
Avoid if: Budget-conscious or infrequent publishers
Sources: Prezly, Prowly, NewswireJet
Business Wire
The premium option—highest cost, widest reach.
Base Pricing (400 words):
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Local US | $475-$760 |
| Additional 100 words | $195 |
| First attachment | $425 |
| Additional attachments | $225 each |
| Logo | FREE |
| Amplification package | $95 |
| SEO optimization | $100-$300 |
International Distribution:
- Regional (single country/region): $1,500-$3,000
- Multi-region: $3,000-$7,000
- Global: $10,000+
What's Included:
- Distribution to 158 countries
- Real-time analytics
- Media monitoring
- Compliance features for public companies
Real-World Example:
- 400-word release with one photo: $475 + $425 = $900
- 1,000-word release with two attachments + amplification: ~$3,000
Best for: Fortune 500, public companies, major announcements
Avoid if: Small business, startups, routine updates
Sources: Prezly, NewswireJet
GlobeNewswire (Notified)
30-40% cheaper than PR Newswire with comparable reach.
Typical Costs:
| Tier | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Basic US/Canada (400 words) | ~$350 |
| North America standard | $900-$1,200 |
| 600 words with logo + image | ~$930 |
| Additional 100 words | $140-$175 |
| Logo | $100+ |
| Image | ~$200 |
| Video | Up to $1,200 |
Key Advantages:
- No membership fees
- No hidden fees for basic analytics
- Customers report 30-40% lower costs vs. PR Newswire
- Comparable reach
Note: Pricing requires custom quote; not publicly listed.
Best for: Mid-size companies wanting wire service credibility without maximum cost
Avoid if: Need transparent, upfront pricing
Sources: Prezly, NewswireJet
Cision Distribution (PRWeb)
Cision's budget option—significantly cheaper than PR Newswire.
PRWeb Packages:
| Package | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $99 | Website listing only |
| Standard | ~$200 | Expanded distribution |
| Advanced | $289 | Industry influencer distribution |
| Premium | $389-$455 | Blogger networks, Twitter feeds |
Note: Cision also owns PR Newswire. PRWeb is their budget-friendly alternative with more limited reach.
Media Database Access: ~$5,700-$6,000/year (separate from distribution)
Best for: Startups needing affordable legitimacy
Avoid if: Need major news outlet pickup
Budget Alternatives
EIN Presswire
Best value for global distribution.
Standard Pricing:
| Package | Price | Per Release |
|---|---|---|
| Single release | $149 | $149 |
| 5 releases | $399 | $79.80 |
| 20 releases | $999 | $49.95 |
Current Promotion (January 2026):
- Pro+ Bundle: $499 for 8 releases = $62.37/release
- Premium Bundle: $999 for 25 releases = $39.96/release
What's Included:
- Global distribution to 200+ countries
- Google News, AP, major US networks (Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, CW)
- No membership fees
- No long-term contracts
- 1-year validity from purchase
Best for: Startups, small businesses, international reach on budget
Avoid if: Need dedicated account manager or custom integrations
Sources: EIN Presswire, Prezly
eReleases
Small business co-op model for affordable national distribution.
Pricing Tiers:
| Package | Price | Words | Target Lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buzz Builder | $299 | 400 | 1 industry |
| Newsmaker | $399 | 500 | 2 industries |
| PR Pro | $599 | 600 | 3 industries |
What's Included (All Packages):
- Distribution via AP, Cision PR Newswire, Google News, Bing News, Yahoo News
- Direct distribution to 100,000+ journalists
- SEO services and hyperlinks
- Press release editing
- Proof of distribution
Writing Services:
- Standalone writing: $300
- Writing + distribution: Starting at $699
Best for: Small businesses wanting PR Newswire network at lower cost
Avoid if: Need international distribution
Sources: eReleases Pricing
NewswireJet
Transparent pricing, no membership fees.
Pricing Tiers:
| Tier | Price | Placements |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $129 | 200+ media |
| Premium | $649 | 350+ media |
What's Included:
- No membership fees
- Multimedia support without excessive surcharges
- 500+ media partner network
- Distribution to CBS, CW, NBC, Yahoo Finance, AP News
- Press release writing service (48-hour turnaround)
- Same-day expedited option (additional fee)
Best for: Companies wanting predictable costs
Avoid if: Need major wire service credibility
Sources: NewswireJet, TheSMBGuide
24-7 Press Release
20 years in business, wide range of options.
Pricing Tiers:
| Tier | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29-$49 | Website listing only |
| Plus | ~$150-$250 | Online news sites, AP journalists |
| Premium | $479 | PR Newswire US network |
Key Features:
- 500,000+ releases distributed over 20 years
- 30,000+ clients
- Releases remain on server permanently
Best for: Occasional releases on tight budget
Avoid if: Need guaranteed major outlet pickup
Sources: 24-7 Press Release
Newswire.com
10 editions from $299 to $1,999.
Pricing Range:
| Tier | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $299 | Basic US |
| Mid-range | $599-$999 | Expanded US |
| Premium | $1,499-$1,999 | National + Canada/Global |
What's Included:
- Unlimited words and images
- Distribution to AP News, Yahoo Finance, Morningstar, Nexstar, Benzinga
- Writing services included
- SEO with high-authority backlinks
- No retainers or wait times
Caveat: Some users report state-specific targeting costs more than nationwide distribution.
Sources: Newswire.com, TrustRadius
Free Options
PRLog
Best free option for basic distribution.
Price: FREE (unlimited submissions)
Features:
- 800-word limit
- Multimedia support (YouTube, Vimeo embeds)
- Industry and location tags
- SEO-friendly links allowed
- Publishes within 1-2 business days
Limitations:
- Limited reach compared to paid services
- No major news outlet distribution
- Basic analytics only
Best for: Startups with zero budget, product demos, test campaigns
Avoid if: Need credible media pickup
OpenPR
Free option popular in Europe.
Price: FREE (one release every 30 days)
Features:
- 1,000-word limit
- Up to 3 links allowed
- SEO optimization focus
- Some releases appear in Google News
- Approval within 48 hours (weekdays)
Limitations:
- 30-day frequency limit
- Small fee for editing/deletion after publication
- Weekend submissions delayed
Best for: European companies, monthly announcements
Avoid if: Need frequent publishing or guaranteed pickup
Sources: ContentGrip, eReleases
AI-Powered Platforms
Presscloud.ai
AI-generated press releases in 1 minute.
Pricing:
- Monthly plan: $79/month (billed yearly)
- Annual subscription: 20% savings
- One-time payment option available
Features:
- AI writes professional release from your website and social media
- No writing experience required
- Fast turnaround
Sources: Presscloud.ai
SuperAGI Press
AI-powered at scale.
Pricing: Starting at $99/month
Features:
- AI-powered press release generation
- Free trial option
- Personalization at scale
- Agent Swarms technology
Market Context: 61% of companies planning to increase AI-powered PR tool investment in 2026.
Sources: SuperAGI
PR Newswire Amplify AI
AI features integrated into PR Newswire.
Pricing: Included in existing PR Newswire plans
Features:
- Generative AI for content creation
- Campaign planning tools
- Google Gemini Enterprise integration
- Proprietary models trained on PR performance data
Sources: PR Newswire AI
Hidden Fees Breakdown
Word Overage Charges
Industry standard: 400 words base
Overage costs per 100 words:
| Service | Overage Cost |
|---|---|
| PR Newswire | $140-$2,200 (tier-dependent) |
| Business Wire | $195 |
| GlobeNewswire | $140-$175 |
| eReleases | Included in tier |
| EIN Presswire | Included |
Reality check: 68% of journalists prefer releases under 400 words. Going longer may not help pickup and definitely costs more.
Multimedia Costs
| Service | First Image | Additional | Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR Newswire | $325 | $325 | $325 |
| Business Wire | $425 | $225 | $425 |
| GlobeNewswire | ~$200 | ~$200 | Up to $1,200 |
| eReleases | Included | Included | Included |
| PRLog | FREE | FREE | FREE (embed) |
Note: Press releases with multimedia generate 9.7x more engagement—but costs add up fast at major wire services.
Membership & Setup Fees
| Service | Annual Membership | Logo Setup |
|---|---|---|
| PR Newswire | $195-$249 (required) | $405/year |
| Business Wire | None | FREE |
| GlobeNewswire | None | $100+ |
| EIN Presswire | None | Included |
Premium Syndication
| Add-On | Price |
|---|---|
| AP News (PR Newswire) | $325 |
| WebMax SEO (PR Newswire) | $700 |
| Amplification (Business Wire) | $95 |
| Social Media Feeds | $75-$175 |
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Single Release | National | Global | Words | Multimedia | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR Newswire | $350+ | $805+ | $8,700+ | 400 | $325+ | $195-$249/yr |
| Business Wire | $475+ | $760+ | $10,000+ | 400 | $425+ | None |
| GlobeNewswire | ~$350 | $900-$1,200 | Custom | 400 | ~$200 | None |
| eReleases | $299 | Included | N/A | 400-600 | Included | None |
| EIN Presswire | $149 | Included | Included | Flexible | Included | None |
| NewswireJet | $129 | $649 | Included | Flexible | Included | None |
| 24-7 Press Release | $29+ | $479 | N/A | Varies | Varies | None |
| PRLog | FREE | N/A | N/A | 800 | FREE | None |
| OpenPR | FREE | N/A | N/A | 1,000 | N/A | None |
| Pressonify | €49 | Included | Included | Unlimited | Included | None |
Recommendations by Use Case
Startups & Small Businesses (< €500/release budget)
Recommended:
1. EIN Presswire ($149) - Best value for global reach
2. NewswireJet ($129) - Transparent pricing
3. Pressonify (€49) - AI-powered, includes AI optimization
Avoid: PR Newswire, Business Wire (costs escalate quickly)
Mid-Size Companies ($500-$1,500 budget)
Recommended:
1. eReleases ($299-$599) - PR Newswire network at lower cost
2. GlobeNewswire (~$900) - 30-40% cheaper than PR Newswire
3. Newswire.com ($599-$999) - Unlimited words/images
Avoid: Business Wire premium tiers unless necessary
Enterprise & Public Companies ($1,500+ budget)
Recommended:
1. Business Wire - Widest reach, compliance features
2. PR Newswire - Industry standard, extensive network
3. GlobeNewswire - Cost-effective alternative
Consider: Multiple services for major announcements
Frequent Publishers (10+ releases/month)
Recommended:
1. EIN Presswire bundles ($40-$62/release)
2. Pressonify subscription (volume discounts)
3. PRLog (free for supplementary distribution)
Strategy: Use budget service for routine updates, wire service for major news
The AI Visibility Factor
Beyond distribution: In 2025, getting indexed by AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini) matters as much as traditional media pickup.
What wire services DON'T provide:
- AI Discovery Protocol optimization
- IndexNow instant indexing
- Schema.org structured data for AI extraction
- Knowledge graph integration
Pressonify's approach:
- €49 per release (no hidden fees)
- AI-optimized content for ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini citation
- IndexNow instant indexing
- Full ADP 2.1 compliance
- Schema.org structured data included
Traditional wire services get your release to journalists. AI-optimized distribution gets your release to the platforms people actually use to find information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does PR Newswire cost?
PR Newswire requires a $195-$249 annual membership before any distribution. Local distribution starts at $350, national at $805, and international can exceed $8,700. Adding images ($325 each), extra words ($140-$2,200 per 100 words), and AP syndication ($325) can push a single release above $3,000.
What's the cheapest press release distribution?
PRLog and OpenPR offer free distribution with limitations (800-1,000 words, frequency limits). For paid options, 24-7 Press Release starts at $29, EIN Presswire at $149 for global distribution, and NewswireJet at $129.
Is Business Wire worth the cost?
Business Wire is the most expensive option ($475-$760+ per release) but offers the widest reach (158 countries). It's typically used by Fortune 500 companies and for major announcements. For most businesses, mid-range options provide better value.
What hidden fees should I watch for?
Common hidden fees include: annual membership ($195-$249), word overage charges ($140-$2,200 per 100 words over 400), multimedia attachments ($100-$1,200 each), logo setup ($405/year at PR Newswire), premium syndication ($325-$700), and state-specific targeting premiums.
What's included in a standard press release?
Industry standard is 400 words. Optimal length is 300-500 words (68% of journalists prefer under 400 words). Going over 400 words triggers overage charges at most services. Images, videos, and logos often cost extra.
Key Takeaways
- Major wire services cost $1,500-$3,000+ per release with realistic add-ons
- Budget alternatives ($129-$299) provide global distribution without hidden fees
- Free options exist but with significant reach limitations
- 400 words is standard—going longer costs more and may not improve results
- Membership fees add up—$195-$249/year at PR Newswire before any distribution
- Multimedia costs $100-$1,200 per item at wire services
- AI optimization is the new frontier—traditional wire services don't address it
Related Resources
- Create your first AI-optimized press release
- Check your site's AI visibility score
- How IndexNow accelerates press release indexing
- AI Search Platforms Compared
- View our pricing
Sources
- PR Newswire Pricing Guide 2025 - Prezly
- PR Newswire Pricing - Prowly
- PR Newswire Pricing - NewswireJet
- Business Wire Pricing 2025 - Prezly
- GlobeNewswire Pricing 2025 - Prezly
- Cision Pricing Guide 2025 - Prezly
- EIN Presswire Pricing
- eReleases Pricing
- NewswireJet Review - TheSMBGuide
- 24-7 Press Release Pricing
- Newswire.com Pricing
- PRLog Free Press Release
- Press Release Costs 2025 - Prowly
- How Much Does a Press Release Cost - eReleases
Copyright © 2026 Pressonify.ai. All Rights Reserved.