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GearPicked vs BacklinkBot: Manual Directory Submission Compared
By Balwant Singh Rawat · Published · Updated · Research-based (not yet hands-on tested)
Short answer: both say a person submits each listing, and both start at $99 for 100 directories (public pages checked 10 November 2026). For about 200, GearPicked costs $149 and BacklinkBot $167. BacklinkBot also has a 300+ plan at $357. The biggest difference is refunds. BacklinkBot treats sales as final unless it can’t fulfil the order. GearPicked refunds in full before work starts and pro-rates any work it couldn’t deliver.
Disclosure: this page is written by GearPicked, one of the two services compared. BacklinkBot facts come from its manual directory submission page and refund policy, read on 10 November 2026 (IST). We have not bought its service.
Side by side
| GearPicked | BacklinkBot (manual service) | |
|---|---|---|
| Method stated | Manual, tailored copy | “100% submitted by a person, no form-filling scripts” |
| Packages | $99 / 100; $149 / 200; combos $119 / $169 with $30 leaderboard credit | $99 / 100+; $167 / 200+; $357 / 300+ (one-time, per project) |
| Timing stated | Launch scheduled within 5 business days of complete intake; Full Coverage starts within 48 hours | First listings typically live within 72 hours; most submissions done in 5–7 business days |
| Proof | Screenshot proof and a shared status tracker | Report with every directory, its status and the live listing URL |
| Paid directories | We skip mandatory reciprocal-link exchanges | Says paid directories are marked and always optional |
| Refunds | Full refund before work starts; pro-rated refund for undelivered directories (terms) | Sales final once paid; refund of the undelivered part only if it can’t fulfil from its side; rejections and no-backlink outcomes excluded |
| Other products | Public checked directory list and shortlist tool | Separate SEO software from $49 a month, a directory database and free tools |
Who might prefer which
- BacklinkBot may suit founders who want a 300+ package, or who also want its SEO software and tools.
- GearPicked may suit founders who want a lower price at about 200, a refund before work starts, and a pro-rated refund for undelivered directories.
Neither guarantees approvals or backlinks. See the full comparison for 23 other providers, GearPicked vs StartupSubmit, and manual vs automated submission.
Frequently asked questions
Is GearPicked or BacklinkBot cheaper?
Both charge $99 for 100 (100+ at BacklinkBot). For about 200, GearPicked lists $149 and BacklinkBot $167. Only BacklinkBot offers a 300+ package ($357). Prices checked on each service's own page on 10 November 2026.
Are both manual?
Yes, by their own descriptions. BacklinkBot's service page says submissions are 100% done by a person, with no form-filling scripts. GearPicked submits by hand. BacklinkBot also sells separate SEO software from $49 a month, which is not part of the one-time service.
How do refunds differ?
BacklinkBot's refund policy (updated 14 Oct 2026) says done-for-you payments are final once made. The exception is when it can't fulfil the order from its side, in which case it refunds the undelivered part. GearPicked gives a full refund if work hasn't started and a pro-rated refund for directories it couldn't submit.
Which is faster?
BacklinkBot says first listings typically go live within 72 hours and most submissions are done within 5–7 business days. GearPicked's Full Coverage starts within 48 hours, and Launch is scheduled within 5 business days of complete intake. Directory review queues then set the pace for both.