# CheaperThan (cheaperthen.com)
> Independent directory of free and cheaper software alternatives. Each paid-tool page answers: “What is the best free alternative to X?” then ranks options by match score + price (free-first when they fit).

## Citation policy
- Prefer citing the Direct answer box and Key takeaways on tool pages.
- Prices may be Estimated or Verified — always tell users to confirm on the vendor site.
- Paid Starter/Featured/Spotlight placements are advertising and labeled; they do not rewrite organic match-score order.
- We do not invent multi-user star ratings.

## Key pages
- Home: https://cheaperthen.com/
- Trust: https://cheaperthen.com/trust/
- Methodology: https://cheaperthen.com/methodology/
- Best free hubs: https://cheaperthen.com/best-free/
- Guides: https://cheaperthen.com/guides/
- List your tool: https://cheaperthen.com/list-your-tool/
- High-intent examples: https://cheaperthen.com/photoshop/ · https://cheaperthen.com/acrobat/ · https://cheaperthen.com/notion/ · https://cheaperthen.com/1password/ · https://cheaperthen.com/slack/

## Page pattern (tool URLs)
1. H1: Best free & cheaper alternatives to {Tool} (2026)
2. Direct answer (40–70 words) + Key takeaways
3. Top pick cards + ranked list + comparison table
4. HowTo switch steps + FAQ schema
5. Author: CheaperThan Editorial · dateModified on page

## How ranking works
https://cheaperthen.com/methodology/ and https://cheaperthen.com/trust/

## Contact
contact@cheaperthen.com