The Best Directories on the Web

Directories are different than search engines. Sites listed in directories are submitted by hand. Human reviewers decide what sites are included in the directories. Directories are based on categories, which may make it easier for a user to find the best possible site.

Here are a few of the best directories on the web:

General Web Searching

The following are some of the best directories for general web searching:

  • The Open Directory Project is probably the largest human-edited web directory. It contains directory services for some of the most popular search engines and portals on the Internet. It is directed and maintained by people who are experts in their area of interest.
  • Yahoo had the first large scale directory of the Internet. Sites are categorized by topics and location. Yahoo charges an annual fee to webmasters who wish to have their sites reviewed for inclusion in the directory. Yahoo offers many other services for small business owners, including hosting and domain name registration.
  • JoeAnt was formerly known as Go.com. Sites are listed on a wide variety of topics, aiming to give users the most relevant search results.
  • Best of the Web originated in 1994 and is a comprehensive directory categorizing content-rich websites.
  • Gimpsy categorizes active sites for active people. It is most concerned with the services each site provides.

Shopping

Shopping directories focus on shopping websites, or sites that offer particular goods such as clothing or jewelry.

  • Elib is a categorized directory of a wide variety of online shopping sites.
  • EZ Shopping Directory lists online merchants, discounts, sales, and free shipping offers.
  • Niche Shopping Directory offers resources for niche businesses such as tattoos, green living, bisexual products, body art, and much more.
  • Shopper Stop is a directory listing everything from antiques to automobiles and everything in between.

Travel

Travel directories point visitors to sites related to travel and tourism.

  • Travel Tourism Directory is a directory of many sites related to travel including travel guides, travel preparation, and travel blogs.
  • Adventure Travel Tips is maintained by a group of travel and adventure enthusiasts. Categories include hiking, biking, tours, fishing, etc.
  • Travel Notes is a directory that includes travel tips and contributions from travelers.
  • Travel Portal offers an informative and interactive portal for travelers.

Education

Directories to assist with finding educational resources are listed below.

  • Education Planet helps students, parents, and teachers find online educational resources.
  • Planet Edu offers access to outstanding education programs worldwide.
  • Edufeeds is a directory to help students find the perfect college.
  • Awesome Library is a comprehensive internet database.

Finance

The following finance directories offer resources on investments, debt, personal finance, and wealth creation.

Health

There are numerous health-related directories on the web. Some are focused on specific illnesses, while others are focused on healthy choices such as weight loss, diet, and exercise.

  • eHealth Sites is a directory to health and wellness resources.
  • Cancer Index is a gateway to cancer information on the net.
  • E-Health Links includes links to sites about many topics, including allergies, sleep disorders and dental health.
  • Apparelized is a directory of information resources for disabled people.

These are a few of the best directories on the web. To find a particular type of directory not listed here, Web Directories offers a list of 12,000 directories sorted by category.