If you’ve ever searched for new startups to follow, chances are you’ve come across Product Hunt , the go-to platform for showcasing new apps, websites, and tools. But in 2025, a new wave of startup discovery platforms is emerging, offering founders and early adopters faster and more transparent ways to track launches.
One of the fastest-growing alternatives is What Launched Today, a platform that focuses on real-time startup discovery.
So, how does What Launched Today compare to Product Hunt? And which one is better for founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts in 2025? Let’s break it down.
What is Product Hunt?
Product Hunt, founded in 2013, has long been the launchpad for startups. It allows makers to post their products, gather votes, and gain visibility from a large tech-savvy audience. Many successful startups, including Notion, Robinhood, and Loom — first gained traction through Product Hunt.
Key Features of Product Hunt:
- Community-driven upvotes and comments
- Daily product rankings
- Wide range of categories (apps, books, hardware, games, etc.)
- Strong visibility if you reach the top of the leaderboard
However, Product Hunt is not without limitations. The algorithm favors products with early traction, meaning new founders without a large network often get buried.
What is What Launched Today?
What Launched Today is a daily startup discovery platform that focuses purely on what’s launching today. Instead of relying on votes or algorithms, it provides a transparent list of startups as they go live — giving every founder a chance to be seen.
Key Features of WhatLaunched.Today:
- Real-time updates of new startups launching today
- Category-based browsing (AI, fintech, SaaS, health, climate tech, and more)
- Early visibility without community bias
- A clean, distraction-free experience designed for discovery
For investors, this means faster deal flow. For founders, it means visibility from day one.
Product Hunt vs. What Launched Today: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Product Hunt | WhatLaunched.Today |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Visibility | Algorithm-driven, relies on upvotes | Equal visibility for all new launches |
| Community Engagement | Strong, with upvotes and comments | Focused on discovery, not voting |
| Speed of Listing | Can take time to gain traction | Instant listing, daily updates |
| Best For | Founders with existing audiences | Early-stage founders, investors, early adopters |
| Categories | Broad: apps, books, games, etc. | Focused: AI, SaaS, fintech, health, climate tech |
| Bias | Popular products rise to the top | Neutral — all startups listed daily |
Why Founders Should Use Both
Product Hunt and What Launched Today aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, smart founders use both platforms:
- List on What Launched Today for immediate discovery and visibility without worrying about votes.
- Launch on Product Hunt for community engagement and social proof.
This combination ensures you get both early visibility and long-term traction.
Why What Launched Today is a Strong Product Hunt Alternative
While Product Hunt has brand recognition, What Launched Today solves key pain points for founders and early adopters:
- No algorithm bias, every startup gets seen.
- Faster time-to-visibility, startups are listed as they launch.
- Built for investors and early adopters who want unfiltered access to new startups.
- Perfect for tracking trends, see which industries are producing the most launches daily.
If you’re tired of fighting for votes on Product Hunt, What Launched Today is the simpler, faster, and fairer alternative.
FAQ: Product Hunt vs. What Launched Today
1. Is Product Hunt still worth it in 2025?
Yes, Product Hunt remains valuable for community engagement and credibility. But it’s harder to stand out without an existing audience.
2. What is the best Product Hunt alternative?
For pure startup discovery and early access, What Launched Today is one of the best alternatives.
3. Can I list my startup on both?
Absolutely — in fact, founders should use both to maximize visibility.
4. Why use What Launched Today if I already know Product Hunt?
Because Product Hunt rankings can bury your launch. What Launched Today guarantees visibility on launch day.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, startup discovery is about speed, transparency, and accessibility.
- Product Hunt is excellent for building community engagement and credibility.
- What Launched Today is better for real-time visibility and unbiased discovery.
If you’re serious about discovering new startups (or launching your own), the best approach is to use both.