10 Awardco Alternatives: Pricing & Reviews [2024 Guide]

Sam Lepak
September 6, 2024
5 Min Read
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Lisa Ditkovskaya

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In today's competitive business environment, recognizing and rewarding employees is more critical than ever. At Matter, we understand how essential it is to have the right tools for peer-to-peer recognition and creating a positive workplace culture. While Awardco is a popular platform for enhancing employee satisfaction and driving company success, the growing demand for more customizable, scalable, and feature-rich solutions has led many businesses to explore Awardco alternatives. This guide will walk you through the top 10 alternatives, helping you find the right platform to meet your organization's unique needs, whether you're looking to deliver beautiful kudos, incorporate Feedback Friday, or enhance peer-to-peer recognition.

What is Awardco?

Creating a culture of recognition is critical to increasing employee engagement and satisfaction. At Matter, we understand that a recognition platform should reward achievements and align seamlessly with your organization's values and processes. Our platform is designed to make employee recognition effortless and impactful, integrating smoothly with the tools your team already uses. In this article, we'll explore the top alternatives to Awardco, showcasing how Matter and other platforms can help you enhance your recognition programs.

Why consider Awardco alternatives?

While Awardco offers a robust platform for employee recognition, it may not meet the specific needs of every organization. Companies with unique cultural values, specific reward preferences, or advanced analytics requirements might seek alternatives that better align with their goals. Understanding the variety of options available will assist businesses in selecting a platform that satisfies their current demands and scales with future expansion.

What are employee rewards programs?

Employee rewards programs are formalized systems that recognize and reward personnel contributing to the company's success. These programs can include a variety of rewards, such as gift cards, company swag, charitable donations, and more, all aimed at motivating employees and fostering a positive work culture.

Benefits of employee rewards programs

Implementing an effective employee awards program can result in a variety of benefits, including enhanced employee satisfaction, morale, and retention rates. By recognizing outstanding achievements and encouraging frequent recognition, these programs help build a strong, cohesive workplace culture where employees feel valued and motivated.

Key features to look for in alternatives

When considering alternatives to Awardco, businesses should search for systems that provide a high level of customization, a wide range of reward options, and robust analytics capabilities. Integration with existing tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, and supporting global teams with diverse reward needs are also important considerations.

Exploring Awardco alternatives allows organizations to find a platform that aligns with their unique company culture and values. Whether it's the need for a more customizable recognition program, a wider selection of rewards, or more detailed analytics, choosing the correct option can make all the difference in increasing employee engagement and happiness.

10 Awardco alternatives: employee recognition & rewards software

1. Matter

About Matter: Matter is an employee recognition and feedback platform that seamlessly integrates with popular workplace tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Designed to develop an environment of frequent feedback and praise, Matter allows teams to give and receive kudos, share feedback, and celebrate achievements effortlessly. The platform's customizable recognition programs align with your company's core values, ensuring that every recognition feels meaningful and relevant. Matter's advanced analytics provide valuable insights into engagement levels, helping organizations track and optimize their recognition efforts.

Matter's standout feature is its Feedback Friday initiative, which motivate employees to share kudos and feedback regularly. This consistent recognition helps reinforce positive behaviors and strengthens team bonds. Additionally, Matter's comprehensive rewards system includes options for standard and customizable rewards, such as company-branded swag; this makes it a diverse option for companies trying to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.

Awardco Alternatives: Matter - Employee Recognition & Rewards Software
Awardco Alternatives: Matter - Employee Recognition & Rewards Software

Matter main features:

  • Feedback Friday initiative for regular recognition
  • Customizable kudos and feedback templates
  • Integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams
  • Advanced analytics for tracking engagement
  • Comprehensive rewards system with customizable options

Matter pricing: Matter offers a free plan; paid plans begin at $1 per user per month for the Basic package, $3 per user per month for Pro, and $5 per user per month for Pro + Surveys. Visit Matter pricing page for more details.

Matter G2 score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Matter customers: Sephora, Petco, Shell, Siemens, JiffyLube, and Microsoft.

What Matter customers are saying on G2: “Matter helps our employees feel more valued, rewarded, and recognized. It’s a very fun and easy-to-use platform that has created a positive experience and engagement for our people while also helping to reinforce our core values daily.” - Taylor Rapp, Director of People & Culture

2. Achievers

About Achievers: Achievers is a comprehensive employee recognition and rewards platform designed to drive employee engagement and retention. The platform allows organizations to embed recognition into everyday activities, making it an integral part of the company culture. With Achievers, employees can easily recognize their peers, receive recognition from managers, and celebrate key milestones. The platform also provides a global rewards marketplace, offering diverse options that cater to various preferences, ensuring that recognition is both meaningful and impactful.

Awardco Alternatives: Achievers
Awardco Alternatives: Achievers

Achievers main features:

  • Peer-to-peer and manager-driven recognition
  • Automated milestone celebrations
  • Global rewards marketplace with a variety of options
  • Integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HR systems
  • Analytics and reporting to track recognition and engagement

Achievers pricing:
None listed on website.

Achievers G2 score:
G2 Score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Achievers customers:

  • Discover, Samsung, General Motors, Kellanova, dyson, Scotiabank, Panasonic, meijer, CVSHealth, Zurich

What Achievers customers are saying on G2:
“They promise to investigate and reply the next day and after that, you hear nothing from them. It took 3 months to process my request. During this time a war has started in my country and now the certificates are useless. They can't refund them or send compensation. All I can hear is that they are sorry or ask the vendor. Also one of the certificates is not the one I ordered.” - Anton A., Onboarding Tech

3. Kudos

About Kudos: Kudos is a comprehensive employee recognition platform emphasizing social recognition, communication, and continuous feedback. It is designed to enhance workplace culture by making recognition a daily habit. Kudos also provides tools for tracking engagement levels and generating detailed reports to help organizations make data-driven decisions.

Awardco Alternatives: Kudos
Awardco Alternatives: Kudos

Kudos main features:

  • Social recognition and communication tools
  • Continuous feedback and real-time recognition
  • Advanced analytics and reporting features
  • Customizable rewards and recognition programs

Kudos pricing: Pricing details are available upon request. Visit Kudos pricing page for more information.

Kudos G2 score: 4.8/5 average rating

Notable Kudos customers: Engie, Chewy, Make-A-Wish, MTN, WilsonHCG, and MU Health Care​

What Kudos customers are saying on G2:

  • "It was nice to hear praise from co-workers. It quickly became a popularity contest so certain people could earn rewards, one group of employees left almost meaningless comments in order to boost their scores and thus get prizes. Also, the level of points to earn a prize made it difficult to 'cash in'." - Sharon H.​

4. Guusto

About Guusto: Guusto is a employee recognition and reward platform that offers quick and easy access to gift cards and other incentives. The platform is intended to make it simple for businesses to recognize and reward their employees by offering various gift cards from multiple merchants. Guusto's versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for businesses wishing to increase employee appreciation efforts without the complications associated with more extensive systems.

Awardco Alternatives: Guusto
Awardco Alternatives: Guusto

Guusto main features:

  • Flexible reward options primarily focused on gift cards
  • User-friendly interface for easy reward distribution
  • Ability to track and manage reward spending
  • Integration with other workplace tools

Guusto pricing:

  • Free: $0 per month, Single user account
  • Lite: $40 per month, Single user account
  • Essential: $120 per month, Starts with 30 seats
  • Premium: $400 per month, Starts with 80 seats
  • Visit Guusto pricing page for more details​.

Guusto G2 score: 4.9/5 average rating

Notable Guusto customers: Carlton Cards, Bell Media, The Body Shop, DLA Piper, and Harry Rosen.

What Guusto customers are saying on G2:

  • "I like the rewards and the frequency of them, but it makes me log in every single time." - David B.​

5. WorkTango

About WorkTango: WorkTango is a comprehensive employee experience platform focusing on employee surveys, insights, recognition, and rewards. The platform is designed to amplify employee voices while giving managers the tools to understand and act on feedback. WorkTango's recognition and rewards system aims to boost morale and enhance workplace culture through meaningful recognition programs.

Awardco Alternatives: WorkTango
Awardco Alternatives: WorkTango

WorkTango main features:

  • Employee surveys and insights
  • Recognition and rewards system
  • Comprehensive employee experience management
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

WorkTango pricing: Pricing details are not listed on the website. Visit WorkTango pricing page for more information​.

WorkTango G2 score: 4.6/5 average rating

Notable WorkTango customers: HUB, KIA, Goodwill, Rexall, and Accruent​.

What WorkTango customers are saying on G2:

  • "The simplicity of the platform for the user is great. The reports we generate are cumbersome and not accurate for a handful of metrics." - Verified User in Consumer Goods​

6. Workhuman

About Workhuman: Workhuman is a leading employee recognition and rewards program that fosters a positive workplace culture through social interaction and continuous feedback. The platform is designed to help organizations strengthen connections between employees and align recognition programs with company values. Workhuman offers a wide range of reward options, including gift cards, merchandise, and charitable donations, making it a flexible instrument for companies that wish to improve employee engagement and satisfaction.

Awardco Alternatives: Workhuman
Awardco Alternatives: Workhuman

Workhuman main features:

  • Social recognition and continuous feedback
  • A diverse selection of reward options, such as charitable donations and digital gift cards
  • Detailed reporting and analytics
  • Integration with workplace tools

Workhuman pricing: N/A

Workhuman G2 score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Workhuman customers: State Street, Cisco, ADP, UnitedHealth Group, and BP.

What Workhuman customers are saying on G2:

  • "Fun for people to use. Easy to use and great way to reward. The only downside is that sometimes the gift certificates are unavailable, but it's no deal breaker and worth the wait!" - Verified User in Pharmaceuticals​

7. Vantage Circle

About Vantage Circle: Vantage Circle is a comprehensive employee engagement and recognition platform that provides a range of solutions to enhance workplace culture. The platform offers features like employee rewards, wellness programs, and social recognition tools, making it a robust option for businesses looking to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Vantage Circle is particularly well-suited for large enterprises because it can handle global recognition efforts and provide detailed analytics to measure program success.

Awardco Alternatives: Vantage Circle
Awardco Alternatives: Vantage Circle

Vantage Circle main features:

  • Employee rewards and recognition
  • Wellness programs to promote healthy habits
  • Social recognition tools
  • Advanced analytics and reporting

Vantage Circle pricing: Pricing details are not listed on the website. Visit Vantage Circle pricing page for more information​.

Vantage Circle G2 score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Vantage Circle customers: Wells Fargo, Bosch, DHL, Infosys, and Wipro.

What Vantage Circle customers are saying on G2:

  • "I like it gives a badge to a person. It could be a good collection. I'd like to see more types of recognition from the list - maybe customized one could be the way?" - Verified User in Leisure, Travel & Tourism​

8. Recognize App

About Recognize App: Recognize App is a peer-to-peer recognition platform designed to streamline the process of employee recognition across organizations. The platform emphasizes social recognition and offers customizable badges and rewards to fit various company cultures. Recognize App integrates seamlessly with tools like Microsoft Teams and Yammer, making it easy to engage employees to send and receive recognition in real time.

Awardco Alternatives: Recognize App
Awardco Alternatives: Recognize App

Recognize App main features:

  • Customizable badges and rewards
  • Integration with Microsoft Teams and Yammer
  • Peer-to-peer recognition and social recognition tools
  • Reporting and analytics features

Recognize App pricing:

  • Start-Up: $3,999 per year, under 100 users
  • Mid-Market: $4,999 per year, under 100 users
  • Enterprise: $5,999 per year, under 100 users
  • Visit Recognize App pricing page for more details​.

Recognize App G2 score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Recognize App customers: Visions Federal Credit Union, Teach First, Goodway Group, and Metro Bank.

What Recognize App customers are saying on G2:

  • "The mobile app needs more work. I tried submitting recognition through the mobile app and I was unable to find the "Send" button after typing up my recognition. I had to retype it on the Desktop version." - Tyler R.​

9. Bonusly

About Bonusly: Bonusly is a popular employee recognition platform that empowers employees to give and receive recognition through a points-based system. The platform is designed to make recognition a part of the everyday work experience, allowing employees to give points to their peers for their contributions. These points can subsequently be redeemed for prizes such as gift cards and charitable donations. Bonusly is known for its ease of use and the ability to integrate with other workplace tools, making it a valuable asset for companies looking to improve employee morale and engagement.

Awardco Alternatives: Bonusly
Awardco Alternatives: Bonusly

Bonusly main features:

  • Points-based recognition system
  • A diverse choice of incentive possibilities, including employee gift card rewards and donations
  • Integration with workplace tools
  • User-friendly interface

Bonusly pricing:

  • Appreciate: $2/user/month, billed annually
  • Connect: $5/user/month, billed annually
  • Achieve: $7/user/month, billed annually
  • Visit Bonusly pricing page for more details​.

Bonusly G2 score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Bonusly customers: Toast, Tactile Medical, Seat Geek, Qualtrics, and Palo Alto Networks.

What Bonusly customers are saying on G2:

  • "The service itself is very friendly to use and we've leveraged it in our company and individual teams for years. When it works it is clear to use, intuitive, and does the job. Too bad it has not worked properly in a while." - Verified User in Marketing & Advertising​

10. Nectar HR

About Nectar HR: Nectar HR is a powerful employee recognition and incentives tool that aims to assist businesses boost staff engagement and retention. The platform has several features, including peer-to-peer recognition, configurable awards, and thorough analytics. Nectar HR is particularly known for its focus on consolidating employee perks and discounts; understanding your priorities might help you narrow down the solutions most aligned with your company's goals.

Awardco Alternatives: Necatar
Awardco Alternatives: Necatar

Nectar HR main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition tools
  • Customizable rewards programs
  • Employee perks and discounts
  • Detailed analytics and reporting

Nectar HR pricing:

  • Plus: $5/user/month, billed annually
  • Premium: $6/user/month, billed annually
  • Custom: [Contact Nectar HR for a quote]
  • Visit Nectar HR pricing page for more details.

Nectar HR G2 score: 4.7/5 average rating

Notable Nectar HR customers: Redfin, SHRM, Lasko, Heineken, MLB, Calendly, Golden State Warriors

What Nectar HR customers are saying on G2:

  • "It is a nice way to consolidate employee perks and discounts. It is simple and easy to navigate. However, it highlights all peer praise and when someone is not recognized, it is very obvious, leading to potential feelings of being left out." - Verified User in Government Administration

Which is the best Awardco alternative?

Choosing the right Awardco alternative requires careful consideration of various factors, from the specific features offered by each platform to how well they align with your organization's unique needs. While all the alternatives discussed in this guide provide valuable tools for employee recognition and rewards, assessing which platform best fits your company's culture and objectives is crucial. Matter, for example, stands out due to its seamless integration with workplace tools and customizable recognition programs, making it a strong contender for businesses looking to enhance their recognition efforts.

Assessing your company's needs

The first step in choosing the best Awardco alternative is assessing your company's needs. Consider what aspects of employee recognition are most important to your organization. Is it social recognition, where employees can publicly acknowledge each other's contributions? Or perhaps you prioritize a comprehensive rewards system with various options, including global merchant locations and company-branded swag items. Understanding your priorities might help you narrow down the solutions most aligned with your company's goals.

Evaluating customization and scalability

A key consideration when selecting an Awardco alternative is the platform's ability to scale with your business as it grows. Look for a platform with customizable features, such as the ability to tailor recognition programs to your company's unique culture and values. Additionally, consider whether the platform can accommodate a growing workforce and expand recognition efforts across multiple locations or remote teams.

Importance of integration and user experience

Integration capabilities ensure the recognition platform fits seamlessly into your existing tech stack. Platforms integrating with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HRIS systems can enhance the user experience by making recognition a natural part of daily workflows. User experience is also important; the platform should be simple and intuitive for all employees, encouraging regular recognition and participation.

Analyzing analytics and reporting

The ability to track and analyze recognition efforts is essential for understanding the impact of your recognition programs. Choose a platform with full reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing you to measure employee engagement, track the success of recognition initiatives, and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve your company's recognition culture.

Considering budget and support

Finally, consider the platform's pricing structure and the level of customer support offered. Ensure that the platform is within your budget and provides transparent pricing with no concealed costs. Additionally, look for platforms that provide strong customer support to help with implementation, troubleshooting, and ongoing management of the recognition program.

Ultimately, the best Awardco alternative for your organization will depend on how well the platform aligns with your specific needs, culture, and long-term goals. While Matter excels in providing a comprehensive, customizable solution that integrates smoothly with existing workplace tools, other platforms may offer unique features that better suit your company's requirements. By thoroughly assessing each alternative, selecting a platform that will effectively foster employee engagement and contribute to a positive workplace environment is possible.

Why companies choose Matter over Awardco alternatives

Matter is distinguished from Awardco alternatives by its seamless integration with popular workplace tools such as Microsoft Teams and Slack, which enables employees to participate in recognition activities as part of their daily operations seamlessly. Additionally, Matter's customizable kudos templates and robust analytics tools offer companies a powerful way to align recognition with their core values and track the impact of their programs in real time.

Matter's unique Feedback Friday initiative further differentiates it from other platforms by encouraging consistent and meaningful recognition among team members. This feature, combined with Matter's comprehensive rewards system, which includes both standard and customizable rewards, makes it a preferred choice for organizations looking to foster a positive and engaged workplace culture.

Final advice on choosing an Awardco alternative

When selecting an Awardco alternative, focus on the features that best align with your company's goals. Consider platforms that offer seamless integration with your existing tools, provide robust analytics, and are easy for employees to use. Scalability is also key—ensure the platform can grow with your business. Lastly, prioritize platforms with strong customer support to help you maximize the effectiveness of your recognition program.

Ready to elevate your employee recognition efforts? Try Matter for free today and experience a platform to enhance workplace culture and drive employee engagement.

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