10 HeyTaco Competitors: Pricing & Reviews [2025 Guide]

HeyTaco competitors are essential for businesses looking to enhance employee recognition and engagement programs. Companies attempt to establish a positive and encouraging work environment; they often seek solutions recognizing their employee's contributions and aligning with their unique organizational goals. With the rise of remote teams and the growing reliance on communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, the need for a recognition platform that offers more flexibility, customization, and seamless integration has become increasingly important.

Matter understands companies want to foster a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. Whether it's through features like kudos, Feedback Friday, or survey feedback, Matter helps businesses create a workplace culture that supports team engagement and continuous recognition. This guide will explore the significance of employee recognition and how various HeyTaco competitors can be effectively implemented to meet your company's specific needs.

What is HeyTaco?

HeyTaco is an innovative employee recognition platform with a fun, taco-themed system to encourage peer-to-peer recognition within teams. Integrated with Slack and Microsoft Teams, HeyTaco allows employees to give virtual tacos as a way to express appreciation and gratitude for their colleagues' efforts. Each team member is given a daily allotment of tacos, which they can award to their coworkers throughout the day. The platform makes recognition fun and engaging and fosters a culture of appreciation by making it easy to acknowledge contributions in real-time.

HeyTaco's simplicity and gamified approach help build stronger connections among team members, whether in-office or remote teams. The platform also includes features like leaderboards and the ability to pool tacos for team rewards, making the recognition process more competitive and team-oriented. This makes HeyTaco a popular choice for organizations looking to boost employee engagement and morale naturally and enjoyably for users​.

Why consider HeyTaco competitors?

While HeyTaco offers a fun and engaging way to boost employee recognition, there may be better fits for some organizations. As businesses expand and adapt, their needs for employee engagement tools frequently shift, leading them to explore alternatives that better align with their goals and operational requirements. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating HeyTaco competitors:

1. ‍Customization and scalability: One of the primary reasons companies look for alternatives to HeyTaco is the need for more customization and scalability. As organizations expand, the tools they use must grow with them. Platforms offering deeper customization options allow businesses to tailor recognition programs to their specific workplace culture and values, ensuring the tool remains relevant and impactful. As teams expand in size and complexity, it becomes increasingly important to scale the platform to accommodate a more diverse and expansive workforce. A lack of scalability can limit a platform's effectiveness and may prompt companies to seek more flexible solutions.‍
2. Integration with other tools: Another important consideration is how well the platform integrates with the existing project management tools and other software used by the organization. Seamless integration with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and various HRIS systems is essential for ensuring the recognition process is embedded within the daily workflow. This makes the platform more user-friendly and increases the likelihood of widespread adoption across the team. Companies may seek alternatives that offer better integration capabilities, allowing them to create a more cohesive and efficient recognition system.‍
3. Advanced reporting and analytics: Data-driven decision-making is key to optimizing employee engagement strategies. Companies can monitor the efficacy of their recognition programs, assess employee engagement, and make informed decisions based on real-time data through platforms that offer advanced reporting and analytics tools. These insights are invaluable for understanding how recognition impacts team morale, productivity, and retention. Companies that require detailed analytics may consider HeyTaco competitors offering more robust reporting features, helping them refine and continuously improve their recognition efforts.‍
4. Reward variety and flexibility: Another factor that might drive organizations to explore alternatives is the variety and flexibility of the rewards offered. While HeyTaco's taco-themed recognition is unique and engaging, some companies may require a broader range of reward options to cater to diverse employee preferences. Platforms that offer more flexible rewards systems, such as gift cards, experiences, and custom rewards, can more effectively accommodate the requirements of a diverse workforce. This flexibility ensures that recognition feels meaningful to all employees, regardless of their preferences.‍
5. User experience and engagement: Finally, the overall user experience plays a significant role in the success of any employee recognition platform. Employees will be more inclined to implement a user-friendly, intuitive, and enjoyable tool. Suppose a platform's user interface could be more convenient, and its features could be more convenient to access. In that case, employees may be less likely to engage with it, reducing the overall effectiveness of the recognition program. Companies might consider HeyTaco competitors, offering a more user-friendly experience and ensuring recognition becomes a regular and valued part of the workplace culture.

While HeyTaco provides a fun and engaging way to recognize employees, it may only meet some organizations's needs. By considering factors like customization, integration, advanced reporting, reward flexibility, and user experience, companies can decide whether to explore alternatives. In order to guarantee the long-term success of your employee engagement initiatives, it is imperative that the solution not only accommodates your present requirements but also adapts and develops in tandem with your company's needs.

10 HeyTaco competitors: employee recognition & rewards software

1. Matter

About Matter: Matter is an employee engagement platform that seamlessly integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it an ideal solution for companies prioritizing real-time communication and continuous feedback. Matter allows teams to send peer-to-peer recognition through beautifully customizable kudos cards, which can be tailored to reflect company values, memorable moments, or even inside jokes. This customization helps organizations maintain a culture of recognition that feels personal and aligned with their specific values.

In addition to its customization features, Matter is highly automated, requiring minimal setup and ongoing management. With Feedback Friday, a computerized feature encouraging employees to give kudos at the end of each week, Matter ensures that recognition is frequent and meaningful. The platform also excels at celebrating essential milestones like birthdays and work anniversaries, automatically collecting and rewarding these dates. Combining customization, automation, and seamless integration makes Matter a powerful tool for building a strong and sustainable recognition culture.

Matter main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
• Customizable kudos cards for peer-to-peer recognition.
• Automated recognition for birthdays and work anniversaries.
• Feedback Friday for consistent, automated recognition.
• Incentivized surveys with rewards for participation.
• Variety of reward options, including digital gift cards and custom-branded experiences.
• Unique coin system with weekly resets to encourage ongoing engagement.

Matter pricing:

• Free Forever: $0/user/month
• Basic: $1/user/month, billed annually
• Pro: $3/user/month, billed annually
• Pro + Surveys: $5/user/month, billed annually

For more information, please visit Matter pricing page.

Matter G2 score: Matter has a G2 Score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Matter customers: Sephora, Petco, Shell, Siemens, JiffyLube, Microsoft, SXSW, Bolt, True Classic, and Carrier.

What Matter customers are saying on G2: "Matter helps us encourage behaviors that align with our company values and can allow us to recognize and reward those who exemplify our values." - Autumn Amescua, Chief Culture & People Officer at SXSW

2. HiThrive

About HiThrive: HiThrive is an employee recognition and engagement platform designed to cultivate an organization's recognition-rich culture. The platform integrates seamlessly with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it easily accessible for all employees, whether they work in the office, remotely, or in a hybrid setup. HiThrive is designed to engage every team member by allowing them to give and receive recognition in real-time, which helps build a more robust, more connected workforce. The platform also supports global gifting, allowing companies to send rewards such as gift cards, branded swag, and charitable donations to employees anywhere in the world, helping to make recognition a more personal and meaningful experience.

HiThrive main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
• Automated recognition for birthdays, work anniversaries, and new hire announcements.
• Global gifting options, including gift cards, branded swag, and charitable donations.
• Customizable nomination campaigns and employee challenges.
• Advanced reporting and analytics tools to track recognition and engagement.

HiThrive pricing:

• Core: $1.50 per user / billed monthly
• Celebrate: $2.50 per user / billed monthly
• Pro: $4.00 per user / billed monthly

For more information, please visit the HiThrive pricing page.

HiThrive G2 score: HiThrive has a G2 Score of 5/5 based on user reviews.

Notable HiThrive customers: CloudBees, SauceLabs, UCSF, Quantum Metric, and Igorand.

What HiThrive customers are saying on G2: "A simple way to thank colleagues and managers. To much notifications, and can't save points from passed months." - Oren S., Full Stack Engineer

3. Motivosity

About Motivosity: Motivosity is a user-friendly employee recognition platform that enhances engagement and creates happier teams. The platform integrates smoothly with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it accessible for remote and in-office employees. It emphasizes peer-to-peer recognition through features like automated service awards, public shoutouts, and the ThanksMatters Visa® card for customizable rewards. With its advanced analytics, Motivosity enables companies to track engagement, measure team morale, and drive productivity, ensuring that employees feel valued and connected in their workplace.

Motivosity main features:

• Peer-to-peer recognition with a public social feed.
• Automated service awards and milestone celebrations.
• Customizable rewards through the ThanksMatters Visa® card.
• Advanced analytics and reporting for tracking recognition and engagement.
• Seamless integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and various HRIS platforms.

Motivosity pricing: $3,000 minimum annual spend. For more information, please visit the Motivosity pricing page.

Motivosity G2 score: Motivosity has a G2 Score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Motivosity customers: Atlabank, Bosch, KPMG, WGU, GreatClips, and Cotopaxi.

What Motivosity customers are saying on G2: "Letting people know what they do and who they are matter. Another password to remember and account to have." - Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

4. Assembly

About Assembly: Assembly is an employee recognition and engagement platform designed to enhance collaboration, boost morale, and create a strong workplace culture. It integrates seamlessly with Slack and Microsoft Teams, allowing teams to recognize each other directly within the tools they use every day. Assembly is tailored for organizations that want to foster team engagement and build a culture of continuous recognition. The platform offers a variety of recognition options, including peer-to-peer shoutouts, automated milestone celebrations, and customizable reward systems. This flexibility makes Assembly suitable for organizations of all sizes, particularly those with remote teams looking to maintain strong connections and high levels of engagement.

Assembly main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
• Peer-to-peer recognition and automated milestone celebrations.
• Customizable rewards, including gift cards, branded merchandise, and charitable donations.
• Advanced analytics for tracking recognition trends and employee engagement.
• SOC 2 Type II security compliance, ensuring data safety and privacy.

Assembly pricing:

• Recognition: $2 per member/month, billed annually
• Engagement: $4 per member/month, billed annually
• Digital HQ: $4 per member/month, billed annually
• Custom: Talk to sales for pricing.

For more information, please visit the Assembly pricing page.

Assembly G2 score: Assembly has a G2 Score of 4.8/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Assembly customers: NESCO, StubHub, Coca-Cola, Perforce, Bambee, Amazon, and PODS.

What Assembly customers are saying on G2: "The UI is clunky and hard to navigate. There's not a notifications feature, so if you want to see something specific you have to search in the search bar. The email notifications don't help because there's so many of them. Need training to use all of its features (not intuitive)." - Verified User in Computer Software

5. Karma

About Karma: Karma is an employee recognition platform designed to enhance team engagement by integrating seamlessly with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Telegram. It allows users to award Karma points to colleagues for their achievements, linking these recognitions to company values. This gamified approach makes recognition fun and interactive and helps build a more robust, cohesive team culture. Karma's leaderboard feature tracks these points, providing insights into team dynamics. At the same time, the rewards system allows users to redeem points for company gifts, further motivating employees to engage and contribute positively to the workplace​.

Karma main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Telegram.
• Peer-to-peer recognition with Karma points linked to achievements and company values.
• Leaderboards to track and display team contributions.
• A rewards system where Karma points can be exchanged for gifts or other rewards.

Karma pricing:

• $3.30 per active user per month, billed monthly.  (5 seats minimum)
• $3 per active user per month, charged annually.  (5 seats minimum)
• Enterprise: Talk to sales for pricing.

For more information, please visit the Karma pricing page.

Karma G2 score: Karma has a G2 Score of 4.9/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Karma customers: Event Garde, Mission Cloud, Trialpanel, Yanus Social, Beanworks, and Swapps.

What Karma customers are saying on G2: "You still have to add the bot to certain channels, but I guess that's a limitation of Slack rather than Karma." - Verified User in Computer Software

6. Bravo

About Bravo: Bravo is an AI-powered employee recognition platform designed to enhance team engagement and boost productivity by making recognition and rewards more accessible and meaningful. The platform allows employees to give and receive recognition in real time, with features such as peer feedback, public shoutouts, and customizable rewards. Bravo's extensive reward catalog includes options like gift cards, charitable donations, and branded merchandise, catering to the diverse preferences of a global workforce. The platform also automates special occasion recognitions, such as birthdays and work anniversaries, making it easier for managers to maintain a consistent recognition culture. By connecting with tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, Bravo ensures that recognition is seamlessly embedded into the daily workflow, helping to foster a positive and engaging workplace environment.

Bravo main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
• Customizable peer-to-peer recognition programs.
• Robust rewards system with options like gift cards and experiences.
• Advanced analytics to track engagement and recognition trends.
• Automated milestone celebrations.

Bravo pricing:

• Starter: $39/month, up to 10 users, $299 setup cost
• Growth: $79/month, up to 20 users, $399 setup cost
• Enterprise: Talk to sales for pricing. More than 20 users, $599 setup cost.

For more information, please visit the Bravo pricing page.

Bravo G2 score: Bravo has a G2 Score of 4.9/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Bravo customers: Coeus Solutions, eKomi, Stauber, Chatters, and NeuPath Health Inc.

What Bravo customers are saying on G2: "It would be helpful to have a mobile app for our traveling employees. It would also be helpful to have a "How To" guide for those that are new to the platform." - Verified User in Oil & Energy

7. Evergreen

About Evergreen: Evergreen is a unique employee recognition platform that combines peer-to-peer recognition with environmental sustainability. The platform fosters a culture of appreciation within teams while contributing positively to the planet. Every time a team member recognizes a colleague's contribution, a tree is planted on their behalf, making Evergreen an ideal solution for companies looking to integrate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts with employee engagement programs. Evergreen integrates seamlessly with Slack and Microsoft Teams, ensuring daily recognition happens within the tools teams use. This technique improves staff morale and reinforces the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Evergreen main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
• Peer-to-peer recognition linked to tree planting.
• Customizable recognition tied to company values.
• Advanced reporting on employee engagement and carbon offset tracking.
• Public recognition through team channels to enhance visibility and impact.

Evergreen pricing:

• $3.99 per active user per month
• Enterprise: Talk to sales for pricing.

For more information, please visit the Evergreen pricing page.

Evergreen G2 score: Evergreen has a G2 Score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Evergreen customers: Coverwallet, Octopus Energy, Earnest Ice Cream, NITRO, HiFyre, and Harvard University Employees Credit Union.

What Evergreen customers are saying on G2: "Giving out seeds can feel a little hollow for bigger praise." - Sebastian A., Senior Software Engineer

8. Bonusly

About Bonusly: Bonusly is a leading employee recognition tool that has been developed to boost employee engagement and build an appreciation culture in enterprises. It integrates smoothly with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, enabling employees to recognize one another in real time. Bonusly encourages frequent peer-to-peer recognition through small bonuses that can be redeemed for various rewards, including gift cards, donations, and company-branded swag. The platform also supports automated milestone celebrations and provides advanced analytics to track recognition trends, helping companies reinforce their core values and maintain a connected and motivated workforce, especially for remote teams​.

Bonusly main features:

• Peer-to-peer recognition: Bonusly allows employees to recognize each other's contributions by giving small bonuses tied to company values, fostering a culture of appreciation and positive feedback.
• Automated milestone celebrations: The platform automatically acknowledges important events like birthdays, work anniversaries, and other milestones, ensuring that these moments are celebrated across the team.
• Customizable rewards: Employees can redeem their bonuses for various prizes, including gift cards, cash, charitable donations, and personalized company-branded goods.
• Integration with existing tools: Bonusly integrates seamlessly with popular workplace tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and various HRIS systems, making it easy to incorporate recognition into daily workflows.
• Advanced analytics and reporting: Bonusly offers detailed insights and reports on recognition trends, employee engagement, and the overall impact of the recognition program, allowing companies to measure the effectiveness of their initiatives.

Bonusly pricing:

• Appreciate: $2/user/month, billed annually
• Connect: $5/user/month, billed annually
• Achieve: $7/user/month, billed annually

For more information, please visit the Bonusly pricing page.

Bonusly G2 score: Bonusly has a G2 Score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Bonusly customers: Toast, Tactile Medical, Seat Geek, Qualtrics, PaloAlto Networks, and Chobani.

What Bonusly customers are saying on G2: "It's a nice concept and a positive way to incentivize people, quite easy to use, and customer support responded prompty, but without an actual solution." - Alexandru M., Digital Marketing Operations Circle Lead

9. Nectar HR

About Nectar HR: Nectar HR is a comprehensive employee recognition platform designed to enhance employee engagement and foster a culture of continuous appreciation within organizations. The platform supports top-down and peer-to-peer recognition, allowing employees to send shoutouts and celebrate achievements directly from Slack or Microsoft Teams. Nectar is known for its flexibility, offering various rewards, including Amazon products, digital gift cards, and company-branded swag. The platform also automates important milestones like birthdays and work anniversaries, ensuring that no significant event goes unnoticed.

Nectar HR main features:

• Seamless integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and various HRIS systems.
• Automated recognition for birthdays and work anniversaries.
• A robust rewards suite with options like gift cards, Amazon items, and company swag.
• Customizable challenges to motivate employees and align with company goals.
• Advanced analytics to track recognition trends and employee engagement.

Nectar HR pricing:

• Plus $5/user/month, billed annually
• Premium $6/user/month, billed annually
• Custom [Book Demo for Quote]

For more information, please visit the Nectar HR pricing page.

Nectar HR G2 score: Nectar HR has a G2 Score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.

Notable Nectar HR customers: Redfin, SHRM. Lasko, Heineken, MLB, Calendly, and 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. It highlights all peer praise and when someone is not recognized it is very obvious and people often feel left out/bad. It encourages favoritism." - Verified User in Government Administration

10. ThriveSparrow

About ThriveSparrow: ThriveSparrow is an employee recognition and engagement platform designed to foster a thriving workplace culture. The platform provides diverse instruments to improve employee satisfaction and performance, such as features for continuous feedback, recognition, and rewards. ThriveSparrow integrates smoothly with Slack, Google Workspace, and other tools, making it easy for companies to implement and manage their recognition programs. A standout feature of ThriveSparrow is its Kudos module, which allows for peer-to-peer recognition with customizable rewards. This system is complemented by the Rewards Marketplace, where employees can redeem their kudos points for a wide range of global gift cards, creating a personalized and meaningful recognition experience. ThriveSparrow is particularly well-suited for companies that value sustainability and international connectivity, offering location-specific rewards and automated recognition processes to keep teams engaged and motivated.

ThriveSparrow main features:

• Kudos for peer-to-peer recognition.
• Rewards Marketplace with global gift cards and customizable rewards.
• Seamless integration with Slack, Google Workspace, and other tools.
• Advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to track engagement and performance.
• Automated recognition for milestones and achievements.

ThriveSparrow pricing:

• Starts from $2 per user per month, billed monthly or annually.

For more information, please visit the ThriveSparrow pricing page.

ThriveSparrow G2 score: ThriveSparrow has a G2 Score of 4.5/5 based on user reviews.

Notable ThriveSparrow customers: Tropicana, APL Logistics Active Interest Media, and Happiness Squad.

What ThriveSparrow customers are saying on G2: "Hoping to see it become more and more detailed in terms of reporting capabilities. I also experienced a few times when the system was down." - Sophie A., Learning & Development Specialist

Which is the best HeyTaco competitor?

Choosing the best HeyTaco competitor depends on your organization's unique needs and goals, especially regarding employee recognition and team engagement. While HeyTaco offers a fun and simple way to recognize peers, other platforms may offer additional features, integrations, and customization options that better align with your company's values and operational requirements. Here's a breakdown of what to consider when evaluating HeyTaco competitors:

1. ‍Integration with existing tools: One of the most important factors to consider is how well the platform integrates with the tools that your team currently employs, including Microsoft Teams and Slack. A platform with seamless integration ensures that recognition becomes a natural part of your team's daily workflow. This is particularly important for remote teams that depend heavily on digital communication tools to maintain a sense of connection and engagement.‍
2. Customization and flexibility: Another critical consideration is the level of customization the platform offers. Look for a tool that allows you to tailor the recognition program to fit your company's unique culture and values. This can include customizable reward options, the ability to create custom fields, and the flexibility to design recognition campaigns that resonate with your employees. A recognition program that is more personal and impactful can be developed with the assistance of a platform that provides these features.‍
3. Advanced analytics and reporting: To ensure your recognition program is effective, it's essential to have access to advanced analytics and reporting tools. These capabilities enable you to monitor engagement, evaluate the influence of recognition on team morale, and make data-driven decisions to enhance your program. Platforms that offer detailed insights into recognition trends and employee engagement can provide valuable feedback to help you continuously improve your strategies.‍
4. Variety of reward options: The range of rewards available is another important factor. While some employees may appreciate public recognition, others may value tangible rewards like gift cards, company swag, or even donations to their favorite charities. A platform offering various reward options ensures that recognition is meaningful for everyone on the team, helping to drive higher engagement and satisfaction.‍
5. User experience and engagement: Finally, the overall user experience of the platform plays a crucial role in its success. An easy-to-use, intuitive, and enjoyable tool will increase employee adoption rates. Look for a platform with a user-friendly interface that encourages frequent use, making recognition a regular and valued part of your company's culture.

When evaluating HeyTaco competitors, it's important to consider factors such as integration capabilities, customization options, advanced analytics, reward variety, and user experience. By carefully considering these elements, you can select a platform that accommodates your current requirements and aligns with your long-term objectives for employee engagement and recognition. The right tool will help you create a culture of appreciation that drives productivity, boosts morale, and fosters a positive workplace environment.

Why companies choose Matter over HeyTaco competitors

When evaluating HeyTaco competitors, many companies find that Matter stands out for its seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it a natural fit for teams that already rely on these tools for communication and collaboration. As a Slack-first and Teams-first application, Matter makes it incredibly easy for employees to recognize each other in real time through beautifully designed kudos cards. These kudos cards are customizable to reflect company values and culture and are fun to use, encouraging frequent and meaningful recognition among team members.

One of the key advantages of Matter is its high level of automation, which simplifies the recognition process while ensuring consistency. Setting up Matter takes just a few minutes, and the platform is largely self-sustaining afterward. For instance, the Feedback Friday feature is fully automated and customizable, prompting employees to give kudos at the end of each week and helping to maintain a motivating and supportive work environment. Additionally, Matter excels at automating celebrations for birthdays and work anniversaries, with the platform even collecting celebration dates directly from employees, ensuring all critical milestones are noticed.

Matter also offers a robust rewards system that is both diverse and engaging. Employees can choose from various rewards, including digital gift cards, prepaid Visa/Mastercards, and custom-branded experiences. The platform's unique coin system resets weekly, further incentivizes participation, and keeps the recognition process fresh and motivating. This combination of user-friendly design, automation, and a comprehensive rewards program makes Matter a compelling choice for companies looking to foster a culture of appreciation and continuous feedback.

Final advice on HeyTaco competitors

Selecting the right HeyTaco competitor is crucial for building a robust employee recognition and engagement program that genuinely resonates with your team. While HeyTaco offers a fun and interactive way to boost morale, exploring other options can give your organization more flexibility, advanced features, and better integration with the tools you already use. When choosing a platform, consider factors like customization options, ease of use, scalability, and the variety of rewards available. These aspects will help ensure that your recognition efforts are meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with your company's culture and goals.

Whether you're managing a remote team, looking to boost employee engagement, or seeking seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams, the right platform can make all the difference. With its user-friendly interface, customizable features, and automation capabilities, Matter stands out as a powerful choice for organizations that want to foster a continuous recognition and appreciation culture.

Ready to take your employee recognition to the next level? Get started with Matter for free today and discover how it can assist in developing more solid teams, improving productivity, and establishing a work environment in which all employees feel appreciated and motivated.