Exploring alternatives to HiThrive is essential for businesses looking to enhance employee recognition and rewards programs. Companies often seek solutions that acknowledge employee contributions and align with their unique organizational goals. As businesses grow, the need for a recognition platform that offers greater flexibility, customization, and seamless integration with existing tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams becomes increasingly critical.
Matter understands the importance of fostering a culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. Whether through beautiful kudos, Feedback Friday, or survey feedback, choosing the right platform is crucial. This guide explores the significance of employee recognition and how various HiThrive alternatives can be more effectively implemented to meet your company's needs.
What is HiThrive?
HiThrive is a comprehensive employee recognition program that enhances engagement and creates a more connected workplace. The platform enables peer-to-peer recognition, milestone celebrations, and employee rewards, all seamlessly integrated into the flow of work. HiThrive supports high engagement through its easy-to-use interface, which is available across various environments such as back-office, in-store, or remote work. With full integration into Microsoft Teams and Slack, HiThrive ensures that recognition and engagement are always accessible to employees, fostering a positive and connected company culture.
Why consider HiThrive competitors?
When evaluating HiThrive alternatives, exploring options offering a unique strategic competitive advantage is essential. While HiThrive provides robust employee recognition solutions, other platforms could better align with your company's core values and recognition program goals.
Key factors to consider:
- Flexibility and customization: Look for platforms that enable seamless peer recognition and promote desired employee behaviors through customizable employee rewards solutions.
- Integration with existing tools: Ensure the platform integrates well with your existing HR tech solutions.
- Scalability: Evaluate whether the platform can accommodate your business's expansion and facilitate a global recognition initiative.
- Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate whether the platform provides industry-leading tools at a competitive price.
By concentrating on these factors, you can make a well-informed decision that will nurture a positive and connected culture and increase employee engagement.
10 HiThrive competitors: employee recognition & rewards software
1. Matter
About Matter: Matter is a robust and highly customizable employee recognition platform that integrates seamlessly with Slack and Microsoft Teams. As a Slack-first and Teams-first application, Matter is designed to encourage peer-to-peer recognition through beautiful kudos cards that can be personalized to reflect company values, inside jokes, and other unique aspects of your organization. The platform is easy to use, with most processes being automated, allowing you to set up recognition programs quickly and efficiently. Feedback Friday, a standout feature, encourages employees to share kudos and rewards at the end of the week, fostering a positive workplace culture.
Beyond recognition, Matter also excels in automating celebrations, such as birthdays and work anniversaries, with the option to reward these milestones through customizable employee rewards. Matter's survey feature is another highlight, offering incentives to boost participation and automatically distributing surveys through Slack or Teams for easy responses. The platform's unique coin system resets weekly, encouraging frequent and authentic participation in recognition programs.
Matter main features:
- Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Customizable kudos cards for peer recognition
- Automated celebrations for birthdays and anniversaries
- Feedback Friday for end-of-week recognition
- A variety of reward options, including digital gift cards and custom-branded employee rewards
- Weekly reset coin system to promote consistent participation
- Survey incentives with automatic distribution
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's 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, 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. Karma
About Karma: Karma is an employee recognition platform that operates within Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Telegram, making it easy to integrate with existing workplace tools. The platform focuses on peer recognition and allows team members to award each other "karma points" for achievements and positive behaviors. These points can be converted into rewards, fostering a culture of recognition and continuous improvement. Karma also offers features like goal setting, performance tracking, and team-wide bonuses, making it a versatile tool for enhancing team morale.
Karma main features:
- Peer recognition with karma points
- Integration with Slack, Teams, and Telegram
- Customizable employee rewards system
- Goal setting and performance tracking
- Team-wide bonuses and leaderboards
Karma pricing:
- $3.30 per active user per month, billed monthly (5 seats minimum)
- $3-per-month, per active user, billed annually (5 seats minimum)
For more information, please visit Karma's 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.
3. HeyTaco
About HeyTaco: HeyTaco is a fun and simple peer recognition tool that helps teams boost engagement and foster a positive workplace culture. The platform operates within Slack and Microsoft Teams, allowing employees to give each other virtual "tacos" as a form of recognition. These tacos can be redeemed for rewards, creating a gamified approach to recognition that makes the process enjoyable and engaging. HeyTaco also includes features like leaderboards, custom rewards, and feedback surveys, making it a versatile tool for improving employee morale.
HeyTaco main features:
- Peer recognition with virtual tacos
- Customizable employee rewards system
- Leaderboards to track top recognizers and receivers
- Feedback surveys and reporting analytics
- Integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams
HeyTaco pricing: $3 per person/month. For more information, please visit HeyTaco pricing page.
HeyTaco G2 score: HeyTaco has a G2 Score of 4.8/5 based on user reviews.
Notable HeyTaco customers: N/A
What HeyTaco customers are saying on G2: "The most popular, social/collaborative, or vocal team members always end up getting the most tacos. Would be great to include features that prompt users to acknowledge more introverted and/or individual workers. I also find the gifts a bit pointless and don't use them -- they don't even give tacos!" - Jill D.
4. Evergreen
About Evergreen: Evergreen is a unique employee recognition platform that combines peer-to-peer recognition with environmental sustainability. The platform allows teams to recognize each other's contributions by giving "seeds," which can be planted as real trees, aligning recognition efforts with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Evergreen is designed to foster a positive workplace culture while contributing to environmental goals, making it a great choice for companies focused on sustainability.
Evergreen main features:
- Peer-to-peer recognition with seeds that plant real trees
- Integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Reporting on employee engagement and carbon offset
- Alignment with CSR and net zero commitments
Evergreen pricing: $3.99 per active user per month. For more information, please visit Evergreen's 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.
5. Try Karl
About Try Karl: Try Karl is a Slack-based employee recognition tool that focuses on making it easy to give kudos and shoutouts to team members who go above and beyond. The platform promotes company values and fosters a positive workplace culture by enabling employees to recognize each other's contributions in real time. With features like monthly leaderboards, customizable GIFs, and values tagging, Karl helps teams maintain high morale and encourages ongoing engagement.
Try Karl main features:
- Peer recognition with kudos and shoutouts in Slack
- Monthly leaderboards to track top performers
- Customizable GIFs for added fun in recognition
- Values tagging to reinforce company culture
- Powerful analytics to monitor team morale and recognition trends
Try Karl pricing:
- Free 60-day trial, no credit card required
- $0.99 per employee per month, billed yearly
For more information, please visit Try Karl's pricing page.
Try Karl G2 score: N/A.
Notable Try Karl customers: Fujistu, Plenty of Fish, Skill Success, Ecobee, and ReviewBot.
What Try Karl customers are saying on G2: N/A.
6. Claptastic
About Claptastic: Claptastic is a Slack-based employee recognition platform designed to enhance team motivation and engagement. The platform allows employees to give kudos to each other easily, fostering a culture of appreciation and positive recognition within the workplace. With features like customizable keywords, high scores, and bonus games, Claptastic turns recognition into a fun and integral part of daily workflows. This focus on seamless peer recognition helps promote core values and desired employee behaviors, contributing to a more connected and positive company culture.
Claptastic main features:
- Customizable kudos keywords and emojis
- High score tracking with options for periodic or all-time scores
- Bonus games to encourage more recognition
- Seamless integration with Slack
- Easy-to-configure settings within Slack
Claptastic pricing:
- A complimentary 30-day trial is available without the need for a credit card.
- $9 per month, billed monthly
For more information, please visit Claptastic's pricing page.
Kudosing G2 score: N/A
Notable Kudosing customers: Knose, Optify, StreamElements, contingent, Lotus Flare, Metris, and Fixando.
What Kudosing customers are saying on G2: N/A
7. Wrenly.ai
About Wrenly.ai: Wrenly.ai is an AI-powered employee engagement platform that focuses on improving team collaboration and productivity. It uses advanced analytics and AI to provide actionable insights into employee behavior, helping managers make data-driven decisions to enhance workplace culture. Wrenly.ai integrates with various workplace tools, ensuring seamless data flow and real-time feedback.
Wrenly.ai main features:
- AI-driven insights and analytics
- Seamless integration with existing tools
- Real-time feedback and employee engagement tracking
Wrenly.ai pricing:
Wrenly: $1.00 per user per month, billed annually
- Add-Ons:
- Feedback Essentials: $1.50 per user per month, billed annually
- Recognitions & Rewards: $1.50 per user per month, billed annually
- Performance: $1.50 per user per month, billed annually
For more information, please visit Wrenly.ai's pricing page.
Wrenly.ai G2 score: Wrenly.ai has a G2 Score of 4.7/5 based on user reviews.
Notable Wrenly.ai customers: Winning by Design, tally, Twilio, and Dodgers.
What Wrenly.ai customers are saying on G2: "It helps to communicate better with colleagues. Sometimes it malfunctions but every technology does over time." Keleisha G., Recruiter
8. Bravo
About Bravo: Bravo is an AI-powered employee recognition and rewards platform designed to make recognition more engaging and impactful. The platform fosters employee success through continuous feedback, gamification, and comprehensive rewards programs. By integrating AI capabilities, Bravo automates recognition tasks, making it easier to promote desired employee behaviors and enhance overall employee engagement.
Bravo main features:
- AI-powered recognition and rewards
- Customizable rewards catalog with extensive options
- Gamification elements like leaderboards and badges
- Integration with over 60 workplace tools, including Slack and MS Teams
- Analytics and reporting to monitor trends in employee engagement and recognition.
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 Bravo's 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
9. BuddiesHR
About BuddiesHR: BuddiesHR is an employee engagement and recognition platform designed to build a connected and positive culture within organizations. The platform focuses on simplifying peer-to-peer recognition, enabling employees to easily appreciate their colleagues' efforts. BuddiesHR also integrates with existing HR systems to streamline the management of recognition programs and ensure alignment with company goals.
BuddiesHR main features:
- Simple peer-to-peer recognition
- Integration with HR systems
- Customizable rewards and recognition programs
- Analytics and reporting on employee engagement
BuddiesHR pricing:
- Free under 30 users
- One App: $0.50 per employee per monthsome text
- Apps Available: Connect, Celebrate, Recognize, Measure, Organize
- All Apps: $1 per employee per month
- Enterprise: Minimum 200 seats
For more information, please visit BuddiesHR's pricing page.
BuddiesHR G2 score: BuddiesHR has a G2 Score of 4.8/5 based on user reviews.
Notable BuddiesHR customers: N/A
What BuddiesHR customers are saying on G2: "The one hiccup with Billy is its ability to skip weekends for events but falling short when it comes to navigating through public holidays. It would be beneficial to see this feature expanded for complete flexibility." - Albert B.
10. ThriveSparrow
About ThriveSparrow: ThriveSparrow is a comprehensive employee recognition platform designed to drive organizational engagement, recognition, and performance. The platform offers tools for peer recognition, employee surveys, and 360-degree feedback to create a thriving workplace culture. ThriveSparrow integrates seamlessly with tools like Slack and Google Workspace, making it easy to implement across various work environments.
ThriveSparrow main features:
- Peer recognition with customizable kudos
- Engagement surveys with AI-powered insights
- 360-degree feedback and performance reviews
- Integration with Slack and Google Workspace
ThriveSparrow pricing: Starts from $2 per user per month, billed monthly or annually. For more information, please visit ThriveSparrow's 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 HiThrive competitor?
When deciding on the best alternative to HiThrive, evaluating several key factors that align with your organization's goals is important. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Integration capabilities: Look for employee recognition programs that seamlessly integrate with your existing HR tech solutions and tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
- Customization and flexibility: Ensure the platform allows customizable recognition programs aligning with your company's core values.
- Analytics and insights: Choose a platform that offers comprehensive company culture reports and actionable insights to enhance employee rewards and recognition engagement.
- Scalability: The platform should be able to grow with your organization, accommodating changes in size and structure.
By carefully assessing these aspects, you can identify the platform that best meets your company's needs and supports a flourishing company culture.
Why companies choose Matter over HiThrive competitors
Companies often choose Matter over HiThrive competitors due to its unique combination of seamless integration, automation, and customizable features that cater specifically to enhancing employee engagement. Matter is a Slack-first and Teams-first application designed to fit naturally into the tools many companies already use daily. This integration allows employees to engage in peer-to-peer recognition effortlessly, using beautiful, customizable kudos cards that reflect the company's core values, inside jokes, or specific goals. The simplicity of setting up Matter—taking just minutes to install and customize—makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking for a quick yet effective solution.
One of Matter's standout features is Feedback Friday, which encourages employees to recognize each other at the end of each week. This feature is entirely customizable, enabling companies to automate reminders that help sustain a culture of recognition. In addition, Matter automates celebrating milestones such as birthdays and work anniversaries, rewarding employees with customizable options like digital gift cards, donations to charities, or even prepaid Visa/Mastercards. Surveys are another key feature, with rewards incentivizing participation, ensuring that feedback is gathered effectively. The platform's coin system, which resets weekly, is designed to encourage ongoing participation, making recognition a continuous and engaging process.
Matter's approach to employee engagement is deeply rooted in understanding the needs of modern businesses. Combining automation with powerful customization not only simplifies the process of positive recognition but also enhances it, ensuring that every interaction is meaningful and aligned with the company's broader objectives. This attention to detail and commitment to creating a positive workplace culture make Matter a preferred choice over many competitors.
Final advice on HiThrive competitors
When exploring alternatives to HiThrive, it is imperative to consider your company's distinctive objectives and requirements. The right employee recognition program should integrate seamlessly with your existing tools and offer the flexibility, customization, and automation necessary to foster a positive workplace culture. By focusing on features that enhance employee engagement, such as peer recognition, automated rewards, and actionable insights, you can choose an employee recognition solution that drives meaningful impact within your organization.
If you're looking for a solution that combines seamless integration with powerful customization options, Matter is an excellent choice. With features like beautiful kudos cards, Feedback Friday, and automated rewards, Matter easily creates a flourishing company culture. Start transforming your workplace with Matter for free today, and see how Matter can enhance your employee recognition efforts.
