10 Karma Alternatives: Pricing & Reviews [2025 Guide]

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In today's dynamic workplace, recognizing and rewarding employees is more than just a nice-to-have—it's essential for building a positive and motivated team. At Matter, we know how crucial effective employee recognition is in fostering a thriving workplace culture, which is why we provide tools that seamlessly integrate into your existing systems. While Karma has been a go-to platform for many businesses with its straightforward approach to recognition, every company has unique needs, and what works for one may not work for another. As we move into 2024, it's worth exploring Karma alternatives that might better align with your organization's goals. This article highlights ten standout alternatives to Karma, each offering distinct features, pricing structures, and user experiences. Whether you're seeking deeper customization, stronger analytics, team kudos, or ways to celebrate an employee work anniversary, these alternatives could be the key to elevating your workplace culture.

What is Karma?

Karma is a recognition and rewards platform that enhances team engagement and workplace morale. The platform promotes peer-to-peer recognition through a points system that can be acquired and redeemed for various benefits. This gamified approach to recognition makes it easier for employees to appreciate each other's contributions, promoting a more collaborative and positive work environment. Additionally, Karma integrates with popular workplace tools, ensuring a seamless user experience as they engage in recognition activities throughout their daily workflows.

Why consider Karma alternatives?

While Karma offers a range of features that can help boost employee engagement, it may not meet every company's unique needs. Businesses seeking a platform that offers more comprehensive features, such as advanced analytics, customizable employee rewards, or seamless integration with existing tools, may find it beneficial to explore Karma alternatives. Moreover, as companies grow, they may require more robust solutions that can scale with their expanding teams, ensuring that sensitive data is managed securely while providing more sophisticated options for employee recognition and engagement.

Understanding the benefits of employee reward software

Employee recognition and rewards software has become essential for companies cultivating a positive workplace culture and boosting employee morale. Such platforms enable organizations to acknowledge their employees' contributions meaningfully, increasing job satisfaction, increasing productivity, and reducing turnover rates.

When considering alternatives to Karma, businesses should focus on the following key features:

  • Customizability: The best platforms allow you to customize recognition programs to reflect your company's specific beliefs and aims. Look for software that will enable you to customize templates and rewards so your recognition efforts are effective with your staff.
  • Integration: Seamless integration with existing tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HRIS systems ensures that recognition activities are part of the daily workflow, enhancing user adoption and engagement.
  • Analytics and reporting: Advanced analytics are crucial for tracking the effectiveness of your recognition programs. Utilizing platforms that offer real-time insights and comprehensive reports can aid in making data-driven decisions to improve employee engagement.
  • Scalability: As your company grows, your employee recognition software should be able to scale with you. Ensure the platform you select can handle increasing users while maintaining optimal performance.
  • Security: It is imperative to select a platform with comprehensive security features to safeguard employee data, as it is susceptible. Look for software that offers encryption and other data protection measures.

By focusing on these factors, companies can select a recognition platform that meets their current needs and supports their long-term goals.

10 Karma alternatives: employee recognition & rewards software

1. Matter

About Matter: Matter is an innovative employee recognition platform that emphasizes peer-to-peer recognition and real-time feedback. The platform integrates seamlessly with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, allowing teams to celebrate achievements and easily recognize each other's contributions. This focus on real-time interaction helps foster a culture of continuous appreciation, driving engagement and strengthening team dynamics. Additionally, Matter's platform is highly customizable, enabling businesses to create tailored recognition programs aligning with their company values and goals.

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

Matter main features:

  • Peer recognition: Facilitates real-time recognition across teams.
  • Advanced analytics: Offers insights into recognition trends and employee engagement.
  • Customizable rewards: Allows businesses to create unique reward options.
  • Seamless integration: Integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams for easy recognition.

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

Here are Matter's pricing plans.

Matter G2 score: Matter has an average G2 score of 4.7/5, according to user evaluations.

Matter's notable customers: Notable customers of Matter include Sephora, Petco, Shell, Siemens, JiffyLube, Microsoft, SXSW, Bolt, and True Classic.

What Matter's customers are saying on G2: “The setup was extremely easy. It had good UX and interface – people knew how to intuitively use it. The channel got popular in the first two weeks.” - Mathis Bogen, Head of Internal Communications at Bolt

2. HeyTaco

About HeyTaco: HeyTaco is a peer-to-peer recognition platform designed to make it easy for teams to appreciate each other through a fun and engaging system. The platform uses "tacos" as a form of recognition, which can be given through Slack to recognize and appreciate team members' efforts. HeyTaco is widely used to boost morale and build a positive workplace culture through daily recognition practices.

Karma Alternatives: HeyTaco
Karma Alternatives: HeyTaco

HeyTaco main features:

  • Taco-based recognition: Uses a fun and engaging "taco" system for peer recognition.
  • Slack integration: Seamlessly integrates with Slack for easy recognition.
  • Leaderboard and rewards: Encourages healthy competition with leaderboards and rewards for top performers.

HeyTaco pricing: HeyTaco offers the following pricing plans​:

  • Everyone Plan: $3 per person per month
  • Team Plan: $3 per person per month
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for 100+ users. Visit HeyTaco's pricing page for more details.

HeyTaco G2 score: HeyTaco has an average G2 score of 4.8/5 based on customer reviews​.

HeyTaco's notable customers: N/A

What HeyTaco's customers are saying on G2: “I wish I could give tacos in DMs as well. Its not that I don't want the visibility in a public channel, I just would like to send the taco and move on instead of changing channels to a public one. It could instead, repost the taco whenever i send one in a DM in a specified channel.” - Chris M.

3. Nectar HR

About Nectar HR: Nectar HR is a cloud-based employee recognition platform providing various gift choices, including digital gift cards, corporate presents, and branded merchandise. The platform is intended to help firms establish employee appreciation programs that align with their core beliefs and goals. Nectar HR's platform is highly customizable, making it a great choice for businesses looking to design unique recognition programs that reflect their company culture.

Karma Alternatives: Nectar HR
Karma Alternatives: Nectar HR

Nectar HR main features:

  • Wide range of gift options: Includes digital gift cards, corporate gifts, and branded swag.
  • Customizable recognition programs: Tailors' recognition should match company values.
  • User-friendly interface: Simplifies the process of sending gifts and tracking engagement.
  • Detailed analytics: Provides insights into employee participation and engagement.

Nectar HR pricing: Nectar HR offers the following pricing plans:

  • Plus, the monthly fee is $5 per user, billed annually.
  • Premium: $6 per user per month, billed annually
  • Custom: Pricing is available upon request.

Visit Nectar's pricing page for more details.

Nectar HR G2 score: Based on customer reviews, Nectar HR has an average G2 score of 4.7/5.

Nectar HR's notable customers: Notable customers of Nectar HR include Redfin, SHRM, Lasko, Heineken, MLB, Calendly, and the Golden State Warriors.

What Nectar HR's 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

4. Motivosity

About Motivosity: Motivosity is an employee recognition platform designed to improve employee engagement and retention through peer-to-peer recognition, monetary rewards, and continuous feedback. The platform allows businesses to create recognition programs that are easy to manage and track. Motivosity's user-friendly interface and robust features make it a top choice for companies looking to foster a positive workplace culture.

Karma Alternatives: Motivosity
Karma Alternatives: Motivosity

Motivosity main features:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition: Facilitates real-time recognition and rewards.
  • Monetary rewards: Allows employees to earn and redeem points for cash or other rewards.
  • Continuous feedback: Supports ongoing employee feedback and engagement.
  • Advanced analytics: Tracks recognition trends and provides insights for improvement.

Motivosity pricing: Motivosity offers the following pricing plans:

  • Standard: $3,000 minimum annual spend
  • Pro: Custom pricing is available upon request.

Visit Motivosity's pricing page for more details.

Motivosity G2 score: Motivosity has an average G2 score of 4.7/5, according to user evaluations.​

Motivosity's notable customers: Notable customers of Motivosity include Atlabank, Bosch, KPMG, WGU, GreatClips, Cotopaxi, and FUJIFILM.

What Motivosity's customers are saying on G2: "I love the idea of what it will be. I love the focus on positivity and improving the culture of your company. I'm very disappointed in the customer care. You have to schedule an appointment to get help and it's very frustrating. We paid for the more expensive package and haven't even been able to accurately use it because they don't have the lead completely working correctly. We spent A LOT of money to not get the help or compensation at least until they get the kinks worked out." - Tresa B., Owner

5. Evergreen

About Evergreen: Evergreen is a recognition and rewards platform that focuses on sustainability by allowing employees to plant trees as a reward for their achievements. The platform is designed to engage teams in eco-friendly practices while fostering a culture of appreciation. By integrating with popular workplace tools, Evergreen makes it easy for teams to give and receive recognition in a meaningful way that also benefits the environment.

Karma Alternatives: Evergreen
Karma Alternatives: Evergreen

Evergreen main features:

  • Tree planting rewards: Employees earn the ability to plant trees as a reward.
  • Sustainability focus: Encourages eco-friendly practices within the workplace.
  • Slack integration: Seamlessly integrates with Slack for easy recognition and reward processes.

Evergreen pricing: Evergreen offers the following pricing plans:

  • Standard: $3.99 per active user per month
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing is available upon request.

Visit Evergreen's pricing page for more details.

Evergreen G2 score: Evergreen has an average G2 score of 4.7/5, according to user evaluations​.

Evergreen's notable customers: Notable customers of Evergreen include Coverwallet, Octopus Energy, Earnest Ice Cream, NITRO, HiFyre, and Harvard University Employees Credit Union​.

What Evergreen's customers are saying on G2: "Sometimes I feel a little forced, and I think others might as well. Which means my feedback isn't 100% genuine and I suspect others' to me is also not genuine." - Verified User in Utilities

6. CultureBot

About CultureBot: CultureBot is an employee recognition platform that focuses on fostering a positive workplace culture through peer recognition, surveys, and rewards. The platform integrates seamlessly with Slack, making it easy for teams to engage in daily recognition practices. CultureBot is a valuable instrument for organizations seeking to improve their workplace environment by enhancing communication and strengthening team bonds.​

Karma Alternatives: CultureBot
Karma Alternatives: CultureBot

CultureBot main features:

  • Peer recognition: Encourages teamwork and appreciation through peer recognition.
  • Surveys: Provides tools for conducting employee surveys to gather feedback.
  • Rewards: Offers a variety of reward options to motivate employees.

CultureBot pricing: CultureBot offers the following pricing plans:

  • Basic: $1 per user per month, billed annually
  • Standard: $2 per user per month, billed annually
  • Pro: $3 per user per month, billed annually.

Visit CultureBot's pricing page for more details​.

CultureBot G2 score: CultureBot has an average G2 score of 4.7/5, according to user evaluations​.

CultureBot's notable customers: Notable customers of CultureBot include BeatBox, Navattic, Talkspace, Viral Nation, HelloFresh, and Metadata.io​.

What CultureBot's customers are saying on G2: "We found that the weekly team chats (getting a group of a few people together in a video call) became stagnant after a while." - Allison M.​

7. TryKarl

About TryKarl: TryKarl is a recognition platform designed to make it easy and affordable for companies to engage their employees through recognition and rewards. The platform's layout is clear and accessible, allowing users to easily recognize peers and receive prizes. TryKarl's straightforward pricing structure and free trial make it a viable alternative for enterprises of any size.

Karma Alternatives: TryKarl
Karma Alternatives: TryKarl

TryKarl main features:

  • Simple recognition system: Provides a user-friendly platform for peer recognition.
  • Affordable pricing: Offers competitive pricing to fit small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Free trial: 60-day free trial with no credit card required.

TryKarl pricing: TryKarl offers the following pricing options:

  • Free 60-day trial: No credit card required.
  • Standard plan: $0.99 per employee per month, billed yearly.

Visit TryKarl's pricing page for more details​.

TryKarl G2 score: N/A

TryKarl's notable customers: Notable customers of TryKarl include Fujitsu, Plenty of Fish, Skill Success, ecobee, and ReviewBot​.

What TryKarl's customers are saying on G2: N/A

8. Claptastic

About Claptastic: Claptastic (formerly Kudosing) is a recognition and rewards platform that allows companies to create a culture of appreciation through meaningful and fun recognition practices. The platform offers a simple, intuitive interface for employees to recognize each other, and it integrates seamlessly with popular tools to enhance user engagement.

Karma Alternatives: Claptastic
Karma Alternatives: Claptastic

Claptastic main features:

  • Peer recognition: Enables employees to recognize each other's contributions easily.
  • Simple rewards system: Offers a straightforward and effective rewards system.
  • Integration with popular tools: Enhances engagement by integrating with workplace tools.

Claptastic pricing: Claptastic offers the following pricing options​:

  • Free 30-day trial: No credit card required.
  • Monthly subscription: $9 per month, billed monthly.

Visit Claptastic's pricing page for more details.

Kudosing G2 score: N/A

Kudosing's notable customers: Notable customers of Kudosing include Knose, Optify, StreamElements, Lotus Flare, and Metris​.

What Kudosing's customers are saying on G2: N/A

9. HiThrive

About HiThrive: HiThrive is an employee recognition platform designed to enhance workplace culture by providing tools for peer recognition, rewards, and continuous feedback. The platform integrates seamlessly with various workplace tools, allowing organizations to foster a culture of appreciation and engagement. HiThrive focuses on simplifying the recognition process while offering customizable reward options that align with company goals and values.

Karma Alternatives: HiThrive
Karma Alternatives: HiThrive

HiThrive main features:

  • Peer recognition: Enables employees to recognize each other's contributions easily.
  • Customizable rewards: Provides a variety of reward options tailored to company culture.
  • Continuous feedback: Supports ongoing employee feedback and engagement.

HiThrive pricing: HiThrive offers the following pricing plans:

  • Core: $1.50 per user per month, billed monthly
  • Celebrate: $2.50 per user per month, billed monthly
  • Pro: $4.00 per user per month, billed monthly. 

Visit HiThrive's pricing page for more details​.

HiThrive G2 score: HiThrive has an average G2 score of 5/5 based on customer reviews​.

HiThrive's notable customers: Notable customers of HiThrive include CloudBees, SauceLabs, UCSF, Quantum Metric, and Igorand​.

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

Which is the best Karma alternative?

When evaluating the best Karma alternative, businesses should consider several key factors to ensure they choose a platform that meets their unique needs. First, it's looking for a platform that offers robust data security features is essential, especially when handling sensitive data. Platforms that provide real-time reporting and monitoring capabilities can assist firms in measuring the performance of their recognition programs and making data-driven decisions.

Seamless integration with existing tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams is also crucial. This integration allows employees to engage in recognition activities without disrupting their daily workflows, thereby enhancing overall employee engagement. Additionally, businesses should seek out platforms that offer personalized gift options, such as digital gift cards, corporate gifts, and branded swag, which can significantly boost employee morale and create meaningful connections.

Another important consideration is the scalability and flexibility of the platform. Whether you need a cloud-based employee recognition solution or one that offers automated gift-giving, choosing a platform that can grow with your company is crucial. As you explore your options, keep in mind that the right platform will not only enhance company culture but also align with your organization's values and long-term goals.

Why companies choose Matter over Karma alternatives

When evaluating alternatives to Karma, many companies find that Matter stands out for its unique combination of user-friendly features, customization options, and impactful results. Here are a few reasons why Matter is a preferred choice:

  • Seamless integration: Matter's integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams makes it a user-friendly platform, allowing employees to give and receive recognition without leaving their workflow.
  • Customizable rewards and templates: Matter offers customizable reward options and kudos templates, enabling organizations to align recognition initiatives with their company culture.
  • Advanced analytics: Matter provides powerful tools for tracking engagement levels and generating detailed reports, helping companies make data-driven decisions.
  • Positive culture impact: Matter's emphasis on fostering a positive work culture through continuous feedback and social recognition has garnered high user satisfaction and strong testimonials.

With these advantages, Matter meets the needs of businesses seeking a robust recognition platform and enhances workplace culture, making it a top choice for companies looking to elevate employee engagement and satisfaction.

Final advice on Karma alternatives

When deciding on the ideal Karma replacement, platforms should be evaluated based on their capacity to safeguard sensitive data, integrate seamlessly with existing systems, and provide personalized recognition and incentives alternatives. Whether you need a comprehensive corporate gifting platform or a solution that can securely handle employee recognition, finding the right tool is essential to creating a positive workplace environment and boosting employee engagement. Among the options, Matter stands out with its robust features, user-friendly interface, and customizable recognition programs that align with company values. If you're ready to transform your employee recognition and rewards program, get started with Matter for free today and see how it can elevate your company culture.

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