Awardco is an employee recognition platform that operates on a points-based reward system where team members can redeem products, experiences, or donations.
Still, Awardco isn’t your only option, as there are many other platforms that bring unique strengths to the table.
Some competitors prioritize swag customization, others excel at global shipping, and some focus on peer-to-peer recognition.
The leading Awardco alternatives include:
- SwagDrop
- Achievers
- Guusto
- Bonusly
- Vantage Circle
- PerkUp
- Workhuman
- Kudos
- Goody
- WorkTango
When you’re looking for a solution, consider things like available reward options, branding capabilities, and scalability.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the top Awardco competitors to give you a clear starting point.
Let’s take a closer look at each platform to see what makes them stand out.
Table of Contents
What Awardco Competitor Is Fastest to Implement?
What Is the Best Awardco Competitor for Enterprises?
What Is the Best Awardco Alternative for Small Businesses?
How to Choose an Alternative to Awardco?
1. SwagDrop
SwagDrop takes employee recognition to the next level by turning corporate gifting into a seamless, personalized experience.
With over three decades of expertise in branded merchandise, our platform has become a trusted recognition partner for organizations like Manulife, PayFacto, Experian, and Showcare.
No more juggling multiple vendors or dealing with complex inventory and shipping issues. With SwagDrop, you get one simple solution that lets you offer company swag that employees actually look forward to receiving, without lifting a finger.
Core features:
- We build custom swag-on-demand shops for you, at no cost and within hours, so you don’t need to learn a new system or manage a complex launch.
We can even set you up with multiple shops tailored to different occasions, such as new employee onboarding, employee recognition awards, or Employee Appreciation Day.
Employees then choose the branded products they want, making the experience more personal than sending out generic gifts.
- Thanks to our diverse product offering, including everything from eco-friendly totes and trendy apparel to outdoor swag and fun tech gadgets, every member of your team will find something to their liking.
We keep costs in check by hand-picking products that fit your swag budget and setting item limits for each recipient or assigning them gift credits.
- Our team manages the entire swag journey, from sourcing and warehousing to packaging and doorstep delivery, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
We also keep employees updated on their orders every step of the way and offer them support (not that they’ll need it).
- If you’d rather select gifts yourself for a special event, like an employee appreciation party or a work anniversary, you can also order swag in bulk.
Pricing: We keep pricing simple and predictable by eliminating subscriptions, setup fees, and inventory costs. You only cover the price of the ordered swag plus a flat $9.95 shipping fee per recipient within the continental U.S.
Pros:
Check out what Trustpilot users say about their SwagDrop experience:
- Employees and clients appreciate the wide variety of premium promotional products, which improve brand perception.
- Shipments arrive quickly and reliably, even when deadlines are tight.
- The support team is knowledgeable, responsive, and always ready to guide you through challenges.
Cons:
We’re always improving, but right now, a few things we’re working on are:
- Our on-demand catalog currently offers around 600 products, but we’re constantly expanding it to broaden employee choices.
- Our swag-on-demand shops will soon be available in Canada as well, adding to the bulk, pack, and pop-up solutions already in place.
Best for:
- Organizations growing quickly or hiring remotely can use SwagDrop to streamline employee onboarding. Instead of mailing out generic starter kits, new hires receive customized swag that helps them feel included and connected to the culture.
- Teams dealing with low morale or diminished engagement can lift employee spirits and create a sense of unity by offering thoughtful swag that shows genuine appreciation.
- Companies celebrating anniversaries or big milestones can use our platform to reward employees with gifts that feel personal and reinforce loyalty. A well-chosen anniversary package can remind teams of how far they’ve come and how much you value them.
Why choose SwagDrop:
We make recognition simple, scalable, and enjoyable. The combination of curated swag, hands-off logistics, and user-friendly swag shops help you spend less time managing details and more time celebrating people. Many companies begin with a single campaign and quickly expand once they see how effortlessly our platform delivers results.
One Head of HR from a 250-person company we’re working with summed it up perfectly during one of our recent conversations:
“The holiday store was a huge hit. People are already asking if we’re doing it again. The products are high quality—that’s the big thing. That’s the feedback I got.”
2. Achievers
Achievers helps companies drive genuine employee engagement with recognition that resonates.
The company claims that their platform is capable of boosting recognition rates up to two times compared to average platforms.
Core features:
- The international rewards catalog stretches across 190+ countries, offering concierge services, branded giveaways, gift cards, and charity options.
- Achievers keeps track of new employee onboarding and work anniversaries and sends auto-generated celebration cards, making sure you don’t miss any significant occasion.
- The AI-powered insights and flexible reporting help you measure impact and improve engagement.
Pricing: While pricing isn’t public, some websites report that subscription costs start at $3/user/month for small businesses and $2/user/month for large enterprises, plus the reward value. It seems that Achievers also charges an average $5–10K implementation fee for small companies and $50K for large organizations. Reach out to the company for custom pricing.
Pros:
According to the highest rating Capterra reviews, users appreciate:
- The user-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to recognize each other’s contributions, performance, and achievements.
- Users can customize rewards to match the company’s culture and employees’ preferences.
- The physical rewards are of good quality and ship fast.
Cons:
The lowest rating Capterra reviews mention that:
- The amount of points it takes to get a gift increases due to additional platform fees.
- It can take a long time to earn enough points to redeem a gift.
- The points expire at the end of every year.
Best for:
- HR professionals who want to link recognition directly to business goals and values.
- Global organizations that need a scalable recognition platform for employees in multiple regions.
- Leaders looking to improve employee motivation with a mix of rewards, feedback, and insights.
3. Guusto
Guusto makes employee recognition inclusive and effortless, giving you a single platform to celebrate employees, frontline teams, and remote workers.
The company’s digital-first approach makes it easy to show appreciation, no matter where your people are.
Core features:
- Multiple recognition programs can run simultaneously with separate budgets and admins, making it easy to scale recognition across departments.
- Delivery options include mobile, web, QR codes, and printable rewards to make sure no employee is left out.
- Managers and peers can reward top-performing employees with eGift cards from global merchants, branded swag, charitable donations, or perks such as extra PTO or lunch with a manager.
Pricing: Guusto offers a free plan for one admin and one location, while paid plans start at $2.5/seat/month. You’ll also pay for the value of the rewards you distribute.
Pros:
Here’s what users love about Guusto:
- The extensive eGift card selection includes practical everyday choices, like coffee shops and grocery stores, making rewards meaningful.
- The peer-to-peer shout-outs encourage a culture of recognition and positivity.
- The platform is easy to navigate, so recognizing individuals or entire teams is effortless.
Cons:
Some areas where Guusto could improve include:
- The sign-up process can take a bit longer than expected.
- Some gift card setups require extra steps to finalize.
Best for:
- HR and operations leaders who want to engage remote, frontline, and in-office employees with equal ease.
- Managers who need flexible recognition options to celebrate achievements across departments.
- Companies looking to empower employees with peer-to-peer recognition that builds camaraderie.
4. Bonusly
Bonusly helps organizations celebrate wins in real time, turning everyday contributions into moments of recognition that are visible across the company.
The platform helps reinforce your company’s values and make employees feel valued.
Core features:
- Employees can give points and kudos to each other instantly, encouraging collaboration and peer recognition.
- Team members can redeem points for a variety of rewards, including physical items, gift cards, and charitable donations.
- The automated reward workflows save managers time and keep recognition consistent.
Pricing: According to various online sources, subscriptions start at $2 per user per month (billed annually), plus the cost of the rewards employees redeem. Pricing is customized, so you’ll need a quote for your team.
Pros:
G2 users frequently mention that:
- The instant recognition boosts morale and encourages positive behaviors.
- The monthly point allocations allow employees to recognize their peers regularly, building camaraderie.
- The wide range of rewards keeps everyone motivated and excited to participate.
Cons:
Users sometimes point out that:
- It may take some time to accumulate enough points for meaningful rewards.
- Peer-to-peer recognition can feel like a popularity contest at times.
Best for:
- Team managers who want to recognize achievements, raise morale, and increase employee retention rates.
- HR leaders who want to create a workplace culture where employees feel valued every day.
- Organizations that value collaboration and want employees to recognize each other’s contributions.
5. Vantage Circle
Vantage Circle combines employee recognition, wellness, surveys, and discounts into one platform.
This solution helps you celebrate your team while improving employee engagement and overall job satisfaction.
Core features:
- The platform supports peer-to-peer monetary and non-monetary recognition, nomination-based awards, and birthday and milestone automation.
- The Vantage Fit mobile app tracks and rewards physical and mindfulness activities, improving employee mental health and fitness.
- You can create simple surveys and effectively analyze responses to measure employee engagement and improve retention.
Pricing: The company doesn’t disclose pricing, but it reportedly charges a minimum $2 per user per month, with gifts and add-ons, like the health app, billed separately. Reach out to Vantage Circle for a custom offer.
Pros:
The 5-star reviews on G2 point out:
- The platform works like an internal social media hub, encouraging peers to celebrate each other’s wins in a public and social way.
- The wide variety of rewards and exclusive discounts is a big plus.
- Redeeming reward points is quick and hassle-free.
Cons:
The 3-star reviews on G2 report that:
- Employees need to accumulate a large number of points to afford the available rewards.
- The support team can take a long time to respond to queries.
- The offer tracking for reward points can be confusing.
Best for:
- HR leaders seeking an all-in-one recognition, rewards, and wellness solution.
- Companies that want to increase participation in employee recognition programs through discounts and perks.
- Organizations that want data-driven insights to improve their employee engagement strategies.
For more info, take a look at our in-depth analysis of Vantage Circle competitors.
6. PerkUp
PerkUp focuses on making recognition easy for digital-first teams and putting it front and center in company culture.
The platform automates workflows and offers a mix of virtual and physical perks to help you bring appreciation into your company’s daily routines.
Core features:
- The localized gift catalogs allow employees to redeem rewards specific to their region and help you avoid high international shipping costs.
- Employees can access digital gift cards for brands like Amazon, Spotify, Uber Eats, and Airbnb.
- You can set up recurring recognition for birthdays, work anniversaries, and onboarding to make every team member feel valued.
Pricing: Reportedly, PerkUp subscriptions start at $150/month, with custom pricing based on team size and needs. Premium services, like swag warehousing and branded shops, and reward costs are billed separately. Request a quote for specific pricing.
Pros:
Clients report these benefits:
- The virtual cards are popular because employees can choose how they want to redeem them.
- The regional gift options and budget controls make international recognition simple and cost-effective.
- Team members can suggest perks, creating a sense of ownership in their rewards program.
Cons:
The only limitations we could identify include:
- Users in Canada occasionally experience virtual card transaction errors.
- Funds do not roll over, limiting gift options.
Best for:
- People operations leaders who want to automate appreciation programs to keep employees motivated.
- Remote-first teams that need recognition programs tailored to employees in different regions.
- Companies that want to give employees more flexibility with local, personalized perks.
7. Workhuman
Workhuman is a recognition and rewards platform built to put people at the heart of workplace culture.
The platform combines social recognition with performance insights to help you turn everyday appreciation into better engagement and retention.
Core features:
- Employees can redeem rewards through a wide catalog of global gift cards, promotional products, and unique experiences.
- The platform connects recognition with performance and engagement analytics, giving you actionable insights.
- The AI-powered Human Intelligence assistant helps users create heartfelt appreciation messages that lift team spirits and increase motivation.
Pricing: Wokhuman doesn’t publicly disclose its pricing structure, but we were able to find a couple of online sources reporting a starting range of $100-$500. Talk to their sales team to get a quote.
Pros:
- The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to recognize peers.
- Employees appreciate the product quality and fast delivery.
- The ability to track and share recognition with leadership improves transparency and communication across the company.
Cons:
A few Capterra reviews point out:
- The gift redemption choices are limited.
- The customer support is not always quick to respond.
Best for:
- Companies that aim to make recognition a daily part of employee interactions.
- HR teams that want advanced analytics to measure the impact of recognition on engagement and retention.
- Organizations focused on creating an inclusive, people-first culture through recognition.
8. Kudos
Kudos helps organizations build a culture of appreciation through peer-to-peer and leadership recognition.
The points-based rewards system and analytics tools let you celebrate employees while tracking engagement and program effectiveness.
Core features:
- Employees can redeem points for swag, gift cards, mobile top-ups, and more.
- The customizable recognition awards reflect your company’s culture and values.
- People analytics track team recognition patterns, providing insights into engagement and program impact.
Pricing: Subscriptions start at around $2 per user per month, plus the cost of redeemed rewards, based on online sources. Pricing is tailored to each company, so you need to request a custom quote.
Pros:
Customers consistently praise:
- The catalog offers a wide variety of rewards, from branded merchandise to gift cards.
- Employees can easily recognize each other, improving collaboration and team morale.
- The platform is intuitive and easy for teams to adopt.
Cons:
Some Capterra reviewers mention that:
- Rewards may be more expensive than other solutions on the market.
- The mobile app can be slow or glitchy at times.
Best for:
- Teams looking to build collaboration and peer-to-peer recognition habits.
- HR leaders and managers who want to consistently recognize employees for their contributions and improve retention.
- Organizations looking for customizable recognition programs aligned with company values.
9. Goody
Goody is a modern gifting platform that makes celebrating employees with meaningful, personalized gifts effortless.
Instead of managing warehouses or shipping logistics, you can send thoughtful gifts digitally and let employees choose what they want.
Core features:
- Recipients receive a link that gives them access to a wide range of gift options, including budget-friendly and luxury promotional products.
- The personalization options allow you to add custom notes or brand touches to create a more memorable experience.
- The no-inventory approach means you never pay upfront or worry about leftover swag.
Pricing: Goody provides a free starter plan for individuals sending occasional gifts, a $20/user/month subscription for gifting at scale, and custom pricing for HR, sales and marketing teams.
Pros:
- The platform is easy to navigate, allowing recipients to quickly order their preferred gifts.
- The support team is highly responsive and offers solutions for replacing products damaged during transport.
- The gift selection is high quality, unique, and fun.
Cons:
A few Trustpilot reviewers say that:
- Recipients don’t have the option to redeem products that exceed the gift value and pay the difference. (SwagDrop provides this option ?)
- Order shipment and delivery can take longer than expected.
Best for:
- Managers who want to send thoughtful, personalized gifts for employees without managing inventory.
- Companies looking for a flexible gifting solution that allows employees to choose items they want.
- Teams that need a fast, digital-first way to celebrate milestones and achievements.
10. WorkTango
WorkTango brings recognition, rewards, and employee voice into a platform designed to cultivate a positive work environment.
This solution combines appreciation with employee feedback to help you celebrate contributions while also listening to what your team needs to thrive.
Core features:
- The survey and insight tools enable you to measure employee engagement and satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
- The social recognition feature makes it easy for team members to acknowledge each other’s successes in real time.
- The points-based reward marketplace lets employees redeem products and experiences of their choice from brands like Amazon and Apple or donate their points to charity.
Pricing: WorkTango offers a per-employee per-month subscription model starting at $8 for basic features, as reported by different online sources. Contact the company directly to request accurate pricing.
Pros:
- Recipients can get a small gift voucher even if they haven’t accumulated a huge number of points.
- The points-based system adds a touch of gamification, increasing team engagement.
- Employees can also redeem points for company perks, such as a day off.
Cons:
The 3-star G2 ratings refer to:
- Earning enough points for a meaningful reward can take a long time since products are a bit pricey.
- The gift card options might be a bit limited.
Best for:
- HR leaders who want to combine recognition, rewards, and employee feedback in one platform.
- Managers looking to improve employee engagement through consistent appreciation.
- Organizations that prioritize giving employees a voice while also celebrating their contributions.
Check out our complete guide to WorkTango competitors to explore additional options.
What Awardco Competitor Is Fastest to Implement?
A fast-to-implement Awardco alternative should offer simple setup, minimal IT involvement, and immediate usability for employees.
Here are the best swag companies in this category:
- SwagDrop builds and launches fully functional swag-on-demand shops for you in just a few hours, requiring no learning curve or admin work. Employees can log in immediately, browse a curated gift catalog, and select the items they want. It doesn’t get any faster or easier than that!
- Bonusly integrates with Slack, Teams, and other workplace tools, allowing managers and peers to start sending points and kudos from day one. Team members can redeem rewards the moment they collect enough points.
- PerkUp offers a straightforward setup with regional gift catalogs and automated workflows for birthdays, anniversaries, and onboarding. This automation allows recognition to start happening even before managers learn the new system.
What Is the Best Awardco Competitor for Enterprises?
Enterprises need recognition platforms that can balance personalization with consistency across hundreds of employees in multiple regions, hassle-free.
Below are three corporate gifting platforms that excel at the enterprise level:
- SwagDrop offers scalable recognition programs with multiple swag shops for different use cases, such as onboarding, achievements, and years of service awards. Our full-service model that handles everything from sourcing and storage to shipping frees up your HR team from logistics, while still offering budget controls and gift personalization.
- Achievers provides rewards across 190+ countries, as well as milestone automation and AI-powered reporting. The platform’s ability to link recognition to company values makes it valuable for enterprises aiming to align culture across diverse regions.
- Workhuman combines recognition with analytics, allowing leaders to measure cultural impact at scale. The global rewards catalog, AI assistance for meaningful recognition, and performance insights support large enterprises in making recognition part of their daily operations.
What Is the Best Awardco Alternative for Small Businesses?
Small businesses need recognition platforms that are affordable, easy to set up, and lightweight to manage.
While SwagDrop fits the description perfectly, we primarily work with companies that have 500 or more employees.
The corporate gifting companies that are a better fit here include:
- Guusto is a great entry-level option, as it offers a free plan for one user. The digital-first design allows admins to send eGift cards, charitable donations, or perks instantly, making recognition simple for small teams without adding complexity.
- Goody provides a free starter plan, perfect for small businesses that want professional gifting without logistical headaches. The no-inventory model and pay-as-you-go pricing allow companies to only pay for what they use, while employees enjoy choosing their gifts.
- Kudos offers customizable recognition awards and a points-based reward system, starting at around $2/user/month. The ease of use and analytics help small companies build a culture of recognition with limited resources.
How to Choose an Alternative to Awardco?
Finding the right Awardco alternative can feel overwhelming with so many choices available.
We’ve rounded up a few key factors that will help you spot the solution that fits your company’s culture and goals best.
Let’s take a closer look at each factor so you know exactly what to consider before making your decision.
1. Customization and branding capabilities
Your recognition program should feel like an extension of your company culture. Look for platforms that let you add logos, colors, and personalized touches. These capabilities make recognition more authentic and help employees connect rewards to your brand values.
2. User experience for admins and employees
You need a system that is simple for everyone. Admins shouldn’t have to worry about inventory management, gift shipping, or order tracking, so opt for a full-service company, like SwagDrop. At the same time, employees should be able to log in and redeem rewards without confusion, creating a smooth, enjoyable experience.
3. Customer support and onboarding assistance
Working with a responsive customer support team makes all the difference, particularly during setup. You want a provider that offers guided onboarding, quick responses to questions, and helpful resources, so you won’t waste your time troubleshooting.
4. Scalability for growing teams or organizations
Your team will grow, and your recognition platform should grow with it. Choose a provider that can handle an expanding workforce, multiple locations, and evolving needs without forcing you to switch tools later.
5. Pricing structure and overall cost
Budgets are always a consideration. Pay attention to subscription fees, as well as hidden costs, like implementation charges or high shipping costs. A transparent pricing model helps you plan ahead and prevents surprises down the road.
6. Available gifting and reward options
The best platforms offer a wide variety of rewards so every employee finds something meaningful. This flexibility keeps your recognition program engaging and inclusive.
Now, let’s wrap things up!
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Over to You!
Finding the perfect recognition platform in 2025 means picking one that makes celebrating your team simple, fun, and personal.
The right tool keeps everyone motivated, whether you’re rewarding milestones, boosting morale, or welcoming new hires.
SwagDrop makes employee recognition easier than ever with fast implementation, fully customizable swag shops, and end-to-end fulfillment.
If you want to delight your team without the hassle, book a call with us today.
