The 9 best referral marketing software tools for 2025

Referral marketing offers a low-cost, high-value avenue to grow your customer base. A well-designed program can help you both acquire and retain new customers because referred customers are more likely to stick around.  

But without the right tools, marketing teams can struggle with the nuts and bolts of managing a referral program. Tracking and validating referrals, distributing rewards, measuring program performance — it all adds up. 

That’s where referral marketing software comes in. A good referral program software service can do almost everything for you.

To guide which platform you should use, check out the pros and cons, integrations, and use cases for nine of the most popular referral marketing tools.

Table of contents

• The 9 best referral marketing software tools of 2025

  • 1. Friendbuy

  • 2. Lootly

  • 3. Superfiliate

  • 4. LoudCrowd

  • 5. Yotpo

  • 6. Ambassador

  • 7. LoyaltyLion

  • 8. Referral Rock

  • 9. Vyper

• How to choose the right referral program software

• Key takeaways

• FAQs

The 9 best referral marketing software tools of 2025

Choosing the right referral platform has a big impact on your program's success. These nine top referral marketing software tools have the potential to automate and scale your referral marketing program, but which one to choose depends on your specific needs.

1. Friendbuy

Friendbuy powers referral and loyalty programs for global brands like Disney, Nestle, and Walmart. This referral marketing software comes with a powerful widget builder, an editor, and customization features.

You can use Friendbuy to create branded referral experiences and put them anywhere on your website or mobile app. If you need deeper customization, you’ve got APIs and event triggers at your fingertips.

Friendbuy also offers extensive A/B testing and tracking, which makes it easy to optimize your program based on what's working vs. not. 

(Image source: Friendbuy)

Pros:

• Highly customizable widgets with API access

• Strong analytics and A/B testing tools

• Scalable for enterprise-level referral programs

• Easy to launch without heavy upfront dev work

• Helpful and responsive user support

Cons:

• Pricing may be steep, especially for smaller businesses, and the company doesn’t publish a pricing page

• Customization requires at least basic coding knowledge. 

• Heavy focus on points systems rather than rewards like gift cards or cashback

• Limited ability to communicate with customers through the Friendbuy platform

Friendbuy integrations:

• Shopify

• Klaviyo

• Braze

• ReCharge

• Segment

• Iterable, and more

See the full list of Friendbuy integrations.

Use Friendbuy if: You’re an enterprise e-commerce or direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand looking for referral software that’s scalable, fairly easy to implement, and comes with in-depth testing and tracking tools. 

2. Lootly

Lootly helps growing B2B, B2C, and D2C businesses build loyalty and referral programs. The platform's mobile-first design gives customers a consistent experience across all device types. Plus, you get extensive customization options for reward campaigns, messaging, and program rules.

Beyond standard loyalty tools, Lootly offers multi-language support and localization capabilities for global brands. The Lootly Goal Referrals feature is a big hit: it lets companies gamify customer engagement. And who doesn’t love the challenge of playing (and beating) a game?

(Image source: Lootly)

Pros:

• Offers points-based rewards, VIP tiers, and referral programs all in one place

• Easy to customize rewards, including discounts, free products, or exclusive perks

• User-friendly interface and setup

• Real-time analytics to track engagement and ROI

Cons:

• Pricing can be high for smaller businesses, starting at $299 a month. That said, you get a seven-day free trial and a 60-day, money-back guarantee

• Limited integrations with less-common e-commerce tools

Lootly integrations:

• Shopify

• BigCommerce

• Magento 2

• WooCommerce

• Klaviyo

• Gorgias

• PowerReviews

• Recharge

• Attentive

• Tremendous, and more

See the full list of Lootly integrations. 

Lootly also supports custom integrations via API.

Use Lootly if: You’re a small or mid-sized e-commerce brand that wants to combine loyalty, referrals, and affiliate marketing in one tool. Lootly is a great fit if you’re focused on retention, want flexible reward options, and use a supported e-commerce or marketing platform.

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3. Superfiliate

Superfiliate helps brands build referral and affiliate marketing programs through personalized landing pages, rewards portals, and widgets. 

The platform can turn every shared referral link into a co-branded experience. 

This means when a customer shares a link to a referral page, Superfiliate generates a personalized landing page. It’ll show both your brand and the sharer’s name, photo, or message.

This personal touch makes the referral feel more trustworthy and relevant to the person receiving it. And this, in turn, increases credibility, driving higher conversion rates.

(Image source: Superfiliate)

Superfiliate’s refer-a-friend platform handles everything: campaign management, performance tracking, and rewards payouts

Brands like Dr. Squatch have seen strong results with Superfiliate, including reducing customer acquisition costs (CAC) by 89% compared to other paid channels. 

Pros:

• Personalized landing pages for each affiliate or customer

• Supports multiple program types: influencer, affiliate, referral, and loyalty

• Automated reward distribution, including cash, store credit, or gifts

• Advanced analytics and reporting to track program performance

Cons:

• Strong focus on influencer referrals, which can be a drawback if your brand doesn’t work with influencers

• Mostly Shopify focused — limited integrations with other platforms 

• No published pricing page

Superfiliate integrations:

• Shopify

• Recharge

• Stay AI

• Klaviyo

• Attentive

• Postscript

Use Superfiliate if: You’re a Shopify brand that wants a simple way to manage affiliate, influencer, and referral programs in one place. This platform works especially well if you like the idea of personalized, co-branded landing pages that make shared links feel more trustworthy. 

4. LoudCrowd

LoudCrowd creates custom landing pages for customers who share your brand. These landing pages are kind of like mini online stores that present the customers' favorite products. With these pages, customers naturally act like influencers and informal brand ambassadors.

This referral program software also connects directly to Instagram and TikTok. When customers post about your products, LoudCrowd pulls that content into its system and tracks how well the content performs.

(Image source: LoudCrowd)

LoudCrowd includes tools to run referral contests or challenges (such as “refer three friends, win a gift”) and handles sending out rewards. 

Brands like Wayfair and Sony use this platform to spot their most enthusiastic customers on social media, get permission to reuse their content, and track the impact of these campaigns.

Pros:

• Automatically creates personalized storefronts where creators can share your products

• Integrates with social platforms like Instagram and TikTok to track user-generated content (UGC)

• Offers automated reward distribution including gifts, discounts, and charitable donations

• Provides tools for running contests and campaigns that can get more users to participate in your referral program

Cons:

• Pricing only available upon request

• Can take time to fully understand how to use all the features

LoudCrowd integrations:

• Klaviyo

• Tremendous

• Yotpo

• Shopify

• Magento

• WooCommerce

• BigCommerce

• TikTok

• Instagram, and more

See LoudCrowd’s full list of integrations.

Use LoudCrowd if: You're an e-commerce or DTC brand with a strong social media presence and you want to offer personalized shopping experiences. LoudCrowd is especially helpful if you want to take advantage of user-generated content in your rewards program.

5. Yotpo

Yotpo offers an integrated suite of e-commerce marketing tools including reviews, loyalty, and referral programs. Yotpo lets brands set up loyalty programs that feel personal, using visual editors to customize how rewards look and work. Built-in analytics help track how well the program is performing and how customers engage with it.

The Yotpo team also offers a lot of support. Each brand gets help from a dedicated account manager to design and launch their customer referral program.

(Image source: Yotpo)

Yotpo also connects easily with tools you’re probably already using, like email platforms, social media, and customer support software. This platform supports everything from points-based rewards and VIP tiers to birthday gifts and referrals.

Pros:

• Offers flexible reward structures including points, VIP tiers, and referrals

• Built-in visual editors for customizing the customer experience

• Strong analytics and reporting tools to track engagement and ROI

• Dedicated account management and program support

• Reasonable pricing based on monthly order volume — Yotpo even offers a free plan with basic points and campaign referral capabilities

Cons:

• Users report slowed site speed when using certain Yotpo features

• Pricing for advanced features can add up quickly

Yotpo integrations:

• Shopify

• BigCommerce

• WooCommerce

• Salesforce

• MailChimp

• Hubspot

• Tremendous, and dozens more

See Yotpo’s full list of integrations.

Use Yotpo if: You’re a mid-sized or enterprise e-commerce brand that wants a fully customizable loyalty and referral program. Plus, you want strong analytics and seamless integration into your broader marketing stack. 

6. Ambassador

Ambassador makes it easy for customers to refer others, which helps brands grow their word-of-mouth marketing. This platform includes tools like QR codes and refer-a-friend widgets that people can share on social media.

Companies of all sizes — from growing startups to big names like H&R Block — use Ambassador to turn happy customers into active advocates for your brand.

(Image source: Ambassador)

This referral program software tracks which people drive the most referrals and engagement, so you can identify your top promoters. Ambassador also sends out rewards automatically, plus it includes fraud protection and tracking to keep your referral program running smoothly.

Pros:

• Supports multiple referral types (customer, employee, affiliate, influencer)

• Built-in tools like refer-a-friend widgets and QR codes make sharing easy

• Automated reward distribution and fraud prevention

• Real-time analytics to track referrals, conversions, and advocate performance

• Scales well for both startups and enterprise brands

Cons:

• Interface feels a little dated compared to newer platforms

• Setup can be complex and time-consuming

• Pricey — plans start at $300 a month and go up from there

Ambassador integrations:

• Shopify

• HubSpot,

• Salesforce

• Mailchimp

• Klaviyo

• Stripe

• Magento

• Zapier

• Segment, and more 

See the full list of Ambassador integrations.

Use Ambassador if: You’re a growing, or even established, brand looking for a flexible, all-in-one referral solution that supports multiple use cases including customer, influencer, and employee advocacy. Ambassador also offers built-in automation, tracking, and fraud protection.

7. LoyaltyLion

LoyaltyLion helps brands create loyalty and rewards programs right inside their Shopify stores. The referral program software can sign customers up at checkout if they opt in. Then it tracks points they earn for things like buying products, leaving reviews, making referrals, or engaging on social media.

The platform can send referral requests at smart moments, too, like right after someone buys something or leaves a positive review. It also connects with tools like Klaviyo so you can include loyalty messages in emails and other parts of the customer journey. 

(Image source: LoyaltyLion)

You can set up VIP tiers and custom rewards to keep your best customers coming back with perks like early access to new products. Dashboards that track revenue and CLV help show you how well your referral marketing program is performing.

Pros: 

• Excellent integration with Shopify and Shopify Plus.

• Automatic point tracking for customer purchases, reviews, and referrals.

• Custom reward and VIP levels.  

• Easy to use, especially once it’s set up.

• Smooth integrations, according to users.

• Automated referral prompts after key actions like purchases or reviews.

• Detailed analytics to measure ROI and customer lifetime value.

Cons:

• Some advanced features (like VIP tiers and custom branding) are only available on higher-tier plans—and pricing isn’t available for those, although we do know the basic plan starts at $199 a month.

• Users report limited customization abilities.

• Not as beginner-friendly for smaller brands or those new to running loyalty programs.

LoyaltyLion integrations:

• Shopify

• Shopify Plus

• Klaviyo

• Gorgias

• Recharge

• Mailchimp

• Yotpo

• Okendo

• Attentive

• Smile.io

See the full list of LoyaltyLion’s integrations.

Use LoyaltyLion if: You run a Shopify-based store and want to build a loyalty program that rewards more than just purchases. 

Note that this referral marketing tool is only for Shopify users. Other e-commerce platforms like BigCommerce and WooCommerce are not supported.

8. Referral Rock

Referral Rock helps businesses set up and run referral programs without needing a lot of tech know-how. The strength of this referral marketing tool is its customer service. When you sign up to be a customer, you get one-on-one attention from a dedicated advisor on the Referral Rock team.

Your advisor can help you do just about everything imaginable when it comes to program setup and design. This includes making recommendations based on your target audience and creating program copy.

(Image source: Referral Rock)

The support continues throughout the life of your program. Anytime you need help, Referral Rock's team is ready to jump in with guidance, advice, and suggestions. 

As the Referral Rock team says, "We can't say it's 100% done for you, but we get as close as possible while keeping you at the helm." If you need a turnkey referral marketing software solution, Referral Rock is a top pick.

Pros:

• Easy to launch with minimal technical setup—and with help from your dedicated program advisor (every annual plan includes this!).

• Supports both customer referral and affiliate marketing programs.

• Customizable reward structures and sharing options.

• One-click sharing via email, social media, or unique links.

• Affordability—Referral Rock starts at $175 a month, which is lower than many of the other referral marketing tools on this list.

Cons:

• Interface and design options can feel basic compared to newer platforms.

• More robust features (like advanced integrations) are only available on higher-tier plans.

• Not as specialized for ecommerce as other tools—the focus is more broadly on tech, B2B, service, and ecommerce. This can also be a plus, depending on how you look at it.

Referral Rock integrations:

• HubSpot

• Salesforce

• Mailchimp

• ActiveCampaign

• Zapier

• Shopify (via Zapier or API)

• Custom webhooks

See all of Referral Rock’s integrations.

Use Referral Rock if: You want to set up a referral or affiliate program quickly without heavy dev work, and you value having one-on-one support to guide your strategy. This platform fits well with both e-commerce and service-based businesses looking to grow through word of mouth.

9. Vyper

Vyper helps businesses grow by running gamified marketing campaigns that reward people for sharing your brand. These contests, giveaways, and loyalty programs can be added to your site as pop-ups, landing pages, or embedded forms.

This referral marketing software offers a free plan that lets you set everything up before paying for your first campaign. Bigger businesses can upgrade to the Enterprise plan at $149 per month, which allows up to 30,000 leads per month and includes more advanced features.

(Image source: Vyper)

Vyper is a more basic referral program software compared to high-tech counterparts like Yotpo, LoyaltyLion, or Friendbuy. It’s built more for quick contests and giveaways than for creating long-term loyalty program infrastructure for your brand.

While it doesn’t offer sophisticated customization or complex integrations, Vyper referral marketing software is easy to set up and use. Especially if you have a short-term goal like growing an email list or getting more engagement on social media. 

Pros: 

• Quick way to launch contests, giveaways, and referral campaigns

• Gamified features (like leaderboards and points) that make engagement fun and easy

• Simple drag-and-drop builder for landing pages and widgets

• Affordable pricing, including a free tier for pre-campaign setup

• Good for email list growth and social media traction

Cons: 

• More limited in what it can do vs. full-service referral marketing software

• Lacks valuable loyalty features like VIP tiers or long-term point systems

• Fewer integrations and automations compared to enterprise tools

• Not ideal for brands that need highly customized or complex programs

Vyper integrations: 

• Zapier

• Mailchimp

• ConvertKit

• Klaviyo

Note that Vyper does not directly integrate with e-commerce software. See the full list of integrations on the Vyper pricing page.

Use Vyper if: You’re a small to mid-size brand looking to launch engaging referral or contest campaigns without heavy setup. This referral marketing software is a good fit if your goal is to grow your email list, increase social shares, or run quick promotions that get people to start talking about your brand.

How to choose the right referral program software

When picking a referral system, focus on more than just pricing — although that’s important, too. 

Look for functionality that fits your goals, like customizable rewards, automated gift card delivery, and built-in fraud prevention.

The best tools track real-time metrics, so you can see what’s working and optimize as you go. Bonus points if the platform integrates with your existing marketing platform to keep everything connected.

A strong referral program should be easy to manage, scale with your needs, and give you clear data on performance.

Benefits of using a referral marketing tool

Modern referral software eliminates manual tracking while providing sophisticated analytics and automation. The right platform can strengthen your referral program with:

• Automated tracking and validation that attributes referrals to specific customers and validates legitimate leads. This prevents referral fraud while ensuring accurate reward distribution.

• Streamlined reward distribution based on your program rules. This reduces administrative work for your team and ensures timely incentive payouts to customers.

• Enhanced analytics and reporting on program performance, referral sources, and conversion rates. These metrics help you optimize campaigns and demonstrate ROI to your stakeholders.

• Fraud prevention features that detect suspicious activity and flag incentives fraud early, protecting your program’s integrity and your marketing budget.

• Deep integrations that connect referral program data with your CRM, email, and e-commerce platforms. This creates a cohesive customer experience and simplifies program management.

• A/B testing capabilities that allow you to try out different incentives, messaging, and program rules to optimize performance. Data-driven optimization helps maximize conversion rates and program ROI.

• Scalable infrastructure that can handle high volumes of referrals without hiccups. This allows your program to grow without technical limitations.

Drawbacks of using a referral marketing tool

While referral software streamlines program management, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind.

• Implementation complexity: Some platforms require significant technical setup and customization. This may extend your timeline for program launch and require IT resources.

• Onboarding learning curve: New software means training for marketing and customer service teams. Your team will need time to learn a new platform’s features, workflows, and best practices.

• Cost considerations: Many platforms require annual contracts with minimum commitments. Before you onboard a new tool, make sure that your referral volume justifies the investment.

Key takeaways

Modern referral platforms do more than just track referrals and distribute rewards. They offer sophisticated features like fraud prevention, A/B testing, and deep integrations with your existing marketing stack. Which solution is right for your business depends on your specific needs and requirements.

The most impactful referral programs blend technology with thoughtful strategy. When evaluating platforms, focus on solutions that align with your business goals and can scale as you grow.

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Referral marketing tools FAQs