Head-to-head · Credentialing Software
IssueBadge vs Credly
IssueBadge leads on 0 checks, Credly on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreIssueBadge · 8.6/10
- Free planonly IssueBadge
IssueBadge scores higher on our rubric for credentialing software: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
IssueBadge is the better fit for budget-conscious credential issuers. Credly is the better fit for enterprise digital badge ecosystems.
- IssueBadge fits best
Budget-conscious credential issuers
- Credly fits best
Enterprise digital badge ecosystems
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Side by side
| Feature | IssueBadge 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Credly 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #6 in Credentialing Software | #7 in Credentialing Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious credential issuers | Enterprise digital badge ecosystems |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $149.99/yr | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs | Tickets, Docs |
| Integrations | 50+ integrations | 10 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features IssueBadge 6/6 · Credly 6/6 | ||
| Digital certificates | ✓ | ✓ |
| Digital badges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public verification | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expiry management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom branding | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | IssueBadge is a web-based credentialing platform for organizations that create and distribute digital badges and certificates. Its audience includes education providers, corporate training teams, human resources departments, event… Read the review → |
Credly is a digital credentialing platform for training providers, professional associations, certification organizations, higher education institutions, and employers. It supports digital badge and credential issuance, public… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
IssueBadge — where it wins
- Free plan plus paid options from $14.99 per month
- Bulk issuance from CSV or Excel files
- Verification, expiry controls, analytics, and API access
Where it doesn't
- Free allowance is limited to 50 certificates per month
- Advanced customization is listed only on Lifetime Advanced
- Web and API access may not suit teams needing other platforms
Credly — where it wins
- Issues badges and certificates with custom branding
- Supports verification, expiry notifications, and credential renewal
- Connects learning platforms through integrations and a REST API
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a sales conversation
- Open-source customization is not part of the product
- Its broad feature set may exceed simple credentialing needs
- IssueBadge8.6/10 · Free plan
A low-cost credentialing option with bulk issuance, verification, and API access.
Visit IssueBadgeFull verdict → - Credly8.5/10 · Pricing on request
A broad credentialing platform for enterprise badge, certificate, and skills programs.
Visit CredlyFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




