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Head-to-head · Referral Marketing Software

ReferralCandy vs Cello

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score ReferralCandy #1 in Referral Marketing Software 8.9/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ReferralCandy
Cello #6 in Referral Marketing Software 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Cello

ReferralCandy leads on 1 check, Cello on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreReferralCandy · 8.9/10
  • Lowest starting priceReferralCandy · $39/mo
  • Free planonly Cello
  • Free trialonly ReferralCandy

ReferralCandy scores higher on our rubric for referral marketing software: 8.9 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Cello offers free plan; ReferralCandy doesn't. ReferralCandy is cheaper to start at $39/mo against $80/mo.

ReferralCandy is the better fit for ecommerce brands needing mature referral campaigns. Cello is the better fit for teams needing web and mobile referral coverage.

  • ReferralCandy fits best

    Ecommerce brands needing mature referral campaigns

  • Cello fits best

    Teams needing web and mobile referral coverage

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ReferralCandy 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Cello 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.2
Ranking #1 in Referral Marketing Software #6 in Referral Marketing Software
Best for Ecommerce brands needing mature referral campaigns Teams needing web and mobile referral coverage
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $39/mo (best) $80/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 7 days —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 17 integrations 7 integrations
Features ReferralCandy 3/3 · Cello 3/3
Referral links ✓ ✓
Referral codes ✓ ✓
Fraud controls ✓ ✓
Specs
Reward payouts PayPal, Tremendous, store credit, coupons, custom rewards, and self-managed payouts for eligible affiliate campaigns PayPal, Venmo
Attribution window Not checked yet Not checked yet
Participant limit Not checked yet 5 participants
Our review
Pros
  • Referral links, coupon codes, attribution, rewards, and fraud controls
  • Integrations with major ecommerce, marketing, analytics, and payout tools
  • API access for purchases, advocates, referrals, and rewards
  • Supports web, iOS, Android, and API implementations
  • Automates attribution, reward calculation, payouts, and fraud detection
  • Connects with Stripe, HubSpot, Salesforce, and other business systems
Cons
  • No free plan; paid plans start at $39 per month
  • Every plan includes a success fee
  • Dedicated onboarding and account management are Enterprise features
  • The Free plan allows one partner campaign and five transacting partners
  • User Referrals Grow costs $200 per month, above the $80 starting price
  • Enterprise plans list custom SLAs without a monthly price
Our verdict

ReferralCandy is referral and affiliate marketing software for ecommerce brands. It creates unique referral links and coupon codes, tracks referred purchases and attribution, applies reward rules, and supports cash, coupon, store-credit,…

Read the review →

Cello is referral marketing software for SaaS companies running user referral and partner programs. It places referral components and launchers inside web and mobile products, creates personal attributable links, and tracks signups and…

Read the review →
  1. ReferralCandyReferral Marketing Software 8.97-day trial
  2. CelloReferral Marketing Software 8.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ReferralCandy — where it wins

    • Referral links, coupon codes, attribution, rewards, and fraud controls
    • Integrations with major ecommerce, marketing, analytics, and payout tools
    • API access for purchases, advocates, referrals, and rewards

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; paid plans start at $39 per month
    • Every plan includes a success fee
    • Dedicated onboarding and account management are Enterprise features

  • Cello — where it wins

    • Supports web, iOS, Android, and API implementations
    • Automates attribution, reward calculation, payouts, and fraud detection
    • Connects with Stripe, HubSpot, Salesforce, and other business systems

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan allows one partner campaign and five transacting partners
    • User Referrals Grow costs $200 per month, above the $80 starting price
    • Enterprise plans list custom SLAs without a monthly price

More comparisons

All referral marketing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update