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Head-to-head · Referral Marketing Software

ReferralCandy vs ReferralHero

  • 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
ReferralHero #22 in Referral Marketing Software 5.9/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ReferralHero

ReferralCandy leads on 1 check, ReferralHero 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 ReferralHero
  • Free trialboth

ReferralCandy scores higher on our rubric for referral marketing software: 8.9 against 5.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #22.

ReferralHero offers free plan; ReferralCandy doesn't. ReferralCandy is cheaper to start at $39/mo against $199/mo.

ReferralCandy is the better fit for ecommerce brands needing mature referral campaigns. ReferralHero is the better fit for small programs wanting a free starting plan.

  • ReferralCandy fits best

    Ecommerce brands needing mature referral campaigns

  • ReferralHero fits best

    Small programs wanting a free starting plan

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 ↗ ReferralHero 5.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 5.9
Ranking #1 in Referral Marketing Software #22 in Referral Marketing Software
Best for Ecommerce brands needing mature referral campaigns Small programs wanting a free starting plan
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $39/mo (best) $199/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 7 days 7 days
Free trial length 7 days 7 days
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 17 integrations 20 integrations
Features ReferralCandy 3/3 · ReferralHero 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 cash; gift cards; coupon codes
Attribution window Not checked yet 90 days
Participant limit Not checked yet 25 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
  • Free Forever Plan includes all PRO features for up to 25 subscribers
  • First-touch and last-touch attribution with a 90-day cookie window
  • REST API, webhooks, mobile SDKs, widgets, and fraud screening
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
  • Free Forever Plan includes ReferralHero branding
  • Free plan is limited to up to 25 subscribers
  • Paid plans start at $199 per month
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 →

ReferralHero helps businesses create referral, affiliate, waitlist, contest, and customer-advocacy programs. Participants receive unique referral links, while teams can track visits and conversions, configure attribution, automate…

Read the review →
  1. ReferralCandyReferral Marketing Software 8.97-day trial
  2. ReferralHeroReferral Marketing Software 5.9Free plan · 7-day trial

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

  • ReferralHero — where it wins

    • Free Forever Plan includes all PRO features for up to 25 subscribers
    • First-touch and last-touch attribution with a 90-day cookie window
    • REST API, webhooks, mobile SDKs, widgets, and fraud screening

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Forever Plan includes ReferralHero branding
    • Free plan is limited to up to 25 subscribers
    • Paid plans start at $199 per month

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