Independently tested ranking
Best Affiliate Marketing Software in 2026
We compared the best affiliate marketing software for 2026, from enterprise partner platforms and affiliate networks to SaaS and Shopify apps, on tracking, payouts, recruitment and price.
- Tools compared
- 10
- With a free plan
- 1 of 10
- Median entry price
- $49/mo
- Average rating
- 4.5
On this page
- Quick answer
- Our top picks
- Key takeaways
- What is affiliate marketing software?
- Comparison table
- The 10 best affiliate marketing software
- Best affiliate marketing software by need
- What to look for
- How much affiliate marketing software cost
- How we ranked them
- How to choose affiliate marketing software
- FAQ
- About the reviewer
- Related rankings
What is the best affiliate marketing software?
The best affiliate marketing software in 2026 is impact.com for large brands running affiliate, influencer and B2B partner programs, PartnerStack for B2B SaaS partner channels, Awin for reach across a global publisher network, Rewardful for Stripe-based SaaS startups and UpPromote for Shopify stores. Rewardful's Starter plan costs $49/mo with a 14-day free trial, and UpPromote has a free plan, while impact.com, PartnerStack and the networks quote prices through sales.
Our top picks
Best overall
impact.com
Runs affiliates, creators and B2B partners in one platform, with a large marketplace, contracts, attribution and global payments.
Paid plans from Custom
See why we picked itBest for B2B SaaS
PartnerStack
Supports affiliate, referral and reseller programs with recurring commissions, CRM deal registration and a marketplace of B2B partners.
Paid plans from Custom
See why we picked itBest for SaaS startups
Rewardful
Connects to Stripe in minutes, tracks recurring commissions and starts at $49/mo with a 14-day free trial.
Paid plans from $49/mo
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Decide first between affiliate software (you run and recruit your own program) and an affiliate network like Awin or CJ (you pay network fees for access to their publishers).
- SaaS companies should pick a tool that reads billing data, such as Rewardful, FirstPromoter or PartnerStack, so recurring commissions, upgrades and refunds are tracked automatically.
- Shopify stores get the fastest start from UpPromote or Refersion, which credit affiliates by link or by discount code.
- Coupon code tracking matters for influencer affiliate programs, because many creator sales happen without a click on a link.
- Many self-serve tools price by affiliate revenue or tracked orders, so model your cost at today's volume and at 3x before you commit.
What is affiliate marketing software?
The best affiliate marketing software is a platform that tracks the sales and signups your partners send, calculates their commissions and pays them, while giving those partners a portal with links, creatives and earnings. Affiliate marketing software, also called affiliate tracking software or affiliate management software, sits between your store or billing system and the people promoting you: affiliates, influencers, customers who refer friends and, for B2B companies, resellers.
A good affiliate program software setup needs to do four jobs well. It must attribute conversions reliably (links, coupon codes and server-side tracking), handle your commission model (one-time, recurring or tiered), pay partners without hours of spreadsheet work, and help you find new partners. Some tools are affiliate networks that supply publishers in exchange for fees; others are in-house affiliate program software where recruiting is up to you.
Best affiliate marketing software compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | impact.com |
Enterprise partner programs | No | Custom | ★4.5 |
| 2 | PartnerStack |
B2B SaaS partner channels | No | Custom | ★4.7 |
| 3 | Awin | Global publisher network | No | Setup fee + network fee | Not yet reviewed |
| 4 |  CJ Affiliate |
Established retail brands | No | Custom | ★4.1 |
| 5 |  Everflow |
Performance marketing teams | No | Custom | ★4.8 |
| 6 |  Refersion |
Ecommerce influencer programs | No | Scales with orders | ★4.5 |
| 7 | Rewardful | SaaS startups on Stripe | No (14-day trial) | $49/mo | Not yet reviewed |
| 8 | FirstPromoter | SaaS with Paddle or Chargebee | No (free trial) | Scales with affiliate revenue | Not yet reviewed |
| 9 | Tapfiliate | Mixed SaaS and ecommerce | No (14-day trial) | Essential plan and up | Not yet reviewed |
| 10 | UpPromote | Shopify stores on a budget | Yes (limited) | Paid tiers scale with usage | Not yet reviewed |
Our rating comes from MakeSuccessOnline's research and reviews. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026; many affiliate platforms and networks quote prices through sales.
The 10 best affiliate marketing software in 2026
Affiliate marketing software splits into three groups: enterprise partner platforms, affiliate networks, and self-serve tools for SaaS and ecommerce. The picks below are ranked overall, but the right one depends mostly on which group fits your business.
#1Best overall for large partner programs
impact.com
An enterprise partnership platform for running affiliate, influencer and B2B partner programs, from discovery and contracts to tracking and payments.
- Paid plans from
- Custom
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Mid-market and enterprise brands and agencies running large partner programs
- Works on
- Web, API
impact.com is a partnership management platform built for brands that work with many kinds of partners at once. Affiliates, content publishers, influencers and B2B partners all sit in one account, with shared tracking, contracts and payments. For a growing brand, that means you do not need a separate affiliate tool, influencer tool and referral tool as the program expands.
Its marketplace lets you search for affiliates, creators and publishers to recruit, and electronic contracts set commission terms that update across the program. Tracking covers web and app with configurable attribution rules, fraud screening checks conversions before you pay, and partners are paid globally in many currencies. It integrates with Shopify, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Adobe Commerce, BigCommerce and WooCommerce.
Key features
- Partner marketplaceSearch a large network of affiliates, creators and publishers and invite them into your program, so recruitment does not depend only on your own outreach.
- Contracts and termsSend electronic partner contracts with commission terms. When you change terms, they update across the program instead of partner by partner.
- Tracking and attributionTracks clicks, conversions and orders across web and app, with attribution rules you can configure to match how you want to credit partners.
- Global partner paymentsPays partners from the platform in many currencies and handles tax forms, which removes a big admin job for international programs.
- Fraud protectionScreens traffic and conversions for suspicious activity before commissions are paid, so you do not reward fake or low-quality sales.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Performance (affiliate) plans | Custom | Partner management, tracking and payments |
| Creator | Custom | Influencer discovery and campaign management |
Prices are quoted by sales as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers affiliates, creators and B2B partners in one platform
- Strong tracking and global payments
- Large partner marketplace for recruitment
- Built for complex, multi-brand programs
Cons
- Pricing is sales-quoted and not published in full
- Steep learning curve for small teams
- Setup can take time and onboarding help
Is it right for you?
Choose impact.com ifYou run, or plan to run, a large affiliate and influencer program across several brands or regions and want one platform for recruitment, contracts, tracking and payments.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a small store or early-stage startup that wants a quick plug-and-play affiliate app on a tight budget.
#2Best for B2B SaaS partner programs
PartnerStack
A partner platform for B2B SaaS companies to run affiliate, referral and reseller programs, with a built-in marketplace of partners.
- Paid plans from
- Custom
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- B2B SaaS companies building affiliate, referral and reseller channels
- Works on
- Web, API
PartnerStack is affiliate and partner management software designed around how B2B SaaS companies sell. Instead of only tracking link clicks, it supports affiliates, customer referrals and resellers with separate terms in one account, and it tracks subscription revenue so partners earn on renewals. It connects to Stripe, HubSpot and Salesforce, which keeps partner revenue tied to your billing and CRM data.
Its biggest draw is the partner marketplace, where B2B partners browse and join SaaS programs. That helps with the hardest part of a new program: finding partners. Lead and deal registration lets resellers and agencies submit opportunities that sync to your CRM, and PartnerStack handles partner payouts across programs, so your finance team pays one bill.
Key features
- Partner marketplaceA network of B2B partners who browse and join SaaS programs, which makes recruiting your first affiliates and referral partners much easier.
- Affiliate, referral and reseller programsRun different partner types with their own terms from one account, so you can grow from an affiliate program into a full partner channel.
- Recurring commission trackingTracks subscription revenue so partners earn on renewals, not just the first payment, which is how most SaaS partners expect to be paid.
- Lead and deal registrationPartners submit leads and deals that sync to your CRM for attribution, which suits agencies and resellers with longer sales cycles.
- Automated payoutsPartnerStack pays partners for you and consolidates payments across programs.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Platform plans | Custom | Partner management, tracking, automated payouts and marketplace access |
Prices are quoted by sales as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built specifically for B2B SaaS partner programs
- Marketplace helps recruit partners
- Handles partner payouts for you
- Supports affiliates, referrals and resellers together
Cons
- No published pricing; plans are sales-quoted
- Expensive for early-stage startups
- Less suited to ecommerce brands
Is it right for you?
Choose PartnerStack ifYou are a B2B SaaS company that wants affiliates, customer referrals and resellers in one program, plus help finding partners.
Look elsewhere ifYou run an ecommerce or DTC store, or you are a bootstrapped startup that wants a low monthly tool.
#3Best affiliate network for global publisher reach
Awin
A global affiliate network that connects advertisers with publishers, creators and content sites, with tracking and payments handled by the network.
- Paid plans from
- Setup fee + network fee
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Retail, travel, finance and ecommerce brands of all sizes that want access to a large publisher network
- Works on
- Web, API
Awin is an affiliate network rather than standalone affiliate software. You list your program, publishers apply or get invited, and Awin tracks clicks, sales and leads, then pays publishers on your behalf so you settle one invoice. For retail, travel and finance brands, the value is reach: a large global pool of content sites, cashback and voucher sites and creators, with particular strength in Europe as well as the US.
In 2025 ShareASale's advertisers and publishers were migrated onto the Awin platform, so former ShareASale brands now manage their programs there. Awin offers a self-serve plan for small and growing brands with a setup fee plus a per-transaction network fee, and managed plans with account management for larger programs. Plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce and Adobe Commerce speed up tracking setup.
Key features
- Publisher networkAccess a large global network of affiliates, content sites, cashback and voucher sites and creators, so you can launch with partners who already have audiences.
- Publisher discoverySearch and invite publishers by sector, region and promotion type, which helps you choose content partners over coupon sites if that suits your margins.
- Conversion trackingNetwork tracking for clicks, sales and leads, including cookieless and server-to-server options that hold up better as browsers limit cookies.
- Commission groupsSet different commission rates by publisher type, product or customer, for example lower rates for cashback sites than for content creators.
- Publisher paymentsAwin pays publishers on your behalf, so you settle one invoice with the network instead of paying hundreds of partners.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Self-serve plan | Setup fee + per-transaction network fee | Self-serve program for small and growing brands |
| Managed plans | Custom | Account management and larger programs |
Fees as of November 2026 are not published in full; network pricing changes often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you sign up.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very large international publisher network
- Network handles tracking and publisher payments
- Self-serve option for smaller brands
- Strong in Europe as well as the US
Cons
- Network fees on every transaction add up
- Less control than running your own in-house program
- Publisher quality varies, so vetting takes time
Is it right for you?
Choose Awin ifYou sell online in retail, travel or finance and want fast access to established publishers, including in Europe, or you are moving over from ShareASale.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a SaaS company that wants an in-house referral program or you want to avoid network fees on every sale.
#4Best for established retail and travel brands
CJ Affiliate
One of the oldest affiliate networks, connecting large advertisers with publishers and handling tracking, reporting and payments.
- Paid plans from
- Custom
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Mid-market and enterprise advertisers and the publishers who promote them
- Works on
- Web, API
CJ Affiliate, launched in 1998, is one of the longest-running affiliate networks. Large retail and travel advertisers use it to reach a big base of content, loyalty, cashback, coupon and creator publishers, while CJ handles tracking, reporting and publisher payments worldwide. If your brand is already well known, publishers on CJ are likely to recognize it and promote it.
Tracking is cross-device and server-side, commission structures can be set by publisher, product or action, and insights reports show publisher performance and trends across your program. CJ also offers account management and strategy support, which helps brands without a large in-house affiliate team. Pricing is quoted by sales, with network fees on performance on top of the commissions you pay.
Key features
- Publisher networkAccess a large network of content, loyalty, cashback, coupon and creator publishers that already work with major retail brands.
- Tracking and attributionCross-device and server-side tracking of clicks, sales and leads, so publishers get credit when customers switch devices before buying.
- Commission managementSet commission structures by publisher, product or action, for example paying content partners more than coupon sites.
- Publisher paymentsCJ pays publishers worldwide on your behalf, which simplifies international programs.
- Account managementManaged services and strategy support for advertiser programs, useful when you lack a dedicated affiliate manager.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Advertiser programs | Custom | Network access, tracking, reporting and publisher payments; network fees on performance |
Prices are quoted by sales as of November 2026; terms change often, so ask CJ for a full fee breakdown before you sign.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long-established network with many large brands and publishers
- Detailed tracking and reporting
- Handles global publisher payments
- Managed services available
Cons
- Pricing is not published
- Aimed at larger brands; small stores may struggle to qualify
- Interface can feel dated and complex
Is it right for you?
Choose CJ Affiliate ifYou are an established retail or travel brand that wants a large, mature publisher network and managed support.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a small store, a startup on a tight budget or a SaaS company building a referral program.
#5Best for performance marketers and networks
Everflow
A partner marketing platform for tracking affiliates, influencers and media partners, with fraud controls and automated payouts.
- Paid plans from
- Custom
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Performance marketers, affiliate networks, agencies and brands running in-house partner programs
- Works on
- Web, API
Everflow is affiliate tracking software for teams that treat partners like a performance channel. It tracks clicks and conversions through postbacks, pixels and cookieless direct linking, so you can credit affiliates, influencers and media partners even where browser cookies are unreliable. Offer and commission management lets you set payouts, caps and targeting rules per offer and per partner.
Because it can run many offers and partners at once, Everflow is used by affiliate networks and agencies as well as brands. Fraud rules block bad traffic, real-time reports show partner and offer performance as it happens, and payouts are automated. It works with mobile measurement partners for app installs and connects to Shopify, Stripe and Salesforce.
Key features
- Flexible partner trackingPostback, pixel and direct-linking (cookieless) methods, so you can track partners who send traffic without cookies or from many sources.
- Offer and commission managementSet payouts, caps and targeting rules per offer and partner, which suits performance programs with many offers running at once.
- Fraud preventionRules and filters block bad traffic and suspicious conversions before they turn into commissions.
- Real-time reportingLive, customizable reports on partners, offers and revenue, so you can pause poor sources quickly.
- Mobile app trackingWorks with mobile measurement partners to track app installs and in-app events from partner traffic.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Platform plans | Custom | Tracking, partner management, reporting and payouts; scales with usage |
Prices are quoted by sales and scale with volume as of November 2026; check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong, flexible tracking including cookieless methods
- Built-in fraud tools
- Fast, detailed reporting
- Works for networks as well as brands
Cons
- No published self-serve price
- Many options to learn
- Overkill for a small store's first affiliate program
Is it right for you?
Choose Everflow ifYou run a high-volume performance partner program, an agency or an affiliate network and need flexible tracking, caps and fraud controls.
Look elsewhere ifYou want a simple Shopify app or you have no one in-house to manage the program.
#6Best for ecommerce affiliate and influencer programs
Refersion
Affiliate and influencer tracking software for ecommerce brands, especially on Shopify, with commission management and payouts.
- Paid plans from
- Scales with orders
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Ecommerce and DTC brands, especially Shopify and BigCommerce stores
- Works on
- Web, API
Refersion is affiliate software built for ecommerce brands, with especially strong Shopify and BigCommerce integrations. It credits affiliates and influencers by referral link, coupon code or SKU without heavy setup, which matters for DTC brands where many creator sales come from a discount code mentioned in a video rather than a click.
Commission rates can be set by affiliate, product or offer, partners get a branded portal for links and earnings, and payouts go out in bulk, including through PayPal. You can recruit affiliates through a public sign-up page and Refersion's marketplace. Pricing scales with tracked orders, so it fits brands with steady sales volume better than brand-new stores.
Key features
- Link, coupon and SKU trackingTracks affiliate sales via links, coupon codes and SKUs on supported platforms, so influencers get credit even without a click.
- Commission managementSet commission rates by affiliate, product or offer, for example higher rates on new products or for top creators.
- Affiliate portalA branded portal where affiliates sign up, get links and check earnings, which cuts down on support emails.
- Automated payoutsPay affiliates in bulk through PayPal and other payout options instead of one by one.
- Affiliate recruitmentRecruit affiliates through a public sign-up page and Refersion's marketplace.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Scales with tracked orders | Affiliate tracking, commissions and payouts |
| Enterprise | Custom | Higher volumes and support |
List prices as of November 2026 depend on order volume; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong Shopify and BigCommerce integrations
- Tracks both links and coupon codes
- Handles bulk payouts
- Fits influencer as well as affiliate programs
Cons
- Can be expensive for small stores
- Mainly suited to ecommerce
- Fewer enterprise partner features than impact.com
Is it right for you?
Choose Refersion ifYou run a Shopify, BigCommerce or WooCommerce brand with a growing affiliate and influencer program and want link and coupon tracking in one place.
Look elsewhere ifYou sell SaaS subscriptions or you want a large network to supply affiliates for you.
#7Best for Stripe-based SaaS startups
Rewardful
Affiliate and referral program software for SaaS companies that bill through Stripe, with recurring commission tracking.
- Paid plans from
- $49/mo
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- SaaS startups and subscription businesses billing through Stripe
- Works on
- Web, JavaScript snippet, API
Rewardful is the quickest way for a SaaS startup on Stripe to launch an affiliate or referral program. You connect Stripe, add a JavaScript snippet, and it tracks referred signups and subscriptions without custom code. Commissions follow the subscription, so affiliates can earn on every renewal for a set period or for life.
It also covers customer referral programs. Double-sided incentives give referred customers a discount through Stripe coupons while rewarding the affiliate, and coupon tracking credits partners who share codes. You can run several campaigns with different terms, see commissions owed, pay in bulk and flag self-referrals. Plans are published and priced monthly, with caps tied to affiliate-generated revenue.
Key features
- Stripe integrationConnects to Stripe in minutes and tracks referred subscriptions without custom code, so a small team can launch without developer time.
- Recurring commissionsPay affiliates on every renewal, for a set period or for life, which is how SaaS affiliates expect to be paid.
- Double-sided incentivesGive referred customers a discount through Stripe coupons as well as rewarding the affiliate, so customers have their own reason to use a referral link.
- Commission campaignsRun several programs with different terms, such as one for affiliates and another for customer referrals or agency partners.
- Fraud controlsFlags and blocks suspicious or self-referral activity before you pay out.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $49/mo | Unlimited affiliates, recurring commissions and affiliate portal; capped by affiliate-generated revenue |
| Growth | $99/mo | Starter features plus more advanced options and a higher revenue cap |
| Enterprise | Higher | Growth features plus advanced options, priority support and a higher revenue cap |
List prices billed monthly as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick setup for Stripe-based SaaS
- Clear, published monthly pricing
- Handles recurring commissions well
- Free trial to test before paying
Cons
- Built for Stripe billing, so limited for ecommerce
- No partner marketplace to recruit affiliates
- Plan caps tied to affiliate revenue
Is it right for you?
Choose Rewardful ifYou are an early or growth-stage SaaS company billing through Stripe and want an affiliate or referral program live this week.
Look elsewhere ifYou run an ecommerce store or want a network that brings you ready-made affiliates.
#8Best for SaaS on multiple billing systems
FirstPromoter
Affiliate and referral tracking software built for SaaS and subscription businesses, with recurring commissions tied to billing data.
- Paid plans from
- Scales with affiliate revenue
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- SaaS and subscription companies running affiliate, partner or customer referral programs
- Works on
- Web, API
FirstPromoter is affiliate and referral software for SaaS teams whose billing lives in Stripe, Paddle, Chargebee, Recurly or Braintree. Because it reads billing data directly, upgrades, downgrades, refunds and cancellations adjust commissions automatically, which saves the monthly clean-up that breaks many SaaS affiliate programs. Recurring commissions can run for a set period or the customer's lifetime, matching how subscription revenue actually comes in.
You can run separate campaigns for affiliates, influencers and customer referrals, each with its own reward rules, and set different rates by plan or performance level. Partners get a white-label portal, coupon codes count alongside links, and payouts run in batches, including PayPal. An API, webhooks and Zapier cover custom stacks. Paid plans are tiered by the revenue your affiliates generate.
Key features
- Billing integrationsConnects to Stripe, Paddle, Chargebee, Recurly and Braintree so referrals, upgrades, refunds and cancellations update commissions automatically.
- Recurring commissionsPays affiliates a percentage of each subscription payment for a set period or the customer's lifetime.
- Multiple campaignsRun separate programs for affiliates, influencers and customer referrals, each with its own reward rules.
- Commission rules and tiersSet different rates by plan, campaign or performance level to reward your best partners.
- API and webhooksTrack signups and sales from custom stacks and sync program data to other tools, with Zapier for no-code connections.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Paid plans | Tiered by affiliate revenue | Affiliate portal, tracking and recurring commissions; higher tiers add more customization and team features |
Prices as of November 2026 are tiered by affiliate-generated revenue, billed monthly or annually; check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial available.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built specifically around SaaS subscription billing
- Handles upgrades, downgrades and refunds automatically
- Recurring commission models are easy to set up
- Clean white-label partner portal
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing scales with affiliate-driven revenue
- Recruitment of new affiliates is largely up to you
Is it right for you?
Choose FirstPromoter ifYou are a SaaS company billing through Paddle, Chargebee, Recurly, Braintree or Stripe and want commissions to follow billing changes automatically.
Look elsewhere ifYou run a Shopify store that wants an app-store install or you need a free affiliate tool.
#9Best for brands selling both SaaS and ecommerce
Tapfiliate
Cloud software for creating, tracking and paying affiliate, influencer and referral programs for SaaS and ecommerce brands.
- Paid plans from
- Essential plan and up
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- SaaS and ecommerce businesses running their own affiliate or influencer programs
- Works on
- Web, API
Tapfiliate is self-serve affiliate software that works for both SaaS and ecommerce, which makes it a good fit if you sell subscriptions and physical products, or if you are not sure yet which way your business will go. Plug-and-play integrations cover Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, Paddle and Chargebee, with Zapier and a REST API for anything else.
Tracking works through referral links, coupon codes and server-side integrations, so influencer programs built on promo codes are covered. Commissions can recur on renewals, and multi-level marketing lets affiliates earn on sales from partners they recruit. Partners get a customizable dashboard and signup page, and payouts are processed for you, including PayPal. Plans run from Essential to Pro to Enterprise.
Key features
- Ecommerce and billing integrationsPlug-and-play connections for Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, Paddle and Chargebee, so setup rarely needs a developer.
- Recurring commissionsPays commissions on subscription renewals, not just the first sale.
- Multi-level marketingLets affiliates earn on sales made by partners they recruit, which can help a program grow through its own members.
- Coupon code trackingCredits affiliates for sales made with their promo codes, useful for influencer programs.
- Branded affiliate dashboardA customizable portal and signup page where partners get links and see their stats.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Higher | Core affiliate tracking, branded signup and dashboard |
| Pro | Higher | Adds advanced features and automation options |
| Enterprise | Custom | Priced through sales |
Plans billed monthly or annually as of November 2026; prices change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works for both SaaS and ecommerce
- Wide set of ready-made integrations
- Supports recurring and multi-level commissions
- Free trial to test before paying
Cons
- Entry pricing is high for very small stores
- Some advanced features are reserved for higher plans
- No built-in marketplace to find new affiliates
Is it right for you?
Choose Tapfiliate ifYou want one affiliate tool that works across Shopify, WooCommerce and subscription billing, with coupon tracking for influencers.
Look elsewhere ifYou want a free tool or a network that supplies affiliates for you.
#10Best free affiliate app for Shopify
UpPromote
A Shopify affiliate and influencer marketing app for recruiting partners, tracking referral sales and paying commissions.
- Paid plans from
- Paid tiers scale with usage
- Free plan
- Yes (limited)
- Best for
- Shopify merchants running affiliate, influencer or brand ambassador programs
- Works on
- Web (Shopify app), affiliate mobile app
UpPromote is the easiest way for a Shopify store to start an affiliate or brand ambassador program. It installs from the Shopify App Store, attributes orders to affiliates by referral link or unique discount code, and gives customers and creators a customizable registration form to apply. The free plan lets you launch before you spend anything, with limits on usage and features.
Unlike most in-house tools, UpPromote includes an affiliate marketplace where you can list your program and find affiliates and influencers. You can set percentage or flat-rate commissions per affiliate group, reward multi-level referrals, flag self-referrals and pay in batches through PayPal. Affiliates get a portal and a mobile app. Paid plans add more affiliates, orders, advanced tracking and automation.
Key features
- Referral links and coupon trackingAttributes Shopify orders to affiliates by link or by a unique discount code, which suits micro-influencers who share codes.
- Affiliate marketplaceList your program and find affiliates and influencers inside the app, so recruitment is not only up to you.
- Commission structuresSet percentage or flat-rate commissions with rules per affiliate group, such as higher rates for top ambassadors.
- PayoutsPay affiliates in batches, including through PayPal, with payment history in one place.
- Fraud protectionFlags suspicious referrals such as self-referrals before commissions are paid.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Core affiliate program and tracking with limits |
| Paid plans | Higher | More affiliates and orders, advanced tracking and automation |
| Enterprise | Custom | Priced through sales |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial on paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Installs directly from the Shopify App Store
- Free plan to get started
- Built-in marketplace helps find affiliates
- Strong reviews from Shopify merchants
Cons
- Focused on Shopify, not general SaaS
- Advanced features sit on paid plans
- Less flexible for custom tech stacks
Is it right for you?
Choose UpPromote ifYou run a Shopify store and want to start an affiliate, influencer or ambassador program for free and find partners inside the app.
Look elsewhere ifYou sell SaaS on Stripe billing or run your store on a platform other than Shopify.
Best affiliate marketing software by need
- Enterprise affiliate and influencer programsimpact.com
- B2B SaaS partner and reseller channelsPartnerStack
- Global publisher reach and ShareASale alternativeAwin
- Established retail and travel brandsCJ Affiliate
- High-volume performance trackingEverflow
- Ecommerce influencer coupon trackingRefersion
- SaaS startups on StripeRewardful
- SaaS on Paddle, Chargebee or RecurlyFirstPromoter
- Free affiliate program for ShopifyUpPromote
What to look for in affiliate marketing software
- Tracking that fits your businessEcommerce brands need link and coupon code tracking on Shopify, WooCommerce or BigCommerce. SaaS companies need billing integrations with Stripe, Paddle or Chargebee so trials, renewals and refunds update commissions.
- Recurring and flexible commissionsIf you sell subscriptions, check that the tool pays on renewals for a set period or for life, and lets you set different rates by product, partner group or campaign.
- Partner recruitmentNetworks and marketplaces (Awin, CJ, impact.com, PartnerStack, UpPromote) help you find partners. Pure tracking tools assume you bring your own affiliates, customers and influencers.
- Automated payoutsLook for bulk payouts, tax form handling and multi-currency support. Paying 200 affiliates by hand each month is where most DIY programs break down.
- Fraud controlsSelf-referrals, coupon leaks and fake traffic cost real money. Rules that flag or block suspicious conversions before you pay commissions are worth having from day one.
- A branded partner portalPartners should be able to sign up, get links and creatives, and see clicks, sales and earnings without emailing you. A clean portal helps you keep good affiliates active.
How much does affiliate marketing software cost in 2026?
Affiliate marketing software costs anything from $0 for a Shopify app's free plan to custom enterprise contracts. Self-serve tools publish plans or price by volume, with Rewardful starting at $49/mo; networks charge setup and per-transaction fees on top of commissions, and enterprise partner platforms quote through sales.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | UpPromote free plan | Shopify stores testing an affiliate or ambassador program |
| Self-serve tools | Monthly plans that scale with affiliate revenue or orders (Rewardful from $49/mo) | Rewardful, FirstPromoter, Tapfiliate, UpPromote paid plans, Refersion | SaaS startups and ecommerce brands running in-house programs |
| Affiliate networks | Setup fee plus network fees on each transaction | Awin, CJ Affiliate | Retail, travel and finance brands that want publisher reach |
| Enterprise partner platforms | Custom, quoted by sales | impact.com, PartnerStack, Everflow | Mid-market and enterprise brands, agencies and networks with large programs |
Price levels from vendor pricing information, November 2026. Most affiliate platforms and networks do not publish full pricing; your cost depends on volume and the commissions you pay partners.
The software fee is usually the smallest part of your affiliate budget. Commissions come first, and networks add a fee on each transaction on top. When comparing affiliate software pricing, estimate your monthly affiliate revenue, then work out the total cost (software plus network fees plus commissions) at today's volume and at three times that. Self-serve tools with revenue caps can jump a tier quickly once a few strong affiliates take off, so check where the next tier starts before you sign.
How we chose the best affiliate marketing software
We started with the affiliate and partner tools in the MakeSuccessOnline directory and added well-known tools we have not reviewed yet, including Awin, Rewardful, FirstPromoter, Tapfiliate and UpPromote. We compared each on tracking methods, commission models, payouts, recruitment and fit for SaaS, ecommerce and enterprise programs, using our hands-on reviews, vendor documentation and pricing information checked in November 2026.
- Tracking accuracyLink, coupon, server-side and billing-based tracking, plus how well refunds and renewals are handled.25%
- Partner recruitmentMarketplaces, networks and sign-up pages that help you find affiliates and influencers.20%
- Commissions and payoutsRecurring, tiered and multi-level commission options and how much of the payout work is automated.20%
- Fit and integrationsHow well the tool connects to your store or billing system and suits your business model.15%
- Pricing and valueFree plans, published prices, network fees and how costs scale with volume.10%
- Ease of use and fraud controlsSetup time, the partner portal and tools that flag self-referrals and bad traffic.10%
How to choose affiliate marketing software
- Decide between software and a networkIf you already have customers, creators or partners who want to promote you, in-house affiliate software is cheaper. If you need publishers fast, a network like Awin or CJ brings them, for a fee on each sale.
- Match the tool to your billing or storeSaaS companies should pick software that reads Stripe, Paddle or Chargebee data. Shopify brands should pick an app that tracks links and discount codes on orders.
- Design your commission model firstChoose one-time or recurring commissions, the rate, cookie or attribution window, and any tiers. Then check each tool supports that model without workarounds.
- Plan how you will recruitCount how many affiliates you can bring yourself. If the answer is few, favor tools with a marketplace such as PartnerStack, impact.com or UpPromote.
- Model the cost at scalePrice the tool at your current affiliate revenue and at three times that, and add network fees where they apply.
- Test tracking end to endDuring a trial, place real test orders or signups through a referral link and a coupon code, then refund one, and confirm commissions update correctly.
Check during the free trial
- Does a test sale through both a link and a coupon code get credited to the right affiliate?
- Do refunds, cancellations and plan upgrades adjust commissions automatically?
- How long does it take a new partner to sign up and get a working link?
- Which payout methods and currencies are supported, and are tax forms handled?
- What does the plan cost when affiliate revenue or order volume doubles?
Red flags
- Tracking that relies only on browser cookies, with no coupon or server-side option
- Commissions that do not update when customers refund or cancel
- Network or transaction fees that are not explained before you sign
- No way to flag self-referrals or suspicious conversions
- Long contracts required before you can test tracking with real orders
Affiliate marketing software FAQ
What is the best affiliate marketing software?
The best affiliate marketing software for most large brands is impact.com, because it runs affiliates, influencers and B2B partners in one platform. PartnerStack is best for B2B SaaS partner programs, Rewardful for SaaS startups on Stripe, and UpPromote for Shopify stores. If you need publishers supplied for you, choose a network such as Awin or CJ Affiliate.
Is there free affiliate marketing software?
Yes. UpPromote has a free plan for Shopify stores that covers a core affiliate program and tracking with usage limits. Most other affiliate software has no free plan but offers a free trial, such as Rewardful's and Tapfiliate's 14-day trials. Free plans are fine for testing, but expect to upgrade once you have many affiliates or orders.
How much does affiliate marketing software cost?
Affiliate marketing software ranges from free to custom enterprise pricing. UpPromote has a free plan, and Rewardful's Starter costs $49/mo with Growth at $99/mo, while other self-serve tools scale with affiliate revenue or orders. Networks such as Awin and CJ charge setup and per-transaction fees on top of commissions, while impact.com, PartnerStack and Everflow quote prices through sales.
What is the difference between an affiliate network and affiliate software?
An affiliate network, like Awin or CJ Affiliate, gives you access to its publishers and handles tracking and payments, in exchange for network fees on each transaction. Affiliate software, like Rewardful, Tapfiliate or Refersion, tracks and pays your own affiliates, but recruiting them is mostly up to you. Many brands start with software and add a network later.
impact.com vs PartnerStack: which is better?
impact.com is better for large consumer brands running affiliate, influencer and publisher programs across regions, with contracts, attribution and global payments. PartnerStack is better for B2B SaaS companies that want affiliates, customer referrals and resellers in one program, with CRM deal registration and a B2B partner marketplace. Both quote prices through sales.
Rewardful vs FirstPromoter: which should a SaaS company choose?
Choose Rewardful if you bill through Stripe and want the fastest setup with published monthly pricing from $49/mo. Choose FirstPromoter if you use Paddle, Chargebee, Recurly or Braintree, or want several campaigns with tiered commission rules. Both track recurring commissions and offer free trials, and neither includes a marketplace for finding affiliates.
What is the best ShareASale alternative?
Awin is the most direct ShareASale alternative, because ShareASale's advertisers and publishers were migrated onto the Awin platform in 2025. If you want to leave the network model, Refersion or UpPromote suit ecommerce brands that want to run their own program, and CJ Affiliate is another large network for established retail brands.
How do I choose affiliate marketing software?
Start with your business model: SaaS companies need billing integrations and recurring commissions, while ecommerce brands need link and coupon tracking on their store platform. Then decide whether you need help recruiting partners, which points to a network or a tool with a marketplace. Finally, test tracking with real orders and model the cost at higher volume.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.