Simpplr is an intranet platform known for its user-friendly interface and focus on enhancing internal communication through intuitive design and social collaboration features. It offers personalized content delivery, strong community building tools, and seamless integration with popular enterprise applications, making it a solid choice for organizations seeking a straightforward intranet solution.
However, there are some limitations to consider, such as its basic reporting capabilities that lack advanced data insights, mobile app performance that lags behind the desktop version, integration limitations with third-party and legacy systems, and implementation challenges where teams focus on “go-live” milestones rather than addressing specific business needs. In this review, we look at some of the best employee experience platforms to help you find the best Simpplr alternative for your organization. Whether you aim to improve internal communication with sophisticated AI-driven personalization, enhance employee engagement through strategic lifecycle management, or find a digital workplace solution that delivers measurable business outcomes beyond basic intranet functionality, this guide will offer valuable insights.
1. Firstup
Firstup’s combination of AI-driven employee journey orchestration, sophisticated multi-channel personalization, and strategic lifecycle management makes it the top choice for enhancing employee communication and engagement compared to Simpplr and other alternatives. Firstup aims to transform the employee experience by delivering highly relevant content across an employee’s entire professional journey, from hire to retire.
Firstup infuses AI to enhance employee engagement through its unique “employee journey philosophy” that goes far beyond traditional intranet capabilities. “Firstup enables organizations to create tailored employee experiences that span the entire professional lifecycle, meaningfully engaging employees at every moment and providing insights to support, promote, and retain talent.” Trust Radius
Pros:
Best-in-class features for modern enterprise companies looking to transform their employee experience strategy:
- Advanced Employee Journey Philosophy: The platform’s unique approach delivers highly relevant content based on an employee’s role, behavior, and lifecycle stage, offering more sophisticated impact than Simpplr’s generalized content delivery.
- AI-Powered Workforce Orchestration: Firstup’s AI optimizes content distribution and timing to individual employees, ensuring maximum relevance and engagement—a significant advancement over Simpplr’s basic analytics capabilities.
- Superior Multi-Channel Delivery: Excels at reaching employees across email, mobile applications, and seamless HR integrations, ensuring consistent messaging across diverse communication preferences and work environments.
- Outstanding Mobile Experience: Mobile application specifically optimized for deskless workers, providing a crucial advantage over Simpplr’s mobile app that “lags behind the desktop version with fewer features and occasional slowdowns.”
- Strategic Content Personalization: Goes beyond basic role-based targeting to deliver content adapted to individual employee behavior and lifecycle moments, driving measurable business outcomes.
- Comprehensive Employee Engagement Analytics: Provides detailed insights into the employee engagement journey with advanced data analysis capabilities that surpass Simpplr’s “basic reporting” limitations.
- Excellent Customer Service: Consistently receives high praise for attentive support with dedicated account managers acting as true strategic partners throughout the platform journey.
- User-Friendly Content Creation: Intuitive backend simplifies content creation and campaign management while focusing on strategic business needs rather than just “go-live” milestones.
- Continuous Innovation: Demonstrates commitment to improvement through consistent upgrades, expanded Microsoft 365 integrations, and AI-powered solutions to enhance employee experiences.
Cons:
- Enterprise focus may keep Firstup out of reach for some smaller companies.
- No Public Pricing: Custom pricing structure can complicate initial evaluation phases for potential customers seeking transparent cost structures.
- Backend Complexity for Training: Platform management described as complex, potentially requiring dedicated resources for comprehensive implementation and ongoing management.
Key Features:
- Universal Employee Profile for robust segmentation and behavioral targeting
- Creator Studio for intuitive campaign design and strategic management
- Intelligent Orchestration for optimized message delivery across all channels
- Employee Engagement Intelligence for real-time lifecycle insights and advanced analytics
- AI-powered content creation and delivery optimization
- Comprehensive multi-channel distribution capabilities
- Employee lifecycle management from hire to retire
- Advanced performance benchmarking and strategic insights
Verdict:
Firstup stands out as the premier Simpplr alternative due to its sophisticated employee journey orchestration and AI-driven personalization capabilities that go far beyond basic intranet functionality, making it ideal for enterprises looking to move from simple content management to strategic, outcome-driven employee communication.
Simpplr vs Firstup
| Firstup | Simpplr | |
| Analytics and Insights | Advanced employee engagement journey analytics with sophisticated data insights and lifecycle tracking | Basic reporting capabilities that “lack advanced data insights” compared to more sophisticated platforms |
| Mobile Experience | Consumer-grade mobile appspecifically designed for deskless workers | Mobile app “lags behind desktop version with fewer features and occasional slowdowns” |
| Employee Journey Focus | Advanced AI-powered employee journey orchestration from hire to retire | Basic content delivery based on roles, departments, and locations |
| Implementation Approach | Strategic focus with dedicated success teams addressingorganizational business outcomes | Implementation team “too focused on achieving go-live milestones rather than genuinely addressing specific business needs” |
| Integration Capabilities | Seamless integration to HRIS and other EX systems along with omnichannel integrations | “Limited integration options with third-party and legacy systems” affecting workflow automation |
| Customization Depth | Customizable for complex enterprise needs with personalization capabilities | Customization limitations “not properly communicated during sales process” with “rudimentary and unusable” system templates |
| Personalization | Sophisticated audience builder for complex organizations along with intelligent delivery based on employee behavior | Limited personalization focused on basic role and location targeting without advanced AI capabilities |
| Strategic Focus | Employee experience transformation with measurable business outcomes and retention impact | Straightforward intranet functionality with emphasis on ease of use and community building |
2. Workvivo
Workvivo is an employee experience platform designed to connect and engage employees through social networking and community-building features. Acquired by Zoom in 2023, it combines communication, collaboration, and culture-building tools with a social media-like interface.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Social Interface: Intuitive social media-like design that resembles popular platforms, significantly reducing training time and accelerating user adoption across diverse employee populations.
- Strong Community Building: Excels at fostering workplace culture through social networking tools, employee recognition features, and community engagement that eliminates communication silos.
- Fast Implementation: Remarkably efficient deployment process with examples of global teams being fully onboarded in just five weeks, demonstrating platform readiness.
Cons:
- High Entry Cost: Minimum annual cost starts at $20,000 with no free version, making it expensive and deliberately targeting larger enterprises.
- Limited Customization: Lacks flexibility for highly specific tailoring needs with restrictions on interface and functionality customization.
- Technical Performance Issues: Users report slow performance, frequent automatic logouts, and requirements for high-speed internet affecting user experience.
Key Features:
- Social newsfeed and community engagement tools
- Employee recognition with badges and awards
- Live streaming and multimedia content management
- Integration with HR and productivity tools
Verdict: Workvivo offers a strong social-first approach to employee engagement with excellent community-building features, though it lacks the sophisticated personalization and strategic lifecycle management capabilities of more advanced platforms like Firstup.
3. Axios HQ
Axios HQ specializes in internal communications with its distinctive “Smart Brevity” format for creating concise, engaging newsletters and information blasts, focusing on cutting through information clutter for maximum impact.
Pros:
- Smart Brevity Format: Highly effective for creating concise, readable newsletters with real-time suggestions for brevity and clarity that keep content focused and efficient.
- Strong Email Analytics: Provides excellent insights into open rates, click rates, and engagement data for data-driven communication optimization and strategy refinement.
- User-Friendly Content Creation: Simple yet compelling email formatting with collaborative content creation capabilities that streamline internal messaging.
Cons:
- Limited Scope: High pricing for primarily email newsletter functionality rather than comprehensive employee experience platform capabilities.
- Basic AI Writing: AI assists with brevity but lacks advanced content generation compared to more sophisticated platforms offering robust text creation.
- Customization Limitations: Lacks extensive options for tweaking design elements, limiting creative branding flexibility and visual customization.
Key Features:
- Smart Brevity format with real-time writing suggestions
- Email analytics and performance tracking
- Internal editor and template builder
- AI writing assistant for conciseness
Verdict:
Axios HQ excels at email-based internal communications with its unique brevity approach, but lacks the comprehensive intranet capabilities of Simpplr or the strategic employee journey orchestration of Firstup.
4. Connecteam
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management app designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses with mobile or field-based workforces, focusing on communication, scheduling, and operational efficiency.
Pros:
- Strong Mobile-First Design: Highly intuitive mobile app optimized for deskless workers with robust time tracking, scheduling, and communication features tailored to field teams.
- Comprehensive Operational Tools: Wide range of workforce management capabilities including GPS tracking, task management, and employee engagement surveys for operational efficiency.
- Affordable Pricing Structure: Offers free-forever plan for up to 10 users with competitive tiered pricing, providing strong value for small to medium businesses.
Cons:
- Limited Enterprise Scalability: May lack advanced integrations and customization options required for large-scale enterprise deployments and complex organizational needs.
- Basic Reporting Capabilities: Less in-depth analytics compared to enterprise-focused platforms, limiting strategic insights and performance analysis granularity.
- Customization Restrictions: Limited customization options may be restrictive for businesses with highly specific operational or branding requirements.
Key Features:
- Mobile communication and messaging tools
- Time tracking with GPS and geofencing
- Employee scheduling and task management
- Training modules and engagement surveys
Verdict:
Connecteam serves as an excellent Simpplr alternative for small to medium businesses with mobile workforces, offering strong operational tools at competitive pricing, though it lacks the enterprise-scale intranet capabilities of larger platforms.
5. Slack
Slack is a widely adopted collaboration platform that organizes workplace communication through channels and direct messaging, serving as a central hub for real-time team collaboration and workflow integration.
Pros:
- Real-Time Communication Excellence: Instant messaging across devices with organized channel structure that enhances clarity and reduces communication noise for project-focused discussions.
- Extensive Integration Ecosystem: Connects with over 2,600 applications including major productivity tools, centralizing workflows and significantly enhancing team productivity.
- Powerful Search and Collaboration: Advanced search capabilities with built-in audio/video calls, screen sharing, and no-code workflow automation tools.
Cons:
- Information Overload Risk: Can lead to notification fatigue and distractions without proper management guidelines and structured usage protocols.
- Limited Employee Experience Focus: Primarily a collaboration tool rather than comprehensive employee experience platform for culture building and strategic engagement.
- Storage and Pricing Limitations: File storage restrictions and escalating costs for larger teams requiring advanced features and extensive usage.
Key Features:
- Public and private channels for organized discussions
- Direct and group messaging capabilities
- Extensive third-party app integrations
- Workflow automation and collaboration tools
Verdict: Slack excels as a communication and collaboration platform but serves as a complement to rather than replacement for comprehensive employee experience platforms like Simpplr, focusing on work coordination rather than strategic employee engagement.
6. Viva Engage (formerly Yammer)
Microsoft Viva Engage is an enterprise social networking service within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, designed to foster employee communities and conversations through integrated workplace communication.
Pros:
- Deep Microsoft 365 Integration: Seamless compatibility with Teams, OneDrive, and other Microsoft tools for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Community Building Excellence: Encourages open conversations and employee communities based on shared interests, departments, and job functions with strong dialogue features.
- Leadership Engagement Tools: Features like Storylines and Leadership Corner enable direct leader-employee communication, transparency, and “Ask Me Anything” sessions.
Cons:
- Ecosystem Dependency: Value primarily realized within Microsoft ecosystem, limiting appeal for organizations using diverse technology stacks or non-Microsoft tools.
- Limited Standalone Functionality: May not offer robust independent features compared to purpose-built employee experience platforms outside the Viva Suite.
- Pricing Complexity: Multiple plans tied to different Microsoft suites can complicate cost evaluation and total ownership understanding for potential buyers.
Key Features:
- Employee communities and conversation tools
- Leadership engagement and communication features
- Microsoft 365 ecosystem integration
- AI-powered knowledge sharing and expert connections
Verdict:
Viva Engage offers compelling value for Microsoft-centric organizations seeking cost-effective employee community building, though it may lack the independent feature depth and advanced analytics of dedicated platforms like Simpplr.
7. Unily
Unily is a digital workplace platform designed as a comprehensive intranet hub for enhancing employee engagement and streamlining communication within large organizations, offering extensive customization capabilities.
Pros:
- Highly Customizable Platform: Extensive customization opportunities for interface, content, and branding to align precisely with corporate identity and unique operational requirements.
- Strong Enterprise Integration: Deep integration with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and SAP, allowing companies to leverage familiar tools and reduce adoption friction.
- AI-Powered Advanced Search: Advanced search capability delivers accurate results across multiple content sources, improving information discoverability significantly.
Cons:
- No Public Pricing: Lack of transparent pricing complicates initial evaluation phases and budget assessment for potential customers.
- Implementation Complexity: Requires extensive training and advanced technical skills for deep customization, creating a steeper learning curve than simpler solutions.
- Performance Issues: Users report slow load times with large amounts of data and occasional bugs from inadequate update testing.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive content management system
- Advanced search functionality with AI
- Social collaboration tools and features
- Multilingual support for global organizations
Verdict:
Unily offers a powerful, highly customizable digital workplace solution for large enterprises with dedicated IT resources, though it requires more technical expertise and implementation effort than user-friendly platforms like Simpplr.
8. Beekeeper
Beekeeper is a digital workplace platform specifically designed to connect frontline and deskless staff with office-based colleagues, providing mobile-centric communication and operational tools for non-desk-bound employees.
Pros:
- Mobile-First for Frontline Workers: Native iOS and Android applications optimized specifically for deskless workers, enabling engagement and connection from anywhere.
- Powerful Frontline Intelligence: AI-driven analytics provide sentiment analysis and workforce productivity insights specifically tailored for frontline operations and engagement.
- Comprehensive Workflow Automation: Robust automation tools for operational tasks, employee lifecycle management, and maintenance processes with detailed customization.
Cons:
- No Public Pricing: Lack of pricing transparency complicates budget assessment and initial evaluation phases for potential customers.
- Perceived Usage Difficulty: Platform described as fairly difficult to use with complex workflow creation requiring specialized technical expertise for setup.
- Costly Add-On Structure: Many features available as additional per-user monthly costs, making overall solution expensive compared to competitors.
Key Features:
- Streams and chats for frontline team communication
- Frontline Intelligence analytics module
- Workflow automation and operational tools
- Employee segmentation and targeted messaging
Verdict:
Beekeeper serves organizations with significant frontline workforces well, offering specialized mobile-first tools, though it requires more technical expertise and may be more costly than comprehensive platforms like Simpplr.
9. Jostle
Jostle offers an employee success platform combining communication, organization, and task tracking tools, with a focus on maintaining company culture and providing accessible pricing for smaller teams.
Pros:
- Generous Free Plan: Free plan for up to 15 employees with full Platinum plan functionality, ideal for small businesses and startups seeking cost-effective solutions.
- Offline Mobile Functionality: Mobile app works offline and syncs when connectivity returns, beneficial for areas with inconsistent internet access and remote workers.
- Transparent Pricing Structure: Clear pricing listed on website, providing refreshing transparency in the employee experience market for budget assessment.
Cons:
- Escalating Costs for Large Teams: While per-person costs decrease with scale, overall expenses can become considerable for larger organizations with multiple features.
- Limited Integration Capabilities: Fewer integration options compared to comprehensive platforms, restricting functionality within broader technology stacks.
- Basic Performance Management: Lacks KPI tracking and tangible employee rewards systems that some competitors provide for performance monitoring.
Key Features:
- Social newsfeed and in-app chat
- Employee recognition and rewards system
- Resource library and shared calendar
- Organization chart and people directory
Verdict: Jostle represents a solid Simpplr alternative for smaller businesses prioritizing basic communication and culture, though it lacks the comprehensive intranet capabilities and advanced features needed for large enterprise deployments.
10. Staffbase
Staffbase is an employee communications platform designed for enterprise companies, focusing on fast deployment with minimal training requirements while securely reaching employees across various locations and work settings.
Pros:
- User-Friendly and Intuitive Design: Consistently praised for ease of use for both administrators and employees, contributing to high adoption rates across organizations.
- Comprehensive Multi-Channel Approach: Offers communication across email, news posts, digital displays, and SMS for diverse audience reach and engagement.
- Responsive Customer Support: Frequently described as incredibly responsive and professional in resolving issues and enabling client success with dedicated support teams.
Cons:
- Limited Basic Functions: Some limitations in core functionalities like custom button saves and survey options, affecting user experience optimization potential.
- Customization Restrictions: Limited options for individual customization during setup, restricting creative freedom and brand alignment capabilities.
- Potential Hidden Costs: Some features may come with additional costs not immediately apparent during initial evaluation and purchasing phases.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel communication and content management
- Analytics and detailed engagement insights
- Custom app capabilities and branded solutions
- Content scheduling and workflow automation
Verdict:
Staffbase offers a comprehensive solution for large enterprises focused on internal communications with strong user experience, though it may have limitations in deep customization flexibility compared to the strategic personalization of Firstup.
Conclusion
When selecting alternatives to Simpplr for intranet and employee experience needs, the market offers diverse solutions designed to meet varying organizational requirements. Among these options, Firstup stands out as the leading choice for enterprises seeking to move beyond basic intranet functionality toward strategic, AI-driven employee communication transformation.
Firstup’s sophisticated employee journey orchestration, advanced analytics capabilities, and comprehensive multi-channel personalization make it the ideal platform for organizations looking to transcend Simpplr’s limitations in mobile performance, basic reporting, and implementation challenges. Its unique “employee journey philosophy” ensures highly relevant content reaches employees at precisely the right moments throughout their professional lifecycle, driving measurable business outcomes that extend far beyond simple content delivery.
While Firstup leads the enterprise transformation market, other Simpplr alternatives offer distinct advantages worth considering. Workvivo provides excellent social-first community building with rapid implementation, making it suitable for organizations prioritizing culture and engagement. Unily offers deep customization for enterprises with dedicated IT resources, while Slack and Viva Engage excel in real-time communication within their respective ecosystems. Beekeeper and Connecteam provide mobile-first solutions designed for frontline workers, and Staffbase offers comprehensive enterprise communications with strong user experience.
In conclusion, while each platform brings valuable capabilities to the employee experience landscape, Firstup’s cutting-edge AI technology and strategic employee lifecycle focus position it as the premier choice for enterprises looking to transform their internal communication strategies. With Firstup, organizations can ensure their communications are not only delivered but precisely tailored to drive engagement, retention, and performance throughout the entire employee journey, making it the superior alternative to Simpplr’s more traditional intranet approach.
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