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I’ve been working in content marketing for over four years, and in that time, I’ve had the chance to dive into almost every aspect of digital marketing—SEO, social media, email campaigns, and everything in between. Each project taught me something new, but one area that really caught my attention was affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing is fun, but then you realize how much time you’re spending on tracking links, managing commissions, and switching between different platforms just to keep everything running.
When I first started, I thought all I needed was a few good partnerships and some well-placed links. But as my affiliate efforts grew, so did the complexity. Suddenly, I was buried in spreadsheets, struggling to track clicks, conversions, and payouts. That’s when I realized: I needed to upgrade to the best affiliate marketing software.
So, I went down the rabbit hole, testing some of the most popular affiliate marketing programs to see which ones actually made a difference. I looked for software that simplified tracking and automated payouts and ultimately helped me make the process easier. Now, after plenty of hands-on experience, I’m sharing my top picks. Whether you’re a content marketer like me, a blogger, or a business owner looking to grow your affiliate income, these software solutions can make a huge difference.
Let’s dive into my top picks for the best affiliate marketing software.
*These affiliate marketing tools are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. I’ve also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you, except for the ones not available publically.
Affiliate marketing can be incredibly rewarding, but without the right tools, it can also feel overwhelming. When I first started managing affiliate programs, I quickly realized that keeping track of commissions, monitoring performance, and optimizing content wasn’t as simple as just adding links. I needed software that could streamline everything—so I could focus on growing my revenue instead of getting lost in admin work.
That’s where the right affiliate marketing software made all the difference. Some tools helped me track referrals with precision, while others automated payouts, provided deep analytics, or made link management effortless. With the right software, I was able to spend less time on manual tracking and more time optimizing my strategy.
As I explored different platforms, I tested features like real-time reporting, multi-channel tracking, automation, and integrations with content management systems. Some software solutions were game-changers, helping me scale my affiliate efforts without unnecessary complexity. Others looked great on paper but didn’t deliver the efficiency I needed.
I spent weeks testing and evaluating affiliate marketing software, narrowing down the best options based on features, ease of use, pricing, and real user feedback. I also used AI-driven research to analyze software updates, marketer preferences, and common challenges to ensure these recommendations are as accurate and helpful as possible.
Each tool on this list is reliable, easy to use, and built to help affiliate marketers effortlessly track, manage, and optimize their earnings. My research and analysis are also based on real-time buyer sentiments and the proprietary G2 scores offered to each one of these voice recognition solutions.
When I first started exploring affiliate marketing software, I realized how much these tools could simplify the process. But with so many options available, I needed to dig deeper to figure out what actually matters, whether I was managing a full-scale business, running a side hustle, or simply tracking affiliate links as a freelancer.
I won’t lie; finding the right software wasn’t easy. Some platforms looked great on paper but lacked essential features, while others were packed with tools I didn’t even need. Through trial and error, I identified the most important features that truly impact performance, usability, and earnings.
If you’re looking for the best affiliate marketing software, here’s what to keep in mind:
Over the span of several weeks, I researched and tried close to 30+ affiliate marketing software. I narrowed down the best 7 based on their features and ease of use.
To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
I've been using impact.com for a while now, and honestly, it’s one of those platforms that makes managing affiliate campaigns feel less like a chore.
First off, the intuitive interface is a game-changer. Creating custom links is quick and hassle-free, which saves me a ton of time. I also love how there’s a wide range of well-known brands to partner with, making it easy to find collaborations that perfectly align with my niche as a content creator.
The analytics and reporting tools are super detailed, helping me track performance and optimize campaigns effortlessly. I’ve especially enjoyed the benchmark reports—they give insights into not just my partners’ performance but also how we stack up in the industry. Plus, the Creator platform has been a lifesaver for managing influencer marketing campaigns. Before this, things were pretty scattered, but now it’s all organized and easy to monitor.
Another standout feature is their account management and support team. Honestly, they feel like an extension of our own team—proactive, responsive, and genuinely invested in our success. I’ve seen them implement suggestions based on our feedback, which speaks volumes about their commitment to improvement.
That said, it’s not perfect. The reporting and billing system can be a bit confusing. There are so many reports that it’s sometimes hard to figure out which one has the information I need. And don’t get me started on the billing section—it’s not exactly user-friendly when trying to track payments or invoices.
Also, while the platform is generally reliable, I’ve noticed it can slow down occasionally, especially when navigating through partner contracts or detailed reports. There have even been a few instances where reports crashed unexpectedly, which is pretty frustrating.
Lastly, payment processing could be faster. There have been times when transfers to my bank account felt slower than expected.
Despite a few hiccups, impact.com is a powerhouse when it comes to affiliate marketing. The comprehensive tools, solid support team, and continuous improvements make it a platform I genuinely enjoy using. Sure, it has its quirks, but the pros far outweigh the cons.
"Impact.com provides an intuitive platform for managing affiliate campaigns. The ability to create custom links quickly and efficiently is a huge plus. I also appreciate the wide range of well-known brands available to work with, many of which align perfectly with my niche as a content creator. The platform’s analytics features make it easy to track performance and optimise campaigns."
- impact.com Review, Leyla P.
"Impact.com's slow customer support, payment processing delays, and occasional onboarding difficulties are significant drawbacks, along with a steep learning curve for new users and a lack of transparent pricing."
- impact.com Review, verified user.
Strengthen partnerships and streamline collaboration with powerful PRM software.
When I first started using PartnerStack, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But honestly, it turned out to be an all-in-one platform for managing partnerships, affiliate marketing, and even influencer collaborations. The interface is super user-friendly, which makes it a breeze to track sales, monitor partner performance, and dive into detailed analytics.
What really stands out to me is how easy it is to integrate PartnerStack with other marketing tools. Adding new affiliate programs is as simple as filling out a form and clicking a few buttons. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, and the number of features available is more than enough to meet my needs. I love checking in frequently because new affiliate programs pop up all the time, offering fresh opportunities to explore.
The commission tracking is rock-solid and the transparent reporting helps me keep tabs on my earnings across multiple programs. One feature I absolutely love is the ability to create custom links with the brands I’m partnered with. It makes tracking performance and strategizing improvements super satisfying.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some affiliate commissions take way too long to clear, and payouts can be slow—sometimes taking a month or two. Plus, the affiliate managers for some brands are slow to respond, which can be a bit frustrating when you need quick answers. The partner onboarding process feels complex at times, especially compared to direct affiliate programs.
Also, while their documentation on integrations is detailed, it often requires input from multiple team members. Integrating our CRM, payments, and website took us around eight weeks—definitely longer than I expected. Post-integration, customer support tends to slow down, which is a bit of a letdown.
Despite these hiccups, PartnerStack has been a reliable tool that helps me manage and scale my affiliate marketing efforts effectively. If you're into affiliate marketing and looking for a platform that offers both functionality and flexibility, it’s definitely worth checking out.
"Any business interested in affiliate marketing in any of its forms needs to match companies that fit into their business model. PartnerStack's dashboards are easy to use, as is implementing new programs. All it takes is filling out a form and a few mouse clicks! The number of features within the platform will usually be more than enough and you can use those features differently with different programs. As affiliate programs are added all the time, it is always a good idea to frequently use the platform to find the opportunities that you need. Integrations with other marketing technology are easy as well, and if you have any issues, a contact to Customer Support is all it takes. There are experts on the solution and communicate is a very professional way."
- PartnerStack Review, Michael M.
"The payout is kinda slow and takes about a month or two. Apart from that, the affiliate managers of these brands on Partnerstack are slow to respond."
- PartnerStack Review, Musthaq H.
Using Awin has been quite the journey for me, and I’ve got a lot to say about it. If you're knee-deep in affiliate marketing like I am, you'll appreciate the nuances this platform offers.
Let’s start with the positives because there are plenty. First off, the low setup costs were a breath of fresh air. Starting out without breaking the bank is always a win. The suite of comprehensive tools Awin offers makes it easy to manage and scale my affiliate marketing efforts. Their reporting tools are top-notch—intuitive, detailed, and real-time, giving me the insights I need to make informed decisions without wading through complicated data.
What really stands out is the global publisher network. It’s vast, offering tons of opportunities to connect with brands and advertisers that align perfectly with my niche. The ease of creating affiliate links and accessing data through their API has streamlined my workflow significantly. Plus, the platform is cloud-based, so I can manage my campaigns from literally anywhere, which is a game-changer.
Another big plus? The dedicated account managers. I’ve been lucky to have one who genuinely goes above and beyond, offering personalized support that’s helped me optimize campaigns and boost my results.
But, of course, no platform is perfect. The support system can be hit or miss. Sometimes it feels like the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing—slow responses, missing information, and outdated documentation that makes technical integrations more complicated than they need to be. Navigating the platform can also be a bit of a headache. The interface feels clunky at times, with too many submenus that make finding what I need more confusing than it should be.
Integration with Shopify, in particular, hasn’t been the smoothest experience. It’s not exactly plug-and-play, and I’ve had to jump through a few hoops to get everything working correctly.
All in all, Awin is a solid platform with a lot to offer. Yes, it has its quirks and areas that need improvement, but the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks in my experience.
"AWIN has low setup costs, exceptional customer support, and a comprehensive tool suite that makes affiliate marketing easy to manage and scale. Their intuitive reporting, real-time tracking, and seamless integrations provide valuable insights, while the global publisher network ensures strong opportunities for growth. AWIN strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and advanced features, making it a top choice for advertisers and publishers."
- Awin Review, David D.
"Support is sometimes slow and complicated. The different resorts don't talk to each other, and it seems they're missing information in their CRM - if they even have one. Some of the documentation about the platform and technical Integration is outdated and overly complicated. A lot of the stuff is broken down into submenus, which makes it confusing."
- Awin Review, Benjamin V.
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I've been using Rakuten Advertising for a while now.
The agency support is absolutely incredible. I love the monthly agency newsletters—they’re like little treasure troves of information that help me find new partnerships effortlessly. And let’s not forget Rakuten’s conferences; they’re organized, well put together, and have this nicely intimate vibe that makes networking feel genuine.
When it comes to usability, Rakuten Advertising is hands down the easiest affiliate network I’ve worked with. The platform is super easy to navigate, with clear sections that save me from wasting time hunting down information. Uploading text links and banners? A breeze. Creating links, onboarding publishers, and tracking performance is straightforward, and their modernized reporting tools make even deep dives into data feel effortless. The subnetwork transparency is a game changer, and the agency-side contacts are gold, always responsive and packed with fresh, detailed insights.
Setting up Rakuten for a new affiliate client or even handling migrations is a piece of cake. It’s so efficient that we now run the majority of our clients through Rakuten.
Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. The commission rules are not the most flexible. This can make programs look less attractive, the current limit feels slightly restrictive.
The commission policies slow things down when I need to make quick adjustments. And while the platform is easy to use overall, there are some UI quirks. The interface can be a bit clunky and counterintuitive in certain areas. Sometimes, logging in becomes an issue—I’ve had to reset my password and occasional updates seem to shuffle things around, which gets confusing.
Rakuten Advertising is a solid choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-use affiliate marketing platform with stellar agency support, powerful reporting tools, and an extensive network. Sure, the commission policies and UI quirks can be frustrating, but the overall experience and efficiency make it worth it.
"Rakuten Advertising is by far the easiest affiliate network of the many i've used in my time in the field. The platform is laid out in such a way that it is very easy to find what you're looking for, onboard publishers, create links and assets, and track performance. Their modernized reporting makes finding even the deepest of info a breeze. Subnetwork transparency was a game changer. RA also gives you the best agency side contacts, who provide detailed new information on a regular basis and are extremely responsive to questions and concerns. It is also extremely easy to set up RA for a new affiliate client or Migration. For all of this, we now operate a large majority of our clients on Rakuten."
- Rakuten Advertising Review, verified user.
"The commission rules- they are not flexible and it's hard to have different levels of commission for different partners- you have to default to the lowest commission as your baseline, which is difficult and makes the program look unattactive. I also wish you could cancel more than 50 order IDs at a time."
- Rakuten Advertising Review, Teresa G.
Accelerate approvals and ensure contract accuracy with end-to-end contract solutions.
Using Referral Factory has been a refreshing experience for me, especially when it comes to running referral campaigns. The defining factor for any business's success is its clients. No matter how significant the problem you're solving, if you can't reach your target audience, it won’t create much value. That’s where Referral Factory shines. It allows businesses to leverage their existing audience to grow, and the ease of use and quick implementation make it the go-to option for running referral campaigns.
One thing I absolutely love is how user-friendly the platform is. The UI is responsive, clean, and visually appealing, with well-matched color palettes. The simple preview feature in the campaign builder is a gem—it clearly shows all the steps of the referral flow for both mobile and desktop, making it super easy to understand how your campaign will look and function. Plus, the multiple integration options with CRM systems and APIs, especially the seamless HubSpot integration, have made my life so much easier. I could link my referral program directly to my HubSpot account, managing all my customer referral data alongside other sales and marketing data in one place—no more jumping between platforms or dealing with tedious manual data entry.
Another huge plus is how effortless it is to build and edit campaigns. They offer ready-made color palettes, but you can also customize them to fit your brand perfectly. Integrating these campaigns into your website is a breeze. Their customer support is prompt and helpful, always ready to assist whenever I hit a roadblock, which makes a digital marketer's life so much easier.
That said, there are a couple of areas where I think Referral Factory could improve. The reporting and analytics features could be more robust—I’d love to see more in-depth data and customizable reporting options. Also, for small businesses or those on a tight budget, the pricing can feel a bit steep. Another minor hiccup is during the settings & integration steps in campaign creation. The number of input fields and tabs can be slightly overwhelming if you’re new to software like this. It took me a while to figure out what I was supposed to do with all those options.
"I really love how easy it is to build and edit. They offer color palettes ready for you and have an option for you to customize to fit your branding. Once done and ready, it can be easily integrated into your website. I can't imagine how easy it is to implement after building! I've been using it on my new influencer marketing project, and it has been useful. Their customer service is prompt and always ready to help when you have questions. Makes every digital marketer's life easier!"
- Referral Factory Review, Liezel Joy G.
"Reporting and analytics could be more robust, and the pricing was a bit high for a small budget."
- Referral Factory Review, verified user.
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If you're into affiliate marketing or performance marketing, you've probably heard of Phonexa. It is this all-in-one marketing platform that covers everything from call tracking to lead management and even email marketing. What really stands out is how it brings multiple tools under one roof, making campaign management way less of a headache.
Let me start with what I absolutely love about Phonexa. The customer support? Top-notch. Seriously, their team is always ready to jump in and help out, no matter how small or complex the issue is. Whether it’s troubleshooting a minor glitch or walking me through a new feature, the support team has been incredibly responsive and helpful.
The platform itself is super robust. It’s packed with features designed to optimize your campaigns, like seamless tracking and detailed reporting that actually gives you actionable insights without making you feel like you need a PhD to understand them.
The interface is intuitive, and once you get the hang of it, everything feels like it just clicks. Plus, if you need a feature that isn’t there, they’re pretty accommodating about adding new functionalities based on user feedback.
Now, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention the challenges. The initial learning curve? Yeah, it’s real. When I first started, getting familiar with all the different features felt a bit overwhelming. There’s just so much you can do with Phonexa that it can be daunting to know where to start. Setting things up initially took some time, and I found myself jumping between tabs more than I’d like. Also, data exports could be a tad more granular, and sometimes they take a bit longer than expected.
That said, once you push through that initial phase, it’s smooth sailing. The platform becomes second nature, and the flexibility it offers is well worth the effort. Plus, they provide comprehensive training, which really helps flatten that steep learning curve.
It has its quirks, sure, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you're ready to invest a bit of time upfront to learn the ropes, it’ll pay off in spades.
"Phonexa is an awesome platform! Not only is it user-friendly, but it also makes managing and optimizing lead generation completely effortless. The easy-to-navigate design and powerful analytics help with campaign efficiency and drive results. The support and service is also an added bonus, the team is always responsive and helpful, making sure we get the most out of the platform. As a frequent, everyday user of the system it's helpful to know that the reps are always there to help. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an all-in-one platform!"
- Phonexa Review, Amanda B.
"The initial setup can feel a bit overwhelming. There’s a learning curve to get everything just right, but once you’re up and running, it’s smooth sailing. Just stick with it, and it will transform your business"
- Phonexa Review, Ayman B.
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If you’re in the affiliate space, you know how chaotic tracking and managing multiple campaigns can get—but Affise makes it feel like a breeze.
First off, the user interface (UI) is super clean and intuitive. Navigating through the dashboard feels effortless, even if you’re new to the platform. Everything is laid out logically, and the simple design helps you focus on what matters: your performance metrics. Plus, the tracking solution is rock solid. I can track different parameters related to advertisers with ease, which helps in optimizing campaigns effectively.
One feature I particularly love is the real-time analytics. It’s fast, accurate, and gives you a detailed breakdown of how your campaigns are performing. Whether it’s click rates, conversions, or revenue metrics, you get it all in real time. The automation tools are also a huge plus—they save me tons of time by handling repetitive tasks, so I can focus on strategy.
Now, let's talk about integrations. Affise integrates seamlessly with various third-party tools, which makes life so much easier. The API access is robust, allowing for custom solutions if you need to tailor functionalities to your specific needs.
Support-wise, Affise is top-notch. The 24/7 chat support and dedicated account managers are incredibly responsive and helpful. Whenever I’ve hit a snag, their support team has been quick to assist, which is a big relief when dealing with time-sensitive issues. There wasn't much to dislike, but occasionally I'd run into some glitches.
"It is the best platform for marketing, and it is truly all in one. Whether you are doing standard or affiliate marketing. It also allows you to track every click, and you can input metrics to see them in real time. So you can see how much your ad spend is and what the actual revenue is."
- Affise Review, Brian S.
"That sometimes the platform has some glitches, and some features on the campaings activations or pauses."
- Affise Review, Francisco G.
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
Affiliate marketing has three simple steps: join an affiliate program like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, get a unique tracking link to promote products, and earn a commission when someone makes a purchase through your link. Affiliates don’t handle inventory or customer support—they simply drive traffic and sales to earn passive income.
Both! Businesses use affiliate software to manage affiliate partners, while individual affiliate marketers use tracking software to monitor their performance across multiple programs and networks. Some tools are built specifically for brands, while others are great for solo affiliates.
Yes! Most top affiliate software solutions integrate with platforms like WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Many also support API integrations for custom setups.
Pricing varies depending on the features offered. Some tools start at $20-$50 per month for basic plans, while advanced platforms with custom integrations and automation can cost $200+ per month. Many also offer commission-based pricing models.
To start Amazon affiliate marketing:
Amazon has strict policies, so be sure to disclose affiliate links and follow their guidelines.
To start affiliate marketing, choose a niche you’re passionate about and join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale. Create content through blogs, YouTube videos, or social media and strategically promote products using affiliate links. Focus on driving traffic with SEO, social media, or paid ads, and continuously track and optimize your strategy based on performance to maximize your earnings.
You can start affiliate marketing without spending money by using free content platforms like Medium or WordPress for blogging, YouTube for product reviews, and social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter to share affiliate links. Instead of relying on paid ads, focus on SEO and organic traffic to build a steady audience and grow your affiliate income over time.
Beginners should start by choosing a niche like tech, fitness, or finance and joining beginner-friendly programs such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale. Creating a website or YouTube channel for product reviews and using free traffic sources like SEO and social media can help attract an audience. Most importantly, stay consistent—affiliate marketing takes time, but results grow over time.
Finding the right affiliate marketing software is just one piece of the puzzle—what really matters is how you use it. Now that you know the best tools available, the next step is to take action. Choose a platform that fits your needs, set up your tracking, and start optimizing your affiliate strategy.
If you’re new to affiliate marketing, start small—experiment with different programs, track your performance, and refine your approach as you go. If you’re already experienced, look for ways to automate, scale, and improve your results with the right software.
Affiliate marketing success doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools and a solid strategy, you’ll be on your way to building a sustainable and profitable income stream. So, pick your software, put it to work, and start growing your affiliate business today!
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