Braze Alternatives

When selecting a customer engagement platform, it’s all about finding the right fit. Braze is powerful, but for smaller businesses or startups, the cost can be steep. Not every team needs the full suite of Braze marketing tools, either. Sometimes, a simpler, more intuitive platform is all you need to get your campaigns rolling. Why pay for extras you won’t use?

We’ve gathered insights from real users across the web to give you the inside scoop on some of the best Braze alternatives. Think of it as a friend’s advice — here’s what you really need to know, straight from the people who’ve been there.

If you’re considering a Braze alternative, there are several options worth exploring. The first set of platforms we’ve reviewed offers a comprehensive range of features and supported channels, much like Braze. The remaining options are more specialized, focusing on specific platforms — such as mobile apps — or particular channels. 

Insider

Insider is a strong contender, especially for industries like e-commerce, retail, travel, and media. It’s recognized for delivering AI-driven, personalized experiences that can improve customer engagement.

But before you commit, it’s important to consider what real users have to say. We’ve analyzed feedback from >1,000 reviews on G2. While Insider has a lot going for it, there are some challenges worth noting. 
 

Although Insider is a strong and feature-rich platform, it’s best suited for companies that have both the budget and the need for its full range of tools. If a simpler, cost-effective alternative to Braze is what you’re after, Insider might not align with your needs.

Iterable

We chose to evaluate Iterable because it promises a powerful combination of personalization and ease of use that appeals to businesses aiming to create highly targeted campaigns. However, real user feedback highlights both its strengths and drawbacks.

Iterable brings strong capabilities in personalization and data management, making it attractive for complex marketing needs. Consider it might be better suited for large enterprises with dedicated development teams rather than smaller startups looking for simplicity. Also, if price isn't a concern for you, it's worth noting that Iterable is the most expensive option among the available solutions.

Klaviyo

Klaviyo is a popular choice among e-commerce startups and small to medium-sized businesses, especially those in the retail and consumer goods industries. It’s designed to simplify email marketing while offering enough features to grow with your business.

Klaviyo is a solid option for e-commerce businesses, particularly startups and small to medium-sized enterprises. It offers essential features like dynamic segmentation and multi-channel messaging, making it easier to manage and scale email marketing efforts. It’s a strong choice for those just starting out, but you’ll need to be prepared for some potential frustrations as you scale.

OneSignal

While OneSignal is a strong performer in its niche, it is not a comprehensive alternative to Braze. It lacks the broader multi-channel engagement features that Braze offers, making it more appropriate for businesses with simpler notification needs.

It's particularly suitable for companies looking for a cost-effective solution to manage push notifications across web and mobile platforms.

If you're looking for a specialized tool that focuses on push notifications and basic behavioral messaging, OneSignal could be a good fit. 

However, it's important to consider OneSignal has a low rating on Trustpilot, with users frequently highlighting concerns about customer support and the company’s responsiveness to issues. 

This suggests that while OneSignal might meet your technical needs, the overall experience could be hindered by challenges in getting timely support when problems arise.

InAppStory

InAppStory is an all-in-one customer engagement platform for mobile apps focused on enhancing user experience with seamless visual in-app communication.

If your marketing strategy relies heavily on external channels like email, SMS, or push notifications, InAppStory might not cover all your needs on its own. 

But if you’re serious about turning your app into a vibrant, engaging space that users love to explore, InAppStory is the partner you want.

InAppStory’s support is available for any technical, integration, or customization questions, typically with responses within a few hours. From initial setup to ongoing optimization, they will guide you through every phase of your journey.
 

The platform brings a full set of in-app visual communication tools, from stories to onboarding, games, pop-ups, and banners, all crafted for mobile apps. Also, it offers a full-access, one-month free trial.

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Conclusion

To sum up, when picking the right customer engagement platform you need to know your goals, have the right tools in hand, and be ready to adapt as you go. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s why exploring your options is key. 

If you’re a smaller business or just starting out, some Braze competitors might offer exactly what you need without the extra bells and whistles (or costs). Insider and Iterable bring a robust set of features, making them worthy contenders, especially if your focus is on multi-channel engagement. On the other hand, platforms like OneSignal and InAppStory shine when you need something more specialized—whether it’s push notifications or creating immersive in-app experiences.

So, whether you’re comparing Braze vs. another platform or just trying to find the best fit for your business, it’s all about understanding your needs and finding the right match. The perfect platform is out there — it just depends on what you’re looking to achieve. 

If you want to better engage your users within your app and drive key metrics like retention and revenue, start your free trial with InAppStory.