I’ve thoroughly tested various Shopify affiliate marketing apps for the last three months to provide you with this comprehensive guide.
While testing these applications, I focused on key important metrics for a business like ease of use, features, pricing, and scalability.
This blog will explain each app’s features, pricing, and suitability, helping you choose the right one. So, read further to identify the best Shopify affiliate marketing app that will change the course of your marketing journey.
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The Need for an Affiliate Marketing App in Shopify
When I started reading about the role of affiliate marketing for an e-commerce store, I observed that stores implementing a well-managed affiliate program saw a 15-30% increase in their customer acquisition rate. The right Shopify affiliate marketing app can automate this entire process. Thus it is a valuable addition to your marketing stack.
To understand with great detail how you can gain similar perks for your Shopify store, you can follow our complete guide to Shopify affiliate marketing to help grow your store.
Along with a rise in revenue stream, you can also gain the following benefits
- Drive more traffic to your store.
- Reduces Customer Acquisition Cost [CAC].
- Build strong relationships with influencers and customers.
- Provide measurable results by using a Shopify affiliate marketing app.
By creating a Shopify affiliate program, you’re increasing sales and building a community of strong voices who vouch for your product.
Expert Tip #1: Know more about influencer marketing in Shopify and understand the benefits of Shopify referral marketing to diversify your strategy for better results.
Comparison Overview of Best Shopify Affiliate Marketing Apps
If you want a quick overview of the detailed comparison of all the best Shopify affiliate marketing apps, then you can get help from this comparison table.
Features of an Affiliate Marketing App in Shopify
After testing multiple apps, I’ve identified some must-have features for affiliate marketing apps in Shopify. They are:
1. Commission Management
- Flexible commission
- Multi-tier/ Performance-based commission
- Advanced commission based on rules
Expert Tip #2: Understand the different affiliate commission models before you set affiliate commission for your Shopify store
2. Tracking Capabilities
- Real-time affiliate link tracking
- Click and conversion monitoring
- Affiliate sales and commission
Expert Tip #3: Master setting up affiliate links in Shopify to increase the accuracy of tracking affiliate sales
3. Affiliate Portal
- User-friendly interface
- Marketing material access
- Performance Analytics
4. Fraud Detection
- Reduce coupon code exploiting
- Easy fraud prevention
- Prevent referral code leak
If you want a detailed review of the top 10 Shopify apps for affiliate marketing programs that are leading the way in 2025, read further.
Track, refine, and optimize your affiliate marketing with Afflr. Ensure transparency and accuracy for better results.
Best Shopify Affiliate Marketing Apps for 2025
The best Shopify Affiliate Marketing Apps for 2025 are:
- Afflr: Affiliate Marketing
- UpPromote Affiliate Marketing
- GOAFFPRO ‑ Affiliate Marketing
- Referral Candy & Affiliate
- Refersion: Affiliate Marketing
- LeadDyno Affiliate Marketing
- Snowball: Affiliate Marketing
- Referral Program ‑ Shopjar
- BixGrow Affiliate Marketing
- Affiliatly Affiliate Marketing
1. Afflr: Affiliate Marketing
If you’re just starting, Afflr is a fantastic choice. It’s budget-friendly and ideal for small to mid-scale businesses. The Shopify affiliate marketing app’s unified dashboard makes it easy to create and manage your affiliate program.
What I love most about Afflr is its white-label emailing feature, which keeps you informed about your affiliate campaigns.
Testing Highlights:
- Set up time: 5 minutes
- First affiliate onboarding: Under 5 minutes
Key Features I Tested:
- PayPal integration worked seamlessly with test transactions
- Affiliate email marketing automation responded within 1 minute
- Commission structure allowed for both percentage and fixed amounts
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Flexible percentage-based commissions
- Basic multi-tier support
- Fixed amount options
- Custom commission periods
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Clean dashboard
- Easy navigation
- Quick signup form affiliate onboarding
- Mobile-responsive design
- Tracking Capabilities
- Real-time tracking
- Basic fraud detection
Pricing Analysis:
- Free
- Starter – $9/month
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Small to Medium E-commerce Stores (e.g., Boutique fashion brands).
Not Best For: Complex MLM structures
2. UpPromote Affiliate Marketing
My month-long test of UpPromote revealed that its strength is fraud prevention. When I deliberately attempted various fraud scenarios, this Shopify affiliate marketing app caught most of the suspicious activities. Uppromote supports MLM.
Testing Highlights:
- Fraud detection test case results were high
- The Analytics dashboard is updated every few seconds
Key Features I Tested:
- Customization [of affiliate links, portal, signup page] to suit brand tone
- Auto-pay using PayPal and auto-approval of discounts and bonus
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Advanced multi-tier capabilities
- Product-specific commissions
- Performance-based scaling
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Feature-rich dashboard
- Advanced navigation
- Comprehensive reporting interface
- Tracking Capabilities
- Advanced fraud detection
- Multi-channel tracking
- Detailed analytics
Pricing Analysis:
- Free
- Growth Plan: $29.99/month
- Professional: $89.99/month
- Enterprise: $199.99/month
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Growing Multi-Product Businesses (e.g., Tech or gadget retailers)
Not Best For: Limited budget startups
3. GOAFFPRO ‑ Affiliate Marketing
During my three-week testing phase with GOAFFPRO, this Shopify affiliate marketing app impressed me with its multi-level marketing capabilities.
Testing Highlights:
- MLM setup time: 10 minutes
- Commission tier creation: 5 minutes
Key Features I Tested:
- Email marketing integration processed test emails without delays
- The affiliate portal was very responsive for test users
- International language testing: Supported 12 languages flawlessly
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Strong MLM support
- Group-specific commission rates
- Custom commission rules
- Bulk commission updates
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Multilingual interface
- Simple navigation
- Clear affiliate portal
- Customizable dashboards
- Tracking Capabilities
- Multi-level tracking
- Performance monitoring
- Click fraud protection
- Custom tracking periods
Pricing Analysis:
- Free
- Premium Plan: $29/month
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Multi-Level Marketing Programs (e.g., Subscription box services)
Not Best For: Local-only businesses
4. Referral Candy & Affiliate
My 14-day trial with Referral Candy & Affiliate revealed strong automation. This affiliate marketing app for Shopify excels in custom analytics.
Testing Highlights:
- Automation setup: 10 minutes
- Landing page customization: 15 minutes
Key Features I Tested:
- Custom email sequences delivered a high success rate
- International language support worked across all tested regions
- Analytics dashboard updated in real-time during peak load tests
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Automated commission calculation
- Multiple reward types
- Performance bonuses
- Time-based commission structures
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- User-friendly interface
- Automated workflows
- Easy campaign setup
- Tracking Capabilities
- Automated tracking
- Fraud prevention
- Advanced analytics
Pricing Analysis:
- Premium plan – $59/month
- Plus – $299/month
- Enterprise – $24,000/year
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Automated Marketing Operations (e.g., Health and beauty products)
Not Best For: Small businesses in need of a free plan
5. Refersion: Affiliate Marketing
Testing Refersion showed its strength in marketplace integration. This Shopify app for affiliate marketing is especially suitable for scaling.
Testing Highlights:
- Marketplace integration: 30 minutes
- Payment processing: Instant
Key Features I Tested:
- Successfully processed numerous test transactions simultaneously
- Integration with multiple payment platforms remained stable
- Custom dashboard creation easily
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Advanced tiered commissions
- Product category commission rate
- Custom payment schedules
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Professional dashboard
- Marketplace integration
- Clear analytics display
- Tracking Capabilities
- Custom tracking
- Advanced fraud detection
- Multi-channel attribution
Pricing Analysis:
- Starter – $99 /month
- Professional – $119 /month
- Business – $299 /month
- Enterprise – $599 /month
Use Case Scenario
Best For: Enterprise E-commerce Operations (e.g., Electronics marketplaces)
Not Best For: Limited technical resources
6. LeadDyno Affiliate Marketing
LeadDyno’s test made me realize it has excellent onboarding capabilities. The setup wizard makes this affiliate marketing app in Shopify beginner-friendly.
Testing Highlights:
- Initial setup: <10 minutes with wizard
- Social media integration-easy
Key Features I Tested:
- Social media tracking accurately recorded test clicks
- Email campaign integration worked seamlessly
- Live chat support responded quickly
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Standard commission structure
- Basic tier management
- Fixed-rate options
- Simple bonus system
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Professional dashboard
- Marketplace integration
- Clear analytics display
- Custom report builder
- Tracking Capabilities
- Custom tracking periods
- Advanced fraud detection
- Multi-channel attribution
- Detailed reporting
Pricing Analysis:
- Lite – $49/month
- Essential – $129/month
- Advanced – $349/month
- Unlimited – $749/month
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Social Media-Focused Businesses (e.g., Influencer-driven apparel brands)
Not Best For: Budget-conscious business
7. Snowball: Affiliate Marketing
Testing Social Snoball, I found out about its automated customer-to-affiliate conversion feature. This Shopify affiliate marketing app stands out for its innovative approach.
Testing Highlights:
- Auto-referral addition: Instant post-purchase
- Payment processing: 700+ methods tested
Key Features I Tested:
- Automatic affiliate account creation
- Payment options covered all major global methods
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Automated commission assignment
- Multiple payout methods
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Automated setup
- Social media integration
- Quick action buttons
- Tracking Capabilities
- Post-purchase tracking
- Social sharing analytics
- Conversion monitoring
Pricing Analysis:
- Snow Day- $199/month (3% commission)
- Blizzard- $599/month
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Automatically turn customers into brand advocates (e.g., Subscription-based services)
Not Best For: Complex tracking requirements
8. Referral Program ‑ Shopjar
Two weeks with Shopjar showcased its hybrid capabilities in managing both affiliate and referral programs in Shopify. This affiliate marketing app in Shopify offers excellent flexibility.
Testing Highlights:
- Program setup time: 10 minutes
- Commission structure creation: 5 minutes
Key Features I Tested:
- Multiple reward types functioned correctly
- The affiliate portal remained stable under the load
- Referral landing page with brand consistency
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Varied commission models
- Flexible payment options
- Custom reward structures
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Clean design
- Custom branding options
- Simplified workflow
- Tracking Capabilities
- Multiple reward tracking
- Basic fraud detection
- Standard analytics
Pricing Analysis:
- Essential – $7/month
- Starter – $12/month
- Growth – $29/month
Use Case Scenario:
Best For: Hybrid Referral-Affiliate Programs (e.g., Home decor brands)
Not Best For: Complex commission needs
9. BixGrow Affiliate Marketing
BixGrow’s three-week testing period made me realize it has strong affiliate tracking capabilities. This Shopify app for affiliate programs excels in targeted promotion management.
Testing Highlights:
- Affiliate program creation: 5 minutes
- Payment processing: Real-time
Key Features I Tested:
- Performance-based bonuses calculated accurately
- PayPal integration processed all test transactions successfully
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Tiered commission rates
- Performance-based bonuses
- Multiple currency support
- Custom commission rules
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Standard navigation
- Simple affiliate portal
- Essential reporting
- Tracking Capabilities
- Flexible tracking options
- Order follow-up
- MLM tracking
- Performance monitoring
Pricing Analysis:
- Free
- Scale – $9/month
- Pro – $15/month
Use Case Scenario
Best For: Referral and Affiliate Programs (e.g., Regional e-commerce stores)
Not Best For: Complex integration needs
10. Affiliatly Affiliate Marketing
My final app test with Affiliately lasted a few days, revealing strong long-term performance. This Shopify affiliate marketing app offers excellent scalability.
Testing Highlights:
- Program setup: 8 minutes
- Bulk payout: Quick
Key Features I Tested:
- Updates remained real-time
- The gift card system is integrated seamlessly
Feature Highlights
- Commission Management
- Advanced commission management
- Gift card integration
- Bulk commission updates
- User Interface & Ease of Use
- Organized dashboard
- Easy payment management
- Quick affiliate overview
- Tracking Capabilities
- Real-time monitoring
- Multiple attribution models
- Detailed click analysis
Pricing Analysis:
- Starter – $16 /month
- Advanced – $24 /month
- Pro 1000 – $59 /month
- Pro Unlimited – $129 /month
Use Case Scenario
Best For: Performance-Based Programs (e.g., Fitness equipment brands)
Not Best For: Limited budget operations
How to Set Up an Affiliate Program on Shopify
I know the drill doesn’t end with just choosing the right Shopify affiliate marketing app. So, here I have noted down a step-by-step guide on how to set up an affiliate program on Shopify to help you easily achieve affiliate marketing growth.
1. Pre-Installation Planning (2-3 hours)
- Define your commission structure
- Set your program goals
- Determine your budget
- Choose tracking parameters
- Plan affiliate guidelines
2. App Installation & Basic Setup (1 hour)
- Install your chosen app from the Shopify App Store
- Complete initial authorization
- Set up payment integration
- Configure basic tracking parameters
3. Commission Structure Setup (1 hour)
- Set base commission rates
- Configure any tiered structures
- Define special promotions
- Set payment thresholds
- Configure payout methods
4. Affiliate Portal Configuration (2 hours)
- Customize your affiliate dashboard
- Upload marketing materials
- Set up promotional tools
- Configure affiliate communication preferences
- Create welcome materials
5. Testing Phase (1-2 days)
- Run test transactions
- Verify tracking accuracy
- Test affiliate signup process
- Confirm commission calculations
- Check reporting functionality
Best Practices for Success of Affiliate Marketing in Shopify
Irrespective of which Shopify app for affiliate marketing you choose, these are the best practices to build a successful affiliate marketing campaign.
1. Commission Structure Optimization
- Start with competitive rates (12-15% for physical products)
- Consider tiered commissions for higher performers
- Implement activation bonuses for new affiliates
- Set realistic payment thresholds
- Maintain transparent payment schedules
2. Program Documentation
- Create clear terms and conditions
- Develop comprehensive guidelines
- Document promotional restrictions
- Outline compliance requirements
- Establish communication protocols
3. Affiliate Support System
- Provide marketing resources
- Establish clear communication channels
- Create FAQ documentation
- Set up performance review processes
Expert Tip #4: Integrating tools with an affiliate marketing app in Shopify can set a workflow and increase your campaign efficiency.
Tips for Maximizing Your Affiliate Marketing Strategy
After testing various approaches across different affiliate marketing apps in Shopify, here are the most effective strategies:
1. Affiliate Recruitment
Strategies:
- Target niche-specific influencers
- Leverage existing customer base
- Implement two-tier referral bonuses
- Create compelling joining incentives
- Maintain quality standards
Tips:
- Use application forms to screen affiliates
- Set clear performance expectations
- Provide immediate access to resources
- Create onboarding sequences
- Monitor early performance
2. Program Management
Focus Areas:
- Regular performance monitoring
- Automated communication flows
- Consistent payment processing
- Fraud prevention measures
- Resource updates
Best Practices:
- Weekly performance reviews
- Monthly affiliate newsletters
- Quarterly program assessments
- Regular commission structure reviews
- Continuous optimization
3. Growth and Scaling
Proven Strategies:
- Implement performance tiers
- Create exclusive promotions
- Develop affiliate contests
- Offer seasonal bonuses
- Provide advanced tools
Tips:
- Gradually increase commission rates
- Expand promotional materials
- Enhance tracking capabilities
- Improve reporting systems
- Develop advanced training
4. Performance Optimization
Recommendations:
- A/B test commission structures
- Experiment with promotional materials
- Test different payment thresholds
- Try various recruitment methods
- Evaluate communication frequencies
Metrics to Monitor:
- Conversion rates
- Average order value
- Click-through rates
- Active affiliate ratio
- Program ROI
Refine your affiliate marketing strategy with ease. Track and automate your affiliate program with Afflr now!
Conclusion
Based on my extensive testing of the top Shopify affiliate marketing apps,
- Best Budget Option: Afflr for its value and essential features
- Best Overall: UpPromote for its balance of features and usability
- Best Enterprise Solution: Refersion for its scalability and advanced features
However, each Shopify store is different. Therefore, understand the different benefits of each Shopify app for affiliate marketing and use which is best fit for you.
Further Reading
- 7 Best GoAffPro Alternatives for Shopify Affiliate Marketing
- 11 Best Refersion Alternatives for Easy Shopify Affiliate Marketing
- Affiliate Marketing vs Influencer Marketing: A Full Guide
- How to install the Afflr app on your Shopify Store?
Yes, you can use Shopify for affiliate marketing. You can integrate your Shopify store with an affiliate marketing app, create an affiliate program, enroll affiliates, and run a successful marketing campaign with your Shopify store.
The software that is best for affiliate marketing is 1. Afflr 2. Shopjar 3. UpPromote 4. BixGrow 5. Refersion.
To track affiliates in Shopify, the easiest way is to integrate your store with an Affiliate marketing app for Shopify. These apps will let you automate the entire process of your affiliate program from creation to management to tracking to payout.
Knowing if you need software for affiliate marketing will depend on the scale and scope of your marketing strategy. However, employing a dedicated affiliate marketing app for your Shopify will help you automate the processes and also enable tracking of the performance of the affiliate program for optimized use.