Ever watched a high-potential buyer slip away with out warning? I’ve—and even from the surface trying in, it’s irritating. What’s worse is realizing it was in all probability avoidable.
Churn not often exhibits up with flashing lights. It’s usually a sluggish fade: a drop in utilization, unanswered emails, and quiet complaints. And from all the things I’ve discovered researching this house, recognizing these indicators early is sort of unimaginable with out the finest buyer success software program.
I don’t work in buyer success, nor do I ship quarterly enterprise overview (QBR) decks or handle renewals. However I spend my days analyzing the instruments that assist SaaS corporations develop. Buyer success software program persistently stands out as one of the crucial helpful investments a group could make.
I’ve spoken to CS leaders, learn by way of numerous evaluations, and analyzed how groups are utilizing software program to show these “at-risk” moments into retention wins. The extra I dig into this house, the clearer it turns into: nice buyer success software program isn’t only a “nice-to-have.” It’s a lifeline for retention, growth, and long-term buyer loyalty.
Nonetheless, with so many instruments claiming to unravel the identical issues, selecting the best one isn’t straightforward. That’s why I’ve pulled collectively 9 finest buyer success software program value your consideration primarily based on person suggestions, key options, and the way nicely they really assist groups keep forward of churn.
9 finest buyer success software program for 2025: My prime picks
- Salesforce Service Cloud for enterprise groups already deep within the Salesforce ecosystem. ($25/person/month)
- Gainsight Buyer Success for data-driven CS groups at giant B2B corporations. (obtainable on request)
- ChurnZero for SaaS companies targeted on decreasing churn by way of automation. (obtainable on request)
- Vitally for product-led groups needing quick, versatile CS workflows. (obtainable on request)
- Planhat for versatile, modular CS setups (obtainable on request)
- Totango for groups wanting prebuilt CS journeys and fast setup (obtainable on request)
- Catalyst for startups in search of a contemporary, intuitive CS platform (obtainable on request)
- Staircase AI by Gainsight for AI-powered relationship intelligence and sentiment evaluation. (obtainable on request)
- ZapScale for early-stage CS groups in B2B SaaS house. ($500/month)
*These are the top-rated buyer success software program of their class, based on G2 Grid Experiences. Pricing for many of those merchandise is accessible upon request, apart from those for which I’ve already included the small print.
9 finest buyer success software program I like to recommend
From what I’ve seen, buyer success software program isn’t nearly stopping churn. It’s about delivering a greater buyer expertise, strengthening relationships, and driving long-term retention. It helps groups keep proactive, not reactive, and that shift alone could make an enormous distinction.
I’ve seen how the proper platform can provide CS groups the visibility they should scale customized assist, monitor product adoption, and uncover alternatives so as to add worth. These instruments make it a lot simpler to handle a rising record of accounts with out lacking a beat. You may monitor utilization developments, automate check-ins, and spot crimson flags earlier than they develop into actual points.
It’s not nearly reacting when issues go mistaken; it’s about being one step forward and ensuring clients see success each step of the way in which.
And when you’re in the course of evaluating instruments, I understand how overwhelming it could actually get. That’s why I put this record collectively—to highlight platforms that persistently stand out for his or her usability, retention-driven options, and the actual impression they’re making for buyer success groups.
How did I discover and consider the most effective buyer success software program?
I began with a shortlist of top-rated buyer success instruments on G2 and dug into every platform’s options, pricing, and usefulness. I targeted on how nicely they dealt with key features like onboarding, buyer well being scoring, playbooks, automation, account monitoring, and collaboration between CS and different groups.
To go deeper, I used AI to investigate G2 evaluations and floor recurring themes, whether or not it was ache factors customers saved mentioning, options they couldn’t reside with out, or areas the place sure instruments persistently outperformed others.
Please word: Whereas some platforms provide free trials, demos, or guided excursions, there have been a couple of I wasn’t capable of strive firsthand. In these circumstances, I linked with professionals who’ve used the instruments instantly and in contrast their insights with verified G2 evaluations and my very own unbiased analysis. The screenshots on this article embody a mixture of these captured throughout my analysis and testing, in addition to photos sourced from the distributors’ G2 profiles.
What makes the most effective buyer success software program: My standards
Once I got down to consider these instruments, I targeted on what truly helps CS groups do their jobs higher. Right here’s what I prioritized whereas reviewing every platform.
- Ease of use: Even the most effective options don’t matter if the platform’s laborious to make use of. I paid consideration to how intuitive the UI felt, how easy onboarding was, and whether or not customers would want heavy coaching to get began.
- Onboarding and lifecycle automation: I appeared for platforms that make it straightforward to construct and automate buyer journeys. Triggered emails, process flows, and success milestones matter when scaling.
- Well being scoring and danger alerts: I paid shut consideration to how every software dealt with buyer well being—how versatile the scoring fashions had been, what information they pulled from, and whether or not alerts truly helped groups act earlier than points escalated.
- Integrations with CRM and assist instruments: Buyer success doesn’t reside in a vacuum. I prioritized instruments that play properly with CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot and assist platforms like Zendesk or Intercom so groups get a unified view of the shopper.
- Playbooks and success planning: I appeared for built-in playbooks and templates that assist standardize processes like renewals, QBRs, or escalations. Bonus factors if the software lets groups customise and automate them primarily based on account sort or lifecycle stage.
- Reporting and visibility for CS leaders: I wished to see how simply groups might report on churn, NRR, retention, or phase efficiency. Government dashboards and exportable information made an enormous distinction right here.
Utilizing these components, I in contrast over 20 instruments and narrowed them right down to 9 finest buyer success software program. Whereas they don’t seem to be good, checking each single field in my guidelines, they every excel in key areas that make them value contemplating.
The record beneath comprises real person evaluations from G2’s buyer success software program class web page. To be included within the record, a software should:
- Construct or establish buyer profiles.
- Seize buyer information, historical past, and suggestions, together with survey outcomes, renewals, invoicing, product utilization, sentiment, and group interactions.
- Facilitate engagement with clients all through the shopper lifecycle.
- Present suggestions, buyer success scores, and success reviews primarily based on the evaluation of historic information.
- Automate workflow processes like communications, alerts, coordinating engagements, analyses, success planning, and reporting.
- Predict future buyer progress, crimson flags, and developments as dashboards or graphs utilizing information associated to interactions, funds, inquiries, and extra.
- Scale, based on the scale of the corporate and methodology of buyer adoption or engagement.
*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations might have been edited for readability.
1. Salesforce Service Cloud
Salesforce is likely one of the most well-known and extensively used CRM and buyer success platforms on the market. It’s just about the gold commonplace for giant enterprises and support-heavy groups that want deep case administration, omnichannel service, and cross-functional alignment at scale.
If I needed to describe Salesforce Service Cloud in a single sentence, it will be: extremely highly effective, however not with out its quirks. It leans extra in the direction of assist and customer support workflows.
What stood out to me immediately was how strong the platform is for case administration. From what I’ve seen and what customers persistently point out, it handles assist at scale like a professional. The omnichannel capabilities, together with net, chat, and e mail case routing, are an enormous win for assist groups juggling a number of channels.
Within the screenshots I captured throughout my trial (earlier than establishing the channels), you may see simply how centralized and clear the case view is. You may assign labels, change homeowners, merge circumstances, and monitor all the things with customizable filters. Every thing, from establishing a brand new case and updating them to including data base articles, felt neat when you understood the circulate.
The place Salesforce Service Cloud actually shines, based on customers, is in customizability. You may tailor workflows, automate actions, and construct dashboards that truly mirror your buyer lifecycle. Throughout my analysis, I noticed this talked about time and again: it is a centralized system that makes collaboration simpler, not tougher.
One other factor that jumped out to me was the way in which AI is subtly built-in all through the platform. From producing solutions to summarizing buyer conversations to utilizing Einstein AI for predicting developments, Salesforce appears to be taking a considerate strategy to automation.
That stated, there are a couple of trade-offs to bear in mind. One factor that got here up in a number of evaluations was the pricing, which might develop into a consideration for rising groups.
A number of customers additionally talked about that whereas the platform is very customizable (which is a power), benefiting from that flexibility generally requires admin or developer assist. From my very own trial, I’d agree there’s a little bit of a studying curve. It’s not tough to get began, however configuring extra superior workflows or settings can take a while when you’re not already accustomed to the Salesforce ecosystem.
That stated, in case your group has the assets to get it up and working correctly, it could actually completely develop into the spine of your buyer success operation, particularly if you have already got Salesforce in your stack for CRM.
What I like about Salesforce Service Cloud:
- The case administration expertise is genuinely highly effective—it’s straightforward to trace, assign, and manage assist requests throughout a number of channels with out issues slipping by way of the cracks.
- I actually like how customizable the platform is. Having the ability to tailor workflows, dashboards, and automation to suit totally different CS processes is a large plus.
What G2 customers like about Salesforce Service Cloud:
“Salesforce Service Cloud excels in Omni-Channel routing, AI-powered automation, and seamless integrations with instruments like Intercom and WhatsApp. Its case administration, data base, and real-time analytics improve effectivity, whereas customization and scalability make it best for rising assist groups.”
– Salesforce Service Cloud Overview, Ian H.
What I dislike about Salesforce Service Cloud:
- I spotted that some superior configurations require admin or developer assist, which might sluggish issues down in case your group doesn’t have in-house assist.
- The pricing construction seems like one thing to look at carefully—particularly for rising groups the place prices might stack up quick, primarily based on my analysis.
What G2 customers dislike about Salesforce Service Cloud:
“Salesforce Service Cloud is an excellent platform, however requires numerous add-ons for what I’d have thought-about primary performance, similar to quote formatting. All of those add-ons are sometimes all priced per person, so prices shortly rise relying on the variety of customers that you’ve on the Salesforce Platform.”
– Salesforce Service Cloud Overview, Jon S.
2. Gainsight Buyer Success
Gainsight Buyer Success is strictly what its identify suggests in my view. It offers buyer success groups the perception they should drive actual positive aspects in retention, engagement, and progress. Based mostly on what I’ve discovered until now, Gainsight’s a favourite amongst mature CS orgs with devoted ops or admin assist.
I solely had entry to a demo of Gainsight, however even with out getting hands-on, I can see why so many CS groups swear by it. From what I gathered throughout my demo and confirmed by dozens of person evaluations, it’s clearly constructed for groups that want full visibility into buyer well being, relationships, and outcomes.
What stood out to me first is what number of customers rave in regards to the Timeline and 360-degree views. It seems like Timeline has develop into the go-to spot for staying on prime of each interplay, touchpoint, and replace tied to a buyer. Numerous CS professionals described it as their single supply of reality, particularly when juggling a big guide of enterprise. That’s the sort of construction I do know numerous groups want they’d—much less looking throughout instruments, extra time truly serving to clients.
I additionally noticed a ton of affection for Gainsight’s dashboards and automation options. Customers point out how straightforward it’s to trace account well being, arrange alerts, and even forecast danger. The power to customise playbooks and set off workflows primarily based on habits or product utilization looks as if an enormous plus, particularly for CS groups attempting to scale with out shedding that non-public contact.
That stated, there are some things to bear in mind. A few customers that the platform can really feel a bit click-heavy at occasions primarily based on what I heard. Accessing sure options usually takes extra steps than you’d count on, and that may add friction to your day when you’re working by way of a excessive quantity of accounts.
One other theme that I noticed usually was the complexity that got here with its feature-rich nature. Gainsight is extremely highly effective, however that energy comes with a studying curve. It’s not precisely plug-and-play.
These aren’t dealbreakers, however extra like issues to plan for, in my view. In case your group has the proper assets (or is prepared to spend money on them), the long-term payoff appears to be there.
Nonetheless, it’s clear that Gainsight isn’t simply one other CRM add-on—it’s a purpose-built buyer success platform with actual depth. Whether or not it’s surfacing product adoption developments or supporting interdepartmental collaboration, the software appears to ship worth throughout the board.
I’ll not have gotten to strive it absolutely myself, but when I had been a part of a CS group trying to stage up our operations, I’d completely need this on the shortlist.
What I like about Gainsight Buyer Success:
- I really like how Gainsight pulls all the things into one place. Having a 360-degree view of accounts, timelines, well being scores, and playbooks makes it manner simpler to remain proactive.
- The dashboards and automation choices are spectacular. It seems like I can construct workflows that truly mirror how the CS group works, not simply power us right into a preset system.
What G2 customers like about Gainsight Buyer Success:
“Among the issues I like most about Gainsight is the breadth of performance. It helps us centralize our buyer information for our Buyer Success Administration groups. As well as, there’s a capability to extremely customise the arrange of your setting.
We will write guidelines primarily based on particular actions distinctive to our group; we are able to create linked actions from guidelines to JO applications, to reviews and dashboards, and again once more. Much like many different organizations, our information doesn’t simply reside in a single supply, so we make the most of its potential to connect with different sources, primarily by way of API calls however Amazon S3 and even CSV when wanted.”
– Gainsight Buyer Success Overview, Carol Ok.
What I dislike about Gainsight Buyer Success:
- Based mostly on G2 evaluations, what I discovered is that some components of the platform really feel a bit click-heavy. It takes a couple of further steps to get the place you wish to go, particularly if you’re managing numerous accounts.
- From what I noticed, Gainsight has a studying curve and works finest when you could have an influence person or an admin to handle setup and ongoing customization.
What G2 customers dislike about Gainsight Buyer Success:
“Gainsight has come a great distance with their person interface however there are nonetheless some admin options which might be click on heavy and a few error messages that are not informative sufficient, requiring an admin to contact Gainsight assist.”
– Gainsight Buyer Success Overview, Dan A.
3. ChurnZero
Conserving monitor of dozens of accounts, well being scores, and touchpoints isn’t straightforward. However from all the things I’ve learn, ChurnZero helps make it manageable. Full disclosure: I didn’t get the possibility to demo or check ChurnZero myself with a free trial, however after digging into current G2 evaluations and doing a deep dive into what the platform presents, I can see why it’s gaining traction with buyer success groups. It’s particularly in style with fast-growing mid-sized CS groups.
What stood out to me instantly, from each analysis and person suggestions, is how nicely ChurnZero brings all the things collectively. It’s designed to be a real command middle for CS groups: account overviews, process monitoring, playbooks, well being scores, buyer journeys are multi function place.
Many customers talked about how useful it’s to have visibility throughout the shopper lifecycle with out leaping between instruments, and that undoubtedly got here by way of in the way in which folks described their each day workflows.
Customization additionally appears to be an enormous win. Customers persistently talked about how straightforward it’s to tailor dashboards, automate processes, and phase accounts primarily based on no matter metrics matter most to them. It seems like ChurnZero offers groups numerous flexibility with out complexity. There’s additionally a powerful emphasis on proactivity. Issues like reminders, alerts, and playbooks appear to assist groups take motion earlier than issues snowball into churn.
That stated, it’s not with out its friction factors. One factor I seen in a number of evaluations, and one thing I’d bear in mind if I had been evaluating ChurnZero for my group, is that it takes slightly time to get absolutely snug with the platform. There’s so much beneath the hood, and whereas that depth is certainly a power, it takes a while.
I noticed a couple of reviewers additionally point out that the interface, whereas useful, might really feel slightly dated or click-heavy in locations. It seems like when you’re accustomed to the system, the navigation turns into second nature, however there could also be a little bit of an adjustment interval upfront.
For many groups, these are manageable trade-offs. On the entire, ChurnZero is certainly a powerful contender within the buyer success house.
What I like about ChurnZero:
- Every thing’s centralized—duties, buyer information, journeys, and notes all reside in a single place, which makes staying organized a lot simpler.
- The automation and customization choices stood out. From what I’ve seen, it’s versatile sufficient to assist totally different CS fashions with out forcing a one-size-fits-all setup.
What G2 customers like about ChurnZero:
“ChurnZero covers all features of Buyer Success and has the full circle of the shopper journey coated. It’s particularly devoted to Buyer Success processes and that’s what makes it distinctive. It is vitally straightforward to make use of and it is buyer assist can also be superb. I’ve reached out a few occasions and so they had been at all times useful.
ChurnZero is included in our each day duties and we use it fairly often, for essentially the most of our processes. I’ve managed to succesfully combine it with my Microsoft accounts (Calendar and E mail) and I’m able to see all messages within the account profile and the conferences as nicely, which makes my day organised.“
– ChurnZero Overview, Ivana S.
What I dislike about ChurnZero:
- From the evaluations, it looks as if the platform isn’t one thing you simply leap into. It takes slightly time to be taught, particularly in case your group doesn’t have admin assist.
- A number of customers talked about that the interface can really feel a bit clunky or dated in spots and that some duties take extra clicks than they in all probability ought to.
What G2 customers dislike about ChurnZero:
“The interface can really feel slightly outdated – there may very well be some enhancements made to the UX.”
– ChurnZero Overview, Orla M.
4. Vitally
From what I noticed within the product tour and backed by tons of G2 suggestions, Vitally feels prefer it’s constructed to provide buyer success groups their time again. Every thing about it appears designed for readability, pace, and customization, particularly for groups that need information entrance and middle with out drowning in it.
The UI was one of many first issues that stood out to me. It seems clear, fashionable, and truly pleasant to navigate. A number of reviewers echoed that—it’s customizable, consistently enhancing, and provides you management over the way you see buyer information. You may inform it’s designed with day-to-day usability in thoughts.
I additionally appreciated how clearly duties and account renewals surfaced. Simply from the screenshot alone, it’s straightforward to think about a CSM leaping in every morning and realizing precisely what wants consideration.
What actually impressed me is how Vitally balances being highly effective with out being overwhelming. It pulls information from a number of instruments like CRMs, assist programs, product analytics and makes it usable, not simply seen. Customers appear to like how straightforward it’s to centralize insights and take motion.
One other bonus: the playbooks and automation workflows look genuinely helpful for repetitive duties like onboarding and lifecycle administration. They’re visible, editable, and don’t appear to require a technical background to tweak.
After all, no software is ideal. Based mostly on what I’ve seen within the evaluations, getting Vitally absolutely arrange and ensuring all of your integrations are working the way in which you need undoubtedly takes a while. It may be slightly tough to create and put your playbooks in place as they require cautious consideration.
A number of customers additionally identified that whereas the UI is clear and fashionable total, some components of it may very well be a bit extra intuitive or strong, particularly in relation to accessing sure options. That stated, as soon as all the things’s in place, most customers appear to agree that the flexibleness pays off.
Total, Vitally seems like one of many extra fashionable, CS-first platforms on the market. It doesn’t simply show you how to handle buyer information, it helps you act on it. In case your group needs one thing highly effective however nonetheless approachable, this one’s value a critical look.
What I like about Vitally:
- I actually appreciated how clear and customizable the UI felt—it’s straightforward to think about a CSM beginning their day and realizing precisely what to deal with.
- From what I noticed and browse, the flexibility to automate playbooks and centralize key information from totally different instruments makes it a brilliant environment friendly hub for CS groups.
What G2 customers like about Vitally:
“In case your integrations are arrange appropriately, it’s the good software to carry collectively all related infomation in your CS group. We combine our product, amplitude, and Hubspot – which suggests I can consider any related cilent information in as soon as place.
I additionally like that you should utilize it as acommuncation software between groups/ indivduals the place issues are much less prone to get buried like it will in one thing like Slack.“
– Vitally Overview, Patricia S.
What I dislike about Vitally:
- Some customers talked about (and I can see why) that getting all the things arrange, particularly integrations and workflows, and getting snug with the software takes a little bit of upfront effort.
- A number of components of the interface, whereas typically fashionable, may very well be extra intuitive or versatile in relation to configuring alerts or visualizing information.
What G2 customers dislike about Vitally:
“I do suppose that studying Vitally takes a little bit of time and funding, since it’s so customizable. You actually need to have folks in your group who’re invested in “determining” the most effective methods to make Vitally work in your firm and group. As well as, it is laborious for anyone who’s exterior of your processes and org to log in and immediately perceive the worth that the org is getting, since every Vitally view is so customizable to the individual utilizing it. It is not essentially “intuitive”, particularly if anyone new simply logs in with out the correct arrange (or understanding that they should do a arrange).“
– Vitally Overview, Melissa S.
5. Planhat
.From renewals and QBRs to portfolio well being and account insights, Planhat constructed to provide CS orgs the readability and construction they should keep on prime of their pipeline and clients. It’s particularly in style with mid-market and enterprise groups that want visibility into what’s occurring throughout segments with out shedding pace.
After watching the platform demo and digging into current G2 evaluations, it’s clear that Planhat places actual thought into the CS workflow. The dashboard design is sharp. It is easy, however full of context.
You may shortly see account well being, process standing, renewal danger, and open growth alternatives multi function view. I discovered the way in which it visualizes buyer portfolios genuinely useful. A number of reviewers referred to as out the time they save by having all the things, from NPS scores to overdue QBRs. in a single place.
What stood out essentially the most was the stability of flexibility and construction. You’re not compelled right into a inflexible playbook, however you continue to have the instruments to maintain issues constant: playbooks, lifecycle monitoring, alerts, and integrations that truly plug into your day-to-day instruments.
That stated, it’s not a software you grasp in a single day. Some customers talked about the training curve, particularly when attempting to configure dashboards or navigate superior workflows. Others famous that whereas the interface seems clear, it could actually take a little bit of exploring to get snug with how all the things matches collectively.
I additionally noticed few reviewers mentioning that integration choices may very well be extra intensive or simpler to configure, particularly when attempting to attach instruments past the core ecosystem.
However total, folks appear to genuinely get pleasure from working in Planhat—largely as a result of it helps them keep organized, align higher with inside groups, and prioritize the proper buyer actions with out guessing. So, I might say it is undoubtedly value attempting out.
What I like about Planhat:
- I actually like how customizable the dashboards are. It’s straightforward to tailor views round account well being, renewals, and buyer exercise with out feeling locked into inflexible templates.
- The best way Planhat pulls in information from totally different programs and provides you a full image of your portfolio makes it really feel like a real operational hub for CS groups.
What G2 customers like about Planhat:
“The product is made for Buyer Success Groups, and it’s clear it has the folks behind the product with the identical mindset. Any lack of readability in a assist middle article is greater than resolved by reaching out to their superior stage Help Workforce. Do I’ve questions? Chat. Needing to really feel impressed or have somebody to brainstorm with? Chat. It’s a level-up above anybody else within the business.“
– Planhat Overview, Hannah D.
What I dislike about Planhat:
- From what I noticed in evaluations, some components of the platform can take time to be taught, particularly when you’re attempting to construct out extra superior workflows or views.
- A number of customers talked about that integration choices may very well be extra intensive or less complicated to configure, relying on what instruments you’re connecting.
What G2 customers dislike about Planhat:
“Tough to get the cling of initially. Filtering may be tough on the info view, particulary saving your most popular view. The calendar/ process planning characteristic is just not essentially the most intuitive.”
– Planhat Overview, Joash G.
6. Totango
Totango undoubtedly caught my consideration as a platform that tries to maintain issues easy with out stripping away performance. From the walkthrough I noticed, it feels prefer it’s constructed to assist CS groups that need visibility, construction, and adaptability—with out having to depend on a CS ops professional simply to get began.
The factor I seen most, and that exhibits up usually in G2 evaluations, is how useful Totango’s segmenting and filtering capabilities are. Customers actually appear to like how they’ll shortly slice their buyer base by key metrics, monitor lifecycle phases, and monitor habits with customized views.
It offers you that high-level dashboard really feel whereas nonetheless letting you drill down into what issues. The visible dashboards, process group, and well being rating visibility stood out as large wins. You get at-a-glance readability on renewals, danger, and engagement, which makes it simpler for groups to remain on prime of what wants consideration.
Numerous customers additionally point out that it’s fairly straightforward to be taught. For me, that was refreshing to see. The UI is clear and intuitive, and reviewers usually point out that the preliminary setup doesn’t really feel overwhelming, particularly in comparison with some heavier CS platforms.
That stated, a couple of issues got here up in evaluations I analyzed which might be value calling out. Some customers talked about that sure components of the platform really feel restricted or inflexible, like process creation, and administration.
There have been additionally some feedback round integrations—not that they don’t exist, however that some may very well be improved or really feel incomplete relying on the remainder of your tech stack.
Total, Totango looks as if a powerful alternative for CS groups that wish to scale their processes, maintain duties organized, and get a unified view of their clients with out drowning in complexity.
What I like about Totango:
- I actually appreciated how straightforward it appeared to phase clients and monitor lifecycle phases. The dashboards felt clear and helped floor the proper data shortly.
- Numerous customers talked about how approachable the platform is, and I can see why. It seems like one thing a CS group might stand up and working without having tons of technical setup.
What G2 customers like about Totango:
“Totango does a implausible job of taking the info fed into the platform and utilizing it to create a Well being Rating primarily based on the parameters that I would like. Through the use of the info, campaigns and SuccessBlocs may be simply utilized permitting for loads of customization. The workflows are straightforward to arrange and implement throughout the entire group. When I’ve wanted assist, the group has been fast to reply with the proper resolution.“
– Totango Overview, Christopher B
What I dislike about Totango:
- Based mostly on the evaluations, a couple of areas really feel extra inflexible than I’d count on—like process creation or account construction, which might restrict flexibility for advanced workflows.
- I seen fairly a couple of mentions of integrations that may very well be extra strong or simpler to work with. That is one thing to concentrate to when you work throughout a number of instruments.
What G2 customers dislike about Totango:
“Must be built-in a bit higher to our inside programs like SalesForce, there’s numerous inconsistency in group buildings and account ownershipm, in addition to matching alternatives with accounts.”
– Totango Overview, Andrea C.
7. Catalyst
Although it is now formally a part of Totango, it’s clear Catalyst earned a powerful fame by itself for being quick, clear, and refreshingly straightforward to make use of in comparison with a number of the extra bloated CS instruments.
What stood out to me instantly was what number of customers talked in regards to the interface. Practically everybody talked about that it’s intuitive, visually interesting, and simply is smart for a CSM’s each day workflow. It wasn’t attempting to be all the things without delay, which meant much less noise and extra precise work getting accomplished. I noticed repeated mentions of how straightforward it was to trace buyer objectives, monitor well being, handle duties, and see all the things you want in a single place.
I might additionally see numerous love for the way non-technical groups might get worth from the platform without having heavy admin assist. Customized views, centralized buyer information, and a clear dashboard expertise made it best for CS groups who need one thing highly effective however not overwhelming. For folk coping with buyer chaos throughout instruments or missing a single supply of reality, Catalyst appeared to offer much-needed readability.
That stated, a couple of themes got here up within the “could-be-better” division. I might see mentions of occasional bugs and minor UI confusion. Nothing main, however sufficient that individuals famous it. And whereas Catalyst targeted on simplicity, a few reviewers acknowledged that got here with fewer superior options in comparison with extra mature platforms like Gainsight.
However all in all, most customers appeared genuinely proud of how Catalyst supported their workflow and made CS extra manageable. For those who’re a group searching for pace, readability, and a no-nonsense strategy to buyer success, Catalyst undoubtedly earned its rep.
What I like about Catalyst:
- Numerous customers talked about how clear and intuitive the interface felt and I really feel that sort of usability goes a great distance in CS work.
- It’s nice that you just don’t want a ton of admin or technical assist to get worth out of it. Based mostly on what I learn, all the things simply feels accessible.
What G2 customers like about Catalyst:
“Catalyst pulls actual time triggers and information for our gross sales org that permit us to herald income each month. It saves us a bunch of time, streamlines our course of, and provides us ammo to make use of day by day. I stay up for each catalyst process I get as a result of it means I’ve extra prospects to succeed in out to, and doubtlessly extra income to herald.”
– Catalyst Overview, Tyler G.
What I dislike about Catalyst:
- There have been a couple of feedback about occasional bugs or UI quirks I noticed. There aren’t any large points, however there are issues that may interrupt your circulate if you’re in the course of managing accounts.
- From what I gathered, Catalyst might not have all of the superior options provided by larger CS platforms because it focuses extra on simplicity. This isn’t a serious downside, in my view, however one thing to maintain this in thoughts when you want heavy customization or advanced workflows.
What G2 customers dislike about Catalyst:
“The platform is usually a bit buggy at occasions and I’ve had my integration with different instruments not sync correctly prior to now.”
– Catalyst Overview, Lex H.
8. Staircase AI by Gainsight
Staircase AI stood out to me as one of many extra targeted instruments within the buyer intelligence house. It’s constructed particularly to assist CS groups perceive engagement and sentiment throughout accounts, utilizing real-time communication indicators.
From the product overview I noticed, I can inform it leans closely on automation and AI to floor insights that may in any other case get misplaced within the noise, like who’s slipping into danger, which stakeholders are going darkish, or the place sentiment is trending.
What stood out to me, and clearly to numerous customers, is how straightforward it’s to navigate. A number of reviewers praised the simplicity of the UI and the way intuitive the platform feels daily. You don’t want an enormous studying curve to begin seeing worth. It actually helps groups spot early warning indicators in buyer relationships and flag areas for deeper engagement.
Customers additionally appear to like the readability Staircase AI brings. Whether or not it’s surfacing sentiment indicators, flagging dangers, or displaying who’s engaged at what stage, the platform offers you a way more full image of every account.
After all, there are a couple of minor limitations value noting. I noticed a couple of customers mentioning that the quantity of knowledge can really feel like so much at first however with the proper setup and studying, it turns into far more manageable. There have been additionally a couple of gentle mentions of integration gaps, largely from groups searching for deeper or extra seamless connections with their current instruments.
That stated, the suggestions is overwhelmingly constructive. Most customers appear genuinely enthusiastic about how Staircase AI helps them act earlier, talk smarter, and handle accounts extra holistically. Now that it’s a part of Gainsight, I’m curious to see the way it evolves, however even by itself, it already looks as if a stable software for groups who need deeper perception with out further busy work.
What I like about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
- I actually appreciated how the platform surfaces relationship indicators like engagement, sentiment, and responsiveness with out having to dig by way of calls or emails manually.
- The interface appeared clear and simple to navigate, and reviewers appear to agree it’s intuitive sufficient to begin seeing worth shortly.
What G2 customers like about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
“The AI options are nice. They not too long ago launched assembly notes and it has saved me numerous time post-client calls. The reviews are fairly insightful as nicely and assist me shortly see when sure accounts want extra consideration. I like that we even have a CSM who helps us be taught extra in regards to the platform.”
– Staircase AI by Gainsight Overview, Amanda M.
What I dislike about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
- Some customers talked about that the dashboards and filters may very well be extra versatile. I can see how that may matter when you’re managing numerous accounts and want sharper views.
- A number of evaluations additionally talked about wanting extra integration depth with instruments your CS instruments depend on robust information sync throughout platforms.
What G2 customers dislike about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
“It is not a dislike, extra of an ask. Staircase has many native integrations, however there’s at all times room for extra. Further Name Intelligence integrations and SFDC object syncing could be good additions.”
– Staircase AI by Gainsight Overview, Stephanie H.
9. ZapScale
ZapScale appears to be carving out a stable area of interest for itself within the B2B SaaS world, and from what individuals are saying, it’s straightforward to grasp the attraction. It positions itself as a buyer success automation platform, and from what I noticed, most customers appear to agree that it truly delivers on that promise.
Many people talked about getting a unified view of the shopper. Every thing from well being scores and product utilization to CS metrics and lifecycle phases is pulled into one place. A number of reviewers even talked about utilizing it as their central system of file for CS, which says so much.
I additionally bought a way that ZapScale is fairly data-driven. There’s a heavy emphasis on monitoring KPIs and surfacing alerts that assist CSMs act earlier than issues go south.
That stated, there’s nonetheless some enchancment scope. Reporting got here up as a recurring theme as I analyzed evaluations. Whereas the info is there, a couple of reviewers felt there may very well be extra custom-made reviews. There have been additionally a handful of mentions round web page load time and efficiency in heavier dashboards, although it didn’t sound like a dealbreaker. Total, these appeared like areas the place slightly polish might go a great distance.
For those who’re a rising B2B SaaS firm searching for a CS software that balances automation with usability, I might say ZapScale is value testing.
What I like about ZapScale:
- I appreciated how ZapScale simplified buyer well being monitoring with out overwhelming me with configuration.
- Based mostly on my analysis, it felt purpose-built for lean CS groups—fast to implement, with simply the proper stage of insights.
What G2 customers like about ZapScale:
“ZapScale is nice for Buyer Success automation, Additionally the Buyer success group may be very immediate & supportive. Marketing campaign & survey characteristic is recreation changer.ZapScale offers the view of our buyer well being & prone to churn account which is useful for us to plan our plan of action.”
– ZapScale Overview, Blair J, Director of Operations.
What I dislike about ZapScale:
- Based mostly on G2 person evaluations, reporting looks as if a typical friction level—some customers wished extra customizable choices.
- A number of reviewers additionally talked about slower load occasions on heavier dashboards, although it didn’t appear to be a dealbreaker.
What G2 customers dislike about ZapScale:
“ZapScale would not but present us with an NPS survey, though plans exist to implement one quickly. Within the meantime, we handle NPS utilizing one other software and incorporate its outcomes into ZapScale for evaluation.”
– ZapScale Overview, Aarti P.
Incessantly requested questions (FAQs) on buyer success software program
1. What’s buyer success software program?
Buyer success software program helps companies proactively handle relationships with their clients by monitoring utilization information, automating outreach, and monitoring key success metrics like well being scores and renewals. It ensures clients obtain their desired outcomes, which boosts retention and satisfaction.
2. How is buyer success totally different from buyer assist or CRM software program?
CRM software program is often used for managing gross sales pipelines, whereas buyer assist instruments deal with particular person points. Buyer success platforms, however, take a proactive strategy—figuring out churn dangers and alternatives to drive product adoption and upsells earlier than issues come up.
3. Why is buyer success vital?
Buyer success is important for decreasing churn and maximizing buyer lifetime worth. When your clients persistently get worth out of your product, they’re extra prone to keep, renew, and suggest it. That’s why companies are more and more investing in buyer success software program to scale these outcomes.
4. What options ought to I search for in the most effective buyer success software program?
The most effective buyer success software program presents options like well being rating monitoring, buyer segmentation, utilization analytics, onboarding playbooks, and integrations with CRMs or assist instruments. Superior platforms may additionally embody workflow automation, predictive alerts, and customizable dashboards.
5. How does buyer expertise differ from buyer success?
Buyer expertise is the general notion a buyer has of your model throughout all touchpoints. Buyer success focuses extra narrowly on making certain customers obtain their objectives together with your product. Whereas they overlap, many companies use each buyer expertise software program and buyer success instruments to cowl the total journey.
6. Is there a distinction between software program for buyer success and buyer assist instruments?
Completely. Buyer assist software program is reactive—dealing with points as they come up. Buyer success platforms are proactive—monitoring engagement, triggering alerts for low utilization, and enabling strategic outreach. For optimum outcomes, many groups combine each programs.
7. What are some examples of the most effective buyer success software program obtainable as we speak?
Some in style options embody Gainsight, ChurnZero, Totango, Catalyst, and ClientSuccess. Your best option is dependent upon your organization measurement, business, and whether or not you prioritize automation, integrations, or reporting depth.
Your license to retain
After spending a while exploring totally different buyer success software program platforms, one factor grew to become clear to me: the “finest” software program isn’t nearly options. It’s about match.
What works fantastically for a SaaS firm with a high-touch mannequin would possibly really feel clunky or extreme for a product-led progress group. I discovered that understanding your inside workflows, buyer lifecycle phases, and the actual ache factors your CS group faces is extra vital than chasing shiny dashboards or the costliest resolution.
Right here’s one other factor I picked up throughout this course of: pay shut consideration to how nicely the platform allows proactive engagement. Instruments that provide deep integrations and usage-based triggers (like when a buyer hasn’t logged in for 7 days or drops beneath a sure well being rating) will assist your group transfer from reactive firefighting to strategic relationship constructing. That shift is the place the actual ROI of buyer success software program begins to indicate.
For those who’re nonetheless uncertain, don’t simply depend on vendor demos. Discuss to groups just like yours and run brief pilots when potential. The correct software received’t simply assist your clients succeed; it’ll additionally make your CS group really feel empowered, environment friendly, and aligned with progress.
Need to enhance buyer satisfaction? Discover ways to look after sad clients with escalation administration.