The Stripe-First Alternative to Swaarm
Swaarm is a robust performance marketing tracking and attribution platform built for networks and high-volume campaigns. For SaaS teams that want Stripe-first affiliate tracking with simpler pricing, Referello is usually the better fit.
Swaarm pricing and packaging are built for networks and high-volume performance teams, which can mean a high monthly starting point that feels disproportionate for early-stage SaaS affiliate programs.
Because Swaarm is centered on tracking links, SDKs, and postbacks instead of Stripe subscription events, SaaS teams can end up doing extra engineering work to align referrals with trials, upgrades, refunds, and recurring revenue.
Swaarm includes a Partner Platform for publishers, but the workflows are optimized for offers and traffic operations, which can feel heavy compared to a lightweight branded affiliate portal designed for SaaS referrals.
Feature Breakdown
| Core Features | Swaarm | Referello |
|---|---|---|
Flat monthly pricing Tiered plans with higher minimums. | Missing | |
Instant Stripe referral tracking No native Stripe subscription event sync. | Missing | |
Reliable last-touch attribution Supports last-click attribution models. | Included | |
Unlimited revenue tracking Revenue reporting tied to tracked events. | Missing | |
Drop-in tracking script Web SDK script via CDN or npm. | Included | |
Auto-generate referral codes Built around tracking links, not codes. | Missing | |
Real-time conversion feed Real-time tracking dashboards and reports. | Included | |
0% revenue share Subscription pricing, no take-rate. | Included | |
Unlimited affiliates Publisher management at scale; contract based. | Usage-based | |
Easy setup effort Setup involves domains, offers, postbacks. | High | |
No campaign limits Campaign volume depends on plan/usage. | Plan-based | |
No team member limits User roles; limits not transparent. | Plan-based | |
Branded affiliate portal Partner Platform provides publisher-facing dashboard. | Included | |
Custom domain Custom domain setup included in plans. | Included | |
Coupon code tracking Coupons supported for publisher source tracking. | Included | |
Automatic payouts Payments can be sent through Tipalti. | Via Tipalti | |
Self-referral abuse prevention Fraud tools focus on traffic, not self-referrals. | Partial |
Which tool is right for you?
Built specifically for Stripe SaaS Founders.
We focus on one thing: Making affiliate tracking seamless for Stripe. No clunky integrations, no enterprise bloat.
- 2-Minute Setup
- Automatic Commissions
- Simple Flat Pricing ($29/mo)
No credit card required · 14-day free trial
"I switched from Swaarm because I was tired of paying monthly fees for features I didn't use. Referello is exactly what I needed."
Final Verdict
Migration Steps
- Inventory your current Swaarm setup (tracking domains, offers, publishers, and any coupon workflows) and document the fields you rely on for reporting.
- Export your partner list (publishers/affiliates) and normalize identifiers (email, name, payout preference, and any custom labels) so it imports cleanly into Referello.
- Create your program structure in Referello (commission rules, attribution window, and partner-facing settings) and connect Stripe so products and revenue events can be tracked immediately.
- Replace or supplement your existing tracking implementation by adding the Referello snippet and updating referral link destinations so new clicks and conversions attribute correctly going forward.
- Run a short parallel period where you validate attribution, reconcile a handful of test conversions, and confirm partner portal experience before fully sunsetting Swaarm links for the SaaS program.
Historical clicks/cookies and existing Swaarm tracking links do not transfer, so plan a short overlap period and set expectations with partners that new referrals will be tracked in Referello going forward.
