Ever watched a high-potential buyer slip away with out warning? I’ve—and even from the skin wanting in, it’s irritating. What’s worse is realizing it was most likely avoidable.
Churn hardly ever exhibits up with flashing lights. It’s typically a sluggish fade: a drop in utilization, unanswered emails, and quiet complaints. And from all the pieces I’ve realized researching this house, recognizing these indicators early is almost not possible with out the greatest buyer success software program.
I don’t work in buyer success, nor do I ship quarterly enterprise assessment (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 vital beneficial investments a crew could make.
I’ve spoken to CS leaders, learn via 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, choosing the proper one isn’t simple. That’s why I’ve pulled collectively 9 greatest buyer success software program price your consideration based mostly on person suggestions, key options, and the way effectively they really assist groups keep forward of churn.
9 greatest 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. (accessible on request)
- ChurnZero for SaaS companies centered on decreasing churn via automation. (accessible on request)
- Vitally for product-led groups needing quick, versatile CS workflows. (accessible on request)
- Planhat for versatile, modular CS setups (accessible on request)
- Totango for groups wanting prebuilt CS journeys and fast setup (accessible on request)
- Catalyst for startups looking for a contemporary, intuitive CS platform (accessible on request)
- Staircase AI by Gainsight for AI-powered relationship intelligence and sentiment evaluation. (accessible 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, in keeping with G2 Grid Reviews. Pricing for many of those merchandise is on the market upon request, apart from those for which I’ve already included the small print.
9 greatest 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 fitting platform may give CS groups the visibility they should scale customized help, observe 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’ll be able to observe utilization developments, automate check-ins, and spot purple flags earlier than they turn into actual points.
It’s not nearly reacting when issues go unsuitable; it’s about being one step forward and ensuring clients see success each step of the best way.
And should you’re in the course of evaluating instruments, I understand how overwhelming it will possibly 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 true impression they’re making for buyer success groups.
How did I discover and consider one of the best 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 centered on how effectively 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 stored mentioning, options they couldn’t stay with out, or areas the place sure instruments persistently outperformed others.
Please word: Whereas some platforms supply free trials, demos, or guided excursions, there have been just a few I wasn’t capable of strive firsthand. In these circumstances, I related with professionals who’ve used the instruments straight and in contrast their insights with verified G2 evaluations and my very own unbiased analysis. The screenshots on this article embrace a mixture of these captured throughout my analysis and testing, in addition to photos sourced from the distributors’ G2 profiles.
What makes one of the best buyer success software program: My standards
Once I got down to consider these instruments, I centered on what truly helps CS groups do their jobs higher. Right here’s what I prioritized whereas reviewing every platform.
- Ease of use: Even one of the best 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 wish heavy coaching to get began.
- Onboarding and lifecycle automation: I regarded for platforms that make it simple to construct and automate buyer journeys. Triggered emails, activity flows, and success milestones matter when scaling.
- Well being scoring and threat alerts: I paid shut consideration to how every instrument dealt with buyer well being—how versatile the scoring fashions have been, what knowledge they pulled from, and whether or not alerts truly helped groups act earlier than points escalated.
- Integrations with CRM and help instruments: Buyer success doesn’t stay in a vacuum. I prioritized instruments that play properly with CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot and help platforms like Zendesk or Intercom so groups get a unified view of the shopper.
- Playbooks and success planning: I regarded for built-in playbooks and templates that assist standardize processes like renewals, QBRs, or escalations. Bonus factors if the instrument lets groups customise and automate them based mostly on account kind or lifecycle stage.
- Reporting and visibility for CS leaders: I needed to see how simply groups might report on churn, NRR, retention, or phase efficiency. Government dashboards and exportable knowledge made a giant distinction right here.
Utilizing these components, I in contrast over 20 instruments and narrowed them right down to 9 greatest buyer success software program. Whereas they are not excellent, checking each single field in my guidelines, they every excel in key areas that make them price contemplating.
The record beneath accommodates real person evaluations from G2’s buyer success software program class web page. To be included within the record, a instrument should:
- Construct or determine buyer profiles.
- Seize buyer knowledge, historical past, and suggestions, together with survey outcomes, renewals, invoicing, product utilization, sentiment, and crew interactions.
- Facilitate engagement with clients all through the shopper lifecycle.
- Present suggestions, buyer success scores, and success studies based mostly on the evaluation of historic knowledge.
- Automate workflow processes like communications, alerts, coordinating engagements, analyses, success planning, and reporting.
- Predict future buyer progress, purple flags, and developments as dashboards or graphs utilizing knowledge associated to interactions, funds, inquiries, and extra.
- Scale, in keeping with the scale of the corporate and technique of buyer adoption or engagement.
*This knowledge 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 big 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 could be: extremely highly effective, however not with out its quirks. It leans extra in the direction of help and customer support workflows.
What stood out to me instantly was how strong the platform is for case administration. From what I’ve seen and what customers persistently point out, it handles help at scale like a professional. The omnichannel capabilities, together with net, chat, and electronic mail case routing, are an enormous win for help groups juggling a number of channels.
Within the screenshots I captured throughout my trial (earlier than organising the channels), you may see simply how centralized and clear the case view is. You’ll be able to assign labels, change homeowners, merge circumstances, and observe all the pieces with customizable filters. All the pieces, from organising a brand new case and updating them to including information base articles, felt neat when you understood the stream.

The place Salesforce Service Cloud actually shines, in keeping with customers, is in customizability. You’ll be able to tailor workflows, automate actions, and construct dashboards that truly replicate your buyer lifecycle. Throughout my analysis, I noticed this talked about repeatedly: it is a centralized system that makes collaboration simpler, not tougher.
One other factor that jumped out to me was the best way 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 method to automation.
That mentioned, there are just a few trade-offs to bear in mind. One factor that got here up in a number of evaluations was the pricing, which might turn into a consideration for rising groups.
A couple of customers additionally talked about that whereas the platform is very customizable (which is a energy), benefiting from that flexibility generally requires admin or developer help. 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 should you’re not already accustomed to the Salesforce ecosystem.
That mentioned, in case your crew has the assets to get it up and operating correctly, it will possibly completely turn 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 simple to trace, assign, and set up help requests throughout a number of channels with out issues slipping via the cracks.
- I actually like how customizable the platform is. With the ability to tailor workflows, dashboards, and automation to suit completely different CS processes is a big 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, information base, and real-time analytics improve effectivity, whereas customization and scalability make it ideally suited for rising help groups.”
– Salesforce Service Cloud Evaluation, Ian H.
What I dislike about Salesforce Service Cloud:
- I noticed that some superior configurations require admin or developer assist, which might sluggish issues down in case your crew doesn’t have in-house help.
- The pricing construction appears like one thing to look at intently—particularly for rising groups the place prices might stack up quick, based mostly on my analysis.
What G2 customers dislike about Salesforce Service Cloud:
“Salesforce Service Cloud is an excellent platform, however requires plenty of add-ons for what I’d have thought of primary performance, resembling 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 Evaluation, Jon S.
2. Gainsight Buyer Success
Gainsight Buyer Success is precisely what its identify suggests in my view. It provides buyer success groups the perception they should drive actual beneficial properties 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 help.

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 appears like Timeline has turn 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 fact, particularly when juggling a big ebook of enterprise. That’s the form of construction I do know plenty of groups want that they had—much less searching 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 simple it’s to trace account well being, arrange alerts, and even forecast threat. The power to customise playbooks and set off workflows based mostly on conduct or product utilization looks as if an enormous plus, particularly for CS groups attempting to scale with out dropping that private contact.
That mentioned, there are some things to bear in mind. A few customers that the platform can really feel a bit click-heavy at occasions based mostly on what I heard. Accessing sure options typically takes extra steps than you’d anticipate, and that may add friction to your day should you’re working via a excessive quantity of accounts.
One other theme that I noticed typically 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 crew has the fitting assets (or is keen 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 instrument appears to ship worth throughout the board.
I could not have gotten to strive it absolutely myself, but when I have been a part of a CS crew seeking to degree 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 pieces 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 appears like I can construct workflows that truly replicate how the CS crew works, not simply drive us right into a preset system.
What G2 customers like about Gainsight Buyer Success:
“A number of the issues I like most about Gainsight is the breadth of performance. It helps us centralize our buyer knowledge for our Buyer Success Administration groups. As well as, there may be a capability to extremely customise the arrange of your setting.
We are able to write guidelines based mostly on particular actions distinctive to our group; we are able to create related actions from guidelines to JO applications, to studies and dashboards, and again once more. Much like many different organizations, our knowledge doesn’t simply stay in a single supply, so we make the most of its means to connect with different sources, primarily via API calls however Amazon S3 and even CSV when wanted.”
– Gainsight Buyer Success Evaluation, Carol Okay.
What I dislike about Gainsight Buyer Success:
- Based mostly on G2 evaluations, what I discovered is that some elements of the platform really feel a bit click-heavy. It takes just a few additional steps to get the place you wish to go, particularly whenever you’re managing plenty of accounts.
- From what I noticed, Gainsight has a studying curve and works greatest when you have got 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 help.”
– Gainsight Buyer Success Evaluation, Dan A.
3. ChurnZero
Maintaining observe of dozens of accounts, well being scores, and touchpoints isn’t simple. However from all the pieces I’ve learn, ChurnZero helps make it manageable. Full disclosure: I didn’t get the possibility to demo or take a look at 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 effectively ChurnZero brings all the pieces collectively. It’s designed to be a real command heart for CS groups: account overviews, activity monitoring, playbooks, well being scores, buyer journeys are multi functional place.
Many customers talked about how useful it’s to have visibility throughout the shopper lifecycle with out leaping between instruments, and that positively got here via in the best way folks described their each day workflows.
Customization additionally appears to be a giant win. Customers persistently talked about how simple it’s to tailor dashboards, automate processes, and phase accounts based mostly on no matter metrics matter most to them. It appears like ChurnZero provides groups plenty of flexibility with out complexity. There’s additionally a robust emphasis on proactivity. Issues like reminders, alerts, and playbooks appear to assist groups take motion earlier than issues snowball into churn.
That mentioned, it’s not with out its friction factors. One factor I seen in a number of evaluations, and one thing I’d take note if I have been evaluating ChurnZero for my crew, is that it takes somewhat time to get absolutely comfy with the platform. There’s lots beneath the hood, and whereas that depth is certainly a energy, it takes a while.
I noticed just a few reviewers additionally point out that the interface, whereas purposeful, might really feel somewhat dated or click-heavy in locations. It appears 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 robust contender within the buyer success house.
What I like about ChurnZero:
- All the pieces’s centralized—duties, buyer knowledge, journeys, and notes all stay 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 help completely different CS fashions with out forcing a one-size-fits-all setup.
What G2 customers like about ChurnZero:
“ChurnZero covers all facets of Buyer Success and has the overall circle of the shopper journey coated. It’s particularly devoted to Buyer Success processes and that’s what makes it distinctive. It is vitally simple to make use of and it is buyer help can also be superb. I’ve reached out a few occasions they usually have been all the time useful.
ChurnZero is included in our each day duties and we use it fairly often, for probably the most of our processes. I’ve managed to succesfully combine it with my Microsoft accounts (Calendar and Electronic mail) and I’m able to see all messages within the account profile and the conferences as effectively, which makes my day organised.“
– ChurnZero Evaluation, 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 somewhat time to be taught, particularly in case your crew doesn’t have admin help.
- A couple 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 most likely ought to.
What G2 customers dislike about ChurnZero:
“The interface can really feel somewhat outdated – there may very well be some enhancements made to the UX.”
– ChurnZero Evaluation, 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 offer buyer success groups their time again. All the pieces about it appears designed for readability, velocity, and customization, particularly for groups that need knowledge entrance and heart with out drowning in it.

The UI was one of many first issues that stood out to me. It appears clear, trendy, and really pleasant to navigate. A number of reviewers echoed that—it’s customizable, continuously enhancing, and provides you management over the way you see buyer knowledge. You’ll be able to inform it’s designed with day-to-day usability in thoughts.
I additionally preferred how clearly duties and account renewals surfaced. Simply from the screenshot alone, it’s simple 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 knowledge from a number of instruments like CRMs, help techniques, product analytics and makes it usable, not simply seen. Customers appear to like how simple 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.

In fact, no instrument 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 best way you need positively takes a while. It may be somewhat tough to create and put your playbooks in place as they require cautious consideration.
A couple of customers additionally identified that whereas the UI is clear and trendy general, some elements of it may very well be a bit extra intuitive or strong, particularly in terms of accessing sure options. That mentioned, as soon as all the pieces’s in place, most customers appear to agree that the pliability pays off.
Total, Vitally appears like one of many extra trendy, CS-first platforms on the market. It doesn’t simply assist you handle buyer knowledge, it helps you act on it. In case your crew needs one thing highly effective however nonetheless approachable, this one’s price a critical look.
What I like about Vitally:
- I actually preferred how clear and customizable the UI felt—it’s simple to think about a CSM beginning their day and realizing precisely what to concentrate on.
- From what I noticed and browse, the flexibility to automate playbooks and centralize key knowledge from completely different instruments makes it a brilliant environment friendly hub for CS groups.
What G2 customers like about Vitally:
“In case your integrations are arrange accurately, it’s the excellent instrument to carry collectively all related infomation on your CS crew. We combine our product, amplitude, and Hubspot – which suggests I can consider any related cilent knowledge in as soon as place.
I additionally like that you should use it as acommuncation instrument between groups/ indivduals the place issues are much less prone to get buried like it could in one thing like Slack.“
– Vitally Evaluation, Patricia S.
What I dislike about Vitally:
- Some customers talked about (and I can see why) that getting all the pieces arrange, particularly integrations and workflows, and getting comfy with the instrument takes a little bit of upfront effort.
- A couple of elements of the interface, whereas typically trendy, may very well be extra intuitive or versatile in terms of configuring alerts or visualizing knowledge.
What G2 customers dislike about Vitally:
“I do assume that studying Vitally takes a little bit of time and funding, since it’s so customizable. You really want to have folks in your crew who’re invested in “determining” one of the best methods to make Vitally work on your firm and crew. As well as, it is laborious for anyone who’s outdoors 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 isn’t essentially “intuitive”, particularly if anyone new simply logs in with out the correct arrange (or understanding that they should do a arrange).“
– Vitally Evaluation, Melissa S.
5. Planhat
.From renewals and QBRs to portfolio well being and account insights, Planhat constructed to offer 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 dropping velocity.

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’ll be able to shortly see account well being, activity standing, renewal threat, and open growth alternatives multi functional view. I discovered the best way it visualizes buyer portfolios genuinely useful. A number of reviewers known as out the time they save by having all the pieces, from NPS scores to overdue QBRs. in a single place.
What stood out probably the most was the steadiness of flexibility and construction. You’re not pressured 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 mentioned, it’s not a instrument you grasp in a single day. Some customers talked about the educational curve, particularly when attempting to configure dashboards or navigate superior workflows. Others famous that whereas the interface appears clear, it will possibly take a little bit of exploring to get comfy with how all the pieces 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 general, folks appear to genuinely get pleasure from working in Planhat—principally as a result of it helps them keep organized, align higher with inner groups, and prioritize the fitting buyer actions with out guessing. So, I would say it is positively price attempting out.
What I like about Planhat:
- I actually like how customizable the dashboards are. It’s simple to tailor views round account well being, renewals, and buyer exercise with out feeling locked into inflexible templates.
- The best way Planhat pulls in knowledge from completely different techniques 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 heart article is greater than resolved by reaching out to their superior degree Assist Group. 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 Evaluation, Hannah D.
What I dislike about Planhat:
- From what I noticed in evaluations, some elements of the platform can take time to be taught, particularly should you’re attempting to construct out extra superior workflows or views.
- A couple 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:
“Troublesome to get the cling of initially. Filtering might be tough on the information view, particulary saving your most well-liked view. The calendar/ activity planning characteristic just isn’t probably the most intuitive.”
– Planhat Evaluation, Joash G.
6. Totango
Totango positively 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 help CS groups that need visibility, construction, and adaptability—with out having to depend on a CS ops knowledgeable simply to get began.

The factor I seen most, and that exhibits up typically in G2 evaluations, is how useful Totango’s segmenting and filtering capabilities are. Customers actually appear to like how they will shortly slice their buyer base by key metrics, observe lifecycle levels, and monitor conduct with customized views.
It provides you that high-level dashboard really feel whereas nonetheless letting you drill down into what issues. The visible dashboards, activity group, and well being rating visibility stood out as large wins. You get at-a-glance readability on renewals, threat, 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 simple to be taught. For me, that was refreshing to see. The UI is clear and intuitive, and reviewers typically point out that the preliminary setup doesn’t really feel overwhelming, particularly in comparison with some heavier CS platforms.
That mentioned, just a few issues got here up in evaluations I analyzed which might be price calling out. Some customers talked about that sure elements of the platform really feel restricted or inflexible, like activity 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 robust 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 preferred how simple it appeared to phase clients and observe lifecycle levels. The dashboards felt clear and helped floor the fitting data shortly.
- Numerous customers talked about how approachable the platform is, and I can see why. It appears like one thing a CS crew might rise up and operating while not having tons of technical setup.
What G2 customers like about Totango:
“Totango does a incredible job of taking the information fed into the platform and utilizing it to create a Well being Rating based mostly on the parameters that I want. Through the use of the information, campaigns and SuccessBlocs might be simply utilized permitting for loads of customization. The workflows are simple to arrange and implement throughout the entire crew. When I’ve wanted help, the crew has been fast to reply with the fitting resolution.“
– Totango Evaluation, Christopher B
What I dislike about Totango:
- Based mostly on the evaluations, just a few areas really feel extra inflexible than I’d anticipate—like activity creation or account construction, which might restrict flexibility for advanced workflows.
- I seen fairly just a few mentions of integrations that may very well be extra strong or simpler to work with. That is one thing to concentrate to should you work throughout a number of instruments.
What G2 customers dislike about Totango:
“Must be built-in a bit higher to our inner techniques like SalesForce, there may be plenty of inconsistency in crew constructions and account ownershipm, in addition to matching alternatives with accounts.”
– Totango Evaluation, Andrea C.
7. Catalyst
Despite the fact that it is now formally a part of Totango, it’s clear Catalyst earned a robust fame by itself for being quick, clear, and refreshingly simple 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 pieces directly, which meant much less noise and extra precise work getting accomplished. I noticed repeated mentions of how simple it was to trace buyer targets, monitor well being, handle duties, and see all the pieces you want in a single place.
I might additionally see plenty of love for a way non-technical groups might get worth from the platform while not having heavy admin help. Customized views, centralized buyer knowledge, and a clear dashboard expertise made it ideally suited for CS groups who need one thing highly effective however not overwhelming. For people coping with buyer chaos throughout instruments or missing a single supply of fact, Catalyst appeared to offer much-needed readability.
That mentioned, just a few 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 centered 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 pleased with how Catalyst supported their workflow and made CS extra manageable. In case you’re a crew in search of velocity, readability, and a no-nonsense method to buyer success, Catalyst positively earned its rep.
What I like about Catalyst:
- Numerous customers talked about how clear and intuitive the interface felt and I really feel that form of usability goes a great distance in CS work.
- It’s nice that you simply don’t want a ton of admin or technical help to get worth out of it. Based mostly on what I learn, all the pieces simply feels accessible.
What G2 customers like about Catalyst:
“Catalyst pulls actual time triggers and knowledge for our gross sales org that enable 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 each day. I stay up for each catalyst activity I get as a result of it means I’ve extra prospects to achieve out to, and probably extra income to herald.”
– Catalyst Evaluation, Tyler G.
What I dislike about Catalyst:
- There have been just a few feedback about occasional bugs or UI quirks I noticed. There are not any big points, however there are issues that may interrupt your stream whenever you’re in the course of managing accounts.
- From what I gathered, Catalyst might not have all of the superior options provided by greater CS platforms because it focuses extra on simplicity. This isn’t a significant disadvantage, in my view, however one thing to maintain this in thoughts should you want heavy customization or advanced workflows.
What G2 customers dislike about Catalyst:
“The platform could be a bit buggy at occasions and I’ve had my integration with different instruments not sync correctly prior to now.”
– Catalyst Evaluation, Lex H.
8. Staircase AI by Gainsight
Staircase AI stood out to me as one of many extra centered instruments within the buyer intelligence house. It’s constructed particularly to assist CS groups perceive engagement and sentiment throughout accounts, utilizing real-time communication alerts.

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 threat, which stakeholders are going darkish, or the place sentiment is trending.
What stood out to me, and clearly to plenty of customers, is how simple it’s to navigate. A number of reviewers praised the simplicity of the UI and the way intuitive the platform feels each day. You don’t want a giant studying curve to start out 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 alerts, flagging dangers, or displaying who’s engaged at what degree, the platform provides you a way more full image of every account.

In fact, there are just a few minor limitations price noting. I noticed just a few customers stating that the quantity of knowledge can really feel like lots at first however with the fitting setup and studying, it turns into far more manageable. There have been additionally just a few gentle mentions of integration gaps, principally from groups in search of deeper or extra seamless connections with their current instruments.
That mentioned, 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 instrument for groups who need deeper perception with out additional busy work.
What I like about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
- I actually preferred how the platform surfaces relationship alerts like engagement, sentiment, and responsiveness with out having to dig via calls or emails manually.
- The interface regarded clear and simple to navigate, and reviewers appear to agree it’s intuitive sufficient to start out seeing worth shortly.
What G2 customers like about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
“The AI options are nice. They lately launched assembly notes and it has saved me plenty of time post-client calls. The studies are fairly insightful as effectively 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 Evaluation, 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 should you’re managing plenty of accounts and want sharper views.
- A couple of evaluations additionally talked about wanting extra integration depth with instruments your CS instruments depend on sturdy knowledge sync throughout platforms.
What G2 customers dislike about Staircase AI by Gainsight:
“It isn’t a dislike, extra of an ask. Staircase has many native integrations, however there’s all the time room for extra. Extra Name Intelligence integrations and SFDC object syncing could be good additions.”
– Staircase AI by Gainsight Evaluation, 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 persons are saying, it’s simple 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 of us talked about getting a unified view of the shopper. All the pieces from well being scores and product utilization to CS metrics and lifecycle levels is pulled into one place. A couple of reviewers even talked about utilizing it as their central system of file for CS, which says lots.
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 mentioned, there may be nonetheless some enchancment scope. Reporting got here up as a recurring theme as I analyzed evaluations. Whereas the information is there, just a few reviewers felt there may very well be extra personalized studies. 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 somewhat polish might go a great distance.
In case you’re a rising B2B SaaS firm in search of a CS instrument that balances automation with usability, I would say ZapScale is price trying out.
What I like about ZapScale:
- I preferred 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 fitting degree of insights.
What G2 customers like about ZapScale:
“ZapScale is nice for Buyer Success automation, Additionally the Buyer success crew could be very immediate & supportive. Marketing campaign & survey characteristic is recreation changer.ZapScale provides the view of our buyer well being & prone to churn account which is useful for us to plan our plan of action.”
– ZapScale Evaluation, 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 needed extra customizable choices.
- A couple of reviewers additionally talked about slower load occasions on heavier dashboards, although it didn’t look like 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 instrument and incorporate its outcomes into ZapScale for evaluation.”
– ZapScale Evaluation, Aarti P.
Steadily 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 knowledge, 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 completely different from buyer help or CRM software program?
CRM software program is usually used for managing gross sales pipelines, whereas buyer help instruments tackle particular person points. Buyer success platforms, alternatively, take a proactive method—figuring out churn dangers and alternatives to drive product adoption and upsells earlier than issues come up.
3. Why is buyer success essential?
Buyer success is crucial 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 one of the best buyer success software program?
The very best buyer success software program presents options like well being rating monitoring, buyer segmentation, utilization analytics, onboarding playbooks, and integrations with CRMs or help instruments. Superior platforms might also embrace 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 guaranteeing customers obtain their targets together with your product. Whereas they overlap, many companies use each buyer expertise software program and buyer success instruments to cowl the complete journey.
6. Is there a distinction between software program for buyer success and buyer help instruments?
Completely. Buyer help 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 techniques.
7. What are some examples of one of the best buyer success software program accessible in the present day?
Some in style options embrace 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 completely different buyer success software program platforms, one factor grew to become clear to me: the “greatest” software program isn’t nearly options. It’s about match.
What works superbly for a SaaS firm with a high-touch mannequin would possibly really feel clunky or extreme for a product-led progress crew. I realized that understanding your inner workflows, buyer lifecycle levels, and the true ache factors your CS crew faces is extra essential 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 effectively the platform permits 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 crew transfer from reactive firefighting to strategic relationship constructing. That shift is the place the true ROI of buyer success software program begins to point out.
In case you’re nonetheless not sure, don’t simply depend on vendor demos. Discuss to groups just like yours and run brief pilots when potential. The best instrument gained’t simply assist your clients succeed; it’ll additionally make your CS crew really feel empowered, environment friendly, and aligned with progress.
Wish to enhance buyer satisfaction? Discover ways to take care of sad clients with escalation administration.
