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Software · head to head

Google Optimize vs Kudos

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Software

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Kudos logo

Kudos

Software

Employee recognition that drives performance

From
$5/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Google Optimize has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Kudos kudos publishes no price for any of its three tiers (Basic, Plus, Enterprise); the entire plans page gates every tier behind "Request a Demo" or "Request a Trial" with only a discount for not-for-profit organizations over 100 employees mentioned, no figures given (archived plans page, 22 February 2021)
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Kudos covers Peer-to-peer recognition.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Kudos actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Optimize and Kudos differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizeKudos
Starting priceFree$5/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android, Api
Founded19982010

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Optimize

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment

Only in Kudos

  • Peer-to-peer recognition
  • Manager recognition
  • Social recognition wall
  • Points & rewards
  • Awards & nominations
  • Anniversary celebrations
  • Analytics dashboard
  • Company values alignment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Optimize

  • A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Kudos
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Kudos
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Kudos

Kudos

  • Employee recognitionnot Google Optimize
  • Culture buildingnot Google Optimize
  • Employee engagementnot Google Optimize
  • Retention improvementnot Google Optimize
  • Values reinforcementnot Google Optimize

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Optimize

  • Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
  • Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product

Kudos

  • Kudos publishes no price for any of its three tiers (Basic, Plus, Enterprise); the entire plans page gates every tier behind "Request a Demo" or "Request a Trial" with only a discount for not-for-profit organizations over 100 employees mentioned, no figures given (archived plans page, 22 February 2021)

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

Kudos

$5/month
  • Plus$5/month
    • Peer recognition
    • Social recognition wall
    • Points system
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Everything in Plus
    • Awards & nominations
    • Advanced analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Optimize if

  • You need a/b testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want google analytics integration.

Choose Kudos if

  • You need peer-to-peer recognition.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
  • You also want manager recognition.

Questions people ask

Is Google Optimize or Kudos better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Kudos at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Kudos?
Google Optimize has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Optimize and $5/month for Kudos.
Does Google Optimize or Kudos run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. Kudos runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
Can I use Google Optimize for free?
Yes. Google Optimize has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Kudos starts at $5/month.
What is Google Optimize best used for?
Google Optimize is most often used for a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals, personalising page content for defined audience segments, redirect tests between alternative landing page urls. Of those, a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals and personalising page content for defined audience segments are not what Kudos is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that Kudos cannot?
Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Kudos covers Peer-to-peer recognition, Manager recognition, Social recognition wall, Points & rewards.

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