Catalyst vs Gainsight: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Catalyst and Gainsight comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Catalyst
Customer success platform
Best for you if:
- • You need crm features specifically
- • You need customer success platform
- • You need professional-grade features
Gainsight
Customer success platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need customer success features specifically
- • Unified platform (CustomerOS) for end-to-end customer journey orchestration.
- • Leverages AI for early churn detection, expansion opportunities, and personalized customer engagement.
| At a Glance |  Catalyst |  Gainsight |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | CRM | Customer Success |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Catalyst | Gainsight |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 38 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMAnalytics | Customer SuccessCustomer Data Platform |
Understanding the Differences
Both Catalyst and Gainsight solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Catalyst positions itself as "customer success platform" while Gainsightfocuses on "customer success platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Catalyst
Catalyst makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Gainsight
Gainsight is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 88/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Gainsight
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Gainsight is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Gainsight
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Catalyst is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Catalyst
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Gainsight—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Gainsight higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Catalyst more (38 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Gainsight Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Catalyst If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Gainsight (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Gainsight scores higher in our analysis, but Catalyst might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catalyst or Gainsight better?
Based on our analysis, Gainsight scores higher with 88/100. Catalyst ispaid while Gainsight is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Catalyst to Gainsight easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Catalyst and Gainsight offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Catalyst is paid with potential trial.Gainsight is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.