Gleam vs GrowSurf: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gleam and GrowSurf 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:
Gleam
Marketing apps for growth
Best for you if:
- • You need landing pages features specifically
- • You need marketing apps for growth
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
GrowSurf
Launch in-product customer referral and affiliate programs for tech startups with minimal dev time.
Best for you if:
- • You need referral marketing features specifically
- • Launches in-product referral and affiliate programs quickly for tech startups.
- • Minimizes development team involvement with plug-and-play setup and white-labeling.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Landing Pages | Referral Marketing |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Gleam | GrowSurf |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 137 | 0 |
| Categories | Landing PagesLead Generation | Referral MarketingAffiliate Marketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Gleam and GrowSurf solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Gleam positions itself as "marketing apps for growth" while GrowSurffocuses on "launch in-product customer referral and affiliate programs for tech startups with minimal dev time.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Gleam
Gleam makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose GrowSurf
GrowSurf is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Gleam lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Gleam
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. GrowSurf is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: GrowSurf
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Gleam
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Gleam, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Gleam higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Gleam more (137 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Gleam Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider GrowSurf If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Gleam. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Gleam scores higher in our analysis, but GrowSurf 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 Gleam or GrowSurf better?
Based on our analysis, Gleam scores higher with high/100. Gleam isfreemium while GrowSurf is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Gleam to GrowSurf 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 Gleam and GrowSurf offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Gleam is freemium with a free tier.GrowSurf is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.