Zeffy vs Givebutter: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zeffy and Givebutter 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.
Bottom line: Zeffy is our free Fundraising pick. Givebutter is our overall pick. Pick Givebutter if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zeffy
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Givebutter requires payment)
- • You want genuinely free with no paid tier: no platform fee, no processing fee, no contact limit and nothing gated behind an upgrade
- • You want zeffy absorbs the card processing costs, so the organization receives the full amount a donor gives, whether or not that donor adds a contribution
Givebutter
All-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits with 0% fees and built-in rewards.
Best for you if:
- • You want 0% platform fees, allowing nonprofits to keep more donations
- • You want comprehensive suite of fundraising and CRM tools in one platform
| At a Glance | Zeffy | Givebutter |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Fundraising | Fundraising |
Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Zeffy or Givebutter?
Choose Zeffy if
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
- You want a fully free tool (Givebutter requires payment)
- You want genuinely free with no paid tier: no platform fee, no processing fee, no contact limit and nothing gated behind an upgrade
- You want zeffy absorbs the card processing costs, so the organization receives the full amount a donor gives, whether or not that donor adds a contribution
Choose Givebutter if
All-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits with 0% fees and built-in rewards.
- You want 0% platform fees, allowing nonprofits to keep more donations
- You want comprehensive suite of fundraising and CRM tools in one platform
| Feature | Zeffy | Givebutter |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.9/5 3,091 reviews | ★4.7/5 3,088 reviews |
| Categories | FundraisingNonprofit Tools | FundraisingCRM |
In-Depth Analysis
Zeffy
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
Strengths
- +Genuinely free with no paid tier: no platform fee, no processing fee, no contact limit and nothing gated behind an upgrade
- +Zeffy absorbs the card processing costs, so the organization receives the full amount a donor gives, whether or not that donor adds a contribution
- +Fundraising and the donor CRM are one system, so a ticket buyer, an auction bidder and a member all land on the same contact record
- +Automated tax receipts, payment confirmations and thank-you emails out of the box
- +In-person card payments and cash logging from a phone, with no hardware to buy
Weaknesses
- -Nonprofits only. An individual, an informal group or a business cannot open an account, and eligibility needs an EIN or local equivalent plus a bank account in the organization's name
- -No auctioneer-led live bidding, paddle raise or fund-a-need, and no live streaming for a hybrid gala, so a large seated event run from a stage is better served elsewhere
- -No SMS or text-to-give marketing, and no volunteer management
Key features
Givebutter
All-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits with 0% fees and built-in rewards.
Givebutter's pricing is incredibly generous, especially with its robust free tier offering core fundraising functionalities.
Strengths
- +0% platform fees, allowing nonprofits to keep more donations.
- +Comprehensive suite of fundraising and CRM tools in one platform.
- +Givebutter Wallet offers 2.5% APY rewards on funds with no fees or minimums.
- +Supports a wide variety of payment methods, including PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App.
- +High conversion rates for donation forms (47% reported).
Weaknesses
- -Givebutter Plus, with advanced features, is a paid add-on.
- -Nonprofits might need to encourage donors to cover processing fees to maintain 0% platform costs.
Key features
Pricing: Zeffy vs Givebutter
| Plan | Zeffy | Givebutter |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $0/month Free forever |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $29/mo Givebutter Plus (250 or less contacts) |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $79/mo Givebutter Plus (1,000 contacts) |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $129/mo Givebutter Plus (2,500 contacts) |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Zeffy pricing and Givebutter pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zeffy is free. Givebutter is freemium.
Go with: Zeffy
Want the highest-rated option?
Zeffy: 4.9/5 (3,091 reviews). Givebutter: 4.7/5 (3,088 reviews).
Go with: Zeffy
Value user reviews?
Zeffy: 3,091 reviews (4.9/5). Givebutter: 3,088 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Zeffy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zeffy is free. Givebutter is freemium. Go with Zeffy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are fundraising tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Zeffy is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Zeffy
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.7/5
- Larger review base (3,091 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Givebutter
- Choose if you want all-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits with 0% fees and built-in rewards
The Bottom Line
Zeffy is our free Fundraising pick. Givebutter is our overall pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zeffy or Givebutter better?
Zeffy is rated in our evaluation. Zeffy is free and Givebutter is freemium.
What are Zeffy and Givebutter used for?
Zeffy: All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits. Givebutter: All-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits with 0% fees and built-in rewards..
What does Zeffy cost vs Givebutter?
Zeffy is completely free. Givebutter is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.