UpPromote vs. BixGrow: Why UpPromote Wins for Your Shopify Store?

If you’re exploring affiliate marketing apps for your Shopify store, UpPromote and BixGrow are likely two names that came up during your search.

They both promise to help you launch and grow your affiliate program with ease, but how do you know which one is truly right for your business?

That’s where this comparison comes in.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at UpPromote vs. BixGrow, highlighting the key differences in pricing, features, automation, scalability, and more. Whether you’re new to affiliate marketing or looking to upgrade from another platform, this guide will help you make a confident and informed choice.

UpPromote vs. BixGrow: Overview

Let’s take a quick look at what each affiliate app has to offer. So, you can better understand their strengths before diving into a side-by-side comparison

What is UpPromote?

UpPromote is the top-trusted affiliate marketing app on Shopify, designed to help merchants effectively acquire new customers and grow their businesses through affiliate marketing, with a 4.9/5 rating and over 2,500 reviews on the Shopify App Store.

UpPromote makes it easy to launch a fully branded affiliate program without requiring technical skills. From sign-up pages to links and coupons, everything’s ready to go. You’ll get smart tools to recruit affiliates, such as MLM, referrals, and a marketplace listing. Plus, the app offers real-time tracking, flexible commissions, and responsive 24/7 support.

Recommended by more than 150,000 eCommerce brands, partners, and industry experts worldwide, UpPromote is a reliable and scalable choice for long-term growth.

What is BixGrow?

BixGrow is a purpose-built 2-in-1 affiliate and referral app for Shopify, with a 5.0/5 rating and over 1,100 reviews. It’s made to help businesses grow through word-of-mouth marketing, whether from affiliates, influencers, or loyal customers.

With BixGrow, you can set different commission types, generate affiliate links and coupon codes in seconds, and track performance using multiple methods.

That said, BixGrow still comes with a few limitations. The app offers fewer integrations, basic fraud checks, and lacks automation features, such as auto-payouts. If you’re planning to grow or simplify your workflow, these missing pieces might hold you back.

UpPromote vs. BixGrow: Pricing and Key Features Comparison

Let’s put UpPromote and BixGrow side by side to see how they differ:

	UpPromote	BixGrow
Pricing plans	4 plans available Free Growth: $29.99/month + 2% successful referral sales Professional: $89.99/month + 1.5% successful referral sales Enterprise: $199.99/month + 1% successful referral sales & Additional charge may apply for customization requests	3 plans available Starter: Free Scale: $14.99/month Pro: $24.99/month + Additional charge may apply for customization requests
Key features	3-in-1: Affiliate, Influencer & Referral program Basic + Auto-tier + Recurring commission Customizable affiliate page + pre-designed templates Gifts for affiliates Email & in-app chat with affiliates Scheduled PayPal auto-payout Advanced (covers multiple fraud types) Export W-9 & 1099-NEC forms for U.S. taxes Multi-store support	2-in-1: Affiliate & Referral Program Basic commission setup Editable registration form Email communication Manual PayPal payouts Self-referral blocking only W-9 form collection only
Integrations	15+ integrations	4 integrations
Support	24/7 live chat & email	24/6 live chat & email
Ratings and reviews	Shopify App Store: 4.9 / 5⭐ (2,500+ reviews) Capterra: 4.7 / 5⭐(76 reviews) G2: 4.5 / 5⭐ (16 reviews) GetApp: 4.7 / 5⭐(76 reviews)	Shopify App Store 5.0 / 5⭐(1,100+ reviews)

Program Setup and Commission Types

Both UpPromote and BixGrow enable merchants to establish various affiliate programs. Each program can have unique settings and its own commission structure. This flexibility lets you easily adapt programs for any campaign, target market, or affiliate group.

That said, the way each app handles commission setup and flexibility isn’t quite the same. Some key differences might matter more as your program grows.

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Multiple program types	Support different types of affiliates with separate setups and commission structures	✅	✅
Basic commission models	Standard commission options: percentage of sale, flat rate per order/item	✅	✅
Commission on order value	Apply different commission rates based on order value tiers	✅	✅
Special product commission	Set different commission rates for specific products	✅	✅
New customer commission	Reward affiliates for bringing in first-time buyers	✅	✅
Connected product/ collection commission	Assign affiliates to earn from specific products or collections	✅	✅
Coupon code commission	Apply commission when the affiliate coupon code is used	✅	✅
Lifetime commission	Credit all future purchases from a customer to the first referring affiliate	✅	✅
Recurring commission	Pay commission on subscription renewals	✅	❌
Auto-tier commission	Auto-upgrade affiliates to higher tiers based on performance	✅	❌
Product exclusion	Exclude certain products/collections from commissions	✅	✅

Both apps offer the core essentials: multiple program types, flexible commission models, and rule-based control. You can create and run standard affiliate programs and referral campaigns effectively with either.

However, UpPromote goes further with advanced commission models like auto-tier commission and recurring commission.

💪The winner: UpPromote

UpPromote not only covers the basics. The app also adds automation and flexibility that make it easier to scale and optimize your affiliate program over time.

Scalability and Multi-store Management

Expanding your affiliate program across multiple stores requires seamless scalability and centralized management.

🔍Here’s how each app performs in these areas:

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Multi-store support	Manage multiple Shopify stores from one dashboard	✅	❌
Cross-store syncing	Share program data, rules, and bonuses across stores	✅	❌
Unified affiliate access	Let affiliates use one login & referral code across all stores	✅	❌

While both apps work well for single-store setups, UpPromote is significantly ahead in multi-store management — a feature that BixGrow currently doesn’t offer.

💪 The winner: UpPromote

If you’re running or planning to expand to multiple Shopify stores, UpPromote gives you the structure and tools to scale without the repetitive work.

Tracking Methods

Both UpPromote and BixGrow support multiple tracking methods to ensure affiliates get the right credit for their referrals.

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Affiliate link (cookie-based)	Track clicks and conversions via unique affiliate links, support custom cookie duration & UTM tracking	✅	✅
Coupon code tracking	Attribute sales using affiliate-specific discount codes	✅	✅
Lifetime tracking	Affiliates earn from all future purchases by the same customer	✅	✅
Product/collection tracking	Assign affiliates to specific products or collections	✅	✅
Subscription order tracking	Track and reward commissions on recurring orders	✅	❌

Both platforms offer solid, reliable tracking methods, making it easy for affiliates to get credited through links, coupons, or even long-term customer relationships.

However, UpPromote  offers an extra edge with subscription tracking – perfect for businesses offering memberships or recurring products. The app integrates with subscription apps like Appstle, Recharge, Bold, Seal Subscriptions, and Recurpay. This enables merchants to track and reward affiliates for every billing cycle automatically.

💪 The winner: UpPromote
While both apps cover the basics, UpPromote’s ability to track subscription renewals gives it a clear advantage, especially for merchants focused on long-term customer value.

Affiliate Recruitment Capabilities

Both platforms give store owners a rich set of tools to find and recruit affiliates. However, there are still differences worth noting.

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Affiliate registration page	Create a sign-up form for new affiliates	✅	✅
Affiliate form customization	Edit form fields and layout	✅ 3 pre-designed templates	✅ 1 basic layout
Multi-level marketing (MLM)	Let affiliates recruit others and earn from their downline	✅	✅
Affiliate marketplace	List your program to reach more potential affiliates	✅	✅
Customer referral program	Turn customers into affiliates through widgets or referral sign-ups	✅ Refer & Earn widget + landing page	✅ Widget + post-purchase popup

Here are the features both UpPromote and BixGrow have in common: they let you set up customizable sign-up pages, run MLM programs, list your brand in a marketplace, and convert customers into brand advocates.

However, BixGrow’s form design is limited to a basic layout, which looks like this:

UpPromote, on the other hand, offers three pre-designed templates that align with your brand style. These include:

1. The Basic Template

2. The Comfort Template

3. The Trendy Template

💪 The winner: UpPromote

With more design flexibility and control over the sign-up page, UpPromote helps your program appear more professional and convert better.

Affiliate Management

Both UpPromote and BixGrow offer a complete suite of features to support affiliate program management. With these tools, merchants can onboard affiliates, provide support, offer rewards, maintain communication, and prevent fraud effectively.

However, there are some clear differences in how each app handles these tasks.

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Affiliate approval process	Manage how affiliates join your program (Invite affiliates, import via CSV, and set manual/ auto-approval workflows)	✅	✅
Affiliate portal	Let affiliates access program info, creative assets, and track performance	✅	✅
Email & in-app chat	Stay connected with affiliates and provide timely updates	✅ Email + in-app chat	❌
Bonus & gifts	Motivate affiliates to perform better and stay engaged	✅ Bonuses + gifts	❌
Fraud prevention	Keep your program clean and prevent fake or dishonest activity	✅ Detect duplicates, self-referrals, geo-blocking, hide registration form	✅ Detect self-referrals

Both platforms let you onboard affiliates smoothly, provide essential tools and materials, reward performance, and guard against fraud. But UpPromote stands out with:

💡In-app chat alongside email → more flexible communication
💡Gift-sending feature → better for building loyalty

💡More advanced fraud protection → better control over affiliate quality and program security

💪 The winner: UpPromote

UpPromote gives you more powerful tools to manage your affiliates, especially when it comes to communication, fraud control, and motivating affiliates.

Performance Analytics and Reporting

UpPromote and BixGrow have analytics dashboards and reporting tools. With these features, merchants can watch affiliate performance and check how well their campaigns run.

🔍Here’s a detailed look at how each platform handles data visibility and reporting capabilities:

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Real-time dashboard	View affiliate performance: total clicks, orders, sales, commissions, etc.	✅	✅
Top affiliate insights	Identify top performers based on clicks or revenue	✅	✅
Product analytics	Track which products generate the most affiliate sales	✅	✅
Referral source tracking	See where affiliate traffic is coming from	✅	✅
Report export formats	Download data for further analysis	✅ CSV, Excel, PDF	✅ CSV only

Both platforms allow you to monitor overall affiliate performance, identify top affiliates and products, and export data for external use. However, UpPromote excels in providing:

💡More detailed visual reports that make performance insights easier to understand

💡A more intuitive dashboard layout that reduces the need to switch between tabs

💡Customizable exports available in multiple formats (CSV, Excel, PDF)

Meanwhile, BixGrow’s report layout is more basic and requires switching between tabs:

💪 The winner: UpPromote

If you care about digging into performance data and making informed decisions, UpPromote gives you the clarity and flexibility you need to optimize your affiliate program.

Affiliate Payout Processing

Smooth payout processing makes sure your affiliates are paid accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

🔍Here’s a direct comparison of what each platform offers:

Feature	What’s it for?	UpPromote	BixGrow
Manual payouts	Send payments outside the platform and mark as paid	✅	✅
In-app payouts	Pay via PayPal or store credit	✅	✅
Scheduled auto-payouts	Automate payments with thresholds/limits	✅ Available (PayPal)	❌
Invoice support	Export and customize payout invoices	✅ Export to CSV, PDF	✅ CSV export only
Tax compliance tools	Help with collecting tax info and generating reports for accounting	✅ W-9 & 1099-NEC generation	✅ W-9 collection only

Both solutions give merchants the ability to manage payouts manually or in-app using PayPal and store credit. They also support invoice exports and include tools for W-9 tax form collection, helping merchants handle essential payout and compliance tasks efficiently.

But UpPromote outpaces BixGrow by offering:

💡More flexible invoice formats (CSV & PDF)

💡Built-in 1099‑NEC form generation

💡Automated PayPal payouts with scheduling options

💪 The winner: UpPromote

UpPromote streamlines payouts with automation and advanced tax tools, giving you peace of mind and saving time on repetitive tasks.

UpPromote vs. BixGrow: Integration Capabilities

Discover how each platform connects with your tech stack:

UpPromote Integrations

UpPromote’s integration options include:

• Email marketing: Klaviyo, Mailchimp, and Omnisend.
• Payment method: PayPal
• Subscription and payment apps: Recharge, Appstle, Bold, Seal, and Recurpay.
• Shopify functions: Auto-tag referral orders and sync affiliates to Shopify’s customer list.
• Page builder support: PageFly and EComposer.
• Extensions for affiliates: MooseDesk live chat, Chat plugin, Facebook Pixel, and Postback URL
• Advanced developer tools: API key and Third-party tracking (track clicks from landing pages that are not built on Shopify).

BixGrow Integrations

Key integrations that BigGrow provides are:

• Email marketing: Klaviyo and Mailchimp.
• Payment method: PayPal
• Third-party checkout: Yampi

UpPromote vs. BixGrow: User Reviews and Overall Satisfaction

Wondering what real people say about these apps? Let’s take a look at how users rate UpPromote and BixGrow across Shopify and popular review platforms:

UpPromote

Capterra scores consistently fall between 4.7–5.0/5, with users praising UpPromote for its:

• Easy to set up and use
• Powerful customization options
• Responsive and helpful support

One reviewer on Capterra shares:

GetApp also shows a 4.7/5 rating, with reviews praising its user-friendly interface and feature stack.

On the Shopify App Store, UpPromote maintains a strong 4.9/5 rating from over 2,500 merchants. Users often praise its ease of use, real-time performance tracking, and dedicated support. They also appreciate the built-in automation, which saves time on daily tasks.

On G2, the app earns a 4.5/5 rating. Reviewers highlight its strong features for managing affiliate and referral programs. They also praise its functionality and scalability.

BixGrow

On the Shopify App Store, BixGrow holds a 5.0/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews. Most users praise its simple integration, accurate tracking, and standout support.

For example, one merchant left the following review:

However, BixGrow does not yet have profiles on platforms like Capterra, G2, or GetApp. So, user feedback is currently limited to its Shopify presence.

Why UpPromote Is the Best BixGrow Alternative

Choosing between UpPromote and BixGrow isn’t always easy. Let’s take a closer look at the table below to make an informed decision.

Get More Value from the Free Plan

UpPromote gives you up to 200 referrals per month on the Free plan. This is four times more than BixGrow’s 50 referral orders at the same plan level.

You can establish commissions in different ways. The app enables you to choose standard methods: a percentage of the sale, a flat rate per order, or a flat rate per item. Also, other options include commission on order value and special product commissions. All of these are available in UpPromote’s Free plan.

In contrast, BixGrow’s Free plan just provides a basic setup. Users can choose from default commission options, such as a percentage of the sale, a flat rate per order, or per item.

Additionally, UpPromote lets you send bulk emails within a daily limit (100 emails), even on the Free plan. BixGrow only offers this feature in the Pro plan.

More Automation, Less Manual Work

UpPromote helps merchants save time and operate more efficiently with a wide range of automation features, such as

• Auto-approve affiliates
• Auto-generate referral links and coupons
• Auto-approve referred orders
• Auto-track and calculate commissions
• Auto-payout through PayPal
• Auto-tier commission structure

BixGrow also offers some automation features to support affiliate management. However, they currently don’t support auto-payout via PayPal or auto-tier commission like UpPromote does.

Protect Your Program from Fraud

UpPromote offers strong fraud prevention tools to help you keep your affiliate program secure. These include:

• Detecting and blocking suspicious signups or referrals based on IP addresses
• Blocking certain affiliates from joining your program
• Rejecting referrals from risky IPs
• Hiding your affiliate registration form from search engines
• Restricting registrations by country or region

These protections go beyond BixGrow, which mainly focuses on blocking self-referrals.

Communicate Better with Your Affiliates

UpPromote gives you two ways to stay in touch with your affiliates. You can use email from the Free plan, and in-app chat starting from the Growth plan. This helps you build stronger relationships and improve affiliate performance.

In comparison, BixGrow only supports email communication and requires an upgrade to the Pro plan to access this feature. And, there’s no in-app chat feature available.

Scale Across Multiple Stores Seamlessly

If you manage more than one Shopify store, UpPromote helps you grow without having to repeat your setup:

• Manage multiple stores from a single account
• Sync affiliate data and commission structures across stores
• Let affiliates use one referral code for all connected stores

BixGrow does not support multi-store management. This means that you’ll need to build and maintain each affiliate program separately for every store.

Customize Without Technical Help

With UpPromote, you can configure a custom domain for your affiliate portal on your own — no developer needed.

BixGrow, on the other hand, requires developer assistance for custom domains.

This difference makes UpPromote a better fit for merchants without a technical team.

Final Words

If you’re choosing between UpPromote and BixGrow, UpPromote is the better option overall.

BixGrow is a clean, beginner-friendly app. It covers all the basics and works well if you’re just starting out with affiliate marketing and want something simple. But it does come with limits—especially if you manage more than one store, since BixGrow doesn’t support multi-store connections. Some advanced features are also more limited or require manual setup.

UpPromote, on the other hand, is a more complete and flexible solution. It’s easy enough for beginners, but powerful enough for merchants who want to grow. You get features like auto-tier commissions, in-app chat, gift-sending, multi-store support, and stronger fraud protection. These tools save time, help you scale, and give you more control over your program.

So whether you’re just starting out or already growing fast, UpPromote gives you the tools to do affiliate marketing right—and keep getting better over time.