The Top 12 Free Affiliate Tracking Software Options in 2026

Starting an affiliate program is a powerful way to drive sales, but the cost of tracking software can be a major hurdle for new and growing businesses. The good news is you don't need a huge budget to get started. A robust free affiliate tracking software can provide the core functionality you need to recruit partners, track referrals, and manage commissions without initial investment.

This guide dives deep into the best free tools and generous free tiers available today. We'll cut through the marketing noise to give you a clear, practical roadmap for launching your program. We will analyze each platform's core features, pinpoint the exact limitations of its free plan, and identify the best-fit use cases to help you make an informed decision. For a broader understanding of strategic marketing and launching cost-effective programs, explore ValueCMO's marketing insights.

Whether you're a SaaS startup, an indie founder, or a community operator, our goal is to help you find the right launchpad for your business. We cover dedicated solutions for Shopify and WordPress, as well as versatile tools for custom-built platforms. Each review includes screenshots, direct links, and an honest assessment of setup complexity and data ownership, so you can choose a solution that aligns with your technical resources and business goals. This list provides the practical insights needed to build profitable partnerships from day one, helping you understand when a free tool is sufficient and when it’s time to upgrade to a more advanced native solution.

1. UpPromote: Affiliate & Referral (Shopify)

For Shopify store owners, UpPromote offers one of the most accessible entry points into the world of affiliate marketing. Its permanent Free plan is a standout feature, providing a genuine, no-cost way to test the waters with partner programs. This makes it an ideal piece of free affiliate tracking software for businesses wanting to experiment with affiliate or influencer collaborations without an initial financial commitment.

The platform’s deep integration with Shopify is its greatest strength, allowing for a remarkably fast setup process directly within your store's dashboard. You can quickly generate tracking links and coupon codes, which are the essential building blocks for any program. While the free tier is generous, it's designed for new or small-scale programs, and understanding these limits is key to managing expectations.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plan includes fundamental tracking capabilities but comes with specific constraints.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

UpPromote’s free tier is perfectly suited for a Shopify merchant who is just starting to explore partner marketing. It's an excellent tool for launching your first influencer campaign or a simple referral program to gauge interest and measure initial ROI. The direct Shopify integration simplifies the process of creating an affiliate program from scratch.

However, once your program gains traction and you exceed 200 partner approvals per month or need more sophisticated features like advanced analytics and automated emails, upgrading will be necessary. For businesses not on Shopify or those requiring a more integrated, API-first solution from day one, a native tool like Refgrow might be a better long-term fit.

• Website: https://uppromote.com/pricing

2. GoAffPro (Shopify)

For Shopify merchants seeking a more feature-rich free offering, GoAffPro presents a compelling option. Its free "Hobby" plan is exceptionally generous, placing no limits on the number of affiliates or the revenue they can generate. This makes it a powerful piece of free affiliate tracking software for stores anticipating rapid growth or wanting to build a large partner network without immediate platform costs.

Similar to other Shopify-native apps, GoAffPro integrates seamlessly into your store, offering a straightforward setup. The platform provides essential tools like coupon code tracking, commission rule management, and a portal for media assets right out of the box. Its free tier is robust enough to run a fully functional affiliate program, setting it apart from competitors with stricter limitations.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plan covers all the basics and more, with key features locked behind paid tiers.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

GoAffPro’s free plan is ideal for Shopify stores that want to scale their partner program without worrying about hitting affiliate or revenue caps. It's an excellent choice for businesses ready to manage a larger volume of partners from the start. The unlimited nature of the free tier provides a genuine runway for growth before an upgrade is needed.

However, if you require advanced features like multi-level marketing (MLM), deeper branding customization, or automated workflows, you will need to move to a paid plan. While GoAffPro is powerful for Shopify, businesses needing a more agnostic or API-driven solution for a custom platform might find a native tool like Refgrow offers better long-term flexibility.

• Website: https://goaffpro.com/pricing

3. BixGrow: Affiliate Marketing (Shopify)

BixGrow is another strong contender in the Shopify ecosystem, offering a permanent free plan designed for new and growing stores. Its "Starter" plan provides a solid foundation for launching a referral or affiliate program without upfront costs. This makes it an excellent piece of free affiliate tracking software for merchants who want to test partner marketing and leverage BixGrow's marketplace to find new affiliates.

The platform focuses on essential features, ensuring users can track referrals via links and coupon codes effectively from day one. Its integration with Shopify allows for the auto-generation of coupons, simplifying a key part of the setup process. While the free tier has clear limits, the paid plans are affordably priced, offering a smooth upgrade path as your program scales.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plan includes the necessary tools to run a small program, with clear boundaries on volume.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

BixGrow's free plan is ideal for Shopify store owners who are just beginning their affiliate marketing journey and anticipate a smaller, more focused group of initial partners. The 50-order and 30-affiliate limits are sufficient for a pilot program or for businesses with a lower monthly order volume. Its highly-rated support and easy setup make it a safe choice for beginners.

Once your program surpasses these monthly limits or you require advanced features like multi-level marketing (MLM) structures, lifetime commissions, or custom domains for your affiliate portal, upgrading becomes essential. For those needing unlimited scale from the start or a non-Shopify solution, a dedicated tool like Refgrow provides a more robust, API-centric alternative.

• Website: https://bixgrow.com/pricing/

4. Enlistly (Shopify)

For Shopify merchants seeking straightforward affiliate or influencer tracking, Enlistly delivers a no-frills, effective solution. Its perpetual free plan supports up to three active affiliates, making it one of the most accessible free affiliate tracking software options. The UI is clean and intuitive, enabling rapid setup directly within your store dashboard. Customer support is responsive via email, and you can launch campaigns in minutes by generating unique links or discount codes.

Core Features & Limitations

Enlistly’s free tier covers essential tracking capabilities with a few practical constraints. Bulk payouts via PayPal and ACH are available, but scheduling and extended referral windows require an upgrade.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

Enlistly is ideal for early-stage storefronts or niche brands that want to test partner marketing on a tight budget. The free plan’s three-affiliate cap makes it perfect for pilot campaigns or micro-influencer collaborations. As a practical tip, invite your top-performing customers directly into the affiliate portal using the branded signup page to streamline onboarding. When your network grows beyond three affiliates or you need extended retention and automated payouts, consider upgrading or switching to a more scalable solution like Refgrow.

Website: https://apps.shopify.com/enlistly

5. AfterShip Referral & Affiliate (Automizely) (Shopify)

For Shopify merchants already familiar with the AfterShip ecosystem, their Referral & Affiliate app provides an integrated solution to launch partner programs. The free plan offers a solid entry point, allowing store owners to explore both referral and affiliate marketing without upfront costs. This makes it a compelling piece of free affiliate tracking software for those wanting to leverage an established brand for their initial campaigns.

The app's strength lies in its simplicity and direct connection to Shopify, enabling quick setup of reward-based campaigns. You can invite creators, manage partners, and monitor performance from a clean admin dashboard. While the free tier is functional for basic programs, it is designed to encourage an upgrade to access more advanced features within the broader Automizely suite.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plan covers the essentials for a startup program but has clear boundaries.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

AfterShip's free tier is best suited for Shopify store owners who are starting out with partner marketing and want a tool from a reputable ecosystem. It’s an excellent choice for running a small-scale referral program alongside an initial affiliate test campaign. The seamless integration simplifies the process of creating an affiliate program that feels native to your Shopify experience.

However, once your program requires more customization, automated workflows, or generates significant revenue, the limitations will prompt an upgrade. Businesses not on Shopify or those needing a more flexible, API-driven solution like Refgrow for deep, native integration will find this tool too platform-specific for their needs.

• Website: https://apps.shopify.com/automizely-loyalty

6. Shopify Collabs

For Shopify merchants, Shopify Collabs is the platform’s native solution for influencer and affiliate marketing. It is completely free to install and has no monthly fees, positioning it as an excellent piece of free affiliate tracking software for store owners who want to manage partnerships directly within their existing ecosystem. This deep integration removes the need for a third-party app, streamlining creator recruitment and program management from the start.

The platform focuses heavily on creator outreach, providing tools to build custom application pages and manage relationships. It covers the essentials of affiliate marketing, including link and discount code tracking, with automated commission payouts handled natively. While the absence of a monthly subscription is a major advantage, merchants should be aware of the transaction-based fee structure.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plan provides robust features for a no-cost tool but has a transaction fee on payouts.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

Shopify Collabs is the ideal choice for store owners who want a low-barrier, fully integrated way to begin creator and influencer outreach. Its native functionality makes it easy to create an affiliate program without adding another monthly subscription to your expenses. It is particularly well-suited for businesses focusing on social media influencers.

However, the 2.9% processing fee on commission payouts can become a significant cost as your program scales. Additionally, some users have noted the need to closely monitor for potential fraud or attribution discrepancies. For businesses needing more advanced analytics, multi-level marketing structures, or a solution that is not tied to Shopify, a dedicated platform like Refgrow might offer better long-term scalability and control.

• Website: https://apps.shopify.com/collabs

7. WP Affiliate Manager (WordPress)

For businesses built on WordPress, WP Affiliate Manager provides a native plugin solution to launch an affiliate program directly from your dashboard. Its core plugin is completely free, making it a powerful piece of free affiliate tracking software for those deeply embedded in the WordPress ecosystem, especially users of WooCommerce. It eliminates the need for third-party subscriptions by handling affiliate recruitment, management, and tracking within your own site.

The primary advantage is its direct integration with popular WordPress e-commerce plugins. This self-hosted approach gives you full control over your data and program rules without relying on an external platform. While the user interface can feel somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS solutions, its functionality is robust for a free tool, covering all the essentials needed to get a program running.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plugin offers a comprehensive feature set but may require paid add-ons for more advanced capabilities.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

WP Affiliate Manager is the ideal starting point for a WordPress or WooCommerce store owner who wants to create an affiliate program with no upfront software costs. It's perfect for managing a straightforward program where you retain full ownership of your data. The setup is simple for anyone familiar with the WordPress plugin environment.

However, if your business requires sophisticated automation, multi-level marketing (MLM) structures, or a sleek, modern user experience for your affiliates, you will likely need to invest in paid add-ons or a dedicated SaaS platform. For non-WordPress sites or businesses that prioritize a seamless API for custom integrations, a native solution like Refgrow would be a more suitable choice.

• Website: https://wpaffiliatemanager.com/download/

8. Affiliates by itthinx (WordPress)

For businesses built on WordPress, Affiliates by itthinx is a mature and highly extensible plugin that offers a robust affiliate system at no cost. Its core strength lies in its developer-friendly architecture, providing a powerful foundation for users who need flexibility and control directly within their WordPress environment. This makes it an excellent piece of free affiliate tracking software for those comfortable with the WordPress ecosystem and looking for a self-hosted solution.

Unlike many SaaS platforms, this plugin gives you complete data ownership and deep integration capabilities. The free version is surprisingly generous, allowing for unlimited affiliates and fundamental tracking without imposing partner limits. While the initial setup can be more technical than a one-click SaaS app, its extensive documentation and active development make it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Core Features & Limitations

The free version provides a complete affiliate management system, though advanced e-commerce integrations are reserved for paid tiers.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

Affiliates by itthinx is the ideal choice for a WordPress site owner, particularly developers or agencies, who want a flexible, self-managed affiliate system. It’s perfect for content sites, membership platforms, or simple e-commerce stores that need to create an affiliate program with full data control and no monthly fees or partner limits. The availability of free companion integrations adds significant value out of the box.

However, if your business relies heavily on complex WooCommerce features like per-product commissions or recurring payments, you will need to upgrade to the Pro version. For those who prefer a non-technical, managed solution or are not using WordPress, a dedicated platform like Refgrow would offer a more streamlined, API-first experience.

• Website: https://www.itthinx.com/plugins/affiliates/

9. YITH WooCommerce Affiliates (WordPress)

For merchants operating on WordPress and WooCommerce, the YITH WooCommerce Affiliates plugin is a trusted and straightforward option. As a free plugin from a reputable developer, it offers a secure and well-maintained way to introduce affiliate marketing into your e-commerce strategy. This makes it an excellent piece of free affiliate tracking software for store owners who prioritize stability and a clear upgrade path within the WordPress ecosystem.

The plugin’s primary advantage is its native integration with WooCommerce, ensuring compatibility and a simple configuration process directly from your WordPress dashboard. You can quickly set up affiliate registration, generate referral links, and begin tracking commissions without complex third-party setups. While the free version covers the essentials, it is designed as a foundational tool.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plugin provides core tracking functionality but reserves advanced automation for its premium version.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

YITH WooCommerce Affiliates is ideal for a WooCommerce store owner who needs a simple, reliable, and free solution to get started. It’s perfect for launching a basic program to collaborate with a handful of partners or influencers, providing essential tools for creating an affiliate program without initial costs. The plugin’s active maintenance ensures it stays compatible with the latest WooCommerce updates.

However, if you require features like tiered commission rates, automated payouts, or deeper analytics, you will need to upgrade to the premium version. For businesses not using WooCommerce or those who need a more flexible, API-driven solution like Refgrow from the beginning, a dedicated platform would be a more suitable choice.

• Website: https://wordpress.org/plugins/yith-woocommerce-affiliates/

10. BeMob (affiliate ad tracker)

BeMob is not for managing an affiliate program, but rather for affiliates and media buyers who need to track their own campaigns. It stands out as a powerful performance tracker for individuals running paid ads across various traffic sources. This makes it a unique form of free affiliate tracking software, focusing on the affiliate's side of the equation rather than the merchant's. Its free tier is particularly generous, offering a high event limit for those testing complex ad funnels.

The platform is designed for tracking clicks, conversions, and revenue from multiple campaigns, offers, and landing pages. This is crucial for performance marketers who need granular data to optimize their ad spend and campaign performance. Its event-based model means you only pay if you exceed the substantial free limit, providing a scalable entry point.

Core Features & Limitations

The free plan provides robust tracking capabilities but has key constraints on data retention and event volume.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

BeMob is the perfect free tool for a solo affiliate marketer or media buyer who is launching their first paid ad campaigns. It's excellent for testing different traffic sources against various affiliate offers to find winning combinations without an initial investment. The platform gives you the detailed data needed to truly understand how to track affiliate links effectively from a performance marketing perspective.

However, its primary limitation is that it's not designed to run an affiliate program for your own business; it lacks partner portals, commission management, and payout features. If your goal is to build a partner program for your product, a platform like Refgrow is the appropriate solution. BeMob is exclusively for tracking the performance of your own affiliate marketing efforts.

• Website: https://bemob.com/pricing

11. Endorsely (SaaS affiliate program tool)

Endorsely provides a lightweight affiliate and referral solution specifically designed for SaaS companies. Its standout free Starter plan is revenue-capped, meaning it’s completely free until your partners generate over $1,000 in monthly revenue. This model makes it a genuinely risk-free piece of free affiliate tracking software for SaaS founders wanting to validate an affiliate channel before committing to a paid subscription.

The platform’s core strength is its simplicity and direct integration with Stripe, which facilitates a quick setup process. Founders can quickly generate tracking links and discount codes, and the built-in PayPal bulk payout feature streamlines commission payments. While the free tier is generous for validation, its revenue cap is a clear indicator that it's designed for the initial growth phase of a partner program.

Core Features & Limitations

The free Starter plan offers essential tracking tools tied to a revenue threshold, not feature limits.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

Endorsely’s free tier is an ideal choice for an early-stage SaaS founder who wants to test the viability of affiliate marketing with minimal overhead. It’s perfect for setting up an initial program to onboard your first few partners and measure performance without a fixed monthly cost. The focus on SaaS-relevant metrics and payment integrations simplifies the process of creating an affiliate program that is lean and effective.

Once your affiliate-driven revenue consistently exceeds $1,000 per month, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. For businesses that require advanced features like an affiliate marketplace or multi-level marketing (MLM) structures from the start, a more feature-rich platform might be necessary.

• Website: https://www.endorsely.com/pricing

12. G2: Free Affiliate Marketing Software list

Rather than a single tool, G2's curated list is a discovery platform for finding and vetting affiliate marketing software that offers free plans. It serves as a powerful starting point, aggregating dozens of options in one place, which saves significant time during the research phase. This makes it an essential resource for anyone looking for free affiliate tracking software who wants to compare the market based on real user feedback.

The platform excels by leveraging its extensive user review database. You can filter the affiliate marketing category to show only tools with a free offering, and then sort them by user ratings, popularity, or other criteria. This allows you to quickly identify top-rated solutions and read firsthand accounts of their strengths and weaknesses, offering a layer of social proof that vendor websites lack.

Core Features & Limitations

The resource provides a high-level overview of available software, but the details require verification.

Best Use Case & Recommendation

G2's list is the ideal first stop for founders and marketing teams at the very beginning of their search. It helps you build a shortlist of potential tools to investigate further. You can quickly see which platforms are highly regarded and compare their listed features side-by-side, which is much faster than visiting dozens of individual sites.

However, never rely solely on G2 for final details. Pricing and feature sets change frequently, so always click through to the vendor’s official website to confirm the specifics of their free plan. For a deeper analysis of top contenders once you've built your shortlist, you can explore more detailed comparisons in guides that outline the best affiliate tracking software available.

• Website: https://www.g2.com/categories/affiliate-marketing/free

Top 12 Free Affiliate Tracking Tools Comparison

Knowing When to Graduate from 'Free'

Navigating the landscape of free affiliate tracking software can feel like a significant undertaking, but it's a crucial first step for any business looking to harness the power of partnerships without a major upfront investment. Throughout this guide, we've explored a variety of powerful tools, from Shopify-specific apps like UpPromote and GoAffPro to versatile WordPress plugins like WP Affiliate Manager, and even specialized SaaS solutions such as Endorsely.

Each of these platforms offers a distinct entry point into the world of affiliate marketing. For e-commerce stores on Shopify or WordPress, the choice is often about ecosystem convenience and immediate integration. For performance marketers, a tracker like BeMob provides the granular data needed to optimize campaigns. The common thread is that these free tools are excellent for one primary purpose: validation. They allow you to test your affiliate marketing hypothesis, recruit your first few partners, and generate initial revenue without financial risk.

However, the journey from a fledgling program to a significant growth channel is marked by a critical transition point. The very limitations that make these tools free-low affiliate caps, revenue or traffic restrictions, and basic feature sets-will eventually become the bottlenecks that stifle your progress.

Recognizing the Tipping Point

So, how do you know when you've outgrown your free solution? The signs are often clear and directly tied to your program's success. As you evaluate your current setup, consider if you're encountering any of these common growing pains:

• Manual Workload is Increasing: Are you spending more time manually approving commissions, onboarding affiliates via spreadsheets, or answering repetitive questions because your dashboard lacks clarity? A key indicator is when administrative tasks start to consume more time than strategic program management.
• Affiliate Experience is Suffering: Your top-performing affiliates are professionals. They expect a seamless, professional experience. If they're struggling with a clunky interface, unreliable tracking, or a dashboard that looks like a third-party add-on, you risk losing them to competitors with more polished programs. The user experience for your partners is just as important as the one for your customers.
• Data and Integration Gaps: Free tools often provide surface-level analytics. As your program matures, you'll need deeper insights. Can you easily segment affiliate performance? Can you trigger payouts based on specific events via webhooks? Does the software integrate cleanly with your core business intelligence tools? If the answer is no, you're flying blind.
• Brand Dilution: A generic, non-branded affiliate portal can dilute your brand identity. When partners feel like they are logging into a separate service, it creates a disjointed experience. A truly professional program feels like an extension of your own product, not a bolt-on solution.

The Strategic Move to a Native Solution

When these limitations begin to hinder your growth, it’s time to graduate. This doesn't just mean moving to a paid plan; it means making a strategic investment in a solution built for scale, control, and a superior user experience. For modern SaaS companies, digital marketplaces, and API providers, this is where a native affiliate tracking platform becomes essential.

Unlike a plugin or a third-party app, a native solution is designed to embed directly into your application's user interface. It provides a fully white-labeled, branded affiliate dashboard that feels like an integral part of your product. This cohesive experience not only enhances credibility but also improves affiliate activation and engagement.

For instance, a platform built for SaaS, like Refgrow, addresses the core pain points of free tools head-on. It eliminates arbitrary caps on affiliates and revenue, provides robust APIs and webhooks for deep integration, and delivers a professional-grade experience out of the box. The transition from a free tool to a native platform is the definitive step from experimenting with affiliate marketing to running a professional, scalable growth engine that attracts and retains top-tier partners.

Ready to build an affiliate program that feels like a core part of your product? Refgrow offers a native, developer-first platform that embeds directly into your SaaS application with a single line of code, providing a seamless and fully branded experience for your partners. Explore how a native solution can unlock your program's true potential at Refgrow.