Simpplr Alternatives: What to Use for Better Internal Comms
Looking beyond Simpplr? Explore scalable alternatives that meet the needs of global teams, frontline workers, and complex communication ecosystems.
Simpplr is a sleek, modern intranet designed to improve employee experience through personalized content and intuitive design. But as internal communication needs evolve, especially in larger or more complex organizations, some teams find themselves looking for a platform that can do more.
Why you might be considering a Simpplr alternative
Simpplr positions itself as an employee experience platform, offering a clean user interface, AI-powered content delivery, and built-in tools for engagement — like employee recognition and social feeds. It’s a strong fit for organizations focused on simplicity and internal branding.
However, as your communication needs scale, you may run into some common limitations:
Limited multichannel reach — While Simpplr offers basic newsletter functionality, it lacks a native mobile app and advanced multichannel orchestration, making it harder to consistently reach frontline or non-desk employees outside the intranet.
Less support for frontline workers — Without a strong mobile-first experience, it may fall short for organizations with non-desk teams.
Lightweight analytics — Simpplr’s reporting tools are focused more on content visibility than actionable insights.
Governance gaps — Larger or global organizations may find it lacks the editorial workflows, content approvals, and governance features needed at scale.
If you’re looking for a platform that can handle multichannel communication, scale with your organization, and support both desk and frontline employees, Staffbase is a strong alternative — combining intranet, email, and app communication in one unified solution.
Common limitations of Simpplr
While Simpplr excels in design and personalization, it often lacks the flexibility and depth required by larger or more complex organizations. Here are some of the most common limitations that lead teams to explore other options:
Not ideal for mobile-first or frontline communication — Simpplr is primarily built for office-based environments, with limited support for deskless or on-the-go workers.
Basic multichannel communication tools — While Simpplr includes newsletter capabilities, it lacks a native mobile app and broader multichannel publishing features, making it harder to manage internal campaigns across diverse employee groups and platforms.
Basic analytics — While Simpplr offers visibility into content engagement, its insights are often surface-level and don’t provide the depth needed to measure communication impact.
Fewer editorial workflows — The platform lacks robust content approval processes, version control, or scheduling tools that support structured communication at scale.
Scalability concerns — Organizations with multiple business units, regions, or complex governance needs may find Simpplr’s framework too limited for global deployment.
These gaps can create friction for comms teams trying to unify messaging, reach all employees, and prove the strategic value of their work. That’s where platforms like Staffbase — with built-in multichannel capabilities, analytics, and editorial controls — become more appealing.
What to look for in a Simpplr alternative
If you’re considering switching from Simpplr, it’s likely because your internal communication needs are growing — whether that means reaching more employees, coordinating across more teams, or proving the impact of your work. Here’s what to prioritize in your search for a more powerful, future-ready platform:
Multichannel communication — Look for a platform that brings your intranet, email, and mobile app together so you can reach every employee, everywhere.
Cross-platform flexibility — Whether your organization runs on Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or a mix of both, your communication tools should fit seamlessly into your environment.
Advanced targeting and personalization — Segment audiences by location, role, or department to ensure people only receive the messages that matter to them.
Editorial workflows and governance — Built-in review processes, scheduling tools, and approval flows help you manage content with confidence and consistency.
Mobile-first experience — A truly effective platform must make it easy to reach frontline and non-desk workers with accessible, responsive communication tools.
Analytics that go beyond clicks — You need rich, real-time insights to understand what’s working and tie communication efforts to measurable business outcomes. AI for internal communication can also help scale content creation and optimize delivery.
Ecosystem integrations — Smooth integration with tools like Microsoft 365, your HRIS, and Slack helps centralize communication without adding friction.
Staffbase delivers on all of these fronts — and more. Learn more about the Staffbase intranet, explore Staffbase Email, or see how Staffbase Intranet Analytics helps you track what truly drives engagement.
Still exploring your options? Our guide to intranet software providers breaks down the top platforms to help you choose the best fit for your organization.
The best Simpplr alternatives
1. Staffbase — The best alternative for multichannel internal communication
Staffbase is a leading internal communication platform built for complex, distributed organizations. Unlike Simpplr, which focuses primarily on intranet-based engagement, Staffbase offers a fully integrated suite that combines intranet, employee email, and a mobile app — making it easy to reach every employee, on every channel, from a single platform.
Key features
Unified platform — Intranet, employee email, and mobile app in one place
Advanced editorial tools — Content approvals, scheduling, targeting, and multi-language support
Frontline communication — Mobile-first design with push notifications and offline access
Multichannel publishing — Create once, distribute across channels
Smart analytics — Staffbase Smart Impact gives real-time insight into content performance and employee engagement
Staffbase Smart Impact provides analytics that show the real outcome of your comms efforts.
How Staffbase compares to Simpplr
Offers true multichannel communication — Combines intranet, email, and mobile app in one platform
Includes native email and mobile app — Enables broader reach with push notifications and offline access
Stronger editorial governance and targeting — Built-in workflows, approvals, and segmentation at scale
Built for global, frontline-ready communication — Supports complex org structures and multilingual teams
Pros and cons
✅ Full internal comms suite in one platform
✅ Scales easily for enterprise and global teams
❌ May include more features than small teams need
Who should consider Staffbase?
Staffbase is ideal for mid-sized to enterprise organizations looking to consolidate tools, improve message consistency, and connect hard-to-reach employees. It’s especially valuable for teams that need multi-language support, editorial structure, and measurable results.
Why choose Staffbase over Simpplr?
Staffbase delivers a more complete communication ecosystem — with native tools for intranet, email, and mobile app communication, all backed by deep analytics and enterprise-grade scalability.
See how DHL Group uses Staffbase to connect 600,000+ employees across 220 countries.
2. Unily — Enterprise-ready with Microsoft 365 integration
Unily is a feature-rich intranet platform built for large, complex organizations. It combines strong Microsoft 365 integration with extensive customization options, making it a strong choice for enterprises that prioritize internal knowledge sharing, design flexibility, and collaboration across departments and regions.
Key features
Deep Microsoft 365 integration — Native connections to SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook
Content personalization — Dynamic experiences tailored by role, location, and behavior
Custom design options — High degree of front-end flexibility for branded intranet experiences
Employee engagement tools — Social feeds, recognition features, and collaboration spaces
Advanced search and knowledge hubs — Helps surface relevant documents and resources quickly
How Unily compares to Simpplr
Offers stronger enterprise support and Microsoft ecosystem alignment
Greater customization options and flexibility for global org structures
More mature governance features and support for compliance-heavy environments
Pros and cons
✅ Seamless Microsoft 365 integration
✅ Advanced personalization and design flexibility
❌ More complex implementation and setup
❌ Can be overwhelming for small teams or limited IT support
Who should consider Unily?
Unily is a good fit for large enterprises looking for a highly customizable, Microsoft-friendly intranet that supports governance, localization, and deep organizational hierarchies.
Why choose Unily over Simpplr?
Unily offers greater depth and scalability, with better support for Microsoft-based organizations and more flexibility for global deployments. It’s a stronger fit for enterprise IT environments and communication teams that need control, customization, and long-term scalability.
3. Interact — Ideal for regulated industries and compliance-heavy orgs
Interact is an enterprise intranet platform built with a strong focus on governance, personalization, and compliance. It’s especially well suited for highly regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, and government, where content lifecycle management and audit trails are critical. Interact emphasizes targeted communication and employee engagement through tailored experiences and internal collaboration tools.
Key features
Advanced personalization — Delivers content based on role, team, location, and behavior
Governance and compliance tools — Version control, policy acknowledgments, and content review lifecycles
People directory and org charts — Helps connect employees across large, distributed organizations
Content targeting and segmentation — Ensure the right people see the right messages
Built-in analytics — Offers insight into content engagement and platform usage
How Interact compares to Simpplr
More comprehensive editorial and compliance workflows
Better suited for highly structured or regulated industries
Offers deeper content governance and lifecycle management
Pros and cons
✅ Designed for governance and regulatory compliance
✅ Strong personalization and targeting
❌ Less modern UI compared to Simpplr
❌ Limited multichannel publishing — primarily intranet-based
Who should consider Interact?
Interact is a great fit for organizations in healthcare, finance, legal, or government sectors — or any business that requires strict content oversight, auditing, and targeting capabilities within their internal comms platform.
Why choose Interact over Simpplr?
While Simpplr is lightweight and design-driven, Interact offers greater depth in governance, compliance, and content control — making it a better choice for organizations with formal content review processes or legal obligations around internal communication.
4. Haiilo — Best for social collaboration and engagement
Haiilo is a modern intranet and employee communications platform that blends internal news with social networking features. It’s built to support employee engagement through open dialogue, recognition, and community building. Haiilo emphasizes usability and collaboration, making it appealing to companies focused on culture and employee experience.
Key features
Social collaboration tools — Includes likes, comments, sharing, and communities to encourage peer-to-peer interaction
Multichannel content distribution — Publish across email, intranet, Slack, MS Teams, and digital signage
Mobile accessibility — Optimized for on-the-go access with a clean, responsive interface
Personalized news feeds — Content tailored by location, role, or interest
Employee advocacy — Built-in tools to support employee-led content sharing and branding
How Haiilo compares to Simpplr
Similar emphasis on user experience and employee engagement
Offers broader distribution channels beyond intranet
More community- and collaboration-oriented than Simpplr’s top-down communication style
Pros and cons
✅ Intuitive, social-style interface that encourages interaction
✅ Good balance of internal news and employee-led content
❌ Analytics and governance features are less mature than some enterprise platforms
❌ May lack depth for structured, top-down communication or complex orgs
Who should consider Haiilo?
Haiilo is a strong choice for companies that want to boost connection and engagement — especially those prioritizing open communication, social features, and internal branding. It’s best suited for mid-sized organizations with a culture-focused approach to internal comms.
Why choose Haiilo over Simpplr?
If you’re seeking more bottom-up engagement and a socially interactive experience, Haiilo may offer greater flexibility than Simpplr. Its multichannel reach and emphasis on two-way communication make it a good fit for organizations aiming to build community from within.
5. Workvivo — Designed for employee engagement and culture-building
Workvivo is an employee communication platform built with engagement and culture at its core. Instead of functioning as a traditional intranet, Workvivo takes a social media-inspired approach — allowing employees to share updates, recognize peers, and stay connected across teams. It’s especially popular among organizations looking to foster a sense of community and bottom-up communication.
Key features
Social-style interface — Encourages open communication, posting, commenting, and reacting
Recognition and shout-outs — Built-in tools to highlight accomplishments and celebrate peers
Activity feeds and podcasts — Multiple content formats to engage employees beyond traditional news
Mobile-first experience — Native apps ensure accessibility across devices
Integrations — Works with tools like Microsoft 365, Slack, and HRIS platforms
How Workvivo compares to Simpplr
Focuses more on culture and community than top-down messaging
Offers stronger peer-to-peer engagement features
Less structured than Simpplr in terms of content management and governance
Pros and cons
✅ Great for boosting engagement and creating community
✅ Easy-to-use interface with familiar social patterns
❌ Less robust editorial workflows or intranet governance tools
❌ May not meet the needs of highly structured or regulated organizations
Who should consider Workvivo?
Workvivo is ideal for organizations that prioritize employee connection, recognition, and culture-building. It works particularly well in industries where engagement and morale are central to retention and performance.
Why choose Workvivo over Simpplr?
While Simpplr focuses on intranet content and personalization, Workvivo stands out for its engagement-first design and social tools. It’s a strong choice if you’re looking to empower employees to connect, contribute, and feel part of the bigger picture.
6. Firstup — Best for multichannel delivery and campaign automation
Firstup is a workforce communications platform designed to deliver personalized, automated messaging across multiple channels. While it’s categorized as an intranet solution by some analysts, it focuses less on content hubs and navigation, and more on targeted delivery across email, mobile, SMS, and desktop.
Firstup is a strong fit for organizations that prioritize campaign reach, automation, and employee targeting.
Key features
Multichannel campaign delivery — Reach employees via email, app, SMS, and desktop alerts
Audience targeting — Segment communications based on role, location, behavior, and more
Automation engine — Schedule and trigger content across time zones and workflows
Personalized content feeds — Tailored experiences through dynamic delivery rules
Analytics dashboard — Tracks campaign reach, engagement, and behavioral metrics
How Firstup compares to Simpplr
Offers significantly broader channel coverage
Stronger in campaign automation and targeting
Doesn’t include a full intranet structure or content hub
Pros and cons
✅ Excellent for large-scale campaign delivery
✅ Advanced targeting and automation tools
❌ No traditional intranet or long-form content features
❌ Not ideal for structured internal knowledge sharing
Who should consider Firstup?
Firstup is ideal for comms teams that need to run high-volume, multichannel campaigns — especially in large, dispersed organizations. It’s a strong choice when timely delivery and audience segmentation are top priorities.
Why choose Firstup over Simpplr?
While Firstup is categorized as an intranet solution, it takes a different approach, prioritizing delivery and targeting over structured content management. It’s built to automate and scale internal messaging, though teams needing a centralized content hub may want to pair it with a more traditional intranet platform.
Why Staffbase is a great Simpplr alternative
While Simpplr offers a sleek and engaging intranet experience, many organizations outgrow its capabilities as their internal communication needs become more complex. That’s where Staffbase stands out, providing a scalable, multichannel platform that brings intranet, employee email, and mobile app communication into one unified solution.
Here’s why companies choose Staffbase over Simpplr:
All-in-one communication platform — Staffbase combines your intranet, email newsletters, and employee app, so you can manage and deliver content across every channel from a single place.
Built to scale — Whether you’re a growing company or a global enterprise, Staffbase is designed to support complex org structures, multilingual teams, and layered governance.
Robust editorial workflows — With built-in approval processes, scheduling tools, and segmentation, Staffbase helps communication teams maintain consistency and control.
Smart analytics — Staffbase intranet analytics help you go beyond opens and clicks to understand what truly drives engagement.
Frontline reach and IT flexibility — From mobile push notifications to integrations with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and your HRIS, Staffbase supports diverse environments — including frontline-heavy industries.
Organizations like Alaska Air Group have successfully used Staffbase to connect over 30,000 employees across various locations, achieving a 99.5% employee app adoption rate and 98% positive feedback at launch. This demonstrates how powerful communication can scale effectively without becoming complex.
Final thoughts on Simpplr alternatives
Simpplr offers a sleek, user-friendly intranet experience with strong personalization and employee engagement features. It’s a solid choice for organizations focused on simplicity and design — but when it comes to multichannel communication, global scalability, and support for frontline workers, many teams find themselves needing more.
Staffbase stands out as a complete internal communication platform, combining intranet, employee email, and mobile app functionality in one unified system. With built-in governance tools, smart analytics, and proven frontline reach, it’s designed to scale with your organization as your needs evolve.
Curious how Staffbase could fit into your communication strategy? Book a customized demo to see the platform in action and learn how we can help you reach every employee with content that informs, engages, and drives impact.
Further reading
Top Workvivo alternatives — See how Workvivo compares to other internal comms tools.
The best Poppulo alternatives — Explore modern options that go beyond traditional email and signage.
The best Happeo alternatives — Compare platforms if you’re exploring lightweight intranet alternatives.
