How To Use GetApp's Comparison Tool To Find Your Best Software Fit

According to a recent GetApp survey*, businesses spend around nine months finding and implementing new software. And yet 66% say that in retrospect, their company could have chosen better products than what were selected.

Here at GetApp, we aim to instill confidence in your software buying process. Our comparison tool was built to equip you with the knowledge you need to compare software solutions for your small business. Whether you’re undergoing a digital transformation, or you’ve decided to automate processes so your team can focus on higher-level tasks, we’re here to help.

Our easy-to-use comparison tool lets you instantly compare software solutions side by side, so you’re more likely to find the right software for your small business. We’ll walk you through how to use this feature in three easy steps.

1. Select a category of software

GetApp has over 800 software categories for you to choose from. You can either browse for a specific type of software or search according to your industry using the search bar.

GIF that shows user searching for accounting software

Not sure what type of software solution you need? The following tips can help you build a tech stack that addresses your business’s specific needs and prepares you for future growth.

• Identify what processes can be automated. For example, if you send promotional emails manually to customers, consider using an email marketing platform to automate the process and save time.

• Look for similar workflows that can be improved by a common tech solution. Identifying like processes will not only lower your tech investment but also optimize the use of software tools across your organization. For example, you can use the same chat tool for team communication as well as collaboration between different departments.

• Shortlist software tools that offer the functionality you need within your budget. On GetApp, you can read what real buyers like you have to say about product features, integration capabilities, scalability, cost, vendor support, etc.

• Review the performance of your stack regularly. New tools and features enter the market every few years. Monitor your tech stack regularly to track current usage rates, identify bottlenecks, measure your ROI, and foresee any tech gaps. Then, add new tools or features based on how well—or poorly—your stack is performing.

2. Check the compare box under each product you want to compare

Here at GetApp, you can compare up to four different vendors so you can see their features and options listed side by side. Begin by clicking the orange box at the top of the screen, or you can start by checking the box that says “compare” under each product you want to compare.

GIF that shows user selecting four accounting software options to compare

Still browsing? Access your selections whenever you’re ready by clicking the orange box again, or create an account to shortlist your favorites. 

Alternate option:

If you have a product in mind and want to see how it stacks up against competitors, or what similar buyers have considered, you can click on its profile and scroll all the way down to “common comparisons.” Clicking on any one of the options provided will take you directly to a one-on-one comparison between that product and others that have been rated similarly.

Screenshot of common FreshBooks comparisons, taken by author

3. Click “see comparison” to see your results

This last step will take you to our compare page, where your two to four selections will be listed side by side so you can compare overviews, screenshots, pricing, reviews, features, and more.

GIF that shows user scrolling through compare page features

We’ll discuss these points of comparison in more depth below:

• Overviews give a brief pitch of each software solution. They’ll provide a sense of what industries and business sizes they’re most suited for and may also touch on features offered.

• Screenshots provide visual images of the platform’s top features. Videos may also be included.

• Pricing describes what you can expect to spend on each software product. It also discloses whether any free versions or trials are available.

• User reviews provide first-hand accounts of real user experiences. Scores are calculated based on stars given by users for the platform’s value, ease of use, features, and customer support.

• Key features list all common features for a tool in a given category. Features with a green checkmark indicate that they’re offered by the tool you’re considering.

• Integrations list all other platforms that this software vendor is capable of integrating with. Learn more about software integrations and the criteria you should use to evaluate them here.

• Alternatives list software tools in the same category that have scored similarly based on user reviews, or offer similar features.

Now that we’ve laid out how to use GetApp’s comparison tool, it’s time to do some research so you can build a stronger case for tech adoption. Once you’ve come up with a shortlist of vendors, download our software selection criteria template. This free spreadsheet serves as an additional resource you can use to present your findings to stakeholders.

Screenshot of GetApp Software Comparison Chart

For more resources, check out our collection of articles on software buying tips here.

Note: The screenshots of applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations.