WalkMe alternatives are other digital adoption tools that add guided tours, tooltips and help content inside software. Product-led tools focus on onboarding customers in a SaaS app, while employee-focused platforms help staff learn internal systems. Decide whether you're guiding customers or employees first, because that splits the market in two.
WalkMe is one of the best-known names in digital adoption, but it's built for large organisations and it isn't the only way to help people use software well. Smaller teams often want something lighter they can set up in an afternoon.
Here are ten WalkMe alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, covering customer onboarding tools for SaaS products and training platforms for employee software. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today.
The first question is who you're guiding. Customer onboarding is about getting new users to their first success fast. Employee adoption is about helping staff use the tools the company already has.
It's also worth knowing who owns WalkMe now, as it may affect where the product heads next.
WalkMe alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apty | Digital adoption platform | Employee training on business apps | No |
| Chameleon | Product adoption tool | In-app tours for SaaS products | Yes |
| Lemon Learning | Digital adoption platform | Software training for employees | No |
| Product Fruits | User onboarding tool | Quick onboarding for smaller SaaS teams | Trial only |
| Spekit | Enablement platform | Just-in-time help for sales teams | No |
| Stonly | Interactive guide platform | Step-by-step guides and help | No |
| UserGuiding | User onboarding software | No-code product tours | Trial only |
| Userlane | Digital adoption platform | Guiding employees through software | No |
| Userpilot | Product growth platform | Onboarding with product analytics | Trial only |
| Whatfix | Digital adoption platform | Large-scale software adoption | No |
Ten WalkMe alternatives to compare
Apty
Best for: Organisations that want staff guided through internal business applications.
Chameleon
Best for: SaaS teams who want custom tours and tooltips that match their product's look.
Lemon Learning
Best for: Companies rolling out new software who want in-app training for staff.
Product Fruits
Best for: Smaller SaaS teams who want onboarding tours and checklists without coding.
Spekit
Best for: Sales and revenue teams who want help content inside the tools they use.
Stonly
Best for: Support teams who want interactive step-by-step guides for customers and staff.
UserGuiding
Best for: Product teams who want no-code tours, checklists and resource centres.
Userlane
Best for: Enterprises that want employees guided through software with analytics.
Userpilot
Best for: SaaS teams who want onboarding flows connected to product analytics.
Whatfix
Best for: Larger organisations that want in-app guidance across many applications.
Who owns WalkMe now
Here's the background worth knowing. SAP announced on September 12, 2024 that it had completed its acquisition of WalkMe. If your business runs on SAP, that may make WalkMe more attractive. If it doesn't, it's a good moment to compare independent tools that focus only on adoption.
Ownership changes don't make a product better or worse overnight. But they can shape what gets built next, so ask any vendor where its roadmap is heading before you commit to a long contract.
What to check in a digital adoption tool
- Customers or staff: who will see the guides?
- No-code builder: can non-developers create tours?
- Targeting: can guides appear for specific users or pages?
- Analytics: can you see where people drop off?
- Performance: does the script slow your app down?
Rolling out in-app guidance
- Pick the one task new users struggle with most.
- Build a short guide for that task only.
- Show it to a small group and watch the results.
- Fix the steps where people stop or skip.
- Add the next guide only once the first one works.
Good onboarding is good user experience
In-app guidance works best on top of a clear experience. My guide to improving the user experience covers the basics that make guides less necessary.
And remember that many users meet your product on a phone first. Here's how to think about creating content with mobile users in mind.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Do you make digital adoption or onboarding tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on digital adoption
Less is more. A few well-placed tips beat a ten-step tour that everyone skips, and people remember what they learn while doing the task.
And fix the product where you can. Guidance is brilliant, but if every user needs a tour to find the same button, the button might be in the wrong place.
Before you sign anything, run a short pilot with real users and real tasks. Ask your support team which questions come up most, build guides for those first and compare the ticket count a month later. That simple before-and-after tells you more than any demo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to WalkMe?
It depends on whether you're onboarding customers in a SaaS product or training employees on internal software.
What is a digital adoption platform?
It's software that adds guides, tooltips and help inside other software.
Who owns WalkMe?
SAP announced on September 12, 2024 that it had completed its acquisition of WalkMe.
Is there a free WalkMe alternative?
Some onboarding tools offer trials, and open-source tour libraries exist for developers.
Do I need a developer to set up product tours?
Many tools offer no-code builders for tours and checklists.
What's the difference between onboarding and adoption?
Onboarding helps new users start. Adoption helps everyone use more of the software over time.
Can these tools work on internal apps?
Employee-focused platforms are built for internal business software.
How do I measure if guides work?
Track task completion, drop-off points and support tickets before and after.
Will in-app guides annoy users?
They can if there are too many. Keep them short and relevant.
Can I target guides to certain users?
Most tools let you show guides by page, role or behaviour.
Do these tools slow down my app?
They add a script, so test performance before rolling out widely.
Can a digital adoption tool replace training?
It reduces training needs, but people still need a clear introduction.
How long does it take to set up product tours?
A simple tour can take an afternoon with a no-code builder. Larger rollouts take longer.
Can I translate in-app guides?
Many tools support several languages, so check before you build guides for international users.
