Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own Bonusly

Replace Bonusly with a custom build. Reimagine Employee Recognition and Rewards

Weekend Project
29 features4 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 29 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Prisma

Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 29 features

Analytics(6 features)

Advanced Pulse Check AnalyticsPremium

Enhanced analytics on employee pulse data and team insights

Company-Wide Analytics and InsightsPremium

Organization-level analytics and insights connecting habits to team performance and engagement patterns

Manager AnalyticsPremium

Analytics tools for individual managers to track their team's recognition and performance

People AnalyticsAIPremium

AI-powered dashboards highlighting quality, trends, and participation metrics to guide culture

Pulse Checks

Weekly pulse checks and team insights to keep managers informed on team sentiment and engagement

+1 more in this category

Support(4 features)

24/7 Chat SupportPremium

Round-the-clock customer support via chat

Dedicated CSMPremium

Dedicated Customer Success Manager for enterprise accounts

Onboarding AssistancePremium

Hands-on support to ensure smooth implementation and rollout of Bonusly

Training LibraryPremium

Library of training resources and materials for onboarding and ongoing education

Integration(3 features)

HRIS Integrations and ProvisioningPremium

Native integration with HRIS systems for automated user provisioning and data syncing

Microsoft Teams Integration

Native integration with Microsoft Teams for recognition within Teams workflows

Slack Integration

Native integration with Slack for seamless recognition and notifications

Performance Management(3 features)

Manager 1:1s

Structured one-on-one meeting tools with built-in goal tracking and recognition surfacing

Performance RecapsAI

Automated AI-generated performance summaries and recaps to make reviews more efficient

Smart Coaching PromptsAIPremium

AI-generated coaching guidance surfaced during 1:1s to help managers guide team growth

Recognition(3 features)

Awards and NominationsPremium

Structured awards program to recognize and motivate teams with formal nominations

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Enable employees to recognize each other across the organization, building connections and organic culture

Video Recognition Messages

Bring recognition to life with fun, authentic video messages

Rewards(3 features)

Country-Specific Gift CardsPremium

Global rewards support with country-specific gift card options for distributed teams

Customizable RewardsPremium

Ability to customize rewards with company-branded items, charitable donations, and budget-friendly options

Rewards Catalog

Access to a catalog of gift cards, swag, cash, and customizable incentive options for employees to redeem

Automation(2 features)

Automated Manager AlertsPremium

Smart alerts surfacing important recognition and team events to managers

Automated Milestone CelebrationsPremium

Automated recognition for onboarding, birthdays, anniversaries, and other employee milestones

Administration(1 features)

Budget Controls

Set budget limits and controls on how much employees can give and receive

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Bonusly

Monthly$3/mo
Yearly$36/yr
5-Year Total$180

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~2 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$36
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$108
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$180
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 29 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?