Staffbase vs. Politemail: Features, Pricing and AI Capabilities
How do Staffbase and Politemail compare? And what does Broadcast offer as an alternative?
What is the best internal communication software for your business?
AI Disclosure: The Cerkl Research Team combines the expertise of in-house analysts with advanced AI tools. We are committed to producing rigorous, industry-leading research, with a focus on delivering data-driven insights into employee engagement and performance.
The High-Level Comparison
About Staffbase
Staffbase is an internal communication platform known for its mobile-first approach. It offers a branded employee app, intranet, and email capabilities designed to improve employee engagement. It is best suited for deskless employees working in industries like retail and logistics.
About Politemail
PoliteMail is an email measurement and optimization platform designed specifically for internal communications within Microsoft Outlook. It focuses on helping organizations improve employee engagement through email analytics, templates, and campaigns, enabling communication teams to measure the effectiveness of their email efforts directly from Outlook.
About Cerkl Broadcast
Cerkl Broadcast differentiates itself by utilizing AI to deliver personalized, relevant content to employees. It integrates with channels like email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and mobile apps, allowing dynamic engagement through automated content delivery. Cerkl Broadcast uses behavioral data to customize content, ensuring employees receive the most relevant information while boosting overall engagement. Get started with a free chat with our expert!
Staffbase
What Staffbase Offers:
Staffbase takes a mobile-first approach, providing branded employee apps and an intranet aimed at reaching deskless employees, particularly in industries like retail, logistics, and healthcare. These features support a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, where consistent, accessible information is distributed widely without needing extensive personalization.
Where Staffbase Falls Short:
Staffbase lacks advanced AI-powered capabilities that could allow for mass personalization, such as automated audience segmentation or behavior-driven content delivery. For organizations seeking a more adaptable platform that can tailor communications based on individual employee engagement or preferences, this limited personalization may reduce effectiveness. This is because Staffbase primarily offers broad-based messaging rather than nuanced, targeted interactions.
For a more detailed analysis of Staffbase vs. Cerkl Broadcast, check out our dedicated 1-on-1 analysis.
Politemail
What Politemail Offers:
PoliteMail integrates directly with Microsoft Outlook, allowing organizations to manage internal communications within their existing email base. The platform provides pre-built templates for consistent messaging and audience segmentation, along with detailed analytics on open rates, click-throughs, and read time. These features give organizations insights into the effectiveness of their email communications.
Where Politemail Falls Short:
PoliteMail’s email-only focus limits it to a one-size-fits-all approach. This means it lacks the multi-channel flexibility that many organizations need for comprehensive internal communication. The platform does not offer AI-driven personalization or automation, restricting its ability to deliver tailored, behavior-driven content. Its absence of mobile app support further reduces its effectiveness for companies with deskless or remote employees who rely on mobile access. Additionally, since it’s not cloud-based, PoliteMail is prone to crashes. These potentially disrupt communications and create additional challenges for organizations seeking reliability. Overall, these limitations make PoliteMail less adaptable for organizations aiming for mass personalization across multiple channels.
For a more detailed analysis of Politemail vs. Cerkl Broadcast, check out our dedicated 1-on-1 analysis.
What Sets Cerkl Broadcast Apart
Cerkl Broadcast is designed to automate and personalize internal communications using advanced AI. Its AI-powered News Digests dynamically personalize content based on each employees behavior, preferences, and engagement history stand out. Cerkl Broadcasts multi-channel delivery system, which can incorporate Email Blasts, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and mobile apps, ensures that employees receive the right message at the right time, improving engagement and communication efficiency. At the same time, internal communicators have total control over all the variables associated with News Digest set up. This applies to every imaginable parameter from design to segmentation and the time of delivery.
Feature Comparison
Staffbase Differentiation
Staffbase follows a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on mobile-first communication through branded apps and an intranet for deskless employees. While suitable for distributing consistent, broad messaging, Staffbase lacks AI-powered mass personalization capabilities. It does not support behavior-driven content delivery, which may limit effectiveness for organizations that require individualized, engagement-based communication.
PoliteMail Differentiation
PoliteMail’s strength lies in its ability to integrate with Outlook, requiring no IT oversight for installation, and providing solid email analytics. This makes it a practical option for smaller organizations focused solely on email communications without needing IT involvement. However, its narrow focus on email measurement and lack of multi-platform support limit its adaptability as a comprehensive internal communication platform. With Microsoft poised to phase out aspects of its compatibility, PoliteMail may face diminishing viability, making it a short-term solution for businesses seeking long-term, scalable communication tools.
Cerkl Broadcast Differentiation
Cerkl Broadcast’s AI capabilities are a standout feature. The platform uses behavioral data to segment audiences and personalize content, ensuring that each employee receives relevant communication. Its ability to automate content distribution across multiple channels (email, Slack, and mobile apps) and dynamically adjust based on engagement makes Cerkl Broadcast a highly efficient tool for internal communications.
AI Capabilities
Staffbase AI Capabilities:
AI Personalization
Predictive publishing and intelligent targeting optimize timing and reach but do not tailor content to individual employee behavior. Audience segmentation is refined, but personalization does not extend significantly into individualization.
Content Recommendations
Recommends content based on role and interest, improving message relevance but lacking behavior-based refinement.
PoliteMail AI Capabilities:
Politemail does not offer any AI capabilities, which puts it behind other internal communications platforms.
Cerkl Broadcast AI Capabilities:
Dynamic Personalization
Cerkl AI used to power Broadcast is centered on delivering highly personalized communication. It tailors content to each employee based on their behavior, preferences, and engagement history, ensuring that messages are relevant and impactful for each individual.
Advanced Analytics
The platform’s AI offers detailed insights into employee engagement and content effectiveness, allowing communication teams to optimize their strategies in real-time.
Behavioral-Based Content Delivery
Cerkl AI continuously learns from employee interactions, refining how and when content is delivered to enhance relevance and engagement. It ensures that Broadcast communication is timely and tailored to individual preferences.
Cerkl AI stands out by offering deeply customized communication through dynamic personalization and behavioral-based content delivery. Compared to Staffbase and Politemail, Cerkl Broadcast provides more granular AI-driven insights and invaluable personalization tailored to individual employees.
Pricing Comparison: Cerkl Broadcast vs. Staffbase vs. Politemail
Cerkl Broadcast Pricing:
- Starting Price: $799 per month, scalable based on the number of employees included in the plan.
- Features: All Cerkl Broadcast capabilities are available from the start, providing access to core features like personalized Email Blasts and News Digests.
- Mobile App: Available for an additional 20% of the total cost.
- Transparent Pricing: Cerkl Broadcast offers clear, upfront pricing, making it easier for companies to plan their budget.
Staffbase Pricing:
- Pricing Structure: Staffbase pricing depends on several variables, such as the chosen product (employee app, intranet), required features, and the number of licensed employees.
- SMB Plan: Supports up to 1,000 employees. The cost grows significantly for larger companies or those requiring advanced features.
- Custom Pricing: Staffbase does not provide fixed prices upfront, making it more difficult to predict exact costs until a detailed consultation is done.
Politemail Pricing:
- Professional Plan: $0.50–$0.20 per employee per month, supporting up to 5,000 employees.
- Corporate Plan: $0.35–$0.20 per employee per month, for up to 20,000 employees.
- Enterprise Plan: $0.20–$0.10 per employee per month, for more than 20,000 employees.
- Licenses and Services: Pricing includes user licenses and services such as SSO integration and data security compliance.
Pricing Summary:
Both Cerkl Broadcast and Politemail offer a straightforward pricing model, with a clear base price and predictable add-ons (such as a mobile app). In contrast, Staffbase requires customized quotes.
Determine Which Capabilities and Features Matter Most
Are you still trying to figure out which features matter most? Make informed decisions about your internal communication software with our free buyer’s guide.
What are Customers Saying?
See what our clients have to say about working with Cerkl Broadcast
Kristina Stamper
Director of Communications & Creative Services, Stan State
Partnering with Cerkl has been a game changer. Their innovative email communications have streamlined our internal messaging and significantly boosted open and click through rates, and given us the ability to measure the success of our communication strategies.
Chad Schwalbach
Communications Manager, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Since implementing Cerkl Broadcast, our readership, our clicks, and our opens, are all up. It is satisfying for me as a communicator, to know we're reaching people, we're giving them information that engages them, and it makes it easier to go up the chain.
Tamara Palmer
Internal Communications Manager, Flagger Force
The Cerkl platform lends itself to intuitive and engaging content creation with a ‘have it your way’ mantra in the manner in which you can design your communications. Drafting, scheduling, and sending are easy and allow for planning at all scales.
Olivia Groth
Senior Manager, Integrated Living
Honestly, I've never had a more streamlined implementation process! ... the team has been so amazing to work with!
Lore Otto
Senior Manager Corporate Communications
You have no idea how much better [Cerkl's] support is than our last provider... I love the chat feature.
Kristen Spilane
Senior Comms Manager, Citrix
From quick troubleshooting to bigger problem solving... I've always felt really supported and valued as a Cerkl customer.
Cerkl gives you white glove service.
Every step of the way.
- Talk live with our US-based team. Average response time is only three minutes.
- 99% Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), far above industry average of 78%.
- Work with dedicated customer success managers for personalized strategic guidance.
The internal communication software broadcasting to over 5.5 million engaged employees per month
Ready to Transform Your Internal Communications?
Experience the power of AI-driven personalization, intelligent automation, and a no-code platform designed to elevate your internal communications. Whether you’re looking to boost employee engagement or streamline your content delivery, Cerkl has the tools you need to succeed.
Schedule a 15-minute chat to see how Cerkl can make a difference in your organization.
