FirstDistro vs ChurnZero
ChurnZero has 47 features.
You need 5.
Stop paying for complexity you'll never use. Get core health scoring without the bloat.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | FirstDistro | ChurnZero |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 30 minutes | 4-8 weeks |
| Pricing | $79/month | Quote-based |
| Pricing transparency | 100% transparent | Requires sales call |
| Health scores | ||
| Churn alerts | ||
| Feature count | Core features only | 47+ features |
| Learning curve | Minimal | Steep |
| Best for | SMB SaaS | Mid-market |
The real difference
ChurnZero
- 47+ features with steep learning curve
- Quote-based pricing (must talk to sales)
- 4-8 week implementation
- Pricing scales unpredictably with seats
- Complex dashboard requires training
- Built for mid-market complexity
FirstDistro
- Core features you'll actually use
- $79/month—transparent, predictable
- 30-minute self-serve setup
- Simple per-account pricing
- Intuitive dashboard, no training needed
- Built for growing SaaS simplicity
The feature bloat problem
ChurnZero offers 47+ features. But here's what most teams actually use:
What you need
- Health scores
- Churn alerts
- Activity tracking
- Customer timeline
- Slack notifications
What you're paying for
- NPS surveys
- In-app messaging
- Complex playbooks
- Custom reporting builder
- ...and 42 more features
Why pay for 47 features when you need 5?
When to choose each
We're honest about when ChurnZero makes sense
Choose ChurnZero if:
- •You need in-app messaging and NPS
- •You have a dedicated CS ops person
- •You need complex playbook automation
- •You have 4-8 weeks for implementation
- •Budget allows for quote-based pricing
Choose FirstDistro if:
- •You just need health scores and alerts
- •You want to start today, not next month
- •You prefer simplicity over features
- •You want transparent, predictable pricing
- •You don't want to talk to sales
Frequently asked questions
How much does ChurnZero cost?
ChurnZero uses quote-based pricing and requires a sales call to get pricing. Based on industry reports, ChurnZero typically costs thousands per month depending on your customer count and seats. FirstDistro offers transparent pricing at $79/month.
Is FirstDistro as powerful as ChurnZero?
ChurnZero has more features, but most teams only use a fraction of them. FirstDistro focuses on core functionality: health scores, churn alerts, activity tracking. If you need in-app messaging, NPS surveys, or complex playbooks, ChurnZero offers more. If you need health visibility, FirstDistro does the job at a fraction of the cost.
Can I try FirstDistro before committing?
Yes. FirstDistro offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required. You can set up in 30 minutes and see your first health scores immediately. No sales call, no demo booking—just sign up and start.
What's the learning curve like?
ChurnZero has a steeper learning curve due to its 47+ features. Most teams need training and onboarding support. FirstDistro is designed to be intuitive—you can understand the dashboard in minutes without any training.