7 Best Secret Santa Generator Apps in 2025 (Free & Paid Compared)
We tested all the popular Secret Santa generators to find the best one. Here's our honest comparison based on features, ease of use, pricing, and user experience.
Our Top Pick: Secret Santa Generator
After testing 7 tools, Secret Santa Generator stands out as the best overall choice. It's 100% free, requires no email, and works flawlessly for groups of any size.
Try It Free NowHow We Tested These Tools
We spent 10+ hours testing each Secret Santa generator with real groups ranging from 5 to 50 participants. Here's what we evaluated:
✅ Features
Exclusion rules, customization, sharing options
🎯 Ease of Use
Setup time, interface clarity, mobile support
💰 Pricing
Free features, paid tiers, value for money
🔒 Privacy
Email requirements, data collection, security
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Price | Email Required | Exclusions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Santa Generator | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| DrawNames | Free/$15 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Elfster | Free/$30 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| SecretSantaOrganizer | Free | ⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| SecretSanta.com | Free | ⭐⭐⭐ | ||
| Uplup | Free | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Detailed Tool Reviews
#1. Secret Santa Generator
Best Overall Choice - 100% Free
Secret Santa Generator is our top pick for 2025. It's completely free, requires no email registration, and offers all the features you need without any paywalls or limitations.
What We Love
- No Email Required: True anonymity and privacy
- Anti-Cheat System: Participants can't see who drew them
- 100% Free: No hidden costs or premium tiers
- Exclusion Rules: Prevent couples or siblings from drawing each other
- Multiple Sharing Options: WhatsApp, email, or direct links
- Mobile-Friendly: Works perfectly on all devices
Minor Drawbacks
- • No wish list feature (yet)
- • No mobile app (web-based only)
Perfect For:
Office parties, family gatherings, friend groups (5-50+ people). Anyone who values privacy and wants a simple, no-nonsense tool.
#2. DrawNames
Free with Premium Option ($15/event)
DrawNames is a popular option with a clean interface. However, it requires email registration and has some features locked behind a paywall.
Pros:
- ✅ Wish list feature
- ✅ Nice email templates
- ✅ Multi-language support
- ✅ Established brand (since 2008)
Cons:
- ❌ Requires email registration
- ❌ Free tier has ads
- ❌ Premium features cost $15
- ❌ Slower setup process
Best For: Groups that want wish lists and don't mind email signup. Worth the premium if you need advanced customization.
#3. Elfster
Free / Premium $30/year
Elfster is feature-rich with mobile apps, but the interface can feel overwhelming. The premium tier is expensive compared to alternatives.
Pros:
- ✅ Mobile apps (iOS & Android)
- ✅ Integrated shopping suggestions
- ✅ Detailed wish lists
- ✅ Group chat feature
Cons:
- ❌ Requires account creation
- ❌ Overwhelming UI for beginners
- ❌ Premium is $30/year (expensive)
- ❌ Too many features (complexity)
Best For: Recurring yearly events where you want a centralized platform with shopping integration.
#4. SecretSantaOrganizer.com
Free
A basic free tool that gets the job done, but lacks modern features and has an outdated interface.
Pros:
- ✅ Completely free
- ✅ Simple setup
- ✅ Email notifications
Cons:
- ❌ Requires email for all participants
- ❌ Outdated design
- ❌ Limited customization
- ❌ No mobile optimization
Best For: Quick, basic Secret Santa with no bells and whistles.
#5. SecretSanta.com
Free
SecretSanta.com has a great domain name but a mediocre product. The free version is usable but lacks key features.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to remember URL
- ✅ Free tier available
- ✅ Basic exclusion rules
Cons:
- ❌ Email required for organizer
- ❌ Limited free features
- ❌ Ads on free version
- ❌ Confusing navigation
Best For: Not recommended unless you really like the domain name.
#6. Uplup Secret Santa Generator
Free
Uplup is a simple tool with a modern design, but it lacks exclusion rules, which is a dealbreaker for most users.
Pros:
- ✅ No email required
- ✅ Modern, clean interface
- ✅ Fast setup (under 2 minutes)
Cons:
- ❌ No exclusion rules (major flaw)
- ❌ Limited sharing options
- ❌ No customization
- ❌ Basic feature set
Best For: Very small groups (under 10) where exclusions don't matter.
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choose Secret Santa Generator if:
- You want a 100% free solution
- Privacy is important (no email needed)
- You need exclusion rules
- You want a simple, no-hassle tool
- Group size: 5-100+ people
Choose DrawNames or Elfster if:
- You want wish lists
- You don't mind email registration
- Budget isn't a constraint ($15-30/year)
- You run recurring events
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best free Secret Santa generator?
Secret Santa Generator is the best free option. It's completely free with no limitations, requires no email, and includes all essential features like exclusion rules and multiple sharing options.
Do I need to pay for a Secret Santa generator?
No! Excellent free options exist. Secret Santa Generator offers everything you need for free. Only pay for premium tools like Elfster if you specifically need wish lists or mobile apps.
Which Secret Santa app doesn't require email?
Secret Santa Generator and Uplup don't require email. However, Secret Santa Generator is superior because it includes exclusion rules, which Uplup lacks.
Can I prevent couples from drawing each other?
Yes! Secret Santa Generator, DrawNames, Elfster, and SecretSanta.com all support exclusion rules. Uplup does not.
Our Final Verdict
After extensive testing, Secret Santa Generator is our clear winner for 2025. It combines the best features (exclusions, privacy, flexibility) with a completely free model. Unless you specifically need wish lists, there's no reason to use anything else.
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