Purple is a WiFi software platform for physical venues, not a consumer shop. Purple sells to hotels, restaurants, retailers, stadiums, airports, councils, universities and residential operators, and says it has been doing so since 2012. Its software sits on top of the WiFi access points a venue already runs, so buying from Purple is a decision about software, data and contracts rather than hardware.
A Purple purchase goes well when you pick the right product for the problem you have, confirm your access points are supported, and understand what the free tier does before paying for a higher one. This guide works through those decisions.
The three Purple products
Purple describes its platform as three products on one system, and they solve different problems.
Purple Guest WiFi is the best known. Visitors connect through a branded captive portal or an automatic connection, and the venue gets visitor analytics and a marketing database built from people who opt in. Purple positions it as a way to capture first-party data from every visitor who connects.
Purple Staff WiFi is about security. It replaces shared staff passwords with passwordless, certificate-based access and cloud RADIUS, and Purple says it works with identity providers such as Entra ID, Google and Okta.
Purple Multi-Tenant WiFi is for residential buildings such as build-to-rent and student accommodation. Each resident gets a private network bubble, including for devices without a browser, such as consoles and TVs.
Most venues start with Purple Guest WiFi. Staff and multi-tenant WiFi are separate purchases with their own pricing.
Check your access points first
Purple runs as a cloud layer over existing hardware, so compatibility decides whether Purple is an option at all.
Purple lists support for Cisco Meraki, HPE Aruba, Ruckus, Juniper Mist, Ubiquiti UniFi, Cambium, Extreme and Fortinet, and describes itself as hardware agnostic. If your access points come from one of those vendors, setup should not require replacing equipment.
If your hardware is older, from another vendor, or managed by a landlord or IT contractor, confirm support with Purple before signing anything. Ask who configures the integration and how long the setup takes for your specific controller.
For Purple Staff WiFi and multi-tenant setups, also ask which features your hardware supports, because passwordless options such as xPSK depend on the access point vendor.
Choosing a Purple Guest WiFi tier
Purple Guest WiFi comes in three tiers, and the difference between them is mostly what happens to the data.
Connect is free and aimed at single venues getting started with WiFi analytics. It is the right place to begin if you want to see footfall, dwell time and visit patterns before committing money.
Capture is for multi-site brands building a marketing database. It adds first-party data capture, CRM integration, email verification and access to Purple's support team.
Engage is for larger operators personalising guest experiences at scale, with customised journeys, personalised communications, advanced analytics, Passpoint and managed services.
Purple does not publish prices for Capture or Engage. Pricing depends on your number of sites and needs, so expect a conversation with Purple's sales team rather than a checkout page.
Integrations that decide the value
A guest database is only useful if it reaches the tools your marketing team already uses. Purple lists integrations with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign and Eagle Eye, plus an open API and SDK options.
Before choosing a Purple tier, check which integrations each tier includes. CRM integration sits in Capture and above, so the free Purple Connect plan will not push contacts into your CRM.
If you run a loyalty programme, ask about loyalty integration, which Purple places in its Engage tier.
Data privacy and consent
Collecting visitor data brings legal obligations, and this is where a platform choice matters most.
Purple says its platform supports compliance with major data protection laws including GDPR and CCPA, that guests consent on the splash page before any marketing opt-in is recorded, and that the venue owns the data. Purple states data is stored on Google Cloud in-region, and that it handles subject access requests on the venue's behalf.
Purple also lists ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certification and Cyber Essentials. Those help, but compliance is still your responsibility as the venue. Review the opt-in wording, retention settings and privacy policy with whoever handles data protection in your business.
Where the Purple savings are
Purple does not run public promo codes, so the savings come from how you buy rather than from a code.
The biggest saving is the free Purple Connect plan. A single venue can run guest WiFi analytics on it at no cost, and it is a sensible test of whether visitor data is worth paying for.
Purple also offers a 30-day free trial of its Capture and Engage plans. Use the trial to connect your real CRM and measure how many opt-ins you actually collect. Purple says you can move to the free Connect plan afterwards if the paid tier does not earn its keep.
For multi-site operators, pricing is quoted, so the number of sites matters. Get quotes at your real site count and ask what changes at the next size band. Book the demo before the trial so you know which features to test.
Common questions
Is Purple the mattress company?
No. Purple at purple.ai is a WiFi software company for venues. Purple mattresses are a separate business with their own guide on this site.
Does Purple have a free plan?
Yes. Purple Connect is free and suits a single venue starting out with WiFi analytics.
Do I need new hardware for Purple?
Usually not. Purple runs on top of supported access points from vendors such as Cisco Meraki, Aruba, Ruckus and UniFi. Confirm your specific model before signing.
Are there Purple discount codes?
Not publicly. The free Connect plan and the 30-day trial of the paid tiers are the practical ways to save.
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