Smile.io vs BON Loyalty
Two Shopify loyalty & rewards apps compared.
Verdict
Smile.io is the market leader and earns it at scale. BON Loyalty covers the same core workflow for less, so unless you need Smile.io's advanced extras, BON Loyalty is the better buy for most stores.
Smile.io (Best Overall)
The most recognizable loyalty platform on Shopify
Free plan · from ~$49/mo
Smile.io is the loyalty program shoppers recognise. Points, referrals and VIP tiers, a polished on-brand panel, POS support and integrations with every email and support tool. The price jumps sharply at the tier most growing stores land on.
Pros
- Most polished customer-facing panel
- POS and every major integration
- Nudges and on-site reminders
- Mature, stable, well documented
Cons
- The step from free to paid is steep
- Analytics are thinner than the price suggests
- Referrals rarely deliver for small stores
Skip it if: Your repeat purchase rate is already high. A points program then mostly discounts orders you would have had anyway.
BON Loyalty (Best Match)
Cheaper alternative to Smile with the same points/VIP toolkit
Free plan · from ~$29/mo
BON does the Smile.io toolkit at nearly half the price: points, referrals, VIP tiers, a customisable loyalty page and POS. It adds B2B and wholesale tiers that Smile lacks. The panel is slightly less refined; most shoppers will not notice.
Pros
- Smile-class features for less
- B2B and wholesale tier support
- Customisable loyalty page
- POS included
Cons
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Panel design is a step behind Smile's
- Smaller company, smaller track record
Skip it if: Your stack depends on a specific Smile integration. Check the integration list first.
Spec sheet
| Smile.io | BON Loyalty | |
|---|---|---|
| Our pick | Best Overall | Best Match |
| Price | Free plan · from ~$49/mo | Free plan · from ~$29/mo |
| Rating | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Best for | Established brands building a flagship loyalty program. | Stores that want Smile-class features at nearly half the price. |
Frequently asked
Is BON Loyalty cheaper than Smile.io?
Smile.io: Free plan · from ~$49/mo. BON Loyalty: Free plan · from ~$29/mo.
Smile.io or BON Loyalty: which should most stores choose?
Smile.io is the market leader and earns it at scale. BON Loyalty covers the same core workflow for less, so unless you need Smile.io's advanced extras, BON Loyalty is the better buy for most stores.
Does BON Loyalty have a free plan?
Yes. Free plan · from ~$29/mo.