Smile.io vs Rivo
Two Shopify loyalty & rewards apps compared.
Verdict
Smile.io is the market leader; Rivo is the budget pick. They are not really competing: Rivo is where you start, Smile.io is where you end up if the category becomes central to your revenue.
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.
Rivo (Cheapest)
Modern loyalty on a startup budget
Free plan · from ~$15/mo
Rivo is the cheapest serious loyalty app and the most Shopify-native: checkout extensions, frequent free-plan updates, a clean admin. Points, referrals and VIP tiers are all there. It is the right first loyalty program.
Pros
- Cheapest paid tier of the three
- Shopify checkout extensions
- Frequent updates on the free plan
- Clean, simple admin
Cons
- Fewer enterprise features
- Design options are more limited
Skip it if: You run a multi-location retail operation on POS. The leaders handle that better.
Spec sheet
| Smile.io | Rivo | |
|---|---|---|
| Our pick | Best Overall | Cheapest |
| Price | Free plan · from ~$49/mo | Free plan · from ~$15/mo |
| Rating | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Best for | Established brands building a flagship loyalty program. | New stores launching their first loyalty program cheaply. |
Frequently asked
Is Rivo cheaper than Smile.io?
Smile.io: Free plan · from ~$49/mo. Rivo: Free plan · from ~$15/mo.
Smile.io or Rivo: which should most stores choose?
Smile.io is the market leader; Rivo is the budget pick. They are not really competing: Rivo is where you start, Smile.io is where you end up if the category becomes central to your revenue.
Does Rivo have a free plan?
Yes. Free plan · from ~$15/mo.