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Loyaltylion vs Smile
Smile is built for simple programs and early-stage stores. LoyaltyLion delivers a fully integrated loyalty experience backed by enterprise-level control, strategy, and analytics.
Results that win awards
We recently transitioned to LoyaltyLion from Smile and the move was seamless. We’ve unlocked way more features to grow and customise our loyalty program. Highly recommend!
JP T.
Verified G2 Reviewer
Smile’s loyalty display is limited to a pop-up, unless you’re on the highest plan, offering little control over branding or placement. LoyaltyLion delivers a seamless, fully embedded loyalty experience with a full-page layout designed to feel like part of your brand.
LoyaltyLion lets you create conditional tiers, schedule point expiry, and reward custom actions like recycling, all on any plan. Smile only supports custom actions on its most expensive plans and doesn’t offer fixed point expiry, increasing risk and liability.
LoyaltyLion tracks CLV, loyalty revenue, and redemption patterns, not just discounts. Smile provides limited insights, so you can’t see how your loyalty program is truly performing.
Smile is a good starting point, but scaling brands need more. LoyaltyLion offers the depth, control, and analytics required to grow loyalty revenue.
Feature
LoyaltyLion
Smile
G2 rating
4.6
4.6
Loyalty experience
Fully embedded into the customer account with customizable components and a full loyalty page
Pop-up based experience only, with limited branding and poor UX, especially on mobile
Klaviyo integration
Deep integration with full event triggers (e.g. new reward, tier upgrade), and properties (e.g. DOB, date enrolled)
Shallow integration missing key events and properties, limiting personalization
VIP tiers
Automatically move customers between tiers using flexible rules and Shopify tags, ideal for things like subscriber-only tiers or invite-only perks.
Automatically upgrades tiers based on spend or points, but lacks tag-based logic, limiting personalization and long-term scalability.
Reward custom activities
Reward custom activities (e.g. recycling, event check-in, subscriptions)
Custom activities are limited to Plus and Enterprise plans
Free product rewards
Seamless 1-click redemption for free product rewards
Requires a workaround using voucher codes
Points management
Approval window and fixed expiry dates from when points are earned, so you can confidently forecast and reduce liability.
No approval window. Points expire after inactivity, but any action resets the clock, increasing liability and unreliable forecasting.
Analytics & segmentation
Segment by behavior and tier; forecast CLV and point expiry; track loyalty revenue contribution
Basic analytics. No tier analysis, segmentation, or CLV forecasting
POS integration
Earning rules in-store extend to event check-ins, recycling, etc, driving omnichannel engagement
Earning rules in-store are limited to transactions only.
Multi-user admin controls
Role-based permissions and two-factor authentication
No multi-user roles. All admins have full access, creating security and error risks
Security compliance
SOC 2 compliant, with real-time OAuth-based integrations
Not SOC 2 compliant; outdated security protocols
Onboarding & support
Strategic onboarding for all plans, including design, Klaviyo setup, and guidance from loyalty specialists
Limited onboarding; only available on the highest-tier plan
Scalability
Designed for fast-growth brands ($1M+ GMV), with advanced features and benchmarks to support long-term revenue growth
Built for micro and early-stage businesses, it lacks the flexibility and tools needed to scale
Loyalty revenue forecast
Our data shows you can boost repeat-purchase revenue by up to 12% in Year 1. That’s why leading Shopify brands choose us over Smile.
Predict your revenueSeamless loyalty, built into the customer journey
Embed loyalty directly in customer accounts (no pop-ups)
Display points and tier status on checkout and thank you pages
Customize design to match your brand, not a generic template
Use embeddable components for a native experience across web, mobile, and POS
Actionable insights that grow loyalty revenue
Track loyalty-driven revenue, CLV, and redemption patterns
Forecast customer churn and reward liability with confidence
Segment by tier, behavior, or redemption status
Compare performance against LoyaltyLion benchmarks
Strategic features for growth & engagement
Reward custom activities like recycling, event check-in, and subscriptions
Create invite-only or subscriber tiers using Shopify tags
Offer seamless free product redemption with no voucher workarounds
Controls built for growing, security-conscious brands
Set points to expire from the date earned. Use an approval window to manage fraud
SOC 2 compliant. Modern security protocols
Multi-user roles, granular permissions and 2FA
OAuth-based integrations for secure data sync in real time
Switch from Smile to LoyaltyLion and unlock your exclusive migration offer!
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