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Head-to-head · Customer Retention Software

Klaviyo vs Smile.io

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Klaviyo #2 in Customer Retention Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Klaviyo
Smile.io #7 in Customer Retention Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Smile.io

Klaviyo leads on 0 checks, Smile.io on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreKlaviyo · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

Klaviyo scores higher on our rubric for customer retention software: 9.0 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

Klaviyo is the better fit for ecommerce teams seeking accessible retention marketing. Smile.io is the better fit for smaller stores starting a loyalty program.

  • Klaviyo fits best

    Ecommerce teams seeking accessible retention marketing

  • Smile.io fits best

    Smaller stores starting a loyalty program

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Side by side

Feature Klaviyo 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Smile.io 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.3
Ranking #2 in Customer Retention Software #7 in Customer Retention Software
Best for Ecommerce teams seeking accessible retention marketing Smaller stores starting a loyalty program
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $15/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Integrations 350+ integrations 5 integrations
Features Klaviyo 0/2 · Smile.io 0/2
Churn prediction Not checked yet Not checked yet
Loyalty / rewards Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Journey channels Not checked yet Not checked yet
Automation workflows Not checked yet Not checked yet
Contact limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Retention analytics Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Automates email, SMS, and push flows using behavioral data
  • Segments audiences in real time and supports campaign A/B testing
  • Connects with 350+ integrations, including Shopify and CRMs
  • Free plan includes points, referrals, discounts and free shipping rewards
  • Paid tiers add loyalty pages, VIP features and embedded components
  • Supports Shopify POS, BigCommerce, APIs and headless storefronts
Cons
  • Free plan is limited to 250 active profiles and 500 monthly email sends
  • Email support on the free plan lasts only the first 60 days
  • The Email plan's published highlights do not specify its price
  • Free plan is limited to 200 monthly orders
  • Integration limits apply on Essential and Standard plans
  • Advanced capabilities such as API access are reserved for higher tiers
Our verdict

Klaviyo combines email marketing, SMS, automation, customer data, analytics, segmentation, and customer service in a B2C CRM for consumer brands. Ecommerce teams can use it to build campaigns and automated flows around customer behavior,…

Read the review →

Smile.io gives ecommerce stores tools to run points-based loyalty and referral programs, offer rewards, and organize VIP tiers. Customer-facing loyalty pages and on-site components give shoppers places to view or engage with a program. It…

Read the review →
  1. KlaviyoCustomer Retention Software 9.0Free plan
  2. Smile.ioCustomer Retention Software 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Klaviyo — where it wins

    • Automates email, SMS, and push flows using behavioral data
    • Segments audiences in real time and supports campaign A/B testing
    • Connects with 350+ integrations, including Shopify and CRMs

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to 250 active profiles and 500 monthly email sends
    • Email support on the free plan lasts only the first 60 days
    • The Email plan's published highlights do not specify its price

  • Smile.io — where it wins

    • Free plan includes points, referrals, discounts and free shipping rewards
    • Paid tiers add loyalty pages, VIP features and embedded components
    • Supports Shopify POS, BigCommerce, APIs and headless storefronts

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to 200 monthly orders
    • Integration limits apply on Essential and Standard plans
    • Advanced capabilities such as API access are reserved for higher tiers
  • Klaviyo9.0/10 · Free plan

    A multichannel retention platform for ecommerce teams, with a free entry tier and broad integrations.

    Visit KlaviyoFull verdict →
  • Smile.io8.3/10 · Free plan

    A practical starting point for ecommerce loyalty, with features and integrations scaling by plan.

    Visit Smile.ioFull verdict →

More comparisons

All customer retention software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update