BON Loyalty vs Rivo vs Smile.io for Shopify stores are three popular rewards program apps, each offering distinct loyalty features tailored to different business needs. Comparing their core capabilities, pricing, ease of use, integrations, and support will help Shopify merchants decide which solution matches their store’s goals best.
Core Features and Functionality Comparison
| Feature |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Loyalty Points |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Referral Programs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| VIP/Membership Tiers |
Limited |
Yes (membership plans) |
Yes |
| Custom Rewards |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Reward Types |
Discounts, store credit, freebies |
Discounts, memberships, referrals |
Discounts, points, VIP tiers |
| Program Customization |
Moderate |
High |
High |
| Advanced Segmentation |
Basic |
Yes |
Moderate |
| Multi-channel Support |
On-site, email |
On-site, email, SMS |
On-site, email |
- BON Loyalty focuses on straightforward loyalty and referral programs. It offers essential features with easy customization but lacks advanced membership tiers.
- Rivo integrates loyalty, referrals, and memberships with strong segmentation and membership plan support, suitable for growing stores needing tiered customer engagement.
- Smile.io excels with points, VIP tiers, and referrals, offering extensive customization and strong gamification tools appealing to brand-focused stores.
Pricing and Value
| Pricing Tier |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Free Plan |
Yes, limited features |
Yes, basic features |
Yes, limited points and referrals |
| Basic Paid Plan |
Starts at ~$29/month |
Starts at ~$39/month |
Starts at ~$49/month |
| Mid-Tier Plan |
~$59/month |
~$79/month |
~$199/month |
| Enterprise/Advanced Plan |
Custom pricing |
Custom pricing |
Custom pricing |
- BON Loyalty offers a lower entry price point with essential features for small to mid-size stores.
- Rivo’s pricing reflects its broader features including memberships and segmentation, targeting mid-market merchants.
- Smile.io is on the higher end, reflecting its polished UI and advanced loyalty features, best suited for brands wanting a more premium experience.
Ease of Setup and Use
| Criterion |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Setup Time |
Quick, beginner-friendly |
Moderate, some learning |
Moderate, guided setup |
| Interface Clarity |
Simple, clean |
Functional, slight complexity |
Polished, user-friendly |
| Customization Complexity |
Moderate |
Advanced options available |
Extensive, may require time |
| Shopify Admin Integration |
Good |
Good |
Excellent |
- BON Loyalty scores well for fast setup and straightforward use.
- Rivo requires more configuration due to its feature depth but offers flexibility.
- Smile.io provides a clean interface but may require time to tailor complex programs.
Integrations with Shopify and Other Platforms
| Integration Type |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Shopify |
Full native support |
Full native support |
Full native support |
| Email Marketing |
Basic integrations |
Advanced integrations |
Extensive integrations |
| SMS |
Limited |
Yes |
Limited |
| Other Platforms |
Limited |
Some API support |
Limited |
- All three integrate fully with Shopify for loyalty actions.
- Rivo leads with broader email and SMS integrations supporting multi-channel engagement.
- Smile.io connects well with top email platforms; BON Loyalty offers basic email but fewer other integrations.
Customer Support and Documentation
| Support Aspect |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Support Channels |
Email, chat |
Email, chat, phone |
Email, chat |
| Knowledge Base |
Good |
Extensive |
Extensive |
| Response Times |
Moderate |
Fast |
Moderate |
| User Community |
Small |
Growing |
Large |
- Rivo provides faster support response and phone options.
- Smile.io has a large user community and detailed resources.
- BON Loyalty offers reliable email/chat but less extensive documentation.
Best-Fit Customer Profiles
| Profile |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Small to Mid-Size Stores |
Best for stores needing basic, cost-effective loyalty and referral programs |
Suitable for stores wanting membership and loyalty combined |
Ideal for brands wanting advanced points and VIP tiers |
| Growing Businesses |
Good for those scaling loyalty gradually |
Best for stores requiring tiered memberships and segmentation |
Suited for premium brand experiences with extensive customization |
| Marketing Integration Needs |
Basic email marketing integration |
Multi-channel marketing including SMS |
Strong email marketing and Shopify integration |
BON Loyalty vs Rivo vs Smile.io for Shopify stores Summary Table
| Criterion |
BON Loyalty |
Rivo |
Smile.io |
| Core Features |
Loyalty, referrals |
Loyalty, referrals, memberships |
Points, VIP tiers, referrals |
| Pricing (Entry) |
Low (~$29/month) |
Mid (~$39/month) |
Higher (~$49/month) |
| Setup |
Quick, simple |
Moderate complexity |
Moderate complexity |
| Integrations |
Shopify, limited email |
Shopify, email, SMS |
Shopify, extensive email |
| Support |
Email, chat |
Email, chat, phone |
Email, chat |
| Best Fit |
Small stores, budget-focused |
Mid-market, memberships |
Brand-focused, high customization |
BON Loyalty alternatives?
If BON Loyalty’s focus on straightforward rewards doesn’t meet your needs, alternatives include Rivo for tiered memberships or Smile.io for a wider gamification approach. Other apps like ReferralCandy offer strong referral-only programs. Our article on BON Loyalty Alternatives: Rewards program apps Compared offers more options.
Rivo alternatives?
Rivo alternatives vary depending on your focus. If memberships are less important, BON Loyalty provides a simpler, more affordable option. Smile.io provides a more polished UI with points and VIP tiers. ReferralCandy is referral-focused. See Rivo vs BON Loyalty vs ReferralCandy: Which Rewards program app Wins? for detailed comparisons.
Smile.io alternatives?
Smile.io alternatives include Rivo for membership-centric rewards and BON Loyalty for simpler loyalty programs at lower price points. ReferralCandy is a good alternative if referrals are your main strategy. For broader loyalty options, review BON Loyalty vs Rivo vs ReferralCandy: Which Rewards program app Wins?.
Final Thoughts
Each app serves different Shopify store types: BON Loyalty suits smaller stores wanting essential features affordably, Rivo fits stores needing combined loyalty and membership, and Smile.io targets brands that want advanced points and VIP tiers. When choosing, consider your budget, desired feature complexity, and marketing integration needs.
Worth a Look: Zigpoll
If you are also exploring options beyond rewards programs, Zigpoll is a Shopify app worth considering. It specializes in post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys that can provide valuable customer insights to complement your loyalty efforts.
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