My 5 Picks After Testing the Finest Buyer Loyalty Software program

If there’s one factor working in advertising and marketing has taught me, it is that retaining present clients engaged is simply as vital, if no more, than bringing in new ones.What I spotted is that the distinction usually comes right down to the expertise behind the scenes. The perfect loyalty applications aren’t simply inventive; they’re powered by software program that makes personalization, multi-channel engagement, and real-time insights attainable.

To see firsthand what units the greatest buyer loyalty software program aside, I examined a variety of platforms, exploring options like multi-channel engagement, CRM and advertising and marketing integrations, and real-time reporting.

In case you’re looking for top-rated loyalty program apps for buyer retention, listed here are my high 5 picks for 2025.  Whether or not you are managing loyalty throughout an internet retailer, retail areas, or cellular apps, these 5 options stood out for his or her flexibility, scalability, and talent to show informal clients into model advocates.

5 greatest buyer loyalty software program I like to recommend

Buyer loyalty isn’t one thing you should purchase with reductions or freebies. Constructing actual loyalty means persistently delivering seamless experiences, customized rewards, and incentives that matter to your clients throughout each channel—as a result of loyalty isn’t simply feel-good advertising and marketing. In truth, loyalty program members spend, on common, as much as  164% extra than non-members when redeeming rewards.

However after engaged on loyalty campaigns and delving deeper into buyer engagement methods, I spotted that not each loyalty platform delivers on its guarantees.

So, I needed to search out platforms that assist advertising and marketing groups personalize experiences, drive repeat enterprise, and construct stronger buyer relationships. Right here’s how I approached it.

What I prioritized when testing the loyalty administration platform

I thought-about the next elements when evaluating the perfect buyer loyalty software program.

• Customizable loyalty program buildings: I prioritized platforms that go past fundamental points-for-purchase fashions, providing flexibility for tiered rewards, referrals, gamification, and customized incentives.
• Multi-channel buyer engagement: Loyalty applications should work throughout the net, cellular apps, electronic mail, SMS, and in-store POS programs. I appeared for instruments that might unify these experiences with out creating silos.
• CRM and advertising and marketing integrations: Loyalty software program ought to seamlessly combine with present CRMs, electronic mail advertising and marketing instruments, e-commerce platforms, and buyer information platforms (CDPs) to personalize outreach and automate reward triggers.
• Actual-time reporting and insights: I needed platforms that make it straightforward to trace loyalty program efficiency, displaying redemption charges, buyer lifetime worth modifications, retention enhancements, and engagement over time.
• Admin ease-of-use: Establishing and managing loyalty applications shouldn’t require hours of technical setup. I paid consideration to how intuitive the platform was for entrepreneurs (not builders).
• Scalability: Scalability issues whether or not you’re a fast-growing DTC model or a multi-location retailer. I prioritized options that may develop with you, simply supporting new loyalty campaigns, markets, or buyer segments.

The checklist beneath comprises real consumer opinions from the loyalty administration software program class web page. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Enroll worthwhile, loyal, or clients in a loyalty program
• Enable for the configuration of a number of loyalty applications, reminiscent of point-based, spend-based, tiered, paid, and so on.
• Present instruments to speak with loyal clients and distribute reductions, cashback, or different rewards
• Seize buyer information, together with purchase historical past, membership standing, and engagement with the loyalty program
• Combine with different advertising and marketing or commerce software program

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions could have been edited for readability.

Among the many main loyalty administration platforms for e-commerce, LoyaltyLion persistently stands out. It’s designed for e-commerce manufacturers that need to enhance repeat purchases and buyer lifetime worth. In line with G2 Information, 74% of small companies use LoyaltyLion, which speaks to its ease of use. 

It affords instruments for organising level programs, referral applications, and VIP tiers, specializing in integrating loyalty straight into the net procuring expertise.

Once I examined LoyaltyLion, one of many first issues that stood out was how seamlessly it integrates with Shopify. Establishing the connection was simple, and the platform robotically pulls in key buyer and order information without having advanced configurations. Managing loyalty guidelines, organising reward tiers, and syncing buyer actions come naturally. In case you’re working an e-commerce retailer on Shopify or the same platform, LoyaltyLion makes it extremely straightforward to layer loyalty incentives into your buyer journey.

One other main spotlight throughout testing was the onboarding course of. LoyaltyLion doesn’t simply hand you a platform and depart you to determine it out; they information you thru it. I had entry to structured onboarding periods, a pleasant and educated help crew, and clear documentation that made configuring my first loyalty program fairly straightforward.

I additionally discovered the way in which LoyaltyLion handles rewards and factors logic refreshingly easy. Establishing guidelines round factors for purchases, referrals, or social media interactions was straightforward, and I appreciated how seen rewards have been for purchasers. It did not really feel like one other factors engine buried someplace within the procuring move. The incentives have been entrance and middle, making it straightforward to strengthen buyer habits.

That stated, LoyaltyLion does include just a few trade-offs. Whereas the platform covers the necessities, deeper customization choices have been considerably restricted except you moved into extra superior (and sometimes higher-priced) tiers. If you’d like experiences like intricate gamification parts or closely branded program interfaces, it’s possible you’ll want for a little bit extra flexibility exterior the field.

Value is one other consideration. Whereas LoyaltyLion delivers sturdy enterprise worth, it could possibly get costly as your loyalty program scales. Some premium options are reserved for increased plans, which may stretch budgets for fast-growing manufacturers or smaller outlets. This concern was not solely my remark; many reviewers on G2 shared related ideas in regards to the platform’s pricing construction. Nevertheless, quite a few customers felt that the platform’s reliability, buyer help, and long-term advantages for buyer retention justified the funding.

What I dislike about LoyaltyLion – loyalty platform:

• I discovered it limiting to personalize reward experiences past the fundamentals, and from studying G2 opinions, I observed different customers additionally point out that extra superior customization usually requires a higher-tier plan.
• From each my expertise and what I’ve gathered from G2 reviewers, the pricing can really feel steep for smaller manufacturers making an attempt to unlock superior loyalty options early on.

What G2 customers dislike about LoyaltyLion – loyalty platform:

“There are areas the place LoyaltyLion may enhance. One important disadvantage is the presence of sure options that is probably not related to all companies and can’t be simply custom-made or eliminated. This lack of flexibility can frustrate firms searching for a extra tailor-made resolution.”

– LoyaltyLion – loyalty platform Evaluation, Raika B.

Smile.io is designed for e-commerce manufacturers trying to construct easy, partaking buyer rewards applications. In line with G2 Information, it ranks at place 1 of the easiest-to-use software program within the class. 

Once I examined Smile.io, the very first thing that impressed me was how shortly I may arrange a working loyalty program. Connecting it to a Shopify retailer took only a few clicks, and it was straightforward to configure incomes guidelines, rewards, and buyer communications. This makes Smile.io one of the vital efficient loyalty administration instruments for startups.  It’s an incredible possibility if you wish to get a loyalty program up and working with out dedicating days to setup or onboarding. 

Smile.io’s Shopify integration felt seamless throughout my testing. Buyer information synced easily, and loyalty options like factors balances, reward notifications, and program enrollment have been built-in into the storefront expertise with none difficult setup. All the pieces stayed on-brand and simple to handle, which is precisely what you need when including loyalty to an already busy e-commerce operation.

I additionally preferred how customer-friendly the rewards system felt. From a consumer’s perspective, Smile.io made it apparent methods to earn factors, what rewards have been obtainable, and methods to redeem them. There was no hidden tremendous print or complicated navigation. Prospects may interact with the loyalty program naturally throughout checkout or whereas looking their account dashboard, which may make a giant distinction in precise reward redemption charges.

Nevertheless, Smile.io does have some limitations to concentrate on. Once I tried customizing reward buildings and notifications past the fundamentals, I discovered the choices a bit restricted. The defaults are clear and simple to make use of, however companies searching for extremely branded, deeply customized loyalty experiences could discover themselves restricted with out customized improvement or workarounds.

It’s additionally price noting that a few of Smile.io’s extra superior options, like superior VIP tiers, customized incomes circumstances, or deeper analytics, are gated behind higher-tier paid plans. Whereas the core platform could be very accessible for rising manufacturers, groups that need to construct a extremely refined loyalty program may have to improve prior to anticipated. That stated, Smile.io is commonly thought-about the perfect user-friendly loyalty administration system for brand new companies

What I dislike about Smile.io:

• I’ve noticed—and G2 reviewers echo this—that it’s laborious to transcend the usual templates while you need deeper customization for a extra customized loyalty expertise.
• Based mostly on my expertise and suggestions from G2 opinions, the extra refined options that might really improve a loyalty program usually sit behind the higher-tier plans, making them tougher to entry with out an improve.

What G2 customers dislike about Smile.io:

“I feel Smile is a bit costly. For a few years, we have been capable of be on the free plan, which was very good, however now I feel it is a little bit overpriced. Additionally, we do not see clients utilizing this system as a lot as we want, and typically they do not use it sufficient to justify the price of the subscription.”

– Smile.io Evaluation, Michaela M.

Salesforce Loyalty Administration is an enterprise-grade platform constructed for firms that need to create customized, data-driven loyalty applications at scale. In line with G2 Information, it is the go-to alternative for 63% mid-market companies.

It integrates deeply with Salesforce CRM, Advertising Cloud, and Service Cloud, serving to manufacturers join loyalty initiatives with their broader buyer engagement methods.

Once I examined Salesforce Loyalty Administration, one of many first issues I appreciated was how straightforward it was to configure as soon as the preliminary setup was full. Whereas Salesforce platforms can typically really feel intimidating, Loyalty Administration affords clear workflows and templates that make it comparatively simple to create incomes guidelines, construct reward tiers, and launch loyalty journeys with out getting buried in complexity. Having all the pieces organized inside the acquainted Salesforce atmosphere helped make the method even smoother.

Managing loyalty applications inside Salesforce felt surprisingly pure. I may section clients based mostly on their behaviors, automate reward triggers, and personalize experiences throughout channels like electronic mail, cellular, and repair interactions.

Whereas I didn’t personally work together with the help crew throughout testing, G2 reviewers persistently praised Salesforce’s loyalty-specific help as a powerful level. Many customers praised the provision of detailed documentation, responsive help, and educated help reps who understood the nuances of loyalty program administration. For groups managing advanced loyalty setups, having dependable help seems to make an actual distinction in smoothing out the training curve.

That stated, pricing generally is a important consideration. Salesforce Loyalty Administration is positioned for mid-sized to massive enterprises, and the prices, particularly when bundled with additional Salesforce merchandise, can add up shortly. For smaller companies or groups simply beginning with loyalty applications, it’d really feel like extra firepower (and extra funds) than you want.

Throughout testing, I additionally encountered occasional lag when working by means of extra advanced processes or syncing massive datasets. It wasn’t a relentless problem, however typically saving configurations or loading detailed dashboards took longer than anticipated.

What I dislike about Salesforce Loyalty Administration:

• I discovered that the pricing can rise quickly, particularly when mixed with different Salesforce merchandise. From analyzing G2 opinions, many customers really feel the price is extra aligned with enterprise budgets quite than small or mid-sized companies.
• I noticed some lag when dealing with advanced workflows or massive datasets. A number of reviewers on G2 additionally talked about that efficiency can decelerate with detailed configurations.

What G2 customers dislike about Salesforce Loyalty Administration:

“Lacks sufficient flexibility to adapt to a wider vary of buyer profiles.”

– Salesforce Loyalty Administration Evaluation, Joana N.

Voyado is constructed primarily for retail and e-commerce manufacturers. It combines loyalty administration, advertising and marketing automation, and buyer insights into one resolution. The software makes it straightforward for advertising and marketing groups to ship customized campaigns throughout a number of channels with out relying closely on exterior instruments or advanced configurations.

Once I examined Voyado, one of many first issues that stood out was how intuitive the platform felt. The interface was clear and simple to navigate, making it easy to create campaigns, handle loyalty rewards, and arrange automation flows without having technical experience. G2 reviewers echoed this as properly, persistently praising Voyado for its ease of use and user-friendly design that helps groups stand up and working shortly.

Voyado’s automation capabilities additionally stood out throughout my analysis. Establishing automated reward applications, re-engagement campaigns, and customized affords based mostly on buyer habits felt simple and versatile. Based mostly on my testing and G2 consumer suggestions, Voyado’s automation instruments appear to strike a powerful stability between simplicity and energy, serving to entrepreneurs construct refined engagement flows without having heavy technical help.  In truth, 96% G2 customers worth it for its efficiency and reliability. 

I additionally appreciated how Voyado surfaces buyer insights. Whereas the information isn’t as deep, it offers sensible visibility into buyer habits, buy patterns, and loyalty traits. G2 reviewers usually talked about that these built-in insights made it simpler to behave shortly with out toggling between a number of instruments.

There are just a few limitations to remember, although. Reporting capabilities felt fundamental throughout my testing, and lots of G2 reviewers shared the identical sentiment. Whilst you can pull core loyalty and marketing campaign metrics simply sufficient, the platform doesn’t provide as a lot flexibility when constructing customized stories or drilling down into detailed segmentation and efficiency monitoring.

Equally, whereas Voyado offers useful buyer insights, a number of G2 opinions flagged that information depth can typically really feel a little bit shallow. In case you’ve been asking what the perfect loyalty software program for retail shops is, Voyado is likely one of the strongest contenders

What I dislike about Voyado:

• I observed that the reporting capabilities really feel considerably restricted. Many G2 reviewers have shared related frustrations in regards to the lack of depth in analytics.
• Whereas the platform offers buyer information insights, I felt they generally lacked depth. This aligns with what different customers on G2 have identified in regards to the want for extra actionable data.

What G2 customers dislike about Voyado:

“The one draw back issues the platform’s present restricted capabilities for superior evaluation. Nevertheless, Voyado is clear about this and affords plug-ins for purchasers who require such options.”

– Voyado Evaluation, Tobias F.

Yotpo helps manufacturers construct belief, drive repeat purchases, and handle buyer engagement throughout a number of touchpoints with out juggling a number of distributors. Yotpo focuses closely on connecting loyalty and evaluate efforts into one unified buyer expertise.

I instantly observed how properly the platform integrates totally different buyer engagement items. Managing opinions, loyalty applications, and buyer rewards from the identical dashboard made the workflow far more streamlined than platforms that solely deal with one space.

Ease of use was one other clear spotlight throughout my testing. Navigating between modules like organising a loyalty marketing campaign, responding to buyer opinions, or configuring reward guidelines felt intuitive and didn’t require a lot technical ramp-up. Regardless of a number of merchandise below one roof, Yotpo maintains a comparatively clear and accessible consumer interface. 87% of G2 customers report that the dashboard works as a centralized hub for on-line status information.

One other factor I noticed throughout my analysis was reward for the help crew. Whereas I did not get to look at the shopper help, many G2 reviewers stated the crew was responsive and useful, particularly when coping with setup questions or troubleshooting integration challenges. That exterior validation made me really feel extra assured that groups can depend on Yotpo’s help sources when wanted.

Nevertheless, I observed occasional slowness whereas utilizing Yotpo’s admin portal, and it’s one thing G2 reviewers flagged, too. Saving modifications, loading stories, or navigating between heavier modules typically took longer than anticipated. Whereas it wasn’t deal-breaking, it may very well be bothersome in the event you’re making an attempt to handle loads of campaigns shortly.

Pricing is one other issue to contemplate. Yotpo’s ecosystem affords highly effective capabilities, however a number of G2 customers talked about that accessing the complete suite of options usually requires upgrading to higher-tier plans or including paid modules. From what I noticed, it’s a platform that works greatest for manufacturers prepared to take a position closely in loyalty, opinions, and buyer advertising and marketing.

All in all, Yotpo is a beneficial loyalty app for growing buyer loyalty, due to its all-in-one ecosystem of opinions, rewards, and SMS advertising and marketing

What I dislike about Yotpo:

• I noticed occasional slowness within the admin dashboard, particularly when dealing with bigger processes. A number of G2 reviewers have additionally highlighted this.
• Accessing superior options could make pricing rise shortly, a priority that a number of G2 customers have famous, notably for manufacturers trying to scale.

What G2 customers dislike about Yotpo:

“The one factor I do not essentially like is that I am unable to block numbers from subscribing. There are some clients I do not need again on the platforms, and it is not straightforward to dam them.”

– Yotpo Evaluation, Carmela H.

Wish to strengthen loyalty even additional? Try the greatest buyer success software program to maintain clients engaged, happy, and rising along with your model.