Punchh vs Smile.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Punchh and Smile.io comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Punchh
Unifying marketing, ordering, loyalty, and data to drive restaurant guest engagement and revenue.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Unifies marketing, ordering, loyalty, and guest data for restaurants.
- • Drives revenue through personalized offers, seamless digital experiences, and AI-driven recommendations.
Smile.io
The leading loyalty platform for Shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.9/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Builds and manages customer loyalty programs for Shopify brands.
- • Increases repeat purchases and customer lifetime value (CLV).
| At a Glance |  Punchh |  Smile.io |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Marketing Automation | Marketing Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 79/100 |
| Feature | Punchh | Smile.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 79 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationOnline Ordering | Marketing AutomationE-commerce Platforms |
How Punchh and Smile.io Compare
Punchh
Unifying marketing, ordering, loyalty, and data to drive restaurant guest engagement and revenue.
Free tier available
Smile.io
The leading loyalty platform for Shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value.
Paid · 79/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Punchh has a free tier. Smile.io is paid only.
Go with: Punchh
Want the highest-rated option?
Smile.io scores 79/100. Punchh is unrated.
Go with: Smile.io
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Smile.io
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Punchh is freemium. Smile.io is paid. Punchh lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are marketing automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Smile.io
- Higher score: 79/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Punchh
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Smile.io (79/100) is our pick. Punchh has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Punchh or Smile.io better?
Smile.io scores 79/100 in our evaluation. Punchh is freemium and Smile.io is paid.
What are Punchh and Smile.io used for?
Punchh: Unifying marketing, ordering, loyalty, and data to drive restaurant guest engagement and revenue.. Smile.io: The leading loyalty platform for Shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value..
What does Punchh cost vs Smile.io?
Punchh is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Smile.io is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.