Recharge vs Smile.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Recharge 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Recharge
The world's leading subscription platform for e-commerce, powering recurring payments and customer retention.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Manages subscriptions and recurring payments for e-commerce businesses.
- • Offers advanced churn prevention and customer retention tools.
Smile.io
The leading loyalty platform for Shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value.
Best for you if:
- • You need marketing automation features specifically
- • Builds and manages customer loyalty programs for Shopify brands.
- • Increases repeat purchases and customer lifetime value (CLV).
| At a Glance |  Recharge |  Smile.io |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | Marketing Automation |
Rating | 80/100 | 79/100 |
| Feature | Recharge | Smile.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 79 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingSubscription Billing | Marketing AutomationE-commerce Platforms |
How Recharge and Smile.io Compare
Recharge
The world's leading subscription platform for e-commerce, powering recurring payments and customer retention.
Paid · 80/100 score
Smile.io
The leading loyalty platform for Shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value.
Paid · 79/100 score
Recharge is a payment processing tool. Smile.io is in marketing automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Recharge
Want the highest-rated option?
Recharge: 80/100. Smile.io: 79/100.
Go with: Recharge
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Recharge
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Recharge is a payment processing tool. Smile.io is in marketing automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Recharge scores higher: 80/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
Recharge
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 79
- Our pick for this comparison
Smile.io
- Better fit for marketing automation
The Bottom Line
Recharge (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Recharge or Smile.io better?
Recharge scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Recharge and Smile.io used for?
Recharge: The world's leading subscription platform for e-commerce, powering recurring payments and customer retention.. Smile.io: The leading loyalty platform for Shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value..
What does Recharge cost vs Smile.io?
Recharge is a paid tool. Smile.io is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.