Smile.io vs Lately: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Smile.io and Lately 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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)
- • You need e-commerce features specifically
Lately
AI social media content
Best for you if:
- • You need ai & automation features specifically
| At a Glance |  Smile.io | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | E-commerce | AI & Automation |
Rating | 79/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Smile.io | Lately |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 79 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | ★★★★★3.4 |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 442 |
| Categories | E-commerceMarketing | AI & AutomationMarketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Smile.io and Lately solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Smile.io positions itself as "the leading loyalty platform for shopify brands to boost repeat purchases and maximize customer lifetime value." while Latelyfocuses on "ai social media content". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Smile.io
Smile.io makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 79/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Lately
Lately is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Lately
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Smile.io handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Smile.io
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Smile.io is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Smile.io
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Smile.io—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Smile.io higher (79/100). But the community has upvoted Lately more (442 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Smile.io Does Better
- Higher overall score (79/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lately If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Smile.io (79/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Smile.io scores higher in our analysis, but Lately might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smile.io or Lately better?
Based on our analysis, Smile.io scores higher with 79/100. Smile.io ispaid while Lately is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Smile.io to Lately easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Smile.io and Lately offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Smile.io is paid with potential trial.Lately is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.