If there’s one factor working in advertising and marketing has taught me, it is that holding present clients engaged is simply as vital, if no more, than bringing in new ones.What I spotted is that the distinction typically comes all the way down to the know-how behind the scenes. One of the best loyalty applications aren’t simply artistic; 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 spread of platforms, exploring options like multi-channel engagement, CRM and advertising and marketing integrations, and real-time reporting.

In case you’re trying to find top-rated loyalty program apps for buyer retention, listed here are my prime 5 picks for 2025.  Whether or not you are managing loyalty throughout an internet retailer, retail places, or cell apps, these 5 options stood out for his or her flexibility, scalability, and skill 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 seek 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 most effective buyer loyalty software program.

• Customizable loyalty program buildings: I prioritized platforms that go past primary points-for-purchase fashions, providing flexibility for tiered rewards, referrals, gamification, and customized incentives.
• Multi-channel buyer engagement: Loyalty applications should work throughout the online, cell apps, electronic mail, SMS, and in-store POS techniques. I seemed 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, exhibiting redemption charges, buyer lifetime worth modifications, retention enhancements, and engagement over time.
• Admin ease-of-use: Organising 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 under accommodates real person critiques from the loyalty administration software program class web page. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Enroll precious, loyal, or clients in a loyalty program
• Permit for the configuration of a number of loyalty applications, akin to 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 critiques might 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 keeping with G2 Knowledge, 74% of small companies use LoyaltyLion, which speaks to its ease of use. 

It presents instruments for establishing level techniques, referral applications, and VIP tiers, specializing in integrating loyalty straight into the web purchasing expertise.

After I examined LoyaltyLion, one of many first issues that stood out was how seamlessly it integrates with Shopify. Organising the connection was easy, and the platform robotically pulls in key buyer and order information without having complicated configurations. Managing loyalty guidelines, establishing reward tiers, and syncing buyer actions come naturally. In case you’re operating an e-commerce retailer on Shopify or an identical 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 group, and clear documentation that made configuring my first loyalty program fairly straightforward.

I additionally discovered the best way LoyaltyLion handles rewards and factors logic refreshingly easy. Organising 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 purchasing stream. 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 infrequently higher-priced) tiers. If you’d like experiences like intricate gamification parts or closely branded program interfaces, you could want for a bit extra flexibility exterior the field.

Price is one other consideration. Whereas LoyaltyLion delivers robust enterprise worth, it may well get costly as your loyalty program scales. Some premium options are reserved for larger plans, which might stretch budgets for fast-growing manufacturers or smaller retailers. This concern was not solely my commentary; many reviewers on G2 shared related ideas in regards to the platform’s pricing construction. Nonetheless, 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 critiques, I seen different customers additionally point out that extra superior customization typically 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 attempting to unlock superior loyalty options early on.

What G2 customers dislike about LoyaltyLion – loyalty platform:

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

– LoyaltyLion – loyalty platform Assessment, Raika B.

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

After I examined Smile.io, the very first thing that impressed me was how shortly I might arrange a working loyalty program. Connecting it to a Shopify retailer took just some 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 awesome choice if you wish to get a loyalty program up and operating 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 sophisticated setup. All the pieces stayed on-brand and straightforward 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 effective print or complicated navigation. Prospects might interact with the loyalty program naturally throughout checkout or whereas shopping their account dashboard, which may make a giant distinction in precise reward redemption charges.

Nonetheless, Smile.io does have some limitations to pay attention to. After I tried customizing reward buildings and notifications past the fundamentals, I discovered the choices a bit restricted. The defaults are clear and straightforward to make use of, however companies searching for extremely branded, deeply customized loyalty experiences might discover themselves restricted with out customized growth or workarounds.

It’s additionally value 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 may be very accessible for rising manufacturers, groups that need to construct a extremely refined loyalty program may must improve ahead of anticipated. That stated, Smile.io is commonly thought-about the most effective user-friendly loyalty administration system for brand spanking new companies

What I dislike about Smile.io:

• I’ve noticed—and G2 reviewers echo this—that it’s arduous to transcend the usual templates if you need deeper customization for a extra customized loyalty expertise.
• Primarily based on my expertise and suggestions from G2 critiques, the extra refined options that might actually improve a loyalty program typically sit behind the higher-tier plans, making them more durable to entry with out an improve.

What G2 customers dislike about Smile.io:

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

– Smile.io Assessment, 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 keeping with G2 Knowledge, it is the go-to selection for 63% mid-market companies.

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

After 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 generally really feel intimidating, Loyalty Administration presents clear workflows and templates that make it comparatively easy to create incomes guidelines, construct reward tiers, and launch loyalty journeys with out getting buried in complexity. Having the whole lot organized throughout the acquainted Salesforce surroundings helped make the method even smoother.

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

Whereas I didn’t personally work together with the help group throughout testing, G2 reviewers persistently praised Salesforce’s loyalty-specific help as a robust 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 complicated loyalty setups, having dependable help seems to make an actual distinction in smoothing out the training curve.

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

Throughout testing, I additionally encountered occasional lag when working by extra complicated processes or syncing massive datasets. It wasn’t a relentless concern, however generally 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 critiques, many customers really feel the associated fee is extra aligned with enterprise budgets reasonably than small or mid-sized companies.
• I noticed some lag when dealing with complicated 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 Assessment, 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 instrument 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 complicated configurations.

After I examined Voyado, one of many first issues that stood out was how intuitive the platform felt. The interface was clear and straightforward 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 operating shortly.

Voyado’s automation capabilities additionally stood out throughout my analysis. Organising automated reward applications, re-engagement campaigns, and customized presents based mostly on buyer habits felt easy and versatile. Primarily based on my testing and G2 person suggestions, Voyado’s automation instruments appear to strike a robust steadiness 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 info isn’t as deep, it offers sensible visibility into buyer habits, buy patterns, and loyalty traits. G2 reviewers typically 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 bear in mind, although. Reporting capabilities felt primary throughout my testing, and plenty of G2 reviewers shared the identical sentiment. Whilst you can pull core loyalty and marketing campaign metrics simply sufficient, the platform doesn’t supply as a lot flexibility when constructing customized studies or drilling down into detailed segmentation and efficiency monitoring.

Equally, whereas Voyado offers useful buyer insights, a number of G2 critiques flagged that information depth can generally really feel a bit shallow. In case you’ve been asking what the most effective loyalty software program for retail shops is, Voyado is among the strongest contenders

What I dislike about Voyado:

• I seen 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 info.

What G2 customers dislike about Voyado:

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

– Voyado Assessment, 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 evaluation efforts into one unified buyer expertise.

I instantly seen how properly the platform integrates totally different buyer engagement items. Managing critiques, loyalty applications, and buyer rewards from the identical dashboard made the workflow way more streamlined than platforms that solely give attention to one space.

Ease of use was one other clear spotlight throughout my testing. Navigating between modules like establishing a loyalty marketing campaign, responding to buyer critiques, or configuring reward guidelines felt intuitive and didn’t require a lot technical ramp-up. Regardless of a number of merchandise underneath one roof, Yotpo maintains a comparatively clear and accessible person 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 group. Whereas I did not get to look at the shopper help, many G2 reviewers stated the group 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.

Nonetheless, I seen occasional slowness whereas utilizing Yotpo’s admin portal, and it’s one thing G2 reviewers flagged, too. Saving modifications, loading studies, or navigating between heavier modules generally took longer than anticipated. Whereas it wasn’t deal-breaking, it may very well be bothersome for those who’re attempting to handle lots of campaigns shortly.

Pricing is one other issue to contemplate. Yotpo’s ecosystem presents highly effective capabilities, however a number of G2 customers talked about that accessing the total suite of options typically 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 speculate closely in loyalty, critiques, and buyer advertising and marketing.

All in all, Yotpo is a really helpful loyalty app for growing buyer loyalty, because of its all-in-one ecosystem of critiques, 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 seeking 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 isn’t straightforward to dam them.”

– Yotpo Assessment, Carmela H.

Wish to strengthen loyalty even additional? Take a look at the greatest buyer success software program to maintain clients engaged, glad, and rising along with your model.