Klaviyo vs Smartly
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Klaviyo and Smartly are credible marketing automation tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Klaviyo if you want a lower starting price (free – $45/mo) and a free plan to start on. The data-driven marketing platform for ecommerce.
Smartly — Enterprise social ad automation & creative.
Klaviyo vs Smartly: side by side
| Dimension | Klaviyo | Smartly |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $45/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Ecommerce, Dtc Brands | Enterprise, Agencies |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Klaviyo key facts
- Vendor
- Klaviyo
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $45/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Ecommerce, Dtc Brands
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA, USA
Smartly key facts
- Vendor
- Smartly.io
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Agencies
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Helsinki, Finland
Frequently asked questions
Is Klaviyo better than Smartly?
Neither is universally better — Klaviyo edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Klaviyo or Smartly cheaper?
Klaviyo is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $45/mo. Klaviyo starts at free – $45/mo; Smartly starts at custom.
Can Klaviyo replace Smartly?
Yes for most teams — both are marketing automation tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.