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Essential Loyalty vs Joy Loyalty
Essential Loyalty has a free plan and paid plans from $10/mo, and is a newer build (launched 2024); Joy Loyalty has a free plan and paid plans from $29/mo, and has a larger review base (1,789 reviews).As of Oct 30, 2026. From public Shopify App Store listings. How we rank
What makes each one different
Essential Loyalty
- has a lower starting paid price ($10/mo)
- is a newer build (launched 2024)
Best for: stores that want a low monthly cost as they grow.
Joy Loyalty
- has a larger review base (1,789 reviews)
- has a longer track record (since 2021)
Best for: merchants who want a widely used, well reviewed option.
Both are top-rated loyalty and rewards apps. This read is generated only from differences in their public listings, not from opinions.
Full lineup
| Essential LoyaltyApp Store Essent Loyalty Program Rewards | Joy LoyaltyApp Store Joy Loyalty Program Rewards | |
|---|---|---|
| Pack Rating | 90 | 88 |
| Stars | 5.0★ | 4.9★ |
| Reviews | 494 | 1,789 |
| Rating breakdown | Not listed | 5★95% 4★3% 3★0% 2★0% 1★1% |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Cheapest paid (real monthly cost) | $10/mo | $29/mo |
| Free trial | Not listed | Not listed |
| Pricing tiers |
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| Integrations only this app lists | Not listed | Not listed |
| Features only this app lists | Not listed | Not listed |
| Languages | Not listed | Not listed |
| Built for Shopify | Not listed | Not listed |
| Launched | November 25, 2024 | June 28, 2021 |
| Developer | Essential Apps | Joy Loyalty Program & Rewards |
| Source | Shopify listing fetched 2026-10-30 | Shopify listing fetched 2026-10-30 |