StarReview vs Podium: Comparison 2026
Podium is an all-in-one platform with over 100,000 customers. But do Swiss SMBs really need SMS messaging, webchat and payment collection, or is a focused review tool enough?
| StarReview | Podium | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Entry price | CHF 29/mo | $399/mo |
| Multi-location | CHF 29 per location/mo | Custom |
| Replies included | 50 credits per calendar month and location | Included |
| Transparent pricing | ✓ | On request only |
| Features | ||
| Generated replies | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS messaging | ✕ | ✓ |
| Webchat | ✕ | ✓ |
| Payment collection via SMS | ✕ | ✓ |
| Phone system | ✕ | ✓ |
| Setup | ||
| Setup time | 2 minutes | Enterprise onboarding |
| Contract commitment | No, cancel monthly | Yes |
Checked 25 July 2026 against Podium's published starting price and StarReview pricing.
Key differences
Different price and scope
StarReview publishes one price, CHF 29 per location per month. Podium states that plans start at $399/month. The figures are not like-for-like: Podium includes a broader communications suite.
Review workflow or broader suite
Choose Podium when messaging, webchat, payment collection or phone features belong in the same system. Choose StarReview when you need a focused workflow for drafting, approving and publishing review replies.
Transparent vs. sales call
With StarReview, you see the price on the website and can connect your Google Business Profile directly. You start with a 7-day trial for CHF 0.- before deciding. With Podium, you first need a sales call to learn the prices.
Swiss market vs. US focus
StarReview is built for the Swiss market: prices in CHF, all four national languages, Swiss language particularities. Podium is a US-American platform with international focus and USD pricing.
Try StarReview, cancel monthly
Connect your channels, reply drafts appear on click. Cancel monthly.
Frequently asked questions
Is StarReview an alternative to Podium?
For review replies, yes. Podium also includes messaging, webchat, payments and phone features that StarReview does not provide.
How much does Podium cost compared to StarReview?
On 25 July 2026, Podium stated that plans start at $399/month. StarReview publishes one price, CHF 29 per location per month. Prices use different currencies and the products cover different scopes.
Do I need Podium's messaging and payments?
Choose Podium if you want review management together with messaging, webchat, payments or phone features. Choose StarReview if your narrower requirement is drafting and approving replies to reviews.
Is StarReview also suitable for multiple locations?
Yes. StarReview costs CHF 29 per location per month, flat, with 50 reply credits per calendar month for each location. No enterprise onboarding or individual price negotiations.
One price. Every channel.
One price per location. 50 reply credits per month. Every channel.
CHF 261.-
per location per year
CHF 21.75 per location per month
CHF 261.- per year
Illustrative calculation. You select the individual locations in the subscription.
50 reply credits per location per month.
See every channel- StarReview learns your style from past and future replies
- Uses your website details. Mentions services and locations when relevant.
- Creates replies in the reviewer's language (DE, FR, IT, EN)
- Specific to every review, no generic template replies
- Multiple locations in one dashboard
- Daily email with new reviews and ready-to-send reply suggestions
- Reply style adjustable per star level
- Optional photo processing
Cancel monthly, no minimum term