Most businesses don't need Podium's SMS, payments, or VoIP. They just need to reply to Google reviews without signing contracts or paying $400/month. Here's the faster, simpler, free alternative.
Last updated: December 17, 2025
If you just need review responses: ReplyOnTheFly saves you $4,788/year with the same AI quality.
If you need SMS, payments, and VoIP: Podium is worth the $399/mo investment.
5 free posts/month. After that, copy-paste manually or upgrade to Pro.
Annual cost comparison (3 locations):
ReplyOnTheFly Pro: $119.88/year | Podium Core: ~$14,364/year
That's $14,244/year in savings.
Someone leaves a Google review. We detect it instantly and generate an AI response.
You get an email with the review and AI-drafted response. No login needed.
Tap "Approve" in the email. Response posts to Google. Done in 5 seconds.
No dashboard. No app. No complexity. Just email.
The key differences at a glance
| Feature | ReplyOnTheFly | Podium |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/month | ~$399/monthQuote-based, per location |
| AI Review Responses | Unlimited drafts | Included |
| One-Tap Email Approval | ✓ | ✗ |
| SMS/Text Messaging | ✗ | ✓ |
| Payment Processing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Review Request Campaigns | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free Plan Available | Free Forever | Free Trial Only |
| Best For | SMBs wanting simple, free review responses | Businesses needing full messaging & payments suite |
No credit card required. Set up in 30 seconds.
Real feedback from G2 and Capterra
Source: G2 & Capterra reviews
Source: G2 & Capterra reviews
Podium has strong ratings on G2 and Capterra. These are selected highlights representing common themes.
If review responses are your main need, switch to ReplyOnTheFly. Same AI quality, no contracts, no $400/month bills.
No credit card required. No contract to sign.