The AI TillComparisons · Reviews
Comparison
Google Business Profile vs Podium
Your free listing on Google Search and Maps, where customers leave reviews and you reply. Messaging, reviews and AI lead replies for local businesses in one inbox.
| Google Business Profile | Podium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free. | Core: $399 a month. Pro: $599 a month. Phone seats extra. |
| Free plan | Yes. Create and manage your listing, share a review link and reply to reviews at no cost. | No. No free plan; sales-led sign-up. |
| Best for | Every local business: it's where most customers will see your reviews. | Larger multi-staff businesses that want texting, reviews and phones together. |
| Watch out for | Google forbids offering discounts or free items in exchange for reviews; it counts as fake engagement. | Expensive for a small firm; a network fee per location is mentioned for phones. Mainly US-focused. |
| UK notes | Works in the UK. | US prices; check UK availability with sales. |
| Made by | Podium | |
| Checked | 2026-10-14 | 2026-10-14 |
Our verdict
For most small UK businesses starting out, Google Business Profile is the easier first pick because it has a free plan. Pick Podium instead if this sounds like you: larger multi-staff businesses that want texting, reviews and phones together.
UK price difference
Podium's cheapest paid plan is $399 (Core, per month). Google Business Profile doesn't publish a comparable entry price, so ask for a quote or check its pricing page. Check on the provider page whether VAT is included before you buy.
Who should pick which?
- Choose Google Business Profile for: every local business: it's where most customers will see your reviews.
- Choose Podium for: larger multi-staff businesses that want texting, reviews and phones together.
Only Google Business Profile has a free plan, so you can try it first at no cost. Prices change, so check the provider's page before buying.
Other reviews to consider
Trustpilot Business
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NiceJob
Automatically asks customers for reviews after a job and shares the good ones on your website and social media.
Full details
Google Business Profile tool page · Podium tool page · How we check prices
Sources
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