Google reviews comparison
Smash Balloon Alternative: Google Reviews
Smash Balloon's Reviews Feed is a WordPress plugin. VerifiedWidget is a script you can paste into any site that allows custom code.
Updated October 2026
Quick verdict
Reviews Feed suits a WordPress site that wants feeds managed in the dashboard, especially mixing Google with Yelp, Facebook, Trustpilot or WooCommerce. The free plugin shows Google or Yelp. Its WordPress.org page says it can show up to 10 of the latest reviews for a single business without an API key. Paid source access depends on the Basic, Plus or Elite tier.
VerifiedWidget suits you if the same Google setup should work across WordPress and other builders. Free shows 20 reviews with 10,000 views a month; Reviews is $99 a year.
VerifiedWidget vs Smash Balloon at a glance
| Need | VerifiedWidget | Smash Balloon |
|---|---|---|
| Google review display | Google Maps link | Google or Yelp on the free plugin; more sources on paid tiers |
| Sync frequency | Free: monthly. Reviews: automatic | Daily with your own API key; Pro without a key updates weekly |
| Layouts | Grid, masonry, carousel, slider, badge, list, review pop-up, editorial wall, photo story, video spotlight, service proof | Pro templates include masonry, carousel, grid carousel and single review |
| Free plan | 1 widget, 1 business, 20 reviews, branding shown | WordPress plugin; Google or Yelp, 10 latest reviews for one business without an API key |
| Starting paid price | $99/year, 100,000 monthly views | Basic $49/year (1 site), Plus $99 (5 sites), Elite $149 (10 sites) as intro prices; renewals at full price |
Sources: Smash Balloon Free vs Pro guide, Reviews Feed pricing, free setup guide, free plugin page. Plans change, so confirm on their site before you buy.
Where Smash Balloon is stronger
The setup is native to WordPress. The free guide has you go to All Feeds, click Add new, then Add Source, and paste the shortcode where you want the feed. If you prefer plugin controls to script embeds, that is easier to maintain.
Source mixing is wider. Its pricing page has Basic covering Google and Yelp. Plus adds Facebook, Trustpilot, WooCommerce, AliExpress and Easy Digital Downloads. Elite adds Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor and WordPress.org.
Where VerifiedWidget is stronger
Because VerifiedWidget is a script, a landing page moved to Shopify, Webflow or a custom site keeps the same reviews setup. Paid Reviews has unlimited widgets and up to 20 businesses.
It goes further on Google display: named collections per page, themes, a public reviews page and business identity schema.
Before you decide
Compare renewal prices, not first-year prices. Smash Balloon's pricing page says renewals are at full price, so Basic goes from $49 to $98 a year. Also note which source tier you need. Also check whether your WordPress role allows custom scripts, since some editors strip them while a plugin shortcode still works. A staging page with a Custom HTML block answers that before you change production.
Neither product can earn you review stars in Google search for your own reviews on your own site. Here is why.
Switching from Smash Balloon
- Keep Reviews Feed installed and note which shortcode sits on which page, and whether it mixes sources.
- Paste the VerifiedWidget script into a Custom HTML block on a staging page, publish, and check it signed out.
- Swap the shortcode for the script once the right listing and mobile layout appear.
- Leave any mixed-source feed in place if you still need its other platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Does VerifiedWidget have a WordPress plugin?
No. It uses a script embed in a Custom HTML block or a builder that allows scripts.
Can Smash Balloon Free show Google reviews?
Yes. Its free Reviews Feed supports Google and Yelp. Without an API key it shows up to 10 of the latest reviews for one business.
Can VerifiedWidget combine Yelp and Google reviews?
No. It shows Google reviews only.
Will the script work in every WordPress editor?
It depends on your plan, role and security settings. Test on a published staging page.
Try VerifiedWidget next to Smash Balloon
Connect your Google listing, preview the layout, and test the embed on one page.