20 Best Shopify Apps To Build & Scale Your Online Brand

Choosing the right Shopify app can feel like navigating a maze. While the promise of increased sales and improved functionality is enticing, not every app lives up to the hype. Some apps, even with glowing reviews, might hurt your conversion rate instead of helping it. This makes finding the best Shopify apps critical to your store's success, but also a challenging process for new merchants.

Shopify apps offer incredible possibilities, from boosting conversions to streamlining operations. However, not every app is a good fit for every store. Different apps cater to different needs, and their effectiveness often depends on your store’s unique branding and goals.

As you explore, it’s important to focus on the essentials first, like apps that enhance store functionality and customer experience, before diving into premium tools. That’s where our list of the best apps for Shopify comes in handy.

This article is your guide to discovering the must have Shopify apps that can transform your store. From building your brand to scaling your ecommerce business, we’ve curated a list that covers beginner, intermediate, and advanced apps to help you succeed.

Let’s dive in!

Best Apps For Shopify – Must-Have For Beginners

Starting a Shopify store can feel overwhelming with so many tasks to manage, from setting up your storefront to optimizing sales and customer experience.

Fortunately, there are tools designed specifically for beginners to streamline these processes and set your store up for success. These best apps for Shopify help you save time, improve functionality, and enhance customer satisfaction without needing advanced technical skills.

Below, we’ve curated a list of essential apps that are perfect for beginners looking to build a strong foundation for their Shopify store.

PageFly Landing Page Builder

https://apps.shopify.com/pagefly

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (11,600+ reviews) Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $24 per month

PageFly is an essential tool for those embarking on ecommerce ventures, including Shopify dropshipping apps, digital products, physical inventory stores, and blogs. Even on the free plan, it offers extensive control and customization, enabling you to build a strong brand presence.

This approach can save you from spending hundreds on premium Shopify themes. By combining a free theme with PageFly's robust page-building capabilities, you can elevate your store's design and functionality beyond the standard.

With over 11,600 positive reviews on the Shopify App Store PageFly is clearly amongst the most popular Shopify apps. And for those seeking to enhance their store's performance, PageFly stands out as one of the best must have Shopify apps for beginners.

Omnisend Email Marketing & SMS

https://apps.shopify.com/omnisend

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (5,900+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $16 per month

Omnisend is a top choice for Shopify merchants focused on growing their audience and sales. It integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store, enabling you to start sending targeted emails and SMS messages that resonate with your customers.

With over 5,900 positive reviews on the Shopify App Store, it's evident that merchants trust Omnisend to enhance their online business. Whether you're new to email marketing or looking to elevate your strategy, Omnisend provides comprehensive tools to achieve your goals.

Starting with Omnisend is cost-effective; the free plan allows access to all features for up to 250 contacts, and as your store grows, you can transition to a paid plan starting at $16 per month, depending on your outreach needs.

Its robust features and scalability make Omnisend one of the best Shopify apps for merchants aiming to boost customer engagement and sales.

Coin Currency Converter

https://apps.shopify.com/coin

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (400+ reviews)

Pricing: $9.99 per month; 14-day free trial available

In the global ecommerce landscape, offering a seamless shopping experience across borders is essential. Coin Currency Converter addresses this need by automatically detecting your store visitor's location and converting prices to their local currency.

This eliminates the hassle of manual currency changes, enhancing customer satisfaction and potentially boosting sales.

Priced at $9.99 per month after a 14-day free trial, Coin provides a cost-effective solution for international commerce. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to any Shopify store aiming to cater to a global audience

Kiwi Size Chart & Receommender

https://apps.shopify.com/kiwi-sizing

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,400+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $6.99 per month

Kiwi Sizing offers fully customizable size charts, which are especially beneficial for fashion stores. Pre-made size chart templates enable you to maintain consistency across your product range, even if you have over 100 clothing items online.

The app enhances the shopping experience by providing multiple unit conversions, catering to a global customer base. Additionally, the Size Recommender feature assists customers in selecting the correct size by inputting basic information such as age, weight, and height.

Seamlessly integrating with Shopify, Kiwi Sizing allows you to add size buttons and charts directly to your product pages, facilitating easy size selection for customers.

With a free plan available and paid plans starting at $6.99 per month, Kiwi Sizing is a cost-effective solution for improving customer satisfaction and reducing return rates.

Booster SEO & Image Optimizer

https://apps.shopify.com/seo-image-optimizer

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (9,000+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $39 per month

For beginners aiming to establish a strong online presence, BOOSTER SEO & IMAGE OPTIMIZER is one of the must have Shopify apps for beginners and it’s also among the most popular Shopify apps for SEO.

Maintaining strong SEO practices is crucial for your Shopify store's visibility, but manually optimizing each image can be time-consuming. BOOSTER SEO & IMAGE OPTIMIZER simplifies this process by automatically scanning all images on your store and enhancing them through optimized alt-text and meta tags.

This automation not only improves your Google rankings but also increases the likelihood of customers discovering your store via image searches.

With a free plan available and premium options starting at $39 per month, this app is a cost-effective solution for enhancing your store's SEO. Its user-friendly interface and proven effectiveness make it one of the best apps for Shopify, especially for those new to eCommerce.

Must Have Apps On Shopify For Better Customer Reach

Expanding your store’s reach is crucial for driving traffic and attracting new customers, and features like review apps, shipping, order tracking, and returns play a vital role:

• Review apps build trust by showcasing customer feedback, which influences new buyers and boosts SEO.
• Offering a variety of shipping options ensures that products reach a broader audience.
• Order tracking adds transparency, reducing anxiety and enhancing customer satisfaction, which can lead to more referrals and repeat customers.
• A simple and fair return policy encourages new customers to make a purchase, knowing they have options if something doesn’t meet their expectations.

These features collectively improve the customer experience, leading to positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing, which significantly expand your store’s visibility and reach, driving both new and repeat business.

Here’s a list of apps that can help you extend your reach and grow your audience effectively.

Loox - Product Reviews App

https://apps.shopify.com/loox

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (22,000+ reviews)

Pricing: Starts at $9.99 per month; 14-day free trial available

Loox stands tall and proud in the second place in terms of most popular Shopify apps for product reviews – just right after Judge.me.

Establishing social proof is crucial, as 90% of online shoppers rely on reviews and testimonials before making a purchase.

Loox addresses this need by enabling you to import reviews directly from AliExpress and continuously collect feedback from your customers. As one of the top Shopify reviews apps, it enhances your store’s credibility and helps attract more customers.

Priced at $9.99 per month with a 14-day free trial, Loox offers a cost-effective solution for building trust and credibility. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with PageFly, allowing you to easily incorporate review widgets into your store's design.

For those aiming to enhance their store's reach and credibility, Loox stands out amongst the must have apps on Shopify for better reach.

PH Ship Rate & Track For FedEx

https://apps.shopify.com/fedex-shipping

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (500+ reviews)

Pricing: Starts at $19 per month; 15-day free trial available

Efficient shipping is crucial for any Shopify store, and the PH Ship Rate & Track for FedEx app offers a comprehensive solution.

A standout feature is its real-time shipping rate calculation displayed directly on the checkout page, allowing customers to see accurate shipping costs upfront, which can help reduce cart abandonment.

The app also streamlines operations by enabling the printing of FedEx shipping labels directly from your Shopify store, eliminating manual calculations for free shipping, flat rates, or region-based pricing.

With a 15-day free trial, you have ample time to evaluate its suitability for your business needs. For those seeking to enhance their shipping process, this app is among the must have apps on Shopify for rates, labels, & tracking.

Aftership Order Tracking

https://apps.shopify.com/aftership

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (4,700+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $9 per month

In 2024, providing order tracking is essential for any eCommerce business. Directing customers to external mail websites for tracking can diminish your brand's professionalism.

AfterShip offers a solution by allowing you to create a branded tracking page within your store, enhancing credibility and building customer trust.

Additionally, for merchants looking to monitor competitor strategies, Shopify spy tools can complement AfterShip's tracking features, giving deeper insights into your market.

With a free plan available, it's an accessible tool for businesses aiming to improve their post-purchase experience. For those seeking to enhance their shipping process, AfterShip is among the must have apps on Shopify for rates, labels, & tracking.

Aftership Returns & Exhanges

https://apps.shopify.com/returns-center-by-aftership

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,300+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $23 per month

Managing returns is a crucial aspect of the post-purchase experience, directly impacting customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. AfterShip Returns Center simplifies this process by providing a branded, user-friendly portal for handling returns.

This tool streamlines the return experience for customers and reduces the administrative burden on merchants. Features include automation rules, flexible refund and exchange options, and comprehensive analytics to monitor return patterns.

With a free plan available and premium options starting at $23 per month, AfterShip Returns Center is a valuable addition to any Shopify store aiming to enhance its customer service and operational efficiency.

Z Facebook Messenger Chat

https://apps.shopify.com/facebook-messenger-live-chat

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (100+ reviews)

Pricing: Free

Providing prompt and personalized customer support is essential for enhancing user experience and building trust. Facebook Messenger – Live Chat by Zotabox integrates Facebook Messenger directly into your Shopify store, allowing customers to reach out with questions or concerns in real-time.

This seamless communication channel not only improves customer satisfaction but also helps in addressing queries that could lead to increased conversions.

The app is free to use, making it an accessible tool for businesses aiming to elevate their customer service. Thus, for those seeking to enhance their support capabilities without spending any money, this app stands out as one of the must have apps on Shopify for better customer service.

Great Shopify Apps For Advanced Features

As your Shopify store grows, so do your needs for tools that offer more advanced functionality. From optimizing conversions to enhancing customer experience, certain apps go beyond the basics to provide powerful features tailored to scaling businesses.

These tools can help automate processes, analyze data, and create a seamless shopping journey for your customers. With the right options, you’ll discover great Shopify apps that can take your store to the next level.

Below, we’ve highlighted some top apps that deliver advanced features for serious eCommerce growth.

Frequently Bought Together

https://apps.shopify.com/frequently-bought-together

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (2,500+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $19.99 per month

Amazon's success is partly due to its effective use of product bundling, which increases average order value without relying on quantity-based discounts.

The Frequently Bought Together app brings this strategy to Shopify stores by analyzing past orders and suggesting product combinations that customers often purchase together.

This approach leverages the customer's buying mindset, making them more receptive to upsells and cross-sells.

The app offers a free plan and a 30-day free trial for its paid plans, allowing you to assess its impact on your sales before committing.

One Click Upsell - Zipify OCU

https://apps.shopify.com/zipify-oneclickupsell

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (400+ reviews)

Pricing: Starts at $8 per month; 30-day free trial available

When you're ready to scale your business with a winning product, One Click Upsell – Zipify OCU offers a comprehensive solution to boost customer spending.

This app functions as a complete sales funnel, featuring customizable offer pages, a detailed data dashboard, email campaign integration, and robust upsell capabilities.

It also provides advanced features like split testing to optimize your strategies.

Developed by Ezra Firestone, a successful entrepreneur with multiple multi-million dollar Shopify stores, Zipify OCU is designed to drive significant revenue growth. For those seeking to enhance their upselling strategies, this app stands out as one of the great Shopify apps for upselling.

Pre-order Now WOD | PreOrders

https://apps.shopify.com/preorder-now

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,400+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $19.95 per month

As your marketing strategies evolve, generating anticipation for upcoming products becomes crucial.

The PreOrder Now app enables customers to pre-order items before their official release, providing an immediate revenue boost and allowing you to gauge product demand effectively.

Additionally, it offers features like mixed cart alerts, automatic discounts for pre-orders, partial payment options, and stylish badges over product images.

This app is also beneficial for managing products that are temporarily out of stock, ensuring continuous sales without interruption. For merchants aiming to enhance their sales strategy, PreOrder Now stands out as one of the great Shopify apps for pre-orders.

Slider Revolution & Sections

https://apps.shopify.com/revolution-slider

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (100+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $6.99 per month

Enhancing your Shopify store with dynamic visuals can significantly boost user engagement and conversions.

Slider Revolution & Sections offers a versatile solution, enabling you to create captivating product sliders, image sliders, banner sliders, video sliders, and single-page sections. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, coupled with over 300 ready-to-use templates, allows for seamless customization without requiring coding skills.

The app also supports multilingual and RTL content, ensuring a global reach. With a free plan available and premium options starting at $6.99 per month, Slider Revolution provides a cost-effective way to elevate your store's visual appeal.

For those aiming to incorporate interactive elements, this app stands out as one of the great Shopify apps for interactive elements.

More Shopify Apps Worth Considering

Choosing the right apps can make all the difference in enhancing your Shopify store's performance. These Shopify apps are trusted by merchants worldwide for their reliability and results, making them a worthy addition to your toolkit.

Here’s a selection of Shopify apps worth considering

Wishlist Plus

https://apps.shopify.com/swym-relay

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (2,200+  reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $14 per month

Understanding customer preferences is crucial for optimizing product offerings. Wishlist Plus by Swym Corporation enables customers to effortlessly add items to their wish lists while browsing, providing valuable insights into product demand.

This feature is particularly beneficial for stores with diverse product ranges, as it helps identify popular items and tailor marketing strategies accordingly. The app integrates seamlessly with your Shopify theme, ensuring a consistent user experience.

With a free plan available and premium options starting at $14 per month, Wishlist Plus offers a cost-effective solution for enhancing customer engagement and gathering actionable data.

Buy Button Channel

https://apps.shopify.com/buy-button

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars (400+  reviews)

Pricing: Free

The Buy Button channel by Shopify enables you to embed purchase buttons on any website or blog, seamlessly connecting external platforms like WordPress to your Shopify store.

While customization options are limited, it offers a straightforward solution for expanding your sales channels beyond Shopify's native platform.

This feature is particularly beneficial for merchants aiming to reach a broader audience without the need for complex integrations.

As a free tool developed by Shopify, the Buy Button channel stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness in enhancing sales opportunities.

Plug in SEO

https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-seo

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,500+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $29.99 per month

Optimizing your Shopify store for search engines is crucial for attracting organic traffic. Plug In SEO is a comprehensive tool that scans your entire site, identifying SEO issues and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.

It offers features such as SEO templating, JSON-LD structured data, and broken link fixing to enhance your store's visibility. The app includes helpful videos, detailed SEO articles, and responsive support to assist you in improving your store's SEO.

With a free plan available and premium options starting at $29.99 per month, Plug In SEO is a valuable asset for any Shopify merchant aiming to boost their search engine rankings.

Social Photos - Instagram UGC

https://apps.shopify.com/social-photos

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (100+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $19 per month

Leveraging user-generated content (UGC) is a powerful strategy to enhance brand trust and boost conversion rates. Social Photos – Instagram UGC enables you to showcase images of satisfied customers with your products by aggregating content from Instagram hashtags, tags, mentions, and direct uploads.

This app allows you to create customizable galleries that can be embedded on various pages of your store, providing authentic social proof that resonates with potential buyers.

By displaying real-life experiences, you foster a sense of community and credibility around your brand.

With a free plan available and premium options starting at $19 per month, Social Photos offers a cost-effective solution to integrate UGC seamlessly into your Shopify store.

Smile: Loyalty & Rewards

https://apps.shopify.com/smile-io

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (6,500+ reviews)

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $49 per month

Implementing referral programs has proven effective for major retail brands in driving significant revenue.

Smile: Loyalty & Rewards enables Shopify merchants to create comprehensive loyalty programs, including points-based rewards, referral incentives, and VIP tiers.

By offering customers meaningful rewards, you encourage repeat purchases and foster deeper engagement with your brand.

Smile integrates seamlessly with various tools like Klaviyo and Gorgias, enhancing its functionality within your existing marketing ecosystem.

With a free plan available and premium options starting at $49 per month, Smile provides a scalable solution for businesses aiming to boost customer loyalty and lifetime value.

BeProfit - Profit Analytics

https://apps.shopify.com/beprofit-profit-tracker

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (300+  reviews)

Pricing: Free to install; paid plans start at $49 per month

Managing finances is a critical aspect of running an online store, yet it can be both challenging and time-consuming. BeProfit – Profit Analytics simplifies this process by providing a comprehensive analytics dashboard that consolidates all your business data into an intuitive interface.

This app allows you to accurately track and analyze various financial metrics, including production costs, orders, shipping expenses, advertising spend, and processing fees.

It seamlessly integrates with multiple advertising platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Pinterest, ensuring that all your marketing expenditures are accounted for.

With customizable reports, BeProfit eliminates the need for manual spreadsheets, enabling you to focus more on growing your business.

Its user-friendly design and robust features make it a standout Shopify app for financial management.

How To Pick The Best Shopify Apps For Your Store?

Choosing the right apps for your Shopify store can feel overwhelming, especially with the vast options available. To help new merchants make informed decisions, we've broken the process down into key considerations. The goal is to ensure every app you install serves a meaningful purpose and enhances your store's performance.

Assess Your Needs Before Exploring Apps

Before diving into the app store, identify the gaps in your store. Are you struggling with email marketing, managing inventory, or providing customer support? Understanding your pain points will prevent you from installing apps that add clutter without value. Focus on finding the best apps for Shopify tailored to your specific challenges, ensuring they align with your goals.

Look Beyond the Price Tag

Free apps can be appealing, especially for new merchants. However, it’s essential to evaluate the app's functionality and long-term benefits. Sometimes, a paid app offers greater efficiency and reliability, saving you time and potential headaches. Start with free trials or freemium versions to test if the app delivers on its promises before committing. Remember, many must-have apps for Shopify are worth the investment if they boost your store’s success.

Analyze Reviews With a Critical Eye

Customer reviews are invaluable but should be approached critically. Focus on recurring themes in lower-star reviews to identify potential drawbacks. At the same time, pay attention to how app developers respond to criticism—quick and thoughtful replies are a sign of reliable support. Even the best apps for Shopify have areas for improvement, but developer responsiveness speaks volumes about their reliability.

Prioritize Robust Support and Documentation

A great app is only as good as the help you can get when things go wrong. Check whether the app offers comprehensive support, such as FAQs, video tutorials, or responsive customer service. New merchants can benefit greatly from apps with clear, step-by-step guides that simplify the learning curve, ensuring they’re using must-have apps for Shopify effectively.

Audit Apps Regularly

As your store grows, your app needs may change. Regularly review your installed apps to ensure they still align with your business goals. Unused or redundant apps not only clutter your dashboard but may also slow your store’s performance. Periodic audits will keep your store lean and efficient.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tools for your Shopify store can make all the difference between success and stagnation. Throughout this article, we’ve explored some of the best Shopify apps that cater to different needs, whether you’re a beginner starting your eCommerce journey or a seasoned merchant looking to scale your business.

The key takeaway is to focus on apps that truly align with your store’s goals, helping you save time, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Many of these apps come with free trials, giving you the perfect opportunity to test their features and discover which ones fit your store’s unique needs. Don’t hesitate to explore and make the most of these trials to find the best apps for Shopify that will help you grow and thrive in a competitive market.

Remember, every step you take to optimize your store brings you closer to success. With the right apps, you’ll not only streamline your processes but also build a store that customers love. Start trying out these tools today and take your Shopify store to new heights!