Shopify App Store: Treasure or Trap?
The Shopify App Store offers more than 8,000 apps: from SEO tools and upselling to customer support automation. But not all of them are worth your money, and some can even slow down or harm your online store.
Main Problems with Apps
Every app adds JavaScript code to your e-shop. What does that mean in practice?
- Slower website — 10 apps can increase loading time by 2–5 seconds.
- Conflicts — apps can overwrite each other’s functions.
- Security risks — apps have access to your customers’ data.
- Hidden costs — “freemium” apps often include expensive premium features.
- Dependency on the app — after uninstalling it, the layout or some website functions may break.
Apps That Are Actually Worth Considering
Based on our experience with more than 80 Shopify stores, we recommend:
- Klaviyo — e-mail marketing and automation. One of the best tools for e-commerce. From $0/month.
- Judge.me — product reviews. Social proof increases conversions by 15–30%.
- PageFly — landing page builder. For custom pages without involving a developer.
- ShipStation — shipment management, carrier management, and fulfillment process automation.
Before installing an app, ask yourself: “Can this be solved by editing the theme code?” Very often, the answer is yes, and the result will be faster and more stable.
Red Flags: When It’s Better Not to Install an App
- Fewer than 50 reviews and a rating below 4.0★
- The last update was more than 6 months ago.
- The app requests access to data it does not need.
- It has no transparent pricing model or includes hidden fees.
- The developer does not respond to support requests.
How to Audit Your Apps
Run a regular app audit every 3 months:
- How many apps do you have installed? The target is a maximum of 10–12.
- Which ones are you not using? Uninstall them immediately.
- Check their impact on site speed using Shopify Speed Report.
- Make sure all apps are running the latest version.
Alternative: Custom Development
For many features, custom development is a more effective solution. For example, direct editing of the Liquid template or using Shopify Functions. It is a one-time investment instead of a regular monthly payment for an app. For e-shops with a monthly turnover of 500,000 CZK or more, custom development almost always pays off.
Conclusion
Apps in Shopify can be a very powerful tool, but only if you choose them thoughtfully. Fewer apps = faster website = more conversions. Need help choosing the right ones? Get in touch with us.
