Must have Shopify apps: Unleash Your Store’s Potential

best-shopify-apps

Running a successful Shopify store involves more than just creating a website and listing products. This is the reason why Shopify apps can be a game-changer for growth.

But with thousands of apps to choose from, where do you even begin? 

This guide cuts through the clutter, revealing the must have Shopify apps for every entrepreneur. We’ll explore top apps for email marketing, dropshipping, product customization, and more, all designed to help you unlock your store’s full potential.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect apps to take your Shopify store to the next level with these top Shopify apps!

1. Best apps for Shopify you must have

No.
App
Review
Description
Link
1
SearchPie SEO & Speed Optimize
4.9 ⭐ (3800+ reviews)
Comprehensive auto-SEO solution
2
UpPromote Affiliate Marketing
4.9 ⭐ (3400+ reviews)
Top recommended affiliate and referral marketing solution for Shopify
3
Pop Convert ‑ Pop Ups, Banners
4.9 ⭐ (7000+ reviews)
A completely free lead capture pop-up builder
4
Wholesale Gorilla
4.6 ⭐ (240+ reviews)
A dropshipping supplier management tool
5
CJdropshipping: Much Faster
4.9 ⭐ (7200+ reviews)
An expedited dropshipping service
6
DSers‑AliExpress Dropshipping
5 ⭐ (23700+ reviews)
An exceptional AliExpress dropshipping connector
7
ShineOn: Print On Demand
4.7 ⭐ (1200+ reviews)
Custom jewelry & case printing app
8
Gelato: Print on Demand
4.7 ⭐ (480+ reviews)
All-in-One Print-on-Demand platform
9
LayoutHub ‑ Easy Page Builder
4.9 ⭐ (2800+ reviews)
Drag-and-drop page builder app
10
qikify Smart Menu ‑ Mega Menu
4.9 ⭐ (920+ reviews)
Top-notch mega menu navigation tool
11
BLOOP: Referrals & Loyalty
5 ⭐ (90+ reviews)
A 5-star loyalty & referral engine
12
Sales Pop Up Conversion Pro
4.8 ⭐ (4400+ reviews)
An ideal sales pop-up generator
13
Easy Tabs ‑ Product Tabs
4.9 ⭐ (950+ reviews)
Recommended product information organizer
14
Wiser Product Recommendations
4.9 ⭐ (630+ reviews)
A smart product recommendation engine
15
BSS: Product Variants Options
4.9 ⭐ (160+ reviews)
A reliable product customization tool
16
AvisPlus Product Options & Variants
4.9 ⭐ (780+ reviews)
An effective variation management tool
17
Tapita SEO & Speed Optimizer
5 ⭐ (2000+ reviews)
All-in-one SEO & speed booster
18
Omnisend Email Marketing & SMS
4.8 ⭐ (5600+ reviews)
Trustworthy Email & SMS marketing platform

2. Must have free apps for Shopify 

2.1. SearchPie SEO & Speed Optimize

SearchPie provides vital SEO solutions for stores of all sizes where all key factors are optimized in a way Google prefers for better rankings, focusing on high-speed performance, & strong online local visibility. The end goal is for you to own an edgy competitive advantage, bringing more clicks to your website.

SearchPie SEO & Speed Optimize app

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (3800+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

SearchPie SEO & Speed Optimize app features

  • SEO Manager: Detect all issues via smart SEO reports for stores & landing pages
  • SEO & Traffic Booster: Rich Snippet JSON-LD, Meta Tags, Image ALT Tags, Backlink
  • Speed Optimizer: AMP, Image Compression, Instant Page
  • Website Credibility Protector: Long & 404 URLs auto-detected & navigated by AI
  • SEO Content Generator: Create unique product descriptions effortlessly with AI

🟢 Pricing:

  • Starter: Free
  • Single-feature: $9/month
  • Premium: $39/month
  • Enterprise: $99/month

2.2. UpPromote Affiliate Marketing

UpPromote is the top recommended affiliate and referral marketing solution for Shopify. Designed to seamlessly integrate with your Shopify store, it provides an all-in-one platform to build, manage, and track your affiliate programs effortlessly. UpPromote’s comprehensive toolset enables you to turn your customers into advocates, driving more sales and expanding your reach.

uppromote-best-free-shopify-apps

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (3400+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

uppromote-features

  • Build Affiliate Programs: Create dynamic commission structures, including flat-rate, percentage-based, or tiered commissions to incentivize your affiliates effectively. 
  • Affiliate Recruitment: Use diverse features, such as registration forms, UpPromote Marketplace listings, customer referrals, and post-purchase popups, to recruit affiliates easily and effectively. 
  • Manage Affiliate Campaigns: Offer a range of promotional tools to your affiliates, including links, banners, and discount codes to enhance their marketing efforts. 
  • Fraud Protection: Identify and filter out suspicious activities, ensuring only genuine referrals and commissions. 
  • Track & Pay: Monitor sales, clicks, and conversions with real-time reporting and automate commission payouts with PayPal.

🟢 Pricing:

  • Free plan: $0/month 
  • Grow Affiliate: $29.99/month 
  • Professional: $89.99/month 
  • Enterprise: $199.99/month

2.3. Pop Convert ‑ Pop Ups, Banners

Pop Convert is a free Shopify app that allows you to create popups, banners, and smart bars to collect leads and boost sales in your store. 

free-shopify-apps

 

Pop Convert can benefit most Shopify businesses, especially for those starting out or on a tight budget.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (7000+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

pop-convert-shopify-app

 

  • Create popups, banners, and sticky smart bars
  • Grow your email and SMS subscriber list with targeted offers
  • Promote specific products, sales, or free shipping
  • Capture abandoning visitors’ contact information
  • Design elements to match your store’s branding
  • Trigger popups based on visitor behavior
  • Provide A/B testing
  • Offer smart announcements to communicate directly with your customers
  • Track pop-up performance and gain valuable insights

🟢 Pricing:

  • Free
best-shopify-apps-for-stores

 

2.4. Wholesale Gorilla

As one of the best Shopify free apps, Wholesale Gorilla is designed specifically for businesses that want to manage their wholesale operations alongside their retail store. It simplifies B2B sales management, improves efficiency, and enhances the customer experience for wholesale accounts.

wholesale-top-shopify-free-apps

 

If you’re a Shopify merchant who also sells to wholesalers, this app can simplify your life by integrating seamlessly into your existing store.

Shopify rating: 4.6 ⭐ (240+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

wholesale-shopify-app-features

 

  • Set custom prices for wholesale products, independent of retail pricing
  • Create different customer groups for wholesale accounts with varying discounts or permissions.
  • Implement tiered pricing structures 
  • Allow approved wholesale buyers to submit orders quickly and easily through a dedicated form.
  • Offer net terms (payment within a specific timeframe) to your wholesale customers.
  • Set minimum and maximum order amounts for wholesale purchases.
  • Upload bulk price changes for your wholesale products using a CSV file.
  • Configure shipping options specifically for wholesale orders.

🟢 Pricing:

pricing-wholesale-app

 

  • Free plan: Only for development stores
  • Essential: $34.95/month
  • Advanced: $69.95/month
  • Premium: $149.95/month

3. Must have Shopify apps for dropshipping

3.1. CJdropshipping: Much Faster

CJdropshipping: Much Faster is a global dropshipping supplier that can streamline the dropshipping process for online retailers. It integrates directly with your Shopify store, allowing you to find products, manage inventory, and fulfill orders through CJ Dropshipping. 

dropshipping-shopify-apps

 

CJdropshipping caters to a variety of Shopify merchants interested in dropshipping, especially those new to this field because of its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature sets.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (7200+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

shopify-app-dropshipping-features

 

  • Find a wide variety of products across various categories 
  • Manage real-time inventory data 
  • Handle order processing, packaging, and worldwide shipping
  • Easily import product information, descriptions, and images to your store.
  • Set your own product prices and profit margins within the app.
  • Offer fulfillment centers in the US and is expanding to Europe
  • Access a faster and more affordable shipping option 

🟢 Pricing:

pricing-cjdropshipping

 

  • Free plan: $0/month (5 daily sourcing requests)
  • Plus plan: $15.99/month (10 extra daily sourcing requests)
  • Prime Plan: $19.99/month (20 extra daily sourcing requests)
  • Advanced Plan: $59.99/month (50 extra daily sourcing requests)

3.2. DSers‑AliExpress Dropshipping

DSers can be a valuable tool for Shopify merchants dropshipping with AliExpress. It simplifies product sourcing, order fulfillment, and inventory management, potentially saving you time and money.

dsers-best-dropshipping-apps

 

Shopify rating: 5 ⭐ (23700+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

key-features-dsers

 

  • Access a vast AliExpress product catalog directly within the DSers app
  • Import product listings, descriptions, and images to your Shopify store 
  • Find cheaper suppliers for the same products you want to sell 
  • Process hundreds of orders at once with bulk order processing 
  • Track order fulfillment status and provide real-time shipping information to your customers
  • Monitor product inventory levels on AliExpress in real-time and receive low stock alerts 
  • Manage inventory across multiple AliExpress suppliers within a single platform 
  • Set your desired profit margins when importing products

🟢 Pricing:

pricing-plans-dsers

 

  • Free: $0/month (Manage 3 stores & 3k products)
  • Advanced: $19.90/month (Manage 10 stores & 20k products)
  • Pro: $49.90/month (Manage 25 stores & 75k products)

(*): An extra fee will be needed if the amount of products exceeds the limit based on the usage level.

4. Must have Shopify apps for print-on-demand business 

4.1. ShineOn: Print On Demand

ShineOn leverages the print-on-demand (POD) model, allowing you to create and sell personalized products without holding inventory or managing fulfillment. With its user-friendly features and high-quality products, ShineOn is highly recommended by the best Shopify stores.

best-pod-shopify-apps

 

If your accessory business is looking to add a new and unique product category to your store, ShineOn’s custom jewelry can be a great option.

Shopify rating: 4.7 ⭐ (1200+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

shineon-key-features

 

  • Design and sell personalized necklaces, bracelets, bangles, watches, rings, and more.
  • Create unique designs directly by adding images, and text, and choose from various fonts and layouts.
  • Visualize your designs on realistic product mockups before publishing them to your store.
  • Handle printing, packaging, and worldwide shipping directly
  • Integrate directly with your Shopify store, simplifying product listing, order management, and inventory tracking.
  • Provide access to marketing materials and educational resources

🟢 Pricing:

pod-shopify-app-pricing

 

  • Free plan: $0/month
  • Starter: $27/month
  • Side-hustle: $77/month
  • Empire builder: $87/month

(*): Product and shipping costs are billed only when a sale is made in your store.

4.2. Gelato: Print on Demand

Gleto appears to be an exceptional tool for Shopify merchants running POD businesses. The global printing network, user-friendly design tools, and focus on eco-conscious production make Gelato an attractive option. 

top-shopify-apps-pod

 

Gleto is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a user-friendly app to streamline your POD business on Shopify.

Shopify rating: 4.7 ⭐ (480+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

pod-features-shopify-apps

 

  • Boast a vast network of local printers worldwide
  • Design and sell a variety of customizable products across categories like clothing, accessories, and arts & crafts.
  • Personalize products with your own logos, images, and text using Gelato’s design tools directly within the app.
  • Visualize your designs on realistic product mockups before publishing them to your store.
  • Integrate Gelato with your online store to automate order fulfillment
  • Prioritize local printing, aiming to reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipments.

🟢 Pricing:

gleto-app-pricing-overview

 

  • Gleto Free: $0/month
  • Gleto+: $24/month
  • Gleto+ Gold: $119/month

5. Best Shopify apps for website design 

5.1. LayoutHub ‑ Easy Page Builder

When building your online stores, besides choosing the best Shopify themes, you can consider other website design apps like LayoutHub.

website-design-shopify-apps

 

LayoutHub is a user-friendly app that can simplify the process of creating and customizing your online store. If you’re just starting your Shopify journey, LayoutHub can help you build your store quickly and easily without needing coding skills.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (2800+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

best-shopify-page-builder-apps

 

  • Arrange pre-designed content blocks using drag-and-drop functionality 
  • Provide a vast collection of professionally designed templates for various page types
  • Provide a library of content blocks
  • Ensure your website displays flawlessly and functions seamlessly across all devices
  • Publish your customized pages to your live Shopify store 

🟢 Pricing:

layouthub-pricing

 

  • Freemium: $0/month (Limit 3 pages)
  • Basic: $14.99/month (Limit 10 pages)
  • Pro: $29.99/month (Limit 50 pages)
  • Premium: $59.99/month (Unlimited pages)

5.2. qikify Smart Menu ‑ Mega Menu

qikify Smart Menu is a Shopify app designed to streamline your store’s navigation system and enhance the customer experience. It allows you to create clear, user-friendly menus, including popular mega menus, to help customers find what they’re looking for quickly and potentially increase conversions.

mega-menu-shopify-apps

 

If your Shopify store has a wide variety of products, this app can help organize categories and subcategories, making navigation easier for customers.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (920+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

features-of-qikify-menu

 

  • Create comprehensive mega menus
  • Customize the appearance of your menus with various options
  • Choose from pre-designed templates for mega menus, flyout menus, or simple tab menus
  • Include search bars directly within your navigation menu
  • Create menus with an unlimited number of menu items
  • Add eye-catching badges or icons to highlight promotions
  • Provide mobile-responsive design

🟢 Pricing:

top-notch-shopify-website-design-apps

 

  • Free: $0/month 
  • Basic: $3.99/month
  • Premium: $9.99/month

6. Must have Shopify apps to boost sales 

6.1. BLOOP: Referrals & Loyalty

If you’re aiming to attract new customers and expand your reach, BLOOP’s referral program features can be a valuable tool.

must-have-shopify-apps-boost-sales

 

BLOOP, one of the best Shopify apps to increase sales, can help you grow your online store through a two-pronged approach: referral programs and loyalty programs. By offering features like automated rewards, social sharing optimization, and loyalty points, BLOOP can help you acquire new customers, retain existing ones, and gain valuable customer insights.

Shopify rating: 5 ⭐ (90+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

loyalty-app-key-features

 

  • Create and launch referral programs with customizable rewards
  • Automate the reward distribution process
  • Facilitate social sharing of your referral program through customizable buttons and email content
  • Set reward types (discounts, points, etc.), program duration, and referral eligibility criteria
  • Create a loyalty program where customers earn points for actions like purchases, reviews, or account creation
  • Allow customers to redeem their loyalty points for discounts or other rewards
  • Track key metrics like loyalty point redemption rates

🟢 Pricing:

bloop-shopify-app-pricing

 

  • Free: $0/month 
  • Basic: $20/month

6.2. Sales Pop-up Conversion Pro

Sales Pop Up Conversion Pro was born to leverage powerful marketing techniques and help you increase conversions and sales within your store. It utilizes pop-ups to create a sense of urgency, highlight product scarcity, and showcase social proof. 

pop-up-conversion-shopify-app

 

As one of the best apps on Shopify, it offers plans suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established stores. If you’re aiming to increase conversions and drive sales, Sales Pop-Up Conversion Pro can be a great idea.

Shopify rating: 4.8 ⭐ (4400+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

pop-up-app-features

 

  • Create different pop-up formats
  • Provide a user-friendly editor to customize the appearance of your pop-ups
  • Target specific pop-ups to visitors based on their location or browsing behavior
  • Showcase social proof by displaying dynamic counters that show the number of recent sales or items added to carts
  • Allow visitors to quickly view product details without leaving the current page
  • Integrate customer reviews directly into your pop-ups

🟢 Pricing:

shopify-must-have-apps-conversion

 

  • Basic: $0/month 
  • Pro: $4.99/month

(*): Additional usage charges will be applied according to boosted revenue.

7. Must have Shopify apps for product pages

7.1. Easy Tabs ‑ Product Tabs

Easy Tabs app, one of the best apps to have on Shopify, can streamline product page organization and enhance the customer experience within your online store. By allowing you to create clear and informative tabs, it empowers you to present product details, specifications, and other relevant information in a user-friendly format.

product-page-best-shopify-apps

 

If your products have a lot of information, Easy Tabs can be a valuable tool to organize it effectively and improve user experience.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (950+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

easy-tab-app-features

 

  • Add multiple tabs to your product pages to categorize information
  • Group related product details into separate tabs for a clean and clutter-free presentation
  • Personalize the look and feel of your tabs to match your store’s overall design aesthetic
  • Display product tabs perfectly on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones
  • Use WCAG 2.0 / Section 508 compliant tabs and accordion widgets

🟢 Pricing:

easy-tab-best-shopify-app

 

  • Premium plan: $5/month

7.2. Wiser Product Recommendations

Listed as one of the best Shopify apps for eCommerce, Wiser Product Recommendations can help you personalize the shopping experience for your customers. Leveraging AI technology, Wiser analyzes customer behavior and purchase history to suggest complementary products, frequently bought bundles, and post-purchase upsells.

product-recommendation-shopify-app

 

If you’re aiming to increase sales and average order value, Wiser’s AI-powered recommendations can be a valuable tool.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (630+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

wiser-shopify-app-features

 

  • Use AI to generate personalized product recommendations
  • Offer a selection of recommendation formats to cater to different scenarios 
  • Showcase products that customers often purchase alongside the current item being viewed
  • Recommend products from similar categories or with complementary features
  • Remind customers of items they recently browsed
  • Personalize the appearance and placement of your product recommendations
  • Gain valuable insights with comprehensive reports and analytics

🟢 Pricing:

overview-pricing-wiser-app

 

  • Free: $0/month (For stores with 0 to 50 monthly store orders)
  • Startup: $9/month (For stores with 51 to 100 monthly store orders)
  • Growth: $19/month (For stores with 101 to 300 monthly store orders)
  • Pro: $49/month (For stores with 301 to 500 monthly store orders)

(*): If you have more than 500 orders per month, you can talk to support and choose a custom plan. Else they will charge $200 for every additional 500 orders.

8. Must have apps for Shopify for product customization 

8.1. BSS: Product Variants Options

Looking to elevate your product customization options and boost customer engagement in your Shopify store? 

As one of the top-notch Shopify product options apps, BSS: Product Variants Options might be the solution you’ve been waiting for. This app empowers you to create a dynamic and interactive product experience by offering a wide range of options for customers to personalize their purchases.

bss-must-have-apps-for-shopify

 

If your products allow for customization, such as clothing, jewelry, or electronics, BSS: Product Variants Options can significantly enhance your product offerings.

Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (160+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

key-features-bss-product-options

 

  • Showcase product variations visually with attractive product images
  • Allow customers to personalize products with custom text, like monograms or engravings
  • Enable customers to choose multiple variations for features like size and color combinations
  • Allow customers to upload their own images or designs for a truly personalized experience
  • Maintain accurate stock control by linking product variations to specific SKUs
  • Charge additional fees for certain customization options

🟢 Pricing:

bss-product-option-app-pricing

 

  • Free plan: $0/month
  • Advanced plan: $10/month
  • Platinum plan: $20/month

8.2. Product Options Variant Option

As one of must-have apps for Shopify, AvisPlus Product Options & Variants is designed to enhance your product pages by allowing you to create a wider range of variation options.

avisplus-shopify-product-apps

 

It can be said that it is a helpful tool for Shopify store owners looking to improve the organization and presentation of their product information.

⭐ Shopify rating: 4.9 ⭐ (780+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

product-variant-shopify-app-features

 

  • Create unlimited product options
  • Transform standard options into dynamic color swatches and image swatches
  • Cater to a wide range of product needs with a variety of option types
  • Charge extra for specific customization options or creating bundled product packages
  • Display relevant options based on previous selections
  • Bulk apply options to multiple products at once

🟢 Pricing:

pricing-plans-avisplus

 

  • Free plan: $0/month
  • Basic color swatch: $8/month
  • Pro product option: $9/month
  • Advanced: $29/month

9. Must have Shopify apps for SEO & marketing 

9.1. ​​Tapita SEO & Speed Optimizer

Tapita SEO & Speed Optimizer provides a user-friendly interface and a toolbox to help you improve your search ranking and ensure your website loads quickly for a better customer experience.

best-seo-app-for-shopify

 

By addressing two crucial aspects of your online store: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and website speed, it will be an ideal choice for Shopify store owners looking to improve their website’s search ranking, speed, and overall user experience.

Shopify rating: 5 ⭐ (2000+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

seo-speed-features-tapita

 

  • Analyze your store’s SEO health and provide suggestions for improvement
  • Fix broken links, generate AI-powered meta descriptions, optimize image alt text
  • Discover relevant keywords that potential customers might use to find your products
  • Improve your website’s loading speed, including image optimization, code minification, and browser caching
  • Provide competitor analysis in terms of SEO and identify areas for improvement

🟢 Pricing:

pricing-tapita

 

  • Free plan: $0/month
  • Basic: $9.99/month
  • Standard: $29.99/month
  • Advanced: $49.99/month

9.2. Omnisend Email Marketing & SMS

Omnisend is an all-in-one email marketing and SMS app designed specifically for Shopify stores. It empowers you to connect with your customers across multiple channels and create personalized marketing campaigns.

email-marketing-best-shopify-apps

 

Omnisend integrates seamlessly with Shopify, making it ideal for managing your email and SMS marketing within your existing workflow. Therefore, whether you’re just starting or have a larger operation, Omnisend offers features to fit your needs.

Shopify rating: 4.8 ⭐ (5600+ reviews)

🔶 Key features:

omnisend-key-features

 

  • Design email campaigns with a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder and pre-made templates
  • Reach your audience directly on their phones with targeted SMS campaigns
  • Grow your email list with signup forms, pop-ups, landing pages, and other lead-capture tools
  • Personalize the customer journey with automated email and SMS sequences 
  • Tailor your campaigns to specific customer segments
  • Track the performance of your campaigns with detailed reports and analytics

🟢 Pricing:

pricing-omnisend-shopify-app

 

  • Free plan: $0/month (Reach up to 250 contacts)
  • Standard: $16/month (Reach up to 500 contacts)
  • Pro: $59/month (Reach up to 2500 contacts)

10. Conclusion

To conclude, this article introduces to you some of the must have Shopify apps to get you started. With the right app integrations, you can unlock the full potential of your Shopify business!

And don’t forget to check out more eComStart resources to come closer to your eCommerce success!

11. FAQs

Author:
Kathy Ella is an eCommerce expert with nearly 5 years of experience helping businesses start and grow online stores. She gives simple advice to make launching and managing an online store easier for everyone. See her LinkedIn profile here

Enquire now

Give us a call or fill in the form below and we will contact you. We endeavor to answer all inquiries within 24 hours on business days.