# Best Shopify apps 2026: must-have apps compared by category

Must-have Shopify apps compared by category: reviews, popups, cart recovery, email, SMS, WhatsApp, CRM, live chat and subscriptions, with prices side by side.

Source: https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps  
Last updated: 2026-10-19

## The best Shopify app for each need in 2026. Last updated: October 24, 2026

The best Shopify app depends on what you want to improve: reviews, abandoned cart recovery, loyalty or customer service. For each need, this table shows the app ranked #1 in our comparison, with the rating, review count and price shown in that comparison. Open the comparison to see the other ranked apps and how we compared them.

### Convert more visitors

| Category | #1 app | Rating (Shopify reviews) | Price | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Product reviews | Judge.me Review | 5/5 (48,126 reviews) | Free plan, $15/month (Awesome) | [Compare 10 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-review-apps-for-shopify) |
| Popups | Pop Convert | 4.9/5 (8,718 reviews) | Free plan, from $15/mo | [Compare 11 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-popup-apps) |
| Upsells | AfterSell | 4.9/5 (1,023 reviews) | Free for dev stores, from $34.99/month based on orders | [Compare 11 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-upsell-apps-for-shopify) |
| Bundles | Fast Bundle | 5/5 (3,585 reviews) | Free for dev stores, from $19/mo | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-bundle-apps) |

### Bring shoppers back

| Category | #1 app | Rating (Shopify reviews) | Price | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Abandoned cart recovery | Kanal WhatsApp | 5/5 (132 reviews) | From $89/month | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-abandoned-cart-apps) |
| Email marketing | Klaviyo | 4.7/5 (3,358 reviews) | Free up to 250 contacts, from $20/mo | [Compare 9 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-email-marketing-apps) |
| SMS marketing | Kanal WhatsApp | Not listed | From €149/month (SMS on the Scale plan) | [Compare 10 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-sms-apps) |
| WhatsApp marketing | Kanal WhatsApp | 5/5 (132 reviews) | From $89/month | [Compare 11 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-whatsapp-apps-for-shopify) |
| Back in stock alerts | Kanal WhatsApp | 5/5 (95 reviews) | From $89/month | [Compare 10 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-back-in-stock-apps) |

### Keep customers

| Category | #1 app | Rating (Shopify reviews) | Price | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Loyalty program | Smile.io | 4.9/5 (4,571 reviews) | Free plan, $15/mo (Essential), $199/mo (Growth) | [Compare 13 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-loyalty-apps-shopify) |
| Subscriptions | Easy Subscription App | 5/5 (208 reviews) | Free up to 100 subscription orders, paid from $39/month, 0% fees | [Compare 11 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-subscription-apps-for-shopify) |
| CRM | Kanal WhatsApp | 5/5 (132 reviews) | From $89/month | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-crm-apps) |

### Support and deliver

| Category | #1 app | Rating (Shopify reviews) | Price | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Customer service | Gorgias | 4.3/5 (705 reviews) | From $10/mo | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-customer-service-apps) |
| Live chat | Tidio | 4.8/5 (1,359 reviews) | Free plan, from $29/month | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-live-chat-apps) |
| AI chatbot | Tidio | 4.8/5 (1,338 reviews) | Free plan, from $29/mo (Lyro AI $39/mo) | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-chatbot-apps) |
| Order tracking | AfterShip | 4.6/5 (1,502 reviews) | Free plan, from $11/mo | [Compare 10 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-order-tracking-apps) |

### Automate and scale

| Category | #1 app | Rating (Shopify reviews) | Price | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Automation | Shopify Flow | 4.7/5 (14,572 reviews) | Free | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-automation-apps) |
| Marketing | Klaviyo | 4.7/5 (3,288 reviews) | Free up to 250 contacts, from $20/mo | [Compare 13 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-marketing-apps) |
| Black Friday (BFCM) | AfterSell | 4.9/5 (1,023 reviews) | Free for dev stores, from $34.99/month based on orders | [Compare 13 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-bfcm-apps) |

### By type of store

| Category | #1 app | Rating (Shopify reviews) | Price | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dropshipping | CJdropshipping | 4.9/5 (2,821 reviews) | Free to install, pay per service | [Compare 12 apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-dropshipping-apps-for-shopify) |

Kanal is our own app. Ratings, reviews and prices are the ones shown in each comparison. Prices change often, so check the App Store listing before you install.

## Must-have Shopify apps for 2026. 22 comparisons by need.

Most Shopify stores need the same core stack: apps that convert visitors, apps that bring shoppers back, and apps that support customers after they buy. Start with the stage where your store loses the most sales, then open the comparison for that category: each one lists the apps we compared, what they do and their starting price.

### Convert more visitors

Social proof, list growth and bigger baskets from the traffic you already have.

- [Best Shopify review apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-review-apps-for-shopify): We compared 10 Shopify review apps, from Judge.me to Trustpilot, on free plans, prices, photo and video reviews and Google sync. Read on October 7, 2026. Includes: Judge.me Review, Loox Review, Reviews.io, Rivyo Review, +6 more.
- [Best Shopify popup apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-popup-apps): The best Shopify popup app by need: 11 pop up apps compared on email, SMS and coupon popups, A/B testing, free plans and price, plus WhatsApp opt-ins. Includes: Pop Convert, SendWILL, Privy, Justuno, +7 more.
- [Best Shopify upsell apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-upsell-apps-for-shopify): We compared the 11 best Shopify upsell apps on placement (product, cart, checkout, post-purchase), AI recommendations, A/B testing and pricing to lift AOV. Includes: AfterSell, HoneyComb Upsell, Essential Upsell, Selleasy Upsell, +7 more.
- [Best Shopify bundle apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-bundle-apps): The best bundle app for Shopify, by need: 12 apps and Shopify's free Bundles app compared on bundle types, free plans and prices read on October 24, 2026. Includes: Fast Bundle, Rapi, BOGOS, Bundler, +8 more.

### Bring shoppers back

Recover abandoned carts and reach customers again by email, SMS or WhatsApp.

- [Best Shopify abandoned cart apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-abandoned-cart-apps): Which Shopify abandoned cart app fits your store? We compare 12 apps by channel (WhatsApp, email, SMS, push), automation flows and starting price. Includes: Kanal WhatsApp, Klaviyo, Omnisend, Recart, +8 more.
- [Best Shopify email marketing apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-email-marketing-apps): Klaviyo, Omnisend, Shopify Messaging, Mailchimp and 5 more: the 9 best Shopify email marketing apps compared on flows, channels, pricing and ratings. Includes: Klaviyo, Omnisend, Shopify Messaging (formerly Shopify Email), Mailchimp, +5 more.
- [Best Shopify SMS apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-sms-apps): The best SMS marketing apps and platforms for Shopify, compared on campaigns, automation, compliance and cost per message, with Kanal first for stores running SMS next to WhatsApp and RCS, with iMessage coming soon. Includes: Kanal WhatsApp, Postscript, Attentive, Klaviyo, +6 more.
- [Best Shopify WhatsApp apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-whatsapp-apps-for-shopify): 11 WhatsApp apps for Shopify compared on October 7, 2026: ratings, prices, official API, cart recovery and campaigns. Chat buttons vs marketing platforms. Includes: Kanal WhatsApp, Zoko, Pushdaddy, SeedGrow, +7 more.
- [Best Shopify back in stock apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-back-in-stock-apps): We compared 10 Shopify back in stock apps on alert channels, pre-orders, demand analytics and pricing, from email and SMS alerts to restock alerts on WhatsApp. Includes: Kanal WhatsApp, Kbite, Notify Me!, STOQ, +6 more.

### Keep customers

Reward repeat buyers, sell subscriptions and keep customer data in one place.

- [Best loyalty apps for Shopify](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-loyalty-apps-shopify): We compared the 13 best loyalty apps for Shopify on points, VIP tiers, referrals, POS support and pricing, and matched each app to a store size. Includes: Smile.io, LoyaltyLion, Loyoly, Yotpo Loyalty, +9 more.
- [Best Shopify subscription apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-subscription-apps-for-shopify): We compared 11 Shopify subscription apps on billing models, customer portal, dunning, fees and analytics, plus Kanal for WhatsApp renewal reminders and failed-payment recovery. Includes: Easy Subscription App, Seal Subscriptions, Skio Subscriptions, Subi Subscriptions, +7 more.
- [Best Shopify CRM apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-crm-apps): Is Shopify a CRM? Not quite. We compared 12 Shopify CRM apps on customer profiles, segments, channels and pricing, from listings read on October 7, 2026. Includes: Kanal WhatsApp, Klaviyo, Gorgias, ActiveCampaign, +8 more.

### Support and deliver

Answer questions fast and keep customers informed after they order.

- [Best Shopify customer service apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-customer-service-apps): Gorgias, Kanal, Zendesk, Re:amaze, Tidio and 7 more: the 12 best Shopify customer service apps compared on AI agents, channels, order data and pricing. Includes: Gorgias, Kanal WhatsApp, Zendesk, Re:amaze, +8 more.
- [Best live chat apps for Shopify](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-live-chat-apps): Tidio leads for web chat with AI, Kanal for chat that continues on WhatsApp. 12 Shopify live chat apps, free plans and prices read on October 24, 2026. Includes: Tidio, Kanal WhatsApp, Gorgias, tawk.to, +8 more.
- [Best Shopify chatbot apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-chatbot-apps): We compared the 12 best Shopify chatbot apps on AI answers, channels, human handoff and pricing. Sell and support 24/7 on WhatsApp, web chat and social. Includes: Tidio, Kanal WhatsApp, Gorgias, Shopify Inbox, +8 more.
- [Best Shopify order tracking apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-order-tracking-apps): We compared 10 Shopify order tracking apps on tracking pages, proactive shipping notifications and pricing, plus Kanal for order updates sent on WhatsApp. Includes: AfterShip, CWILL (ParcelPanel), 17TRACK, Track123, +6 more.

### Automate and scale

Run workflows and campaigns without manual work, including during peak season.

- [Best Shopify automation apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-automation-apps): Shopify Flow, Kanal, Klaviyo, Omnisend, Zapier and 7 more: the 12 best Shopify automation apps for marketing, orders and products, with prices and ratings. Includes: Shopify Flow, Kanal WhatsApp, Klaviyo, Omnisend, +8 more.
- [Best Shopify marketing apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-marketing-apps): The 13 best Shopify marketing apps for 2026, compared on channels, automation and pricing. Build a stack with WhatsApp, email, SMS, reviews and loyalty. Includes: Klaviyo, Kanal WhatsApp, Omnisend, Privy, +9 more.
- [Best Shopify BFCM apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-bfcm-apps): We compared the 13 best Shopify apps for BFCM 2026 on cart recovery, upsells, email, SMS, reviews and loyalty, with a timeline to be ready by November. Includes: AfterSell, Judge.me Review, Privy, Aftership SMS, +9 more.

### By type of store

Comparisons for a specific business model or Shopify plan.

- [Best Shopify apps for clothing stores](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-apps-for-clothing-stores): We compared 12 Shopify apps for clothing and fashion stores: size charts, photo reviews, returns, search, bundles, restock alerts, wishlists, color swatches and WhatsApp. Includes: Kiwi Size Chart & Recommender, Judge.me Product Reviews, Loox, AfterShip Returns & Exchanges, +8 more.
- [Best Shopify Plus apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-shopify-plus-apps): The 12 best Shopify Plus apps by need, from Shopify Flow, Launchpad and Checkout Blocks to Klaviyo, Recharge and Gorgias, with prices read on October 7, 2026. Includes: Shopify Flow, Shopify Launchpad, Shopify Checkout Blocks, Klaviyo, +8 more.
- [Best Shopify dropshipping apps](https://getkanal.com/best-shopify-apps/best-dropshipping-apps-for-shopify): We compared the 12 best dropshipping apps for Shopify on supplier location, shipping times, automation, print on demand and pricing for growing stores. Includes: CJdropshipping, Hertwill Dropshipping, Auto Dropshipping, DSers Dropshipping, +8 more.

There is no single best Shopify app: the right one depends on what you want to improve. This page gathers our comparisons by need, from abandoned cart recovery and SMS marketing to loyalty programs and customer service. Each comparison lists the ranked apps with their Shopify App Store rating, review count and starting price, and shows the date it was last updated.

Looking for WhatsApp marketing specifically? [See how Kanal compares](https://getkanal.com/alternatives) or [read our latest guides](https://getkanal.com/blog).

## Frequently asked questions about Shopify apps

### Which Shopify apps should you install first?

Start with the stage where your store loses the most sales. To convert the traffic you already have, install a product review app and a popup app. To bring visitors back, add abandoned cart recovery and a channel to reach customers again: email, SMS or WhatsApp. Loyalty, customer service and automation come next. The table on this page shows the app ranked #1 for each need and links to the full comparison.

### How much do Shopify apps cost?

Most apps on the Shopify App Store charge a monthly subscription. Many offer a free plan or a free trial to get started, then plans that grow with your number of contacts, orders or messages. Others are free, charge per use or are priced on request. The table on this page shows the price listed in each comparison: check the App Store listing before you install, as prices change often. Plans for Kanal, our WhatsApp app, start at $89/month.

### What is the best Shopify app for WhatsApp?

Kanal, ranked #1 in our comparison of WhatsApp apps for Shopify. It runs on the official WhatsApp Business API, connects to your store and handles WhatsApp campaigns, abandoned cart recovery, order notifications and back in stock alerts. Plans start at $89/month. Kanal is our own app: the comparison puts it side by side with the other WhatsApp apps on the Shopify App Store.

### How do you install a Shopify app?

Open the app's listing on the Shopify App Store, click Install, then approve the permissions it requests in your store admin. The app then opens in your Shopify admin, where you set it up. You can uninstall it at any time from your admin settings.

### How is this ranking built?

For each category, we read every app's Shopify App Store listing, including its Pricing section, and compare the same points: the features that matter for that need, the channels it covers, whether it has a free plan and its starting price. The table on this page automatically shows the app ranked #1 in each comparison, with the rating, review count and price shown there. Each comparison shows when it was last updated.