Must-have Shopify apps for e-commerce in 2026
Top Shopify apps for 2026: our curated list of the best Shopify apps to increase sales, improve conversions, reviews, email/SMS, and fulfillment.
Last updated: February 2026
In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, having the right apps in your Shopify store can make all the difference. With thousands of apps available in the Shopify App Store, it’s challenging to figure out which ones truly deliver value. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of must-have Shopify apps for 2026. These cover all the essential categories, from marketing and conversions to customer support and logistics, so you can build a high-performing store. Each app on this list has proven its worth in enhancing sales, efficiency, or customer experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t install every app you see. Focus on the tools that meet your store’s specific needs. It’s better to have a lean, effective tech stack than to slow your site with dozens of plugins.
How we chose these apps
We vetted dozens of Shopify apps to bring you this shortlist. Our selection criteria included high ratings and review counts on the Shopify App Store, recent updates and active development (ensuring compatibility in 2026), and seamless integration with Shopify features. We also looked at developer support and documentation, value for money (pricing relative to ROI), and performance impact (apps that won’t bog down your site). We prioritized apps that meet a genuine need and have a proven track record of boosting revenue, improving customer experience, or streamlining store management. In short, each app here has earned its spot by excelling in its category according to these criteria.
Quick picks: The must-have Shopify apps (2026)
Increase AOV: ReConvert (Upsell), Frequently Bought Together
Build trust (reviews/UGC): Loox, Judge.me
Retention & repeat purchases: Smile.io, LoyaltyLion
Email & SMS: Klaviyo
Search & discovery (large catalogs): Searchanise, Algolia
Support & live chat: Tidio, Gorgias
Voice calls & sales (high-ticket / concierge): Consio
Shipping & tracking: AfterShip
Subscriptions: Recharge, Bold Subscriptions
Upselling & cross-selling apps (Increase AOV)
One of the quickest ways to boost revenue is by increasing each customer’s spend. Upsell and cross-sell apps suggest additional products or upgrades to shoppers, often at the product page, cart, or post-checkout. In 2026, many of these apps even use AI to personalize recommendations, making suggestions smarter and more enticing than ever.
ReConvert – Upsell offers after checkout. ReConvert allows you to customize your thank-you page with special one-time offers. For example, you can show a customer an accessory for the item they just bought at a small discount, encouraging an immediate extra purchase. Why it’s a must: It capitalizes on the post-checkout momentum when customers are already in buying mode. Stores have seen significant lifts in repeat purchases and average order value using post-purchase upsells.
Frequently Bought Together – Product page cross-sell recommendations. This app displays bundles of products that are often purchased together, right on your product pages (“Customers who bought X also bought Y”). It’s a simple way to increase basket size by reminding shoppers of complementary items. Why it’s a must: It works on autopilot by leveraging your sales data to suggest relevant add-ons. Even a small percentage of users adding one more item can boost your revenue per order noticeably. It’s basically Amazon’s proven cross-sell tactic, brought to your Shopify store.
Other upsell app options: If you prefer an all-in-one solution, Vitals (an app suite) includes upsell, cross-sell, and many more sales tools in one package. However, dedicated apps like ReConvert often offer more advanced customization for their specific function. (Fun fact: studies have shown that effective upselling can lead to 10–30% higher revenue per transaction, so it’s worth optimizing this area.)
Customer reviews & UGC apps (Build trust)
No online store can thrive without trust, and nothing builds trust better than genuine customer reviews and user-generated content (UGC) like photos. Studies show that shoppers heavily rely on reviews, in fact, about 93% of people read online reviews before buying a product, and many feel more confident purchasing when they see photos from real customers. A good reviews app will collect, display, and even request reviews from your customers seamlessly.
Loox (photo reviews) – This popular app enables you to collect product reviews with customer photos. Shoppers love seeing pictures from real buyers, as it adds authenticity and social proof. Loox can automatically email customers after purchase to request a review and even incentivize them (for example, offer a discount for including a photo). Why it’s a must: Showing off a gallery of customer images and five-star ratings on your product pages boosts conversion rates by proving that people genuinely love your products. In 2026, visual UGC is more influential than ever (thanks to social media–savvy consumers), and seeing real-life usage of your product can be the deciding factor in making a purchase. Loox also lets you showcase reviews in ads and social feeds, amplifying their impact on sales.
Judge.me – A budget-friendly reviews app that offers unlimited review requests even on its free plan. Judge.me may not have the fancy visual gallery of Loox, but it’s highly rated for its functionality and value. Why it’s a must: If you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, Judge.me provides all the core review features (star ratings, review carousel, Google rich snippets) to build trust without hefty costs. It’s lightweight and integrates easily, ensuring you still reap the benefits of customer feedback. Positive reviews can increase trust, and by extension sales, so any store should have a strategy for collecting and displaying reviews.
Loyalty & rewards programs (Increase customer retention)
Getting a new customer is great, getting them to come back again and again is even better. Loyalty and rewards apps help you create programs that incentivize repeat purchases, referrals, and customer engagement. By 2026, loyalty programs have evolved to be more interactive, often integrating points, VIP tiers, referrals, and even gamification to keep customers hooked. Remember, retaining customers can be much more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, so investing in loyalty pays off.
Smile.io – Smile lets you set up a points-based reward system in minutes. Customers earn points for actions like purchases, creating an account, or following your social media, and they can redeem points for discounts or freebies. It also has referral program capabilities (e.g. “give your friend a discount, get one too”). Why it’s a must: A well-run loyalty program can increase customer lifetime value significantly. Smile.io has an easy-to-use interface and even a free plan for small stores to get started. In an era where repeat business is gold, a tool like Smile is invaluable for encouraging that second, third, or tenth purchase. (Tip: Promote your rewards program visibly on your site so customers know it exists and have an incentive to join.)
LoyaltyLion – A more advanced loyalty solution favored by larger brands. It offers deeper customization, VIP tiers, and detailed analytics. Why it’s a must (for scaling stores): If you need a robust program with custom reward rules or you’re operating at scale (think tens of thousands of customers), LoyaltyLion can handle complex setups. It’s pricier, so it’s best for stores that are ready to invest in an enterprise-grade loyalty platform to really maximize retention. The insights you gain (like identifying your VIP customers and their behaviors) can inform your marketing strategy beyond just the loyalty program itself.
Email & SMS marketing (Stay in touch with customers)
Email marketing has long been a cornerstone of e-commerce. In recent years, SMS marketing has joined the party. Shopify merchants in 2026 should leverage both channels to maximize outreach. The key is personalization and automation: sending the right message at the right time to the right customer (think abandoned cart reminders, welcome series, post-purchase follow-ups).
Klaviyo – Klaviyo is the go-to marketing automation app for Shopify stores of all sizes. It syncs with your store data to trigger targeted emails and SMS messages. For example, if a customer abandons their cart, Klaviyo can automatically send a series of reminders via email or text, possibly even with a discount to entice them back. Why it’s a must: You own your email list, unlike social media followers, so you have a direct line to customers. Klaviyo’s segmentation and analytics are top-notch, allowing you to tailor campaigns (like a special offer to VIP customers or a win-back email to lapsed buyers). In 2026, Klaviyo’s integration of AI has improved features like send-time optimization and product recommendation blocks within emails, which boosts engagement. (For instance, Klaviyo can suggest products in an email based on what that customer is likely to buy next.) Note: Klaviyo offers a free tier for small lists, but costs can grow as your subscriber count increases. It may be worth checking out competitors that are cheaper than Klaviyo, such as Omnisend.
Site search & product discovery (For large catalogs)
If your store has a sizable catalog, a powerful search and discovery app is crucial. Shoppers who use the search bar often have high intent to buy, on average, visitors who search are 1.8× more likely to convert than those who don’t. But that’s only if they find the right product. The default Shopify search is okay, but advanced search apps can do things like real-time autocomplete suggestions, synonym recognition, robust filters, and personalized results. All of this helps customers navigate your site faster, which means less frustration and more sales.
Searchanise (smart search & filter) – This app turbocharges your store’s search bar and collection filters. It delivers fast, predictive search results even as the customer types, and lets you add drill-down filters for collections (by size, color, price, etc., similar to what you’d see on major retail sites). Why it’s a must: By helping shoppers quickly narrow down and find products, you reduce bounce rates and cart abandonment. A customer who finds what they’re looking for is far more likely to convert. Searchanise also lets you promote particular products in search results (say, your best-sellers or higher-margin items) for strategic upselling. It’s a relatively affordable add-on that can make a big difference in user experience, especially for stores with lots of SKUs.
Algolia (search & discovery) – A high-end search solution known for its lightning-fast results and AI relevance algorithms. It’s used by larger e-commerce sites and can integrate with Shopify via a plugin or API. Why it’s a must (for large catalogs): If you have thousands of SKUs or very diverse product lines, Algolia ensures that your search is enterprise-grade. Customers will get accurate, instant results, even if they mistype or use broad terms, thanks to Algolia’s intelligent search as-you-type and ranking logic. It also offers features like typo tolerance, synonyms, and machine learning re-ranking of results based on what shoppers actually click. The downside is the cost, it’s overkill for small stores, but for big ones it can boost conversion by making product discovery seamless. Bonus: Algolia’s analytics can show you what people are searching for (and not finding), which is valuable data for merchandising and SEO.
Customer support & live chat (Real-time assistance)
Great products alone aren’t always enough to close a sale; sometimes customers have questions or hesitations that need quick answers. That’s where live chat and support desk apps come in. Whether you use a chatbot, a live chat, or a full helpdesk, offering prompt support builds trust and can salvage potentially lost sales.
Tidio (live chat & chatbots) – Tidio provides an easy-to-implement live chat widget for your store, along with chatbot automation. You can greet visitors with a friendly message or offer help when they linger on a product page. Tidio’s chatbot can be configured to answer FAQs or even proactively offer a discount code if a customer seems about to leave. Why it’s a must: It’s like having a sales associate online 24/7. Quick answers via chat can significantly increase conversion rates by reducing purchase anxiety. In 2026, Tidio also includes an AI chatbot feature (trained on your site’s content and FAQs) that can provide instant answers in a very human-like way, a growing trend in e-commerce support.
Gorgias (ecommerce helpdesk) – Gorgias is a robust customer service platform that centralizes all your communication channels (live chat, email, social media comments/messages, even phone) in one place. It’s built specifically for ecommerce support. Why it’s a must (for scaling support teams): If you’re getting a high volume of customer inquiries, Gorgias helps you manage them efficiently with automation and templates. For example, it can auto-respond to common questions like “Where’s my order?” by detecting keywords and pulling tracking info. It also pulls in customer order data next to each ticket, so your support agents can see a customer’s history and even perform actions (like refunds, cancellations, or loyalty point adjustments) right from the helpdesk interface.
Voice call & sales apps (Personal touch via phone)
While live chat and email are popular, phone calls remain a powerful but often underutilized channel in ecommerce. Sometimes a personal voice conversation can close a sale that digital channels can’t. In fact, even younger shoppers haven’t written off phone calls (71% of Gen Z consumers say they would reach out to customer support via a live phone call when needed). In 2026, AI technology is bringing innovation to phone-based customer engagement, from automated agents that answer common questions to smart outbound call campaigns that can recover abandoned carts or upsell customers. If your store deals with higher-value products or complex offerings, or you just want to stand out with concierge-level service, a voice call solution could be a game changer.
Consio (AI voice agent & call campaigns) – Consio is a phone-based platform for ecommerce that supercharges both inbound and outbound calls. On the inbound side, it provides a 24/7 AI Voice Agent that answers calls, handles FAQs, and uses an AI-driven IVR to qualify the caller’s needs. It can even book appointments or take messages, then route high-intent calls to a human rep, with all the context (like the caller’s Shopify order history or cart contents) on hand. On the outbound side, Consio lets you run call campaigns to reach out to segments of customers (for example, calling customers who abandoned checkout, VIP customers, or those with high AOV orders). It includes a power dialer to call through a list quickly and can drop pre-recorded voicemails when a customer doesn’t pick up. All calls (AI or human) are logged in a centralized Call Hub, with AI-generated summaries and links to Shopify orders, so you have a complete record of phone interactions. Why it’s a must: It’s like adding a virtual call center to your store without needing a big team. You can provide instant answers 24/7 thanks to the AI agent, ensuring no call goes unanswered (great for customer satisfaction). At the same time, your human team only talks to the most valuable leads or customers, since the AI screens and routes the rest, making your support/sales efficiency much higher. Outbound calls can help recover lost sales and deepen customer engagement for high-LTV segments. By tying phone calls into your Shopify data, Consio also lets you track how calls drive sales or solve issues, giving you clear ROI. In an era of chatbots and impersonal automation, a friendly voice, enhanced by AI behind the scenes, can be a refreshing, trust-building touchpoint that sets your store apart.
Shipping, delivery & order tracking (Streamline fulfillment)
Shipping can be a make-or-break aspect of ecommerce. Customers want fast, affordable, and transparent delivery. While Shopify has built-in shipping settings, using dedicated shipping and tracking apps can enhance the experience by offering real-time rates, discounted labels, easy tracking, and even handling of returns or shipping insurance. A must-have shipping app ensures you deliver on your promises and keep customers informed from checkout to doorstep.
AfterShip – AfterShip automatically tracks all your shipments in one place and lets customers track their orders right on your site. It supports dozens of carriers worldwide. You can also set up proactive email/SMS notifications so buyers know when their package is shipped, out for delivery, or delivered. Why it’s a must: Today’s customers expect Amazon-level transparency. By providing a tracking page and notifications, you reduce “Where is my order?” support tickets and increase customer satisfaction. AfterShip even lets you create a branded tracking page (with your logo, colors, and even marketing banners), turning the mundane act of tracking a package into another engagement point with your brand.
Subscription & recurring payments (Unlock repeat revenue)
The subscription economy is booming. If your products are consumable or lend themselves to a recurring purchase model (think monthly boxes, replenishable goods like supplements or skincare, memberships, etc.), adding a subscription app can unlock a steady, predictable revenue stream. Even beyond traditional subscription boxes, the concept of “Subscribe & Save” (offering a discount for automatic re-orders) can increase customer lifetime value and lock in repeat sales with minimal marketing effort.
Recharge – Recharge is the leading subscription app for Shopify, allowing you to offer products on a recurring basis with a ton of flexibility. Customers can sign up for repeat deliveries (e.g., coffee delivered every month) and manage their own subscriptions via a customer portal (they can skip, pause, or add products to upcoming shipments). Why it’s a must: Predictable recurring revenue and higher lifetime value are the big wins. Once a customer subscribes, you’ve essentially made multiple future sales in one go. Recharge integrates nicely with Shopify’s checkout (including Shopify Payments for subscription payments) and supports various subscription models (prepaid subscriptions, try-before-you-buy programs, etc.). If you have any product that customers need regularly, a subscription option can increase how much each customer spends over time.
Bold Subscriptions – An alternative to Recharge, Bold’s subscription app was one of the first on Shopify. It offers similar functionality with a robust feature set, and some merchants prefer its flexibility for custom subscription rules or bundling subscriptions together. Why it’s a must (alternative): If Recharge doesn’t fit your needs or budget, Bold is a reliable choice with years of development behind it. It allows things like build-a-box subscriptions, subscription combos, and has tools to reduce churn (like emailing customers before a renewal). Bold is also known for strong customer support to help with setup. This solution is best for merchants who want complete control over how subscriptions work in their store.
Now that we’ve covered the spectrum of must-have apps across various aspects of running a Shopify store, you can evaluate which ones align with your business goals. Keep in mind that the “must-have” for your store might differ based on your niche and stage. A small boutique might prioritize a beautiful Instagram feed app or a simple email pop-up, while a high-volume electronics retailer might need an advanced search and filtering system or a powerful analytics suite.
Finally, remember that adding apps should always be a strategic decision: each app should either boost your revenue, improve customer experience, or save you time. If it doesn’t achieve one of these, reconsider if you truly need it. It’s easy to install apps, but it’s also important to routinely review and prune them to keep your store fast and efficient. Focus on a lean, effective tech stack that covers your needs without bloat, and you’ll set your Shopify store up for success in 2026 and beyond.
FAQs
What are the best Shopify apps to increase sales?
The best Shopify apps to increase sales usually focus on improving conversion and customer value. Common categories include upsell and cross-sell apps (to increase average order value), email and SMS marketing tools (to recover and repeat sales), loyalty and referral programs (to drive retention), and customer support apps that remove friction during checkout and post-purchase. Examples include ReConvert for post-purchase upsells, Klaviyo for email marketing, Smile.io for loyalty rewards, and Consio for handling inbound phone questions around orders, shipping, and checkout, which helps prevent lost sales caused by unanswered inquiries.Do Shopify apps slow down my website?
They can. Each app may add scripts or code that impacts speed. Too many apps, or poorly optimized ones, can slow down load times. To minimize this, install only what you need, read reviews for speed mentions, and run speed tests after adding new apps. If you see a major slowdown, consider a lighter alternative.Are Shopify apps free?
Some are free, some are paid, and many offer freemium plans (basic features free, advanced features paid). The Shopify App Store has free app categories and many tools offer trials. Always evaluate ROI: if an app costs $30/month but generates $300/month in incremental revenue or saves hours of work, it’s usually worth it.Can a Shopify store succeed without apps?
Yes, Shopify provides a strong foundation. But as you grow, apps often help you scale faster by unlocking specialized functionality (better marketing automation, stronger social proof, smarter search, faster fulfillment). You can succeed without apps, but most high-performing stores use a small set of great apps to gain a competitive edge.
Content Marketing
Posted on Feb 5, 2026
