How-to's · Shopify · 3 min read
How to Review a Shopify App Before You Install It
Short answer
Before installing a Shopify app, confirm you need it, read recent reviews (especially the negative ones), check whether it carries the Built for Shopify badge, understand how pricing scales, review the data permissions it requests and test it on a duplicate theme so you can measure its effect on speed.
The Shopify App Store has thousands of apps, and it is easy to install a dozen before your store has made its first sale. Each one adds a monthly bill, a little complexity and often a bit of extra page weight. A quick review process before installing saves money and keeps your store fast.
Step 1: Define the problem first
Write one sentence: "I need an app because ___." If you cannot finish it with a specific outcome ("customers keep asking for size advice and returns are high"), you probably do not need the app yet.
Also check whether Shopify already does it. Shopify has added many native features over the years, including discounts, bundles through Shopify's own Bundles app, Shopify Forms, Shopify Messaging (formerly Shopify Email), Shopify Inbox for chat, basic subscriptions, and built-in self-serve returns. A native or Shopify-made option often costs less and loads cleaner.
Step 2: Read reviews properly
Star ratings are a starting point. Better signals:
- Sort by most recent. An app that was great two years ago may have changed owners or support quality.
- Read the 1 and 2 star reviews. Look for patterns: billing surprises, broken themes, slow support.
- Check developer replies. Thoughtful responses to complaints are a good sign.
- Look for stores like yours in reviews: similar size, similar product type.
Step 3: Check Built for Shopify status
Apps with the Built for Shopify badge have met Shopify's stricter criteria for performance, design and integration with the admin. It is a useful filter when you are choosing between similar apps. It does not replace your own testing.
Step 4: Understand pricing
Common models:
- Flat monthly fee
- Tiered by orders, revenue, contacts or features
- Usage-based charges on top of a base plan
- Revenue share on sales the app generates
Model your cost at double your current volume. An app that is cheap now can become your largest software bill if it charges by orders or revenue. Note when free trials end and how billing appears on your Shopify invoice.
Step 5: Review permissions and data
When you install, Shopify shows what data the app wants to access. Ask whether the permissions match the job. A size chart app has little reason to need full customer data. Check the developer's privacy policy, especially if you sell to EU or UK customers.
Step 6: Test on a duplicate theme
- Duplicate your live theme.
- Install the app and enable it on the duplicate.
- Preview on mobile and desktop.
- Run a speed test before and after (Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights).
- Place a test order if the app touches cart or checkout.
Apps that use theme app extensions add blocks you can place in the theme editor and remove cleanly. Apps that inject code into theme files are harder to undo.
Step 7: Contact support before you need it
Send a simple pre-sales question. How fast and how well they answer is a preview of what happens when something breaks on Black Friday.
Step 8: Set a review date
Put a reminder 30 days out. Ask: Did the app deliver the outcome from step 1? Is it worth the cost? If not, uninstall it, and check your theme for leftover snippets if the app was older.
A quick scoring sheet
| Question | Score 1-5 |
|---|---|
| Solves a defined problem | |
| Recent reviews are positive | |
| Built for Shopify or strong reputation | |
| Pricing works at 2x volume | |
| Reasonable permissions | |
| Minimal speed impact | |
| Responsive support |
Anything scoring under 25 out of 35 deserves a second look at alternatives.
For app ideas by category, see the best Shopify apps for your store, the best Shopify upsell app and Shopify return apps.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Built for Shopify badge mean?
It is a status Shopify gives to apps that meet its higher standards for performance, design and integration. It is a useful signal, not a guarantee the app fits your store.
Do Shopify apps slow down my store?
Some do, especially apps that load scripts on every storefront page. Apps using theme app extensions are easier to remove cleanly. Test speed before and after installing.
Do uninstalled apps leave code behind?
Older apps sometimes left snippets in theme files. Apps built with theme app extensions generally do not. After uninstalling, check your theme for leftover code if you notice issues.
Sources and further reading
Platform features, prices and policies change. Check the official help pages linked above before you act on a detail that matters to your store.