January 27, 2026
Best Shopify apps for SMBs to boost growth in 2026
Scaling an ecommerce brand between $5 million and $50 million in revenue forces you to make difficult trade-offs. You face rising support costs and surging inquiry volumes, yet leadership demands you prove that customer experience drives revenue, not just satisfaction.
The market often frames this as a choice: you can either optimize for efficiency to cut costs, or you can invest in high-touch experiences to build loyalty.
We believe that is a false choice.
The right technology stack allows you to do both. You can automate routine tasks to reduce costs and use that freed-up capacity to build the kind of relationship equity that increases customer lifetime value.
You measure both: the efficiency gains that hit the P&L immediately, and the loyalty gains that compound over time.
Here are the 16 best Shopify apps that help growing brands turn service into a revenue driver.
Customer support and service
1. Gladly: Best for building efficiency and customer devotion
Quick stats
Rating: 4.8/5 (27+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Shopify brands (all sizes) building both operational efficiency and lasting customer value
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
The platform's unified view (email, chat, voice, SMS, social) enables faster resolution and smarter decisions that build customer relationships, the kind that compound into repeat purchases and higher lifetime value.
Why SMBs love it
It is widely adopted among SMB Shopify merchants because it automates repetitive tasks like order tracking and returns. This frees team members to provide personal, high-value service. Deep Shopify integration means agents view order details, process refunds, and manage tracking without ever leaving the platform.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise the shift from tickets to a conversation-focused design. One reviewer noted their productivity increased and response time decreased after switching to Gladly. Users consistently highlight how easy it is to see all Shopify data within individual customer conversations. Merchants appreciate that all communication channels reside in one platform with the full history of each customer in one thread.
Customer service impact: Reduces
According to Gladly, the platform includes AI-powered automation that handles routine inquiries 24/7. Shopify merchants report that Gladly makes operations a lot more organized, ensuring customers receive help quickly without issues falling through the cracks.
Best for
All segments, from enterprise to support-heavy SMBs with 2+ agents scaling to 50+ agents
Brands where customer lifetime value justifies premium support experiences
Companies using multiple channels (voice, SMS, social), not just email and chat
Businesses building brand reputation around exceptional service quality
Works well with
Klaviyo (email/SMS campaigns sync with support data)
LoyaltyLion (agents see customer loyalty points and tier status)
Loop Returns (process returns directly through Gladly)
Recharge (manage subscriptions within the platform)
Email and SMS marketing
2. Klaviyo: Best for data-driven email and SMS automation
Quick stats
Rating: 4.6/5 (2,560+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Growing ecommerce brands focused on customer lifetime value
Shopify integration: Native (syncs in milliseconds)
What it does
Klaviyo builds automated retention marketing using deep Shopify event data. It creates highly personalized email and SMS campaigns based on purchase history, browsing behavior, and cart activity.
Why SMBs love it
Klaviyo is the most common marketing app we see among SMB merchants. Pre-built flows for abandoned carts and welcome series launch in minutes. Advanced segmentation drives repeat sales without requiring a full-time marketer.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants consistently praise Klaviyo's sophisticated automation capabilities. The platform's strength lies in its ability to turn customer data into actionable campaigns. Brands report significant ROI from automated flows, with abandoned cart sequences often paying for the platform within the first month.
Customer service impact: Reduces
Klaviyo reduces support volume by 30 to 40% through proactive communication. Automated order status emails eliminate "where is my order?" inquiries, while post-purchase flows reduce shipping questions.
Best for
Ecommerce brands with 250+ contacts ready to invest in retention marketing
Stores with repeat purchase products (consumables, fashion, beauty)
Businesses wanting sophisticated segmentation without hiring a dedicated email marketer
Merchants are comfortable with a learning curve in exchange for powerful capabilities
Works well with
Gladly (sync customer segments and support interactions)
Judge.me or Loox (import reviews for social proof in emails)
Rebuy (coordinate email campaigns with on-site recommendations)
Recharge (automate subscription communications)
3. Omnisend: Best for multichannel marketing automation made simple
Quick stats
Rating: 4.8/5 (2,876+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Growing stores wanting affordable multichannel marketing without complexity
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Omnisend combines email, SMS, and push notifications into unified campaigns. It offers pre-made automation workflows that sync with your Shopify store data.
Why SMBs love it
Drag-and-drop builders make sophisticated campaigns accessible without technical skills. The platform is significantly more affordable than competitors like Klaviyo, with merchants reporting 30% cost savings.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants who have tried multiple platforms frequently cite Omnisend as the best value for ecommerce. Users praise the intuitive interface and the responsiveness of the customer success team.
Customer service impact: Reduces
Omnisend reduces support volume through proactive automated communications. Automated order confirmations and shipping updates keep customers informed without support team involvement.
Best for
Ecommerce stores with small to mid-size budgets wanting enterprise features
Businesses ready to add SMS and push notifications to their email marketing
Merchants who value 24/7 support regardless of plan tier
Brands wanting quick setup without sacrificing advanced capabilities
Works well with
Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce (native integrations)
Gladly (coordinate support and marketing)
Judge.me or Loox (leverage reviews in email campaigns)
Recharge (automate subscription communications)
Conversion and personalization
4. OptiMonk: Best for turning visitors into customers with smart popups
Quick stats
Rating: 4.8/5 (443+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Brands focused on maximizing every site visitor's potential
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
OptiMonk creates targeted popups and personalized experiences that capture emails and reduce cart abandonment. Its AI-powered recommendations suggest the right message at the right time.
Why SMBs love it
Pre-built templates for email capture and exit intent deploy in minutes. The platform is significantly more affordable than enterprise conversion tools while delivering professional results.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise OptiMonk for its intuitive interface and exceptional customer support. Brands report significant improvements in email list growth and cart recovery rates.
Customer service impact: Reduces
OptiMonk reduces support volume by communicating with visitors before they leave. Exit-intent popups can address common questions that might otherwise become support inquiries.
Best for
Ecommerce stores wanting to maximize conversion rates without major site redesigns
Brands with traffic but struggling to capture emails or reduce cart abandonment
Merchants who want sophisticated targeting without developer dependency
Stores looking for quick wins through A/B testing and optimization
Works well with
Klaviyo (sync captured leads directly to email lists)
HubSpot (integrate with CRM and marketing automation)
Mailchimp (automatically add subscribers to campaigns)
Shopify (native product and cart data integration)
5. Judge.me: Best for affordable social proof that builds trust
Quick stats
Rating: 5/5 (33,044+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: New and growing stores needing reviews without breaking the budget
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Judge.me collects, manages, and displays unlimited product reviews with photos and videos. It automates review requests and includes Google Rich Snippets for better SEO visibility.
Why SMBs love it
It remains a go-to choice for budget-conscious SMBs. Flat-rate pricing and five-minute setup make it accessible immediately.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants consistently praise the exceptional 24/7 support team. The straightforward pricing receives frequent praise, as costs never increase based on order volume.
Customer service impact: Neutral to reduces
Judge.me can slightly reduce support volume by providing social proof that answers common product questions before purchase.
Best for
New stores building initial credibility and social proof from zero
Budget-conscious brands wanting premium features without premium prices
Dropshippers needing to import reviews from supplier platforms
Growing stores that want predictable costs as they scale
Works well with
Klaviyo (sync reviews with email campaigns)
Loox (if migrating or comparing platforms)
Gladly (reference reviews in support conversations)
Google Shopping (display reviews in product ads)
6. Loox: Best for visual social proof that converts
Quick stats
Rating: 4.9/5 (7,209+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Brands wanting photo and video reviews to build trust
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Loox automatically collects photo and video reviews from customers through smart email requests, then displays them in customizable widgets.
Why SMBs love it
Loox's emphasis on visual content creates compelling social proof. Merchants report the platform's attractive widgets result in higher conversion rates.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Long-term Loox users praise the platform's reliability. Users highlight how visually stunning the review displays look compared to basic text reviews.
Customer service impact: Reduces
Visual reviews reduce pre-purchase questions by showing products in real-world use, answering questions about sizing and color accuracy.
Best for
Brands in visual categories (fashion, beauty, home décor) where photos drive purchasing decisions
Stores with established customer bases ready to invest in UGC collection
Merchants wanting premium widget aesthetics to match high-end branding
Businesses looking to leverage reviews across multiple marketing channels
Works well with
Klaviyo (leverage reviews in email campaigns)
Omnisend (coordinate review collection with marketing)
Google Shopping (display ratings in product ads)
LoyaltyLion (connect reviews to loyalty program)
7. Rebuy: Best for AI-powered revenue optimization
Quick stats
Rating: 4.7/5 (787+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Growing stores ready to maximize average order value
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Rebuy uses AI to analyze customer behavior and shopping patterns, then delivers personalized product recommendations, upsells, and cross-sells throughout the customer journey.
Why SMBs love it
Rebuy's immediate impact on average order value (AOV) makes it easy to justify the investment. The Smart Cart alone often pays for the platform through increased conversion rates.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise Rebuy's exceptional customer support. Users also appreciate the platform's robust integration ecosystem with tools like Klaviyo and Recharge.
Customer service impact: Neutral
Rebuy primarily impacts revenue metrics. However, improved product discovery can reduce "help me find" inquiries.
Best for
Stores with diverse product catalogs where cross-selling opportunities exist
Merchants processing enough orders to justify $99+/month investment
Brands ready to implement sophisticated personalization strategies
Shopify Plus stores wanting checkout customization capabilities
Works well with
Klaviyo (coordinate recommendations with email campaigns)
Recharge (upsell subscriptions in Smart Cart)
Gladly (see recommendation data in support tickets)
Malomo (extend personalization to shipping experience)
Store design
8. PageFly: Best for custom pages without code
Quick stats
Rating: 4.9/5 (5,743+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Stores wanting custom landing pages and unique designs
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
PageFly provides a drag-and-drop page builder that gives merchants control over page design without requiring coding skills.
Why SMBs love it
PageFly eliminates the need to hire developers for custom designs. Merchants can create professional-looking pages in hours rather than weeks.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants consistently praise PageFly's customer support. The platform's compatibility with virtually all Shopify themes is a frequently cited benefit.
Customer service impact: Neutral to reduces
Custom landing pages with clear information can reduce pre-purchase questions.
Best for
Merchants wanting unique page designs without developer costs
Stores running frequent campaigns that need dedicated landing pages
Brands prioritizing visual storytelling and custom layouts
Growing stores that need to iterate quickly on page designs
Works well with
Judge.me (display reviews on custom pages)
Klaviyo (embed email capture forms)
OptiMonk (add popups to landing pages)
Google Analytics (track page performance)
Subscriptions and loyalty
9. Recharge: Best for subscription and recurring revenue
Quick stats
Rating: 4.8/5 (1,995+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Brands building predictable recurring revenue streams
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Recharge powers subscription programs, handling everything from recurring billing and customer portal management to churn prevention.
Why SMBs love it
Recharge's robust feature set handles complex subscription scenarios that simpler apps cannot. Deep integrations with tools like Klaviyo create seamless customer experiences.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Long-term users praise the platform's reliability. The analytics dashboard helps identify churn risks and optimization opportunities.
Customer service impact: Mixed
Recharge reduces support volume by empowering customers to self-manage subscriptions. However, subscription businesses inherently generate more inquiries about billing and schedules.
Best for
Brands with products suited for repeat purchase (consumables, supplements, pet food)
Merchants ready to invest in building recurring revenue
Stores with established customer bases to convert to subscribers
Businesses needing flexible subscription options beyond simple replenishment
Works well with
Klaviyo (automate subscription communications)
Gladly (manage subscriber support)
Rebuy (upsell subscriptions in cart)
Loop Returns (handle subscription returns)
10. LoyaltyLion: Best for points-based customer retention
Quick stats
Rating: 4.7/5 (510+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Established brands investing in long-term customer retention
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
LoyaltyLion builds customizable loyalty programs that reward customers for purchases, referrals, reviews, and social engagement.
Why SMBs love it
The platform's deep integration with email and support tools creates personalized experiences. Members who redeem rewards spend significantly more than non-members.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants report meaningful improvements in customer lifetime value. Users praise the seamless Klaviyo integration and real-time insights.
Customer service impact: Slight increase
Loyalty programs can generate additional support inquiries about point balances, though increased engagement often justifies the overhead.
Best for
Brands with repeat purchase products where loyalty programs drive behavior
Stores with marketing teams ready to manage program optimization
Merchants wanting enterprise-level loyalty features without enterprise complexity
Businesses ready to invest in long-term retention strategy
Works well with
Klaviyo (automate loyalty communications)
Gladly (see loyalty status in support tickets)
Judge.me (reward customers for reviews)
Recharge (reward subscription loyalty)
Shipping and fulfillment
11. AfterShip: Best for branded order tracking
Quick stats
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,252+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Stores wanting to reduce WISMO inquiries
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
AfterShip creates branded tracking pages and automated shipping notifications that keep customers informed throughout the delivery journey.
Why SMBs love it
Automated notifications eliminate the bulk of shipping-related customer inquiries. The branded tracking page turns a functional touchpoint into a marketing opportunity.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise AfterShip for dramatically reducing customer service inquiries about order status. The support team receives consistent praise for responsiveness.
Customer service impact: Significantly reduces
AfterShip directly addresses "Where Is My Order?" inquiries, which often comprise 30–50% of ecommerce support volume.
Best for
Stores with significant shipping-related support volume
Brands wanting to extend their customer experience through delivery
Merchants using multiple carriers who need unified tracking
Businesses selling internationally where tracking is more complex
Works well with
Klaviyo (trigger campaigns based on delivery status)
Gladly (shipment data in support tickets)
Loop Returns (coordinate returns tracking)
ShipStation (complement with shipping management)
12. ShipStation: Best for multi-carrier shipping management
Quick stats
Rating: 3.9/5 (575+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Merchants shipping high volumes across multiple carriers
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
ShipStation centralizes order management and shipping operations across multiple sales channels and carriers.
Why SMBs love it
ShipStation's automation capabilities transform shipping from a bottleneck into a streamlined process. Discounted rates often pay for the subscription.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Users praise the platform's ability to consolidate orders from multiple channels. Merchants appreciate the automation features that eliminate repetitive decisions.
Customer service impact: Neutral to reduces
ShipStation primarily impacts operational efficiency, though faster shipping can reduce delivery-related inquiries.
Best for
Merchants selling across multiple platforms (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, etc.)
Stores shipping high volumes (50+ orders/day) where automation saves significant time
Businesses using multiple carriers and wanting to optimize for cost or speed
Growing operations needing to scale fulfillment without adding headcount
Works well with
AfterShip (branded customer-facing tracking)
Gladly (shipping data in support tickets)
Inventory Planner (optimize stock levels)
Multiple marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart)
SEO and performance
13. TinyIMG: Best for image optimization and site speed
Quick stats
Rating: 5.0/5 (1,972+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Stores wanting faster page loads and better SEO
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
TinyIMG automatically compresses images to improve page load speed without sacrificing visual quality, while also providing SEO tools.
Why SMBs love it
"Set it and forget it" automation means merchants do not need to manually optimize each image.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise TinyIMG's support team for helping them understand SEO concepts. Users report significant improvements in page load times.
Customer service impact: Neutral
TinyIMG primarily impacts technical performance metrics rather than customer service volume.
Best for
Stores with large image catalogs needing batch optimization
Merchants prioritizing SEO and organic traffic growth
Brands with limited technical resources wanting automated optimization
Sites experiencing slow load times affecting conversions
Works well with
Google Search Console (track optimization impact)
Judge.me or Loox (optimize review images)
PageFly (ensure custom pages load quickly)
Any review app (optimize user-generated images)
Returns management
14. Loop Returns: Best for automated returns and exchanges
Quick stats
Rating: 4.7/5 (381+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Brands wanting to retain revenue through exchanges
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Loop transforms returns from a cost center into a revenue opportunity by encouraging exchanges over refunds.
Why SMBs love it
Loop's exchange-first approach helps merchants retain revenue. The self-service portal reduces support burden while the Shop Now feature often results in larger exchange orders.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise Loop for transforming their returns process. The platform's ability to handle over 95% of returns automatically is frequently cited.
Customer service impact: Significantly reduces
Loop's self-service portal eliminates most returns-related support inquiries.
Best for
Fashion and apparel brands with high return rates
Stores wanting to convert refunds into exchanges
Merchants processing enough returns to justify investment
Brands prioritizing customer experience through the returns process
Works well with
Gladly (returns data in support tickets)
Klaviyo (post-return communications)
ShipHero, ShipBob, Ryder (warehouse integration)
EasyPost, UPS, USPS (shipping label generation)
Dropshipping and social commerce
15. Spocket: Best for US/EU dropshipping suppliers
Quick stats
Rating: 4.2/5 (523+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Dropshippers wanting faster shipping
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Spocket connects merchants with vetted suppliers primarily in the US and EU, enabling faster shipping times compared to traditional dropshipping.
Why SMBs love it
Spocket solves the pain point of long shipping times. Merchants can offer competitive delivery speeds while maintaining healthy margins.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Merchants praise Spocket for simplifying dropshipping operations. Users appreciate the ability to order samples before selling.
Customer service impact: Mixed
Faster shipping reduces complaints, but dropshipping inherently creates service challenges around tracking and quality consistency.
Best for
Brands with active Instagram presence creating regular visual content
Stores in visual categories (fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle)
Merchants wanting to build social proof without additional effort
Businesses looking to create a dynamic, frequently updated storefront
Works well with
Judge.me or Loox (combine reviews with Instagram content)
Klaviyo (feature Instagram content in emails)
PageFly (embed feeds in custom landing pages)
Any review app (layer different types of social proof)
16. Instafeed: Best for Instagram feed integration
Quick stats
Rating: 4.9/5 (1,359+ reviews on Shopify App Store)
Best for: Brands leveraging Instagram for visual storytelling
Shopify integration: Native
What it does
Instafeed displays your Instagram content directly on your Shopify store, creating social proof and keeping your site fresh.
Why SMBs love it
Instafeed turns Instagram investment into website engagement. The automatic updates mean your store always shows fresh content.
Why Shopify merchants use it
Long-term users praise the app's reliability and the support team's responsiveness. The simple setup receives consistent praise.
Customer service impact: Neutral
Instafeed primarily impacts visual appeal rather than customer service volume.
Best for
Brands with active Instagram presence creating regular visual content
Stores in visual categories (fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle)
Merchants wanting to build social proof without additional effort
Businesses looking to create a dynamic, frequently updated storefront
Works well with
Judge.me or Loox (combine reviews with Instagram content)
Klaviyo (feature Instagram content in emails)
PageFly (embed feeds in custom landing pages)
Any review app (layer different types of social proof)
Which apps to choose for your stage
Your tech stack should evolve with your business.
Just starting (0 to 1 support agent)
Start with foundation tools that establish basics:
Gladly: Unify your inbox and build customer relationships from day one.
Judge.me: Get social proof on your site immediately.
Klaviyo or Omnisend: Set up basic email flows for abandoned carts.
TinyIMG: Optimize site speed from launch.
Growing fast (1 to 3 agents)
Add automation to handle increasing volume:
Gladly: Deploy AI workflows to manage rising volume efficiently.
Loop Returns: Reduce inbound requests by automating the returns process.
Loox: Add photo reviews to boost conversion rates.
Rebuy or OptiMonk: Start optimizing for higher average order value.
Scaling intentionally (3 to 10 agents)
Layer in revenue optimization and advanced automation:
Gladly: Leverage customer-centric data for proactive, multichannel support.
Klaviyo: Build sophisticated segmentation and lifecycle campaigns.
Recharge: Introduce subscription offerings for predictable revenue.
LoyaltyLion: Invest in retention programs that compound growth.
ShipStation: Automate fulfillment for operational efficiency.
Make your tools work together
Success isn't about having more tools. It is about having integrated systems that make every customer feel known, supported, and valued.
When your review app talks to your loyalty program, and your support platform sees purchase history, every customer interaction becomes more informed and personal.
This creates a compounding effect: each touchpoint builds on the previous one, turning first-time buyers into lifetime customers.
This is why platforms like Gladly fit naturally into SMB growth strategies. By treating customers as people rather than tickets, you are not just solving individual problems. You are building relationships that compound into loyalty, repeat purchases, and word-of-mouth growth.

Aashna Malpani
Content Marketing Strategist
Aashna Malpani is a content strategist and former multimedia journalist who believes the best marketing starts with understanding what makes people tick. At Gladly, she writes about how AI is reshaping customer experience. She brings a journalist's instinct for narrative and a focus on people-driven storytelling that cuts through the noise.
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