January 27, 2026

Best Shopify apps for SMBs to boost growth in 2026

23 min listen

23 min read

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.

Headshot of Aashna Malpani

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.

Angie Tran headshot

Angie Tran

Staff Content & Communications Lead

Angie Tran is the Staff Content & Communications Lead at Gladly, where she oversees brand storytelling, media relations, and analyst engagement. She helps shape how Gladly shows up across content, PR, and thought leadership.

Frequently asked questions