Shopify App is a pre-built app available on the Shopify App Store designed to extend or enhance the functionality of a Shopify store. Custom app, on the other hand, refers to creating a custom application specifically designed for Shopify store to meet unique business requirements.
When choosing between Shopify app and custom app the primary difference comes in level of customization and control over the app functionality and features. However, custom apps offer a wider range of features than Shopify apps, depending on the conditions in which they are used.
The fundamental difference is in regards to support, reliability, security, and maintenance. In this article, we will compare Shopify app and custom app to make the right choice for your business.
What Is Shopify App?
Shopify App is a software application designed to integrate with the Shopify ecommerce platform to extend its functionality. These apps are developed by Shopify itself, third-party developers, or even by merchants for their own store use. They are available through the Shopify App Store and used by any store owner without requiring custom coding.
Merchants search for app based on their specific needs and requirements, read reviews and ratings from other users, and install apps directly from the Shopify App Store.
The main advantage of the Shopify app is to allow merchants to easily add new features and functionality to their store. Integrating a Shopify app is more cost effective as compared to custom-built applications.
The main disadvantage of the Shopify App is its limited customization and compatibility issues. While the apps offer a range of functionalities, they do not fully meet every business specific need. Additionally, using multiple third-party apps cause performance slowdowns, cost, and security risks which are difficult to resolve.
Furthermore, customization is restricted with Shopify apps, which is generally not the case with custom apps. Custom app offers extensive customization to satisfy specific business needs, allow custom
What Is Custom App?
Custom app refers to the process of designing and developing software application to meet the specific needs and requirements of a Shopify store owner. This involves creating an app from scratch to align with specific functionalities and integration requirements, rather than relying on existing apps available in the Shopify App Store that may not address those needs.
Shopify custom app development requires a deep understanding of the Shopify APIs, development tools, and platform architecture, as well as expertise in software development and programming languages.
The fundamental difference between the Custom app and Shopify app lies in reliability, security, maintenance, and customization. Shopify apps are easy to use and configure with Shopify stores. However, due to limited customization, businesses use custom apps to integrate with specific business processes and third-party systems.
The main benefit of custom app is the level of customization that leads to greater efficiency and improved customer experiences. Additionally, custom apps ensure full control over features, performance, and security, which is essential for businesses to function more effectively.
The main disadvantage of custom app is that they are more expensive and time-consuming compared to implementing pre-built applications.
What Are The differences between Shopify App and Custom App?
The differences between the Shopify app and custom app are cost, time, customization, functionality, scalability, support and maintenance, development, approval, security difference.
Price Difference Between Shopify App And Custom App
The price difference between the Shopify app and custom app is a significant consideration. Shopify apps come with monthly subscription fees, making them more affordable for small businesses and startups. However, these subscription fees can add up more over time.
On the other hand, custom app expensive due to the custom-made feature, but this investment can lead to greater return, as the app is created specifically for business objectives and long term saving.
Time Differences Between Shopify App and Custom App
Shopify apps are pre-built and available for immediate use, making them quick to implement in stores.
Custom app takes longer due to the need for detailed plan, design, development, and testing phase. This timeline depends on the complexity of the app.
Customization Differences Between Shopify App and Custom App
Customization is the key difference between Shopify app and custom app. Shopify apps offer limited customization options based on pre-built features, which are suitable for common business needs.
Custom app allows comprehensive customization, providing full flexibility to integrate unique features, workflows, and branding.
Functionality Differences Between Shopify App and Custom App
Functionality is the most important difference between Shopify apps and custom app development. Shopify apps come with predefined functionalities, to satisfy common needs of business. These functions sometimes do not complete unique requirements of the business.
Custom apps allow businesses to optimize their operations, enhance user experience, and achieve specific goals that may not be possible with standard Shopify apps.
Scalability Differences Between Shopify App and Custom App
Shopify apps have limited scalability and require additional apps or services to handle business growth, as they are designed to work within the Shopify ecosystem.
Custom app development offers high scalability as it is designed to grow with the business. This ensures the app supports business expansion without affecting existing workflows.
Development Differences Between Shopify App and Custom App
Shopify apps developed by Shopify itself or third-party developers focus on the wide audience interest. As a result, large libraries of apps are formed to choose from, with different features.
Custom apps are developed by hire Shopify app developer team, involving detailed planning, collaboration, and understanding of the store needs.
Support and Maintenance Differences Between Shopify Apps and Custom App
Shopify apps come with limited support and updates provided by the app developer.
Custom apps offer dedicated support and maintenance, ensure immediate response to issues and continuous optimization.
Approval Differences Between Shopify App and Custom App
Shopify apps, if created for public use, require approval by Shopify published in the app store. Custom app development does not have to go through an approval process.
Security Differences Between Shopify Apps and Custom App
Shopify apps are designed to meet the security standards set by Shopify and undergo regular audits to ensure they comply with those standards. This helps maintain the security and integrity of the Shopify platform, providing merchants and their customers more secure and reliable experience.
Custom apps allow implementation of security protocols designed to fulfill the security requirements of their business, providing a high level of security and risk management.
What Are The Pros And Cons When Comparing Shopify App and Custom App?
The decision regarding the pros and cons of Shopify app and custom app depend on the different requirements of business, with each development option having its own benefits and drawbacks.
Shopify apps offer a quick and budget-friendly resource for businesses to enhance their online presence. One major advantage is providing pre-built functionalities that are easy to integrate with Shopify stores, requiring minimal technical expertise. However, the main drawback is the limited customization options available with Shopify apps. The total cost of subscription fees for multiple apps can become ongoing expenses.
Custom app offers businesses the flexibility to create fit-for-purpose applications. This approach allows broad customization in terms of features, integrations, and user interfaces. Another significant benefit is having complete ownership and control over the app, including data security and scalability customized to business growth. However, custom app development typically requires a higher initial cost investment compared to using pre-built apps from the Shopify App Store.
