How to See What Shopify Apps a Store is Using: Simple Methods

For e-commerce entrepreneurs, knowing what Shopify apps your competitors use is crucial to staying ahead. Research shows that 71% of top-performing Shopify stores attribute their success to the right apps, enhancing functionality and boosting sales.

Whether you're launching a new store or optimizing an existing one, understanding your competitors' tech stack can guide your decisions. 

This guide covers how to see what Shopify apps a store is using, from simple browser tools to advanced platforms, helping you uncover the apps behind successful Shopify stores.

Simple Browser Methods to See What Shopify Apps a Store is Using

The most accessible way to identify Shopify apps on a competitor's store requires nothing more than your web browser and some basic knowledge. 

These techniques work for many stores, though some limitations exist with more sophisticated setups.

Using Browser Inspector Tools

Every modern web browser includes developer tools that can reveal the underlying code of any website:

1. Visit the Shopify store you want to analyze
2. Right-click anywhere on the page and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element" (or press F12)
3. Navigate to the "Network" tab in the developer tools
4. Refresh the page to capture all requests
5. In the filter box, type "Shopify" or "app"

Look for requests to domains that include terms like "apps.shopifycdn.com" or references to specific app names. These network requests often reveal which apps are loading on the page.

Examining Page Source Code

Another straightforward approach involves analyzing the page's HTML source:

1. Visit the target Shopify store
2. Right-click and select "View Page Source" (or press Ctrl+U)
3. Use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F) to search for "app" or "Shopify app."

Many Shopify apps inject specific JavaScript files, CSS styles, or HTML comments that can be identified in the source code. Look for file paths containing app names or app-specific prefixes.

Analyzing Loaded Scripts

Scripts loaded by the page often reveal app identities:

1. Open browser developer tools (F12)
2. Go to the "Sources" or "Debugger" tab
3. Expand the domain folder structure
4. Look for script files from domains other than the store's main domain

App-specific scripts typically load from app provider domains or Shopify's CDN with identifiable naming patterns.

Specialized Tools for Shopify App Detection

When browser methods aren't sufficient, dedicated technology detection tools can provide more comprehensive insights.

Using BuiltWith Technology Profiler

BuiltWith is a popular tool for identifying technologies used on websites:

1. Visit BuiltWith.com
2. Enter the Shopify store URL you want to analyze
3. Scroll to the "Widgets" or "JavaScript Libraries" sections
4. Look for entries labeled with Shopify app names

BuiltWith often identifies major Shopify apps but may miss custom or less common solutions.

Wappalyzer Browser Extension

Wappalyzer offers a browser extension that instantly identifies technologies used on websites:

1. Install the Wappalyzer extension for Chrome or Firefox
2. Visit the Shopify store you want to analyze
3. Click the Wappalyzer icon in your browser toolbar
4. Look for the "E-commerce" and "JavaScript Libraries" categories

Wappalyzer can identify many Shopify apps, though its detection capabilities vary by app.

Shopify-Specific App Detectors

Several tools are specifically designed for Shopify store analysis:

1. Koala Inspector - A Chrome extension that identifies Shopify themes and apps
2. ShopSpy - A specialized tool for Shopify competitor analysis

These dedicated tools often provide more accurate app detection than general-purpose technology profilers.

Advanced Techniques for Thorough App Analysis

For those seeking deeper insights, these advanced methods can reveal more hidden apps.

Network Request Analysis

A more systematic approach to network analysis can uncover less obvious apps:

1. Open browser developer tools and select the Network tab
2. Apply different filters like "XHR," "JS," and "CSS."
3. Look for requests to domains outside the main store domain
4. Check request headers for app identifiers

Pay special attention to repeated requests that occur during specific user actions, as these often indicate app functionality.

Identifying App-Specific Visual Elements

Many apps add distinctive visual elements to Shopify stores:

1. Look for chat widgets, pop-ups, and notification bars
2. Examine product page features like review systems, FAQ accordions, or custom recommendation sections
3. Check the checkout process for upsell apps or financing options

Examining Cookies and Local Storage

Apps often store data in browser cookies or local storage:

1. Open browser developer tools
2. Go to the "Application" tab (Chrome) or "Storage" tab (Firefox)
3. Expand the "Cookies" and "Local Storage" sections
4. Look for entries with app-specific names or prefixes

This method can reveal apps that don't appear in the page source but are active in the store's functionality.

Why Analyzing Competitor Apps Matters

Understanding what apps power successful Shopify stores provides valuable strategic insights for your own business.

Identifying Market Standards

Different niches often have standard apps that most successful stores use. For example, subscription-based beauty brands might rely on specific recurring order apps, while fashion stores may favor particular product display solutions. 

Recognizing these patterns helps you meet customer expectations in your niche.

Optimizing Your Technology Stack

By analyzing competitors, you can:

1. Discover apps that address problems you're facing
2. Identify opportunities to differentiate with unique functionality
3. Avoid investing in unnecessary or underperforming apps

Estimating Competitor Operational Costs

Each app subscription contributes to a store's monthly overhead. By identifying a competitor's app stack, you can estimate their operational costs and understand their business model better. 

This insight helps you make strategic decisions about your price points and margins.

Common App Categories to Look For

When analyzing Shopify stores, focus on identifying these high-impact app categories:

Marketing and Conversion Apps

• Email marketing platforms
• SMS marketing solutions
• Pop-up and lead capture tools
• Social proof and FOMO generators

Product and Inventory Management

• Product recommendation engines
• Bundle and upsell solutions
• Inventory management systems
• Fulfillment coordination tools

Customer Support Tools

• Live chat widgets
• Help desk systems
• FAQ and knowledge base solutions
• Review and feedback collection tools

The customer support stack reveals much about a store's priorities and operational sophistication.

Analytics and Optimization Apps

• A/B testing tools
• Enhanced analytics platforms
• Heat mapping solutions
• SEO optimization apps

These tools indicate how data-driven a competitor's approach is to store optimization.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

While analyzing competitor apps is standard practice in e-commerce, certain boundaries should be respected.

Stay Within Public Access

Only analyze information that's publicly accessible through standard browsing. Never attempt to:

• Access admin areas
• Use credential theft techniques
• Employ automated scraping without permission
• Circumvent security measures

Respect Terms of Service

Some websites explicitly prohibit certain types of analysis in their terms of service. Always review these terms before conducting an in-depth technical analysis.

Use Information Ethically

The goal should be to learn from competitors, not to directly copy their approach. Use the insights gained to inform your own unique strategy rather than creating a carbon copy of another store.

Look Beyond Apps to Theme Customizations

While identifying apps is valuable, don't overlook theme customizations. Many successful Shopify stores achieve distinctive functionality through custom code rather than apps. Check for:

1. Custom JavaScript files that aren't part of known apps
2. Non-standard Liquid template modifications
3. Functionality that seems integrated with the theme rather than added as a widget

Sometimes what appears to be an app is a clever theme customization, which can be more performance-efficient and cost-effective than adding another app subscription.

Getting Started with Your Own Shopify App Strategy

After analyzing competitor apps, you'll need to develop your app strategy that balances functionality, performance, and cost.

Evaluate Essential vs. Optional Apps

Not every app used by competitors is necessary for your business. Categorize potential apps as:

1. Essential: Core functionality your store can't operate without
2. High-impact: Significantly improves conversion or operations
3. Nice-to-have: Adds polish but isn't critical to success

This prioritization helps manage both costs and technical performance.

Consider App Performance Impact

Each additional app can impact your store's loading speed and performance. Before adding apps identified through competitor analysis, consider:

• Will this app add significant JavaScript that slows page loading?
• Does the functionality justify any potential performance cost?
• Are there lighter alternatives that achieve similar results?

Develop a Testing Strategy

Rather than implementing all discovered apps at once, develop a methodical testing approach:

1. Implement one app at a time
2. Establish clear success metrics before installation
3. Allow sufficient time to measure impact
4. Remove underperforming apps promptly

This disciplined approach ensures you build an efficient, effective app ecosystem rather than bloating your store with unnecessary tools.

Expert’s Strategies: Hidden Potential with Custom App Integrations

Many store owners rely on standalone apps, but experienced entrepreneurs often use custom integrations to streamline operations. Shopify’s API allows developers to combine apps into seamless workflows, automating tasks and syncing data behind the scenes.

This strategy not only reduces the number of apps needed but also boosts store performance and efficiency. By integrating apps directly, you can save on subscription fees and create a faster, smoother experience for both you and your customers.

Shaping a Shopify Store That Works for You

Understanding the apps behind successful Shopify stores offers valuable insights, but your tech choices should align with your unique business model and goals.

Whether you're launching a general e-commerce store or a specialized business, the right apps can dramatically accelerate your success. 

Start by thoroughly researching competitor app usage, then thoughtfully build your stack based on your specific needs and objectives.

The best stores aren't those with the most apps, but those that strategically use technology to enhance customer experiences and maintain efficiency.