4 Fastest Ways to See What Shopify Apps a Store Uses in 2026

Ever wondered what Shopify apps a store uses to boost sales, enhance design, or streamline operations? Whether you are analyzing competitors or searching for inspiration, discovering the apps behind a successful store can give you a clearer idea of what works in eCommerce.

In this blog, we will walk you through the 4 fastest ways to see what Shopify apps a store uses. You don't need technical expertise to find useful tools with these easy-to-use yet efficient techniques, giving you insights to grow and optimize your own Shopify business.

Why Knowing a Store’s Shopify Apps Matters

Understanding what apps a Shopify store uses is more than curiosity. It gives you a direct look at the exact tools behind a store’s growth and can help shape your own strategy. By analyzing app stacks, you move beyond guessing and start learning from real-world examples that already work.

• Learn from winning stores: Many top Shopify brands rely on apps for upselling, reviews, or email automation. For example, if you see a competitor using Loox or Judge., you’ll know they are investing in social proof to build trust and boost conversions.
• Research by competitors in action: A competitor may be enhancing customer navigation to boost sales if you see them using sophisticated search and filter apps. You can tell right away if another store is pushing higher average order values if they use a bundle app. These specifics show you which tactics are effective in your niche.
• Fresh inspiration for growth: Sometimes you won’t realize the potential of an app until you see it live. Imagine finding a store that uses a currency converter or language switcher. That’s a clear sign they’re targeting global customers, which might spark you to explore cross-border selling as well.

The key takeaway is that Shopify itself doesn’t list apps used on stores, but there are smart methods to uncover them. By knowing what tools competitors rely on, you can shorten your learning curve, adopt proven strategies, and discover apps you may never have considered before. In the next section, we’ll dive into the fastest and most effective ways to do it.

4 Ways to Find Out What Shopify Apps a Store Uses

Method 1: Use Chrome Extensions

Browser extensions are the fastest and most beginner-friendly way to see what apps a Shopify store is running. Once installed, these tools give you insights in just a few clicks. Below is a detailed guide for the most popular options:

#1. Wappalyzer

How to Use:

1. Add Wappalyzer to Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
2. Open the Shopify store you’re researching.
3. Click the extension icon, and it will scan the website’s code and requests.

What You’ll See:

• Analytics tools like Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, or Hotjar.
• Payment integrations such as PayPal or Stripe.
• Occasionally, Shopify-specific apps, though their strength is in showing the broader tech stack.

Best For: Detailed technical analysis beyond apps, especially if you want to see how competitors track visitors, manage payments, or connect to third-party services.

#2. Koala Inspector

How to Use:

1. Install Koala Inspector from the Chrome Store.
2. Visit the Shopify store you want to spy on and click the Koala icon.
3. Explore the different tabs within the extension.

What You’ll See:

• Detected Apps: A clear list of Shopify apps in use, such as upsell, subscription, or review tools.
• Theme Info: Which theme (paid or custom) the store is running.
• Product Data: New arrivals, best sellers, and pricing strategies.
• Traffic Insights: Some versions even estimate traffic sources and visitor volume.

Best For: Serious competitor research. Koala Inspector provides the deepest insights, helping you not only find apps but also understand how a store is structured and marketed.

#3. BuiltWith

How to Use:

1. Add BuiltWith to your Chrome browser.
2. Go to the Shopify store you’re analyzing.
3. Click the BuiltWith icon, and the extension will scan the site.

What You’ll See:

• A breakdown of technologies used on the site, such as email platforms (Klaviyo, Mailchimp), analytics (Google Tag Manager, Hotjar), and widgets.
• Sometimes it will detect Shopify apps, though not as directly as Shopify App Detector or Koala Inspector.

Best For: Building a complete picture of a store’s overall tech stack, beyond just Shopify apps. Especially useful if you want to see backend services and marketing integrations.

Method 2: Using Online Detector Tools

Online detector tools are a quick way to see what Shopify apps a store is running without installing anything on your browser. All you need to do is paste the store’s URL, hit scan, and wait for the report. These platforms are especially useful if you want results on the go or don’t plan to analyze stores too often. Here are five of the most popular tools worth trying:

• ShopScan.app: One of the easiest tools for beginners. You paste the store link into the search bar, click scan, and within seconds, it shows apps, themes, and sometimes marketing integrations. It’s simple, fast, and perfect for a quick competitor check.
• Shopscope.top: This tool is especially good at highlighting conversion-related apps. From countdown timers to upsell pop-ups, Shopscope shows you what tactics a competitor is using to drive sales. It’s a strong choice if your main focus is studying how rivals push conversions.
• Instant.so: Known for its speed and straightforward layout, Instant. So delivers results almost instantly. You paste the store’s URL, and it returns a clear list of detected apps. Its simplicity makes it ideal for users who want quick, no-frills insights.
• Sell The Trend: More than just app detection, this platform also provides product research and trend analysis. By entering a competitor’s URL, you not only see their app stack but also hints about their best-selling products. That makes it especially appealing for dropshippers and POD sellers.
• Commerce Inspector (Web Tool): A powerful option that goes beyond app detection. Commerce Inspector’s online version reveals Shopify apps, sales data, new product launches, and even ad activity. It’s particularly useful if you’re serious about monitoring competitors’ growth strategies and want deeper insights than just apps and themes.

👉 The biggest advantage of online detector tools is convenience. They’re easy to use, don’t take up space on your computer, and are perfect for quick scans. For more reliable results, it’s smart to use two different tools and compare their findings, since each platform may detect slightly different apps.

Method 3: Manually Inspect the Store’s Source Code

If you prefer a hands-on method and want to uncover apps that automated tools might miss, manually inspecting the store’s source code is a reliable option. It takes a little technical curiosity, but the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Step 1: Open the Source Code

• On the competitor’s store page, right-click anywhere and select “View Page Source”.

• Alternatively, press Ctrl+U (Windows) or Command+Option+U (Mac) to open the code in a new tab.

Step 2: Search for Keywords

Use Ctrl+F (or Command+F on Mac) to bring up the search bar.

Try searching for:

• “script” (to find external scripts often loaded by apps)
• “/apps/” (a common path where Shopify apps inject their code)

Known app names like Klaviyo, Judgeme, Loox, Yotpo, or Privy

• “meta” tags that might include app-specific data
• “data-*” attributes, such as “data-app-name”, which sometimes directly list the app in use

Step 3: Analyze What You Find

• If you see references to JavaScript files hosted on domains like “cdn.shopify.com” or a third-party provider, that often points to an app integration.
• Meta tags may reveal analytics or SEO apps in use.
• Script URLs can show review widgets, upsell tools, email marketing integrations, and more.

Step 4: Cross-Check for Accuracy

Once you spot a name or script, do a quick check by looking it up in the Shopify App Store. This helps confirm whether the script belongs to a legitimate app or a custom solution.

Unlike automated detectors, source code inspection lets you uncover hidden or custom apps that tools might miss. Some advanced stores mask their setups, but bits of code almost always leave behind clues. If you’re serious about competitive research, combining this method with extension or online tools gives you the most accurate picture.

Method 4: Learn from the Community or Ask Directly

Not every Shopify store leaves obvious traces of the apps it uses. In these cases, turning to the wider community is often the smartest move. By checking app directories, browsing forums, or reading reviews, you can uncover which apps are actually making a difference for other merchants.

App directories

• Directories such as the OpenStore Shopify App Directory organize apps by category, rating, and popularity.
• These lists are useful because they highlight tools that real stores are actively installing, not just apps that are being marketed heavily.

For example, if you notice the same email marketing app listed among the “most installed” in multiple categories, it’s likely powering many of the stores you admire.

Community forums

• Shopify Community Forums are packed with discussions about apps for reviews, conversion optimization, or SEO.
• By typing in keywords like “best review app” or “apps for upselling,” you can read threads where store owners share exactly what they’re using.
• These insights go beyond detection; you also get context on why a particular app is effective and how it solves specific problems.

Review platforms

• Sites like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot provide detailed user feedback. Merchants often write about their store type, the results they achieved, and how well the app integrates with Shopify.
• For instance, a review might say: “We run a home décor store and Judge.me made it easy to collect reviews, which boosted our conversion rate.” That tells you both the app name and how it performs in a specific niche.

Asking directly

• If there’s a store you admire, you can reach out to the owner by email or social media. Keep the message short and polite, mentioning that you’re exploring apps for your own Shopify business.
• Many merchants are open to sharing their app stack or recommending the tools they find most valuable.

This method shines when extensions or manual checks don’t reveal the full picture. While scanning tools show you what’s installed, community insights explain why those apps are being used and how they actually impact sales. Combining both perspectives gives you a clearer, more reliable picture of a store’s app strategy.

What If the App Can’t Be Detected?

Some Shopify apps work quietly in the background, so you won’t always spot them with scanners or code checks. Don’t worry, there are still clever ways to pick up clues.

Look for hidden hints

• Check the footer, help center, or FAQ section. Stores sometimes credit the apps they use for reviews, live chat, or shipping.
• Browse customer reviews on the store. Shoppers occasionally mention features powered by apps, like a loyalty program or review widget.

Pay attention to features

• Notice a product quiz, countdown timer, or loyalty badge? These visible elements often point to specific apps.
• If you can’t identify them right away, write down what you see, then compare with apps in the Shopify App Store to match features.

Ask the community

• Drop your question in Shopify forums or eCommerce groups.
• Describe the feature you spotted, and other merchants will often suggest which apps are most likely behind it.

Even when apps don’t leave obvious traces, combining these small details with community insights gives you a clearer picture of what a store is using. It’s like detective work, and sometimes the most hidden tools are the ones making the biggest impact.

Next Moves After Discovering a Store’s App Stack

Finding your competitor’s apps is just the beginning. The real advantage comes when you know how to use that knowledge to strengthen your own store.

Understand what each app does

• Look at the purpose of the app: reviews, upsells, loyalty programs, customer support, or inventory management.
• This gives you insight into your competitor’s priorities. For example, if they invest in loyalty apps, it shows they focus on customer retention.

Ask if it fits your store

Not every app they use will work for you. Instead of copying unthinkingly, think about:

• Does this app align with your business goals?
• Can it fit within your budget?
• Will your customers actually benefit from it?

Test and compare

• The majority of Shopify apps provide risk-free trials so you can try them out.
• Examine features, usability, and the overall effect on your store.
• Keep an eye out for enhancements to the customer experience, such as quicker checkout or more intelligent product suggestions.

Turn insights into strategy

Don't merely gather applications. Construct a well-chosen stack that facilitates expansion. Note what works, swap out what doesn't, and go over your list frequently. The Shopify app ecosystem is constantly changing, so staying current gives you a competitive advantage.

Popular Apps Powering Many Shopify Stores

You'll notice that some Shopify apps keep coming up when you browse competitor stores. Because they directly enhance customer experience, design, and sales, these tools are well-liked. The following are a few of the most popular apps:

EComposer Page Builder

EComposer allows merchants to design fully custom landing pages, product pages, and blogs without writing a single line of code. Stores use it to create visually appealing layouts that draw attention to key products or promotions. With its drag-and-drop interface, you can swiftly apply changes depending on performance, evaluate what converts best, and experiment with other designs. Many successful stores rely on it to make their pages look professional and engaging without hiring a developer.

EcomRise Upsell & Bundles

EcomRise offers product bundles and upsells in an effort to raise average order value. When a user adds an item to their basket, the software suggests related items or package discounts. Customers are encouraged to spend more money as a result, and their shopping experience is improved by displaying pertinent items that they might have overlooked. Higher revenue per order and a more seamless method of promoting related products are common outcomes for stores that use EcomRise.

Stockify Pre‑order Coming Soon

Stockify helps stores keep selling even when items are out of stock. Customers can place pre-orders or sign up to be notified when products return, maintaining demand without losing sales. This is particularly useful for trending items, limited editions, or seasonal products. Many merchants use Stockify to manage inventory efficiently while keeping customers excited about upcoming releases, which also helps with marketing and planning production.

EcomRise Post Purchase Upsell

EcomRise Post Purchase Upsell helps Shopify stores boost revenue by showing targeted offers immediately after checkout. Once a customer completes their order, the app displays personalized upsells or cross-sell deals on the thank you page. This approach captures attention when customers are most engaged and encourages additional purchases without interrupting the checkout flow. Many merchants use it to promote complementary items, limited-time discounts, or bundles. The app also includes detailed analytics to track performance and optimize future post-purchase campaigns for better results.

Nitro Lookbook & Image Gallery

Stores can use Nitro, a visual merchandising tool, to create image galleries and lookbooks for their collections. For fashion or lifestyle retailers who wish to use their products to tell a story, this app is ideal. It enables retailers to present products in authentic environments, lead clients through collections with a theme, and enhance the shopping experience. Nitro can help products stand out from the competition, boost engagement, and enhance brand perception.

Fontify: Google & Custom Fonts

By allowing merchants to upload custom fonts or use Google Fonts, Fontify gives their store a distinctive visual identity. Readability, overall design aesthetics, and brand perception are all greatly influenced by typography. By using Fontify, retailers can enhance the appearance and feel of their pages, preserve consistent branding, and produce a unique, polished, and expert shopping experience. A minor adjustment frequently has a significant impact on the customer experience.

FAQs

Are there apps that Shopify stores use that can’t be detected?

Yes. Some apps operate entirely in the background, like inventory management, analytics, or custom backend tools. These apps don’t leave visible traces in the store’s code, so they won’t show up with detection tools. In such cases, you can look for hints in footers, help pages, or community discussions.

Is it legal to check which apps a Shopify store is using?

Yes. Using tools or inspecting a store’s public-facing pages to see what apps are installed is generally legal. You’re only analyzing publicly available information. However, using this knowledge to hack, copy, or infringe on another store’s intellectual property is illegal.

What are the most popular apps used by top Shopify stores?

Some of the most widely used apps include page builders like EComposer, upsell and bundle tools such as EcomRise, pre-order apps like Stockify, AI-based theme sections like SectionAI, visual merchandising tools like Nitro, and font customization apps like Fontify. These apps improve design, sales, and user experience.

Is it advisable to install multiple apps on a Shopify store at once?

It’s better to start with a few essential apps rather than installing many at once. An excessive number of apps might hinder debugging, slow down your shop, and create problems. Focus on the apps that address your most important needs first, then expand gradually.

Are Shopify app detection tools safe to use?

Yes, most Chrome extensions and online detection tools are safe if downloaded from official sources. They only analyze publicly available store data and don’t access sensitive information. Always avoid unofficial downloads or tools that ask for unnecessary permissions.

Conclusion

The fastest way to see what apps a Shopify store is using is through Chrome extensions like Fera.ai, Koala Inspector, and Wappalyzer. These tools give instant insights into competitor stores, making it easy to spot the apps that power sales, marketing, and design.

For deeper analysis, combine these tools with manual code inspection and online research. Use the knowledge you gain to improve your own store ethically and strategically. Choose applications that support your objectives, test them thoroughly, then set them up to improve user experience and increase conversions.