Shopify Built-In Reviews vs. Third-Party Review Apps: Which Wins for Your Store?

Product reviews are the lifeblood of any eCommerce store. They build trust, drive sales, and give customers a reason to quickly hit that "Add to Cart" button. For Shopify store owners, choosing the right review system can feel like a make-or-break decision.  

Should you stick with Shopify's built-in product reviews app Shopify offers or invest in one of the many third-party Shopify review apps out there? In this blog, we'll dive deep into the pros and cons of both options and use cases to help you pick the best review app for Shopify for your business. 

Whether you're running a small boutique or scaling fast, MyAppGurus has you covered with insights to boost your Shopify conversions.

Why Do Product Reviews Shopify Matter for Stores?

Before we compare review apps for Shopify stores, let's talk about why reviews are non-negotiable. Studies show that 93% of shoppers read reviews before buying online. 

A solid product review app doesn't just display star ratings—it creates social proof, builds credibility, and can increase Shopify store conversions by showing real customer feedback. 

For Shopify merchants, reviews are a direct line to understanding what customers love (or don't) about your products. But not all review systems are created equal, so let's break down your options because you need the best review app for Shopify. 

Built-In Product Reviews App Shopify Tool: The Basics

Shopify offers a free, default product reviews Shopify tool called the Shopify Product Reviews app. It's a no-headache option designed to get you up and running quickly. Here's what you get:

Key Features 

• Star ratings and written reviews: Customers can leave a rating and a comment about their purchase.

• Simple integration: It's built into Shopify, so setup takes minutes.

• Basic customization: You can tweak the look to match your store's vibe, but options are limited.
  
  

Pros

• Free forever: No monthly fees, which is a win for small businesses.

• Seamless integration: It's native to Shopify, so it works smoothly without compatibility headaches.

• Lightweight: Doesn't slow down your site speed, keeping your store snappy.
  
  

Cons

• Limited features: You get the basics—star ratings and text—but not much else.

• No automation: Want to send follow-up emails asking for my product store review? You're on your own.

• Minimal analytics: No deep insights into review performance or moderation tools to filter spam.

For beginners, Shopify's built-in app for product reviews is a great starting point, but it might not keep up as your store grows. 

Third-Party Product Reviews Shopify Apps: The Power Players

If the default product reviews app Shopify feels too basic, third-party Shopify review apps like Judge.me, Loox, Yotpo, or Ali Reviews could be your answer. 

These apps are designed to supercharge your customer reviews Shopify strategy with advanced features and flexibility. These features are necessary for stores looking to scale.

Common Features

• Photo and video reviews: Customers can upload visuals, making reviews more engaging and trustworthy.

• Automatic email requests: Send personalized emails to nudge customers for my product store review after purchase. 

• SEO-friendly rich snippets: Boost your search rankings by showcasing reviews in Google results.

• Social proof widgets: Show off reviews with carousels, pop-ups, or badges to boost Shopify sales with product review app.

• Multi-language support: Perfect for international stores catering to diverse audiences.

• Integration galore: Sync with email marketing platforms, loyalty programs, or analytics tools for a cohesive strategy using the best review app for Shopify. 

Third-party best product review apps for Shopify are built to grow with you, offering customization and automation that Shopify's default app can't match.

Side-By-Side Comparison: Built-In Customer Reviews Shopify App Vs. Third-Party App For Product Reviews

To make things crystal clear, here's a comparison table to weigh Shopify's built-in product reviews app Shopify against third-party Shopify apps for reviews.

CTA: Looking to level up your Shopify conversions through reviews? MyAppGurus presents the best review app for Shopify tailored to your store's needs. Contact us today to get started! 

When is the Built-In Customer Reviews Shopify App enough?

Shopify's free product review app is a solid choice in certain scenarios. Here's when it might be all you need:

• You're just starting out: If you're a new store with a tight budget, free is hard to beat.

• Small product catalog: With only a few SKUs, you don't need fancy features to manage customer reviews Shopify users leave.

• Low traffic: If your store isn't seeing heavy visits yet, basic Review Apps For Shopify Stores can still build trust.

• Simple tech stack: Want to avoid juggling multiple apps? Shopify's built-in tool keeps things streamlined.

For small shops, Shopify's default app for product reviews gets the job done without overwhelming you with options.

When Third-Party Product Reviews Shopify Apps Shine? 

As your store grows, you might outgrow Shopify's basic product reviews Shopify tool. Third-party Shopify review apps are the way to go if:

• You want engaging reviews: Photo and video reviews make your "my product store review" section pop, encouraging more clicks.

• Automation is key: Sending manual emails for reviews is a chore. Apps like Judge.me or Yotpo automate the process, saving you time.

• User-generated content (UGC) matters: Use customer photos in your marketing to boost Shopify sales with product review app features like Instagram feeds or ads.

• You're scaling fast: Running ads or targeting international markets? Advanced Shopify feedback tools offer multi-language support and stronger trust signals.

• You need analytics: Track review performance and filter out fake ones with robust moderation tools.

For stores aiming to increase Shopify store conversions, third-party best product review apps for Shopify offer the firepower to stand out. MyAppGurus has helped countless Shopify merchants implement these tools to drive sales—let us do the same for you! 

Making the Right Choice for Your Shopify Store

So, what's the verdict? Shopify's built-in Product Reviews App Shopify is a fantastic starting point for new or small stores. 

It's free, simple, and gets the job done for basic needs. But if you're serious about scaling, engaging customers, and using reviews as a marketing tool, third-party Shopify review apps are worth the investment. They offer automation, customization, and features that can directly boost Shopify sales with product review app functionality.

At MyAppGurus, we've seen firsthand how the right app for product reviews can transform a store. Whether you stick with Shopify's default or go for a premium option, make sure your choice aligns with your goals, budget, and growth plans.

CTA: Ready to take your reviews to the next level? Install MyAppGurus, the best review app for Shopify for your business.

FAQs About Shopify Review Apps

1. Are Shopify's built-in reviews really free?

Yes, in-built Shopify feedback tools are 100% free to use. There are no hidden costs, but keep in mind it lacks advanced features like automation or photo uploads.

2. Which is the best third-party review app for my product store review?

It depends on your needs! MyAppGurus is one of the best product review apps for Shopify, offering budget-friendly automation. Loox excels at photo reviews, and Yotpo is ideal for large stores needing robust analytics. 

3. Do review apps slow down my Shopify store?

Shopify's built-in product review app has no impact on speed since it's native. Third-party Shopify apps for reviews are optimized to be lightweight, but always check app reviews for performance feedback.

4. Can third-party apps help with SEO?

Absolutely! Most third-party Shopify Review Apps include rich snippets that display star ratings in search results, which can improve click-through rates and increase Shopify store conversions.

5. How do I encourage customers to leave reviews?

Use a product review app with automated email follow-ups. Offer incentives like discounts (while following Shopify's guidelines) and make the review process quick and mobile-friendly.