Last updated: November 9, 2026. Ratings, reviews and prices come from each app’s public Shopify App Store listing, checked on November 4, 2026, and change often. Disclosure: Webiots isn’t affiliated with any of these apps. We build custom Shopify stores and mobile apps.
Quick answer: A Shopify mobile app builder turns your store into a native iOS and Android app without code, syncing your products, collections and orders automatically. On the Shopify App Store, the most-reviewed options are Superfans (formerly Vajro), Shopney, Tapcart, MageNative and Plobal, with Appbrew and AppMaker close behind. Entry prices range from a free plan with a sales fee (Plobal) to $1,000 a month plus 1% of in-app revenue (AppMaker), and most offer a 30-day free trial. Budget for Apple’s $99 a year developer account and Google Play’s $25 one-time fee too.
Key takeaways:
- Compare the plan you’d need, not the starting price.
- Check for revenue-share fees on top of the monthly price.
- Launch when you have repeat customers to bring back.
In this guide
- What a mobile app builder is
- Do you need a mobile app?
- Comparison table
- Free Shopify mobile app builders
- The 7 app builders, one by one
- App builder vs custom app
- How to create a Shopify mobile app
- How to choose
- Alternatives to Tapcart, Appbrew and Plobal
- The bottom line
- FAQ
What Is a Shopify Mobile App Builder?
It’s a Shopify app that creates a branded shopping app for the Apple App Store and Google Play from your existing store. You design the app in a drag-and-drop editor, and it stays in sync with your Shopify products, collections, inventory and orders. Most builders add push notifications, app-only discounts and analytics, and help you publish to both app stores.
It’s different from Shopify’s own Shop app. The Shop channel lists your products in Shopify’s shared Shop app and on shop.com, alongside other brands (Shopify Help Center). A mobile app builder gives you an app with only your brand in it.
Do You Need a Mobile App for Your Shopify Store?
It pays off when you have repeat customers to bring back, not when you’re still finding your first ones. An app’s main advantage is a direct channel to people who already buy from you: push notifications, app-only offers and a saved login.
| A mobile app makes sense if… | Wait if… |
|---|---|
| Customers buy from you again and again (fashion, beauty, food, supplements) | Most customers buy once |
| You run frequent drops, restocks or flash sales | You rarely have news to send |
| You can promote the app to your email list and existing customers | Your store is new, with little traffic |
| The monthly fee is a small share of your mobile revenue | The fee would be a large share of your sales |
If you’re not ready yet, make sure your mobile website is fast and easy to use first. That’s where most shoppers will meet your store either way.
How Do the Top Shopify Mobile App Builders Compare?
Here are 7 builders side by side. Ratings and prices are from each Shopify App Store listing, checked on November 4, 2026. None showed the Built for Shopify badge.
| App | Rating (reviews) | Starting price | Free trial | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superfans (formerly Vajro) | 4.9 (908) | $150/mo | 30 days | 2018 |
| Shopney | 5.0 (774) | $149/mo | 30 days | 2019 |
| Tapcart | 4.7 (338) | $500/mo | 7 days | 2017 |
| MageNative | 4.8 (336) | $99/mo | 30 days | 2017 |
| Plobal | 4.8 (148) | Free + 3% of in-app sales | 30 days (paid plans) | 2016 |
| Appbrew | 5.0 (76) | $199/mo (starts at) | 30 days | 2022 |
| AppMaker | 4.4 (31) | $1,000/mo + 1% of in-app revenue | 14 days | 2021 |
Watch for extra fees: Plobal and AppMaker charge a share of in-app sales on some plans, Appbrew lists additional charges based on app performance, and Tapcart notes external charges may be billed separately. Read the pricing section of each listing before you budget.
Is There a Free Shopify Mobile App Builder?
Not fully free: the cheapest way to start is a free plan that takes a share of sales, or a 30-day free trial. Every app also needs developer accounts to publish in the app stores.
| Option | What’s free | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Plobal Starter | No monthly fee, native iOS and Android, unlimited push | 3% of in-app sales, 2 integrations |
| Appbrew | Free plan to build and test | Paid plan from $199 to launch |
| Superfans, Shopney, MageNative | 30-day free trial | Paid plan after the trial |
| Shopify’s Shop app | Your products in Shop, with no app to build | Not your own branded app |
On top of the builder, Apple charges $99 a year for its developer program and Google Play charges a one-time $25 registration fee. Most builders publish under your own developer accounts, so the app belongs to your brand.
The 7 Best Shopify Mobile App Builders, One by One
Each section covers who the app suits, what its plans include and the trade-offs, based on its App Store listing.
1. Superfans (formerly Vajro)
Best for: brands that want a simple two-plan choice and live shopping.
4.9 (908 reviews) · Paid from $150/mo · 30-day free trial · Launched April 2018
- Starter $150: unlimited push notifications, app-only discounts and product drops, in-app live chat, size chart
- Unlimited $1,000: unlimited blocks and integrations, Meta and Google Ads integration, multi-currency and multi-language, custom feature development
- The listing mentions live sessions hosted in the app and on Facebook
Trade-offs: a big jump between the two plans, and multi-language support is only on Unlimited. The listing still sits at the old Vajro address.
View Superfans on the Shopify App Store
2. Shopney
Best for: stores that want a highly rated app with features added step by step as they grow.
5.0 (774 reviews) · Paid from $149/mo · 30-day free trial · Launched July 2019
- Silver $149: unlimited push notifications, back-in-stock notifications, in-app chat, Google Analytics and Facebook ad integration
- Gold $299: abandoned cart notifications, review integrations, multi-language and multi-currency, search and filter
- Platinum $599: segmented and AI push notifications, augmented reality, barcode scan, live selling, loyalty and subscription integrations
- Enterprise $1,299: multi-store support, design support, dedicated success manager
Trade-offs: abandoned cart notifications need Gold, and segmented push needs Platinum.
View Shopney on the Shopify App Store
3. Tapcart
Best for: larger brands that want advanced analytics, A/B testing and dedicated support.
4.7 (338 reviews) · Paid from $500/mo · 7-day free trial · Launched April 2017
- Growth $500: unlimited blocks and push notifications, unlimited integrations, 24/7 support, managed app and developer portal
- Scale $1,250: advanced analytics, A/B testing, user segmentation, conditional content, scheduled publishing
- Enterprise+ from $2,850: dedicated account manager, developer tools, multiple regional apps, 99.99% uptime SLA and SOC 2
Trade-offs: the second-highest starting price here, after AppMaker, and the shortest trial, and A/B testing needs the $1,250 plan.
View Tapcart on the Shopify App Store
4. MageNative
Best for: smaller budgets and international stores, including right-to-left languages.
4.8 (336 reviews) · Paid from $99/mo · 30-day free trial · Launched September 2017
- Starter $99: native Android and iOS apps, 15 design blocks, real-time sync, app-only discounts, 5 push notifications, live video selling integration
- Standard $149: automated notifications, multi-language and currency, Meta SDK integration, success manager
- Premium $249: unlimited and segmented push notifications, advanced analytics, AR, Shop Pay integration, custom font
Trade-offs: Starter includes only 5 push notifications, and unlimited push needs Premium.
View MageNative on the Shopify App Store
5. Plobal
Best for: stores that want to start with no monthly fee and pay as sales come in.
4.8 (148 reviews) · Free plan with 3% of in-app sales · Paid from $199/mo · Launched February 2016
- Starter (free): 2 integrations, native iOS and Android, drag-and-drop builder, unlimited push, real-time analytics; 3% of in-app sales
- Growth $199: the same features with 4 integrations
- Essential $499: abandoned browse campaigns, segmented notifications, product filter, Apple Pay, success manager
- Enterprise $1,199 + 1% of in-app sales: unlimited advanced integrations, app personalization, custom fonts
Trade-offs: the 3% fee grows with your app sales, and segmented push needs the $499 plan.
View Plobal on the Shopify App Store
6. Appbrew
Best for: brands that want AI tools, video shopping and A/B testing.
5.0 (76 reviews) · Free plan with 30-day trial · Paid from $199/mo (starts at) · Launched July 2022
- Starter $199: App Store and Google Play launch, AI growth assistant, unlimited push, search, wishlist, size charts, native video shopping
- Pro $599: AI-powered personalization, A/B testing, gifting and bundle flows, priority support
- Enterprise $1,099: custom app design, multi-currency and language, subscription management, dedicated success manager
Trade-offs: prices are “starts at” with additional charges based on app performance, and multi-language is on Enterprise.
View Appbrew on the Shopify App Store
7. AppMaker
Best for: established brands that want personalization using Shopify tags and metafields.
4.4 (31 reviews) · Paid from $1,000/mo + 1% of in-app revenue · 14-day free trial · Launched July 2021
- Pro $1,000: native iOS and Android apps, app personalization, integrations and plugin library, enterprise support
- Plus $2,000: premium workflows, customer success manager, priority support
- The listing mentions conditional blocks based on Shopify tags and metafields, and an AI assistant for analytics and campaigns
Trade-offs: the highest entry price on this list, plus a revenue share, and the smallest review base.
View AppMaker on the Shopify App Store
Should You Use an App Builder or Build a Custom App?
Use a builder for a standard shopping app; consider a custom app when you need features or integrations no builder offers.
| Factor | App builder | Custom app |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Monthly fee, sometimes plus a revenue share | Upfront development cost, plus ongoing maintenance |
| Time to launch | Usually weeks | Usually months |
| Design and features | Within the builder’s blocks and integrations | Anything you can specify |
| Updates and app store changes | Handled by the platform | Your team or agency handles them |
| Best for | Most Shopify stores | Unique workflows, complex integrations, very large catalogs |
Need a custom Shopify mobile app?
Webiots builds custom Shopify stores and iOS and Android apps for brands that outgrow app builders.
How Do You Create a Mobile App for Your Shopify Store?
With a builder, you can go from install to app store submission in a few days, then wait for Apple and Google to review the app.
- Install a builder from the Shopify App Store and start its free trial.
- Pick a template and add your logo, colours and fonts.
- Build your home screen with banners, collections and featured products. Products, prices and stock sync from Shopify automatically.
- Set up navigation, search and the account area, so customers can sign in and see their orders.
- Connect your apps, such as reviews, loyalty, wishlists, subscriptions and email, and check your product options and discounts work in the app.
- Test on real phones with the builder’s preview app, on both iOS and Android.
- Create your developer accounts (Apple Developer Program and Google Play Console) and submit the app. Most builders help with screenshots, listings and submission.
- Launch with an app-only offer, such as a first-order discount, promoted to your email list and on your website.
Planning a launch for a sale such as Black Friday? Submit the app a few weeks early, as app store reviews and fixes can take longer in busy periods.
How Should You Choose a Shopify Mobile App Builder?
List your must-have features, find the plan that includes them, and test two builders on their free trials.
- List your must-haves, such as abandoned cart notifications, segmented push, multi-language or live selling.
- Find the plan that includes them in each listing. Features like segmented push often sit on higher plans.
- Add up the real monthly cost, including any share of in-app sales.
- Check the integrations you already use, such as reviews, loyalty, subscriptions and email.
- Build a test app on two free trials, and check your product options, discounts and checkout work in the app.
- Plan how you’ll promote the app, for example with an app-only discount sent to your email list.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Tapcart, Appbrew and Plobal?
Pick an alternative by the reason you’re switching. Based on the plans above:
| If you’re leaving… | Because… | Look at |
|---|---|---|
| Tapcart | The $500 starting price | MageNative ($99), Shopney ($149) or Superfans ($150) |
| Appbrew | Performance-based charges | Shopney or MageNative, with fixed monthly plans |
| Plobal | The 3% fee is growing with sales | A fixed plan such as MageNative or Shopney, once 3% of app sales is more than the fee |
| AppMaker | Price and revenue share | Tapcart Growth ($500) or Shopney Platinum ($599) |
Tapcart vs AppMaker: Tapcart starts at $500 a month with no revenue share and has ten times as many reviews (338 vs 31). AppMaker starts at $1,000 a month plus 1% of in-app revenue and focuses on personalization with Shopify tags and metafields. For most growing brands, Tapcart is the lower-cost starting point.
The Bottom Line
A mobile app pays off when you have repeat customers to bring back. Compare builders on the plan you’d actually need, not the starting price, and add any share of in-app sales to the monthly cost. MageNative and Plobal are the lowest-cost ways to start, Superfans and Shopney have the most reviews, and Tapcart and AppMaker suit larger brands. Test two builders on their free trials before you commit.
Need something no builder offers? Talk to Webiots about a custom Shopify app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Shopify mobile app builder?
It depends on your budget and features. Superfans and Shopney have the most reviews, MageNative has the lowest fixed starting price at $99 a month, Plobal has a free plan with a 3% sales fee, and Tapcart and AppMaker suit larger brands.
How much does a Shopify mobile app cost?
With a builder, from a free plan with a 3% sales fee (Plobal) or $99 a month (MageNative) up to $1,000 to $2,850 a month or more for enterprise plans, based on App Store listings in November 2026. Add Apple’s $99 a year developer fee and Google Play’s $25 one-time fee.
Is there a free Shopify mobile app builder?
Plobal’s Starter plan has no monthly fee but takes 3% of in-app sales, and Appbrew has a free plan with a 30-day trial. Most other builders offer a free trial rather than a free plan.
How long does it take to launch a Shopify mobile app?
Usually a few days to build with a builder, plus Apple and Google review time. Plan for a few weeks in total, and longer before a busy sales period.
Do I need Apple and Google developer accounts?
Yes, in most cases. The app is published under your brand, so you need an Apple Developer Program membership and a Google Play Console account. Builders usually guide you through the setup.
Does Shopify have its own mobile app for stores?
Shopify’s Shop app lists your products alongside other brands through the Shop channel. For an app with only your brand in it, you need a mobile app builder or a custom app.
What happened to Vajro?
Vajro’s Shopify App Store listing now appears as Superfans – Mobile App Builder, at the same apps.shopify.com/vajro address.
Related Reading
- Shopify BFCM 2026: The Complete Guide + 25-Step Checklist
- 34 Black Friday Promotion Ideas for Shopify Stores
- Best Shopify Wishlist Apps (2026)
- Best Shopify Product Options Apps (2026): 12 Compared
Update Log
November 9, 2026: Added free options and app store fees, a step-by-step guide to creating a Shopify mobile app, alternatives to Tapcart, Appbrew and Plobal, and two new FAQs.
November 4, 2026: Rewritten with ratings, reviews and plan prices from each App Store listing; Vajro updated to its new name, Superfans; added Appbrew and AppMaker; removed AppMySite (its Shopify listing had no reviews yet) and unsourced statistics.
Sources
- Superfans – Mobile App Builder
- Shopney – Mobile App Builder
- Tapcart – Mobile App Builder
- MageNative – Mobile App Builder
- Mobile App Builder – Plobal
- Appbrew: AI Mobile App Builder
- Mobile App Builder – AppMaker
- Shopify Help Center: Set up the Shop channel
- Apple Developer Program enrollment
- Google Play Console: Create a developer account
