Speed is crucial for any Shopify store. A slow-loading store leads to higher bounce rates, lower conversions, and frustrated customers. While Shopify apps can enhance functionality, they can also negatively impact store performance if not chosen carefully.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to select the right Shopify apps without compromising store speed.

1. Why Do Some Shopify Apps Slow Down Your Store?

Certain Shopify apps add unnecessary scripts, large files, or excessive API calls, which slow down site performance. Here’s why:

✔ Heavy JavaScript & CSS Files – Some apps load extra code that increases page load times.

✔ Multiple API Calls – Apps that constantly request data from Shopify’s servers can slow checkout and navigation.

✔ Third-Party Dependencies – Apps relying on external servers (e.g., live chat apps, pop-ups) can introduce delays.

✔ Non-Optimized Images & Videos – Some apps don’t compress images, leading to large file sizes.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze how an app affects your store speed.

2. How to Identify Speed-Friendly Shopify Apps?

Before installing an app, evaluate its impact on performance using these steps:

A. Check App Reviews & Ratings

• Look for merchant reviews mentioning speed issues.

• Avoid apps with multiple complaints about slowing down stores.

B. Choose Apps with Lightweight Code

• Prefer apps that don’t load unnecessary scripts.

• Apps using server-side processing (instead of browser-side) are better for speed.

C. Opt for Native Shopify Apps

• Apps built specifically for Shopify’s ecosystem are more optimized than generic third-party solutions.

• Example: Shopify Email loads faster than some third-party email tools.

D. Test the App’s Impact on Speed

1. Measure your site speed before installationusing:

• Google PageSpeed Insights (https://pagespeed.web.dev/)
• GTmetrix (https://gtmetrix.com/)

2. Install the app and re-run speed tests.

3. Compare results – If page load time increases significantly, consider removing the app.

💡 Pro Tip: Always test apps on a duplicate theme before installing them on your live store.

3. Best Practices for Choosing Performance-Friendly Apps

To prevent Shopify apps from slowing down your store, follow these best practices:

A. Use Multi-Function Apps Instead of Multiple Single-Function Apps

✔ Instead of installing 3 different apps for pop-ups, email capture, and SMS, choose an all-in-one app like Omnisend or Klaviyo.

✔ Fewer apps = Faster store speed.

B. Avoid Apps That Load External Resources

• Some apps load fonts, images, or scripts from third-party servers, which increase load times.

• Example: Avoid apps that add excessive tracking scripts or analytics unless necessary.

C. Use Apps That Support Lazy Loading

• Lazy loading prevents images, videos, and widgets from loading until they are needed.

• Apps that preload everything at once slow down the user experience.

• Example: TinyIMG automatically optimizes images and supports lazy loading.

D. Prefer Server-Side Processing Over Client-Side

• Client-side apps run directly in the browser, increasing loading time.

• Server-side apps process data in the background without affecting user experience.

💡 Example: Some currency converter apps refresh every page load (client-side), while others cache rates for faster speed (server-side).

4. The Best Speed-Friendly Shopify Apps (2025)

Here are some top-performing apps that offer functionality without slowing down your store:

A. SEO & Speed Optimization

B. Marketing & Conversion Optimization

C. Customer Support & Live Chat

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid live chat apps that reload the script on every page—they slow down the store.

5. How to Audit & Remove Slow Shopify Apps

If your store is already slow, audit your installed apps:

✔ Go to Shopify Admin → Apps

✔ Identify unused or redundant apps

✔ Uninstall apps one by one & retest speed

✔ Check leftover code (Some apps leave scripts even after uninstalling)

💡 Use apps like "Shopify Theme Inspector" to find and remove unused code.

6. Final Checklist Before Installing a Shopify App

Before installing any app, ask:

✅ Does this app require multiple external scripts?

✅ Can I replace multiple apps with an all-in-one solution?

✅ Does it have good reviews mentioning speed performance?

✅ Have I tested the app’s impact on loading speed?

By following these steps, you can ensure a fast, high-converting Shopify store without unnecessary slowdowns.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Shopify apps is about balance—you want functionality without compromising speed. By carefully selecting performance-friendly apps, regularly auditing installed apps, and optimizing image and script loading, you can maintain a lightning-fast store that converts more visitors into customers.

🚀 Need help optimizing your Shopify store’s speed? Start by testing your installed apps today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many apps should I install on my Shopify store?

Only install essential apps—fewer apps mean better performance.

2. How can I check if an app slows down my Shopify store?

Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix before and after installing an app.

3. What are the best lightweight Shopify apps?

Apps like TinyIMG, Omnisend, and SEO Manager offer great functionality with minimal speed impact.

4. Do uninstalled apps leave leftover code?

Yes! Some apps leave scripts behind—use the Shopify Theme Inspector to clean up unused code.

5. What should I do if my Shopify store is already slow?

• Audit & remove unused apps

• Optimize images (use compression tools)

• Enable lazy loading

• Use a Shopify speed optimization app