Best A/B Testing Tools for Shopify

published on 29 October 2024

Looking for the right A/B testing tool for your Shopify store? Here's what you need to know:

Store Size Best Tool Starting Price Best For
Small (<1K orders) Shoplift $99/month Basic testing, theme changes
Growing Convert $559/month Unlimited tests, no data storage
Mid-Size VWO $199/month Heatmaps + testing suite
Enterprise Dynamic Yield/Optimizely Custom Cross-channel testing

Quick Tool Breakdown:

  • Optimizely: Enterprise-grade, needs 5K+ monthly visitors
  • VWO: Full testing suite with heatmaps
  • AB Tasty: AI-powered personalization
  • Convert: No test limits, GDPR ready
  • Dynamic Yield: AI testing + product recommendations
  • Neat A/B Testing: Simple price testing from $29/month
  • Shoplift: Basic testing with minimal speed impact

Before You Start Testing:

  • Need at least 1,000 monthly visitors
  • Wait two business cycles for reliable data
  • Focus on testing:
    • CTA buttons
    • Page layouts
    • Product descriptions
    • Checkout flow
    • Pricing display

Real Results:

Store Tool Outcome
Bukvybag VWO 45% more orders
Goldelucks Convert 66.2% revenue increase
Shiseido AB Tasty 159% more add-to-carts

Optimizely

Optimizely helps Shopify stores run A/B tests without coding. Here's what you need to know:

Feature Description
Test Types - A/B tests
- Multivariate tests
- Personalization campaigns
Key Functions - WYSIWYG editor
- Statistical engine
- Audience targeting
- SDKs in 10 languages
Setup Requirements - Optimizely snippet in theme.liquid
- Development theme copy
- Shopify Plus for checkout tracking

Setting up Optimizely is pretty straightforward:

  1. Sign up for an account
  2. Drop their code into your theme
  3. Pick your goals and split your traffic
  4. Start testing
  5. Clean up when you're done

But heads up - there are some limits:

  • You'll need Shopify Plus to track revenue
  • Your checkout and store domains must match
  • Your store needs at least 5,000 monthly visitors
Plan Type Trial Period Billing
Basic Shopify 7 days Custom pricing
Advanced 7 days Custom pricing
Shopify Plus 7 days Custom pricing

Here's a real example: Chubbies Shorts (on Shopify Plus) used Optimizely to track how their A/B tests affected sales. They connected their checkout page to their store to get accurate numbers.

Want better results? Remember to:

  • Test on a development theme first
  • Know what you want to measure
  • Delete test code when done
  • Keep an eye on load times
  • Stay GDPR-friendly

Users give Optimizely 4.2/5 stars (based on 2,179 reviews). They love how easy it is to use and the support team. But small stores might want to look elsewhere:

"Don't bother if you have a smaller store with traffic of only 5000 + per month. They wouldn't allow me to keep using their app after the trial." - Heatercraft, United States

2. VWO

VWO

VWO is an A/B testing platform that helps Shopify stores boost their conversion rates. Here's what it does:

Feature Details
Test Types - A/B testing
- Split URL testing
- Multivariate testing
- Behavioral targeting
Key Functions - Visual editor
- Heatmaps
- Session recordings
- Funnel analysis
Setup Requirements - VWO SmartCode in theme.liquid
- Revenue tracking setup
- Shopify Plus for checkout tracking

The platform can handle 25,000 requests per second. Here's how to get started:

1. Add VWO to Your Store

Go to your Shopify admin panel, find theme.liquid, and paste the VWO SmartCode before the closing tag. Then use their SmartCode Checker to make sure it's working.

2. Set Up Revenue Tracking

Drop the SmartCode in your "Additional Scripts" section. If you use ReCharge, turn on cross-domain tracking. Data360 accounts need custom event setup.

Plan Type Features Price Range
Web Testing Basic A/B testing $99-$467/month
FullStack Advanced features $1,999/month
Enterprise Custom solutions Custom pricing

The numbers speak for themselves: VWO scores 4.5/5 from 425 reviews, with over half giving it top marks.

"VWO has provided us a solid framework with which to scale our CRO services as an agency." - Trevor A., Product Owner, CRO Services

What You Should Know:

  • Use code-only mode for dynamic content testing
  • Set specific goals for each test
  • Track element-level conversions
  • Link with Google Analytics

Big names like Microsoft and Dominos use VWO. But heads up:

  • Complex tests need coding skills
  • You'll need lots of visitors for good data
  • Multiple page tests can get tricky
  • Data collection isn't always quick

Want to try it out? VWO offers a 30-day free trial, no credit card needed.

3. AB Tasty

AB Tasty

AB Tasty helps Shopify stores run A/B tests and personalize their customer experience. Here's what they offer:

Feature Category Capabilities
Testing Options - A/B testing
- Split testing
- Funnel testing
- AI-driven personalization
Core Tools - Visual editor
- Code editor
- Feature flag management
- Cloud-based platform
Analytics - Transaction tracking
- Visitor behavior analysis
- Conversion metrics
- Average basket size

Here's how to get started:

1. Add the Tag

Put the AB Tasty tag in your Shopify store's </head> section. Use the synchronous version to avoid screen flicker.

2. Set Up Your Account

Connect your AB Tasty account with your store ID. The system automatically tracks:

Metric Type What's Measured
Sales - Transaction rates
- Average basket size
- Revenue per visitor
User Data - Browser info
- Operating system
- Browsing behavior
Campaign Stats - Visitor counts
- Conversion rates
- Click-through rates

Success Stories:

Brand Test Type Results
Shiseido CTA Optimization +159% increase in "add to cart" clicks
Me Undies Promo Banner Test +10% increase in transactions
Clarins Personalization Campaign +89% increase in conversions

"The platform is easy to learn and utilize. The AB Tasty account team is EXCELLENT! They take the time to listen to their customers and provide solutions instead of empty promises." - Jerrod H., Verified User in Retail

What You Need to Know:

  • Works with Shopify's Pixel tracking
  • Tags auto-inject on all pages (except checkout)
  • AB Tasty account required
  • Contact sales for pricing

The platform supports over 1,000 brands with their testing needs. Their basic "Essentials" plan includes A/B testing, personalization, and both visual and code editors.

Tech Specs:

Component Details
Installation Through Shopify App Store
Tag Type Synchronous (recommended) or asynchronous
Data Access Requires customer and store data permissions
Compatibility Works with Google Tag Manager

Before running big tests, start with a small campaign to check your setup and data tracking.

4. Convert Experiences

Convert Experiences

Convert Experiences is an A/B testing tool for Shopify stores that doesn't need developer support. Here's what it offers:

Feature Type What's Included
Testing Options - A/B testing
- Split URL testing
- Multipage testing
- Multivariate testing
Core Tools - Visual editor
- Code editor (CSS/JS)
- Advanced Rule Builder
- 40+ Filter Targeting Engine
Data Analysis - Real-time reports
- Audience segments
- JavaScript tester
- Live debugging logs

Here's how to get started:

1. Install the App

Get Convert Experiences from the Shopify App Store. It uses first-party cookies for tracking (GDPR ready).

2. Set It Up

Setting Type Options
Traffic Control - Visitor allocation
- Subdomain access
- Client accounts
Targeting Rules - Past action tracking
- Cookie segments
- JavaScript events
Revenue Tracking - Shopify checkout
- UTM campaigns
- Transaction data

What It Costs:

Plan Cost Features
Kickstart $699/month Basic A/B testing toolkit
Pro +$100 from Plus DMP Profiling included
All Plans Included API access, unlimited tests

"Couldn't live without this, no other tool does precisely what we need them to do." - Verified User

By the Numbers:

Metric Data
Market Share 0.03% in A/B Testing
Customer Base 44 customers across 9 countries
Track Record 5000+ websites optimized
Support Speed 4x faster than competitors

Proof It Works:

One test with 900,000 users showed:

  • 50% boost in conversions
  • 9,000 new reviews
  • Results in hours, not days

Under the Hood:

Component Specification
Infrastructure Akamai-powered
Cookie Type First-party only
Testing Speed Top market performer
Data Storage GDPR compliant

Start with the Advanced Rule Builder to set your test conditions, then use audience targeting to zero in on specific visitors.

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5. Dynamic Yield

Dynamic Yield

Dynamic Yield, now part of Mastercard, brings AI-powered A/B testing to Shopify stores. Here's what you get:

Feature Category Capabilities
Testing Types - A/B testing
- Multivariate testing
- Product recommendations
- Email personalization
Core Functions - Visual editor
- HTML/CSS/JS templates
- Machine learning algorithms
- Customer segmentation
Data Management - Real-time analytics
- Behavioral tracking
- 3rd party integrations
- CRM data unification

Getting started takes 4 simple steps:

1. Installation

Drop a JavaScript tag into your Shopify theme. That's it.

2. Connect Your Data

Set up event tracking to monitor customer behavior and connect your product catalog.

3. Set Your Rules

Build personalization rules based on what you want to test.

4. Start Testing

Launch your first test using either:

  • The visual editor (no coding needed)
  • Custom code (for advanced users)

"Dynamic Yield hits the sweet spot between ease-of-use and power. Non-technical folks can jump right in, while developers can dive deep with custom code." - Craig K., Verified User in Retail

The platform plays nice with your other tools:

Platform Integration Options
Analytics Google Analytics
Email Any email platform
Other Tools Checkout, Emarsys, Tealium, Smartling

The numbers speak for themselves: One store saw 3X ROI in just 60 days.

"Dynamic Yield gives you everything upfront - no frustrating tier upgrades like VWO. Their personalization game is strong." - Leke Tade, Frontend Engineer, Swanky Australia

Pricing:

  • No setup fees
  • Free trial available
  • Custom quotes based on your needs
  • Includes premium support

What makes it different? The AI engine automatically tweaks your tests and personalizes content based on real-time customer behavior. Plus, it works with modern Shopify themes right out of the box.

6. Neat A/B Testing

Neat A/B Testing

Neat A/B Testing makes split testing dead simple for Shopify stores. Here's what you get:

Feature Details
Testing Types - Product pricing
- Copy variations
- Image testing
- Product page layouts
- Homepage layouts (beta)
Data Tracking - Full conversion funnel
- Product views
- Cart additions
- Purchase tracking
Test Duration - 24-hour rotation
- Custom time periods
Analysis - Bayesian testing
- Plain-English results
- Zero stats knowledge required

Getting started takes just 4 steps:

1. Install From Shopify

Grab it straight from the app store.

2. Choose Your Test

Pick what you want to test - from prices to page layouts.

3. Set Your Timeline

Stick with 24 hours or pick your own schedule.

4. Watch The Numbers

Keep tabs on your results in the dashboard.

Price Tier Cost
Basic Plan $29/month
Trial 14 days free
Support 24-hour help

Store owners love it:

"We love this app! Beyond the straight-forward setup process and detailed results, Neat A/B's customer service is next level." - Atmo Home

"Not only is the app great in what it does, enabling extremely useful price (and not only) split testing, but the entire team behind it is a joy to talk to." - TheImpostor.us

The new homepage testing lets you experiment with:

  • Value props
  • Hero images
  • Page designs

Here's what makes it different: The app switches test versions on its own, so shoppers see the same version throughout their visit. Found a winner? Make it permanent with one click.

"Very impressed by the customer service offered by Lorne and Randy, living up to the promise of 24-hour support!" - Blake Mill

With a 4.8-star rating (42 reviews), Neat A/B Testing helps store owners get clear answers without diving into complex statistics.

7. Shoplift

Shoplift

Shoplift makes A/B testing simple for Shopify stores. Here's what you get:

Feature Details
Test Types - Product pages
- Landing pages
- Collections
- Homepage layouts
- Search results
- Global elements
Analytics - Revenue Per Visitor (RPV)
- Average Order Value (AOV)
- Conversion Rate (CVR)
- Click-Through Rate (CTR)
- Add-to-cart rate
Speed Impact Only 2-point reduction in page speed
Bot Handling Built-in SEO protection

The standout Lift Assistâ„¢ feature builds tests based on millions of shopper sessions - with pixel-perfect accuracy.

Plan Monthly Cost Traffic Limit
Core $99 50,000 visitors
Advanced $299 100,000 visitors
Pro $599 1,000,000 visitors

Every plan comes with:

  • 14-day free trial
  • No test limits
  • Theme testing
  • Zero coding required

Here's what store owners say:

"With a quick app install, we have an AB testing tool that is fully integrated to OUR Shopify storefronts. Plus we have access to a powerhouse mentor and advisor to employ best practice tests and explore deeper optimizations for our store KPIs." - Skullcandy

"We've been using Shoplift for 5 months and are thrilled with the results! Installation and setup were simple, and the user-friendly design enables quick, impactful tests." - Health-Ade

The app tracks these key metrics:

  • Average order value
  • Conversion rate
  • Revenue per visitor
  • Click-through rate
  • Add-to-cart rate

91 brands use Shoplift to run tests without page flicker or speed problems. The platform's 4.7-star rating (93% five-star reviews) speaks for itself. It works with ALL Shopify themes - including custom ones - and connects with Checkout, Replo, PageFly, and Klaviyo.

Tool Comparison: What Works Best

Here's a breakdown of the top A/B testing tools for Shopify stores:

Feature Optimizely VWO Convert Dynamic Yield Shoplift
Starting Price $36,000/year $199/month $559/month Custom $99/month
Target Users Enterprise SMB to Enterprise SMB Enterprise Small to Mid-size
Test Types A/B, MVT, Split URL A/B, MVT, Split URL A/B, MVT A/B, MVT, Personalization A/B, Theme Testing
Support 24/7 with packages 24/7 included Email, Chat, Phone Custom Standard
Analytics Advanced Built-in heatmaps Basic Cross-channel Core metrics

Speed Impact on Your Store

Each tool affects your store's loading speed differently:

  • Shoplift drops page speed by 2 points
  • Convert keeps things fast
  • VWO slows things down when using all features
  • Dynamic Yield's impact depends on how you set it up

What Store Owners Say

"With a quick app install, we have an AB testing tool that is fully integrated to OUR Shopify storefronts. Plus we have access to a powerhouse mentor and advisor to employ best practice tests and explore deeper optimizations for our store KPIs." - Skullcandy

Real Store Results

Company Tool Results
Pulse Boutique Convert 25% more revenue per user, 14% higher conversions
Saltrock Dynamic Yield 12% more conversions in 3 weeks
Snocks VWO 24.5% more sales per visitor

Security & Privacy

Tool Certifications
VWO GDPR, CCPA, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II
Convert GDPR, PCI DSS
Optimizely GDPR, CCPA, PCI DSS
Dynamic Yield GDPR, CCPA
Shoplift GDPR, PCI DSS

What Works With What

Each tool connects differently with your tech stack:

  • Shoplift: Works with every Shopify theme, Checkout, Replo, PageFly, Klaviyo
  • VWO: Comes with heatmaps and click tracking
  • Convert: No limits on testing, doesn't store personal data
  • Dynamic Yield: Tests across mobile and email
  • Optimizely: Plugs into FullStory and Hotjar

"We've used Convert, Optimizely, and VWO to successfully run A/B tests on all sorts of Shopify clients. Convert is a frequent tool recommendation to new clients who don't have one yet since it's cost-friendly." - Ryan Lucht, CroMetrics

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Here's how to pick the right A/B testing tool for your Shopify store:

Store Size Best Tool Why It Fits Monthly Cost
Small Stores (<1000 orders) Shoplift Basic A/B testing, theme testing, works with all Shopify themes $99
Growing Stores Convert No test limits, good price-to-feature ratio $559
Mid-Size Stores VWO Built-in heatmaps, full testing suite $199
Enterprise Dynamic Yield or Optimizely Cross-channel testing, advanced features Custom

Let me break this down by store size:

Small Stores (Up to 1000 Monthly Orders) Shoplift is your best bet. It's built for Shopify, handles basic A/B testing, and won't break the bank at $99/month.

Growing Stores Convert steps up the game. You get unlimited tests and strong features without storing personal data. The proof? Pulse Boutique boosted their revenue per user by 25% with Convert.

Mid-Size Stores VWO brings more to the table with heatmaps and click tracking. Snocks is a perfect example - they bumped up sales per visitor by 24.5%.

Enterprise Stores Dynamic Yield and Optimizely are the big guns. They offer cross-channel testing and deep analytics. Saltrock saw this firsthand with a 12% conversion boost in just 3 weeks using Dynamic Yield.

Here's a quick way to decide:

If You Need Choose
Basic testing on a budget Shoplift
Multiple tests without limits Convert
Heatmaps + testing VWO
Cross-channel capabilities Dynamic Yield
Enterprise-grade features Optimizely

"We've used Convert, Optimizely, and VWO to successfully run A/B tests on all sorts of Shopify clients. Convert is a frequent tool recommendation to new clients who don't have one yet since it's cost-friendly." - Ryan Lucht, CroMetrics

Pro tip: You'll need at least two full business cycles of data for solid test results. Make sure your store gets enough traffic - small sites might not collect enough data to run meaningful A/B tests.

FAQs

What is the best ab testing tool for Shopify?

Shopify

Here's what you need to know about A/B testing tools for your Shopify store:

Store Type Best Tool Monthly Traffic Key Feature
Small Stores Shoplift Up to 10,000 visits Basic A/B tests
Mid-Market VWO 10,000-100,000 visits Full testing suite
Enterprise Optimizely/Dynamic Yield 100,000+ visits Cross-channel testing

Your choice boils down to three things:

Traffic Numbers Matter You need enough visitors to get reliable test results. Here's a real example: Testing two different product images can boost your add-to-cart rates by 10%.

Pick the Right Features Different tools offer different testing options:

  • Product page layouts
  • Checkout flow
  • Price testing
  • Image variations
  • CTA buttons

Match Your Budget Start small and scale up. No need to spend big money on advanced features if you're just starting out.

"You might discover by comparing two images of the same product that 10% more people click and add, increasing your revenue for this product by 10% just from this change!" - Convert Experiences

Bottom Line: Don't jump into A/B testing without enough traffic. Start with basic tools if you're small, then upgrade as you grow.

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