eCommerce
Solution
When developing a Shopify app, a critical choice lies between an embedded app and a public app. Each approach has distinct technical characteristics and offers different levels of integration and functionality. Understanding these differences is paramount for selecting the most suitable solution for your target merchants and ensuring a successful app development project.
In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the Shopify embedded app and the public app.
What Are Shopify Embedded Apps and Public Apps?
Before we explore what sets them apart, let’s first define each kind of app.
1. Shopify Embedded App:
A Shopify Embedded App is one powerful way to add functionality to a Shopify store. Where public apps just sit in parallel within the Shopify world, an Embedded App lives deep in the guts of the Shopify admin. This allows it to feel truly unified when presented to its users and also makes navigation within the workflow simpler and more efficient in general.
2. Shopify Public App:
On the other hand, a Shopify public app lives in the Shopify App Store. It is built for all merchants and serves the varied needs of different businesses. They are not confined to one store, and any merchant can install these applications through Shopify. Public apps are designed to solve the common problems of many e-commerce stores and provide scalable, universal solutions.
Difference Between Shopify Embedded App And Public App
Certainly! Here’s a more detailed comparison of Shopify Embedded App vs Public App in a tabular format:
| Feature | Shopify Embedded App | Shopify Public App |
| Target Audience | Designed for individual merchants or businesses with custom requirements. | Developed for a broad range of merchants with general needs. |
| Customization | Highly customizable to fit specific store needs, including tailored features and workflows. | Limited customization options; built to serve a wide range of stores with predefined features. |
| Development Process | Requires custom development with a Shopify development partner or in-house team. Development is unique to each store. | Available in the Shopify App Store, no custom development required. Can be easily installed by any merchant. |
| Cost Structure | Typically higher due to custom development, implementation, and maintenance. Costs vary based on complexity. | Subscription-based pricing models, often with free plans or lower-cost tiers. More affordable for businesses with general needs. |
Integration With Shopify Admin | Fully integrated into Shopify admin, providing a seamless experience within the store’s backend. | Integration may vary—some public apps are well-integrated while others may require external tools or separate interfaces. |
| Updates And Maintenance | Updates are managed by the development team or a Shopify development partner, requiring manual intervention for any changes. | Updates are handled automatically by the app developer, and the merchant doesn’t need to manage them. However, updates are not tailored for a specific business. |
| User Experience | Tailored, optimized user experience for the store’s specific needs. UI and features are designed around the business’s goals. | Standard user experience that caters to a wide variety of merchants; UI may not be perfectly suited to the individual store’s workflow. |
| Support | Personalized support provided by the developers or Shopify development partner who built the app. Support is specific to the store’s needs. | Support is offered by the app developer, with general troubleshooting and FAQs. Support may not be as personalized for individual store issues. |
| App Availability | Not available in the Shopify App Store; custom-built specifically for the business requesting it. | Available in the Shopify App Store for all merchants to install and use. Can be accessed by any Shopify store. |
| Scalability | Scalable, but scalability depends on the business’s unique requirements and the app’s custom architecture. | Scalable across many stores, but may not accommodate unique growth needs for specific businesses. |
| Installation Process | Requires custom development and implementation, which can take longer and require technical expertise. | Quick and easy installation through the Shopify App Store, with minimal setup required. |
| Pricing Flexibility | Higher initial cost, but no recurring fees unless maintenance or updates are required. Pricing is often project-based. | Fixed monthly fees with multiple pricing tiers based on features and usage volume. Some apps offer free versions with limited features. |
| Security | Custom-built security measures can be tailored to store-specific needs and integrated directly into the store’s environment. | Security is handled by the app developer, but the level of security might be standardized for all users and not customizable for a store’s needs. |
| Long-term Support And Updates | Ongoing updates and support are more flexible and tailored, but require a continued relationship with the development team. | Long-term support and updates are handled by the app developers, but updates are general and not specific to your store. |
This table gives a detailed explanation of the main differences between Shopify embed apps and public apps. It will help you clearly make a decision based on the needs, budget, and goals of your store.
Choosing the Right App for Your Store
Following are the features of both the apps, based on which you can choose the right app for your store.
Choose Shopify Embedded App if:
- You need custom features tailored specifically to your store.
- You require deep integration within your store’s workflows.
- You have unique business needs that cannot be met by general apps.
- You want a highly personalized user experience.
- You are willing to invest in higher upfront costs for development and ongoing maintenance.
Choose Shopify Public App if:
- You need a cost-effective solution for common e-commerce needs (e.g., SEO, inventory, marketing).
- You want an easy and quick installation process.
- You don’t need extensive customization.
- You prefer a ready-made solution with automatic updates and maintenance.
- You’re looking for an affordable monthly subscription model with scalability.
Wrapping It Up
It would depend on your store’s needs to choose a Shopify Embedded App or a Shopify Public App. A Shopify Embedded App would be the best option if your business needs customized functionality and seamless integration with your workflows and you are prepared for a higher upfront investment. On the other hand, if you’re seeking an affordable, quick-to-install solution with general features and automatic updates, a Shopify Public App is more suitable. At CartCoders, we specialize in Shopify public app development services and can help you navigate these options, ensuring you choose and implement the right app to support your store’s success and growth.