# See What Apps a Shopify Store Uses

> Find out what Shopify apps any store is using in seconds. Free browser extensions, source code inspection, and more. Start spying on competitor stores today.

Published: 2025-11-26
Author: Store Inspector Team
Tags: shopify, apps, competitor-research
Canonical HTML: https://storeinspect.com/blog/how-to-see-what-apps-a-shopify-store-is-using

![How to see what apps a Shopify store is using](/images/blog/shopify-app-detection.webp)

**TL;DR:** Use the free [Shopify App Detector](/tools/shopify-app-detector) to check a store in your browser, or install the [Store Inspector Chrome extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/store-inspector-theme-app/gbchfcpcpikdmdeipbkjgelkpfdnebpj) for one-click checks while browsing. You can also inspect the page source and search for `<!-- BEGIN app block:` comments.

---

Want to see what apps a Shopify store is using? You can find out in seconds.

This guide shows you four free ways to detect Shopify apps on any store. Use these methods to research competitor stores and find what apps they use.

## Why Find Out What Shopify Apps a Store Uses?

Here's why this matters for competitor research:

- **Learn from winners** - See what apps top Shopify stores use
- **Find new tools** - Discover apps you didn't know existed
- **Understand strategy** - App choices show what a store focuses on
- **Save money** - Check if successful stores use an app before you buy it
- **Find gaps** - See what competitors *aren't* using
- **Analyze the full tech stack** - Apps are just one piece; combine with theme and pixel data for a [complete tech stack analysis](/for/tech-stack-analysis)

> The average Shopify store uses [6+ apps](https://www.shopify.com/blog/shopify-apps). Our own [State of Shopify](/report/state-of-shopify) data from 211K+ stores shows the average is closer to 1.8 detected frontend apps.

For current adoption benchmarks across the StoreInspect database, see the [Top Shopify Apps & App Adoption Report](/report/shopify-app-adoption).

## Method 1: Use a Shopify App Detector Extension

This is the fastest way to see what apps a Shopify store is using. Extensions scan the page and show you what's installed. If you do not want to install anything, use the web-based [Shopify App Detector](/tools/shopify-app-detector) instead.

`~5 seconds`

### Store Inspector (Free)

[**Store Inspector**](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/store-inspector-theme-app/gbchfcpcpikdmdeipbkjgelkpfdnebpj) is a free Shopify app detector that finds:

| Feature | What You Get |
|---------|--------------|
| **Apps** | 72+ Shopify apps (reviews, upsells, email, analytics) |
| **Pixels** | 15+ tracking pixels (Meta, TikTok, Google, Klaviyo) |
| **Themes** | Free, paid, or custom themes |
| **Traffic** | Estimated traffic tier |

Install it. Visit any Shopify store. Click the icon. Done.

**Pros:**
- Free
- Works offline
- Detects apps, pixels, and themes
- Groups apps by category

**Cons:**
- Chrome only (for now)

### Other Shopify App Detector Tools

For a full comparison of every option, see our [best Shopify app detector tools](/best/shopify-app-detectors) roundup.

| Tool | Price | Notes |
|------|-------|-------|
| **Koala Inspector** | $17-55/month | Popular, has free tier |
| **Wappalyzer** | Free/Paid | General tech detector |
| **BuiltWith** | $295+/month | For enterprises |

## Method 2: Check the Source Code to Find Shopify Apps

Don't want to install anything? Check the page source yourself to see what apps a store uses.

`5-15 minutes`

### How to View Page Source

1. Open the Shopify store in your browser
2. Right-click anywhere
3. Click "View Page Source" (or press `Ctrl+U` / `Cmd+Option+U`)
4. Press `Ctrl+F` / `Cmd+F` to search
5. Look for app signatures

### What to Search For

**App block comments**
```html
<!-- BEGIN app block: shopify://apps/klaviyo -->
```

> The app name comes after `/apps/`. Replace dashes with spaces to find it in the [Shopify App Store](https://apps.shopify.com/).

**Script sources**
```html
<script src="https://cdn.judge.me/widget.js"></script>
<script src="https://static.klaviyo.com/onsite/js/klaviyo.js"></script>
```

**Common domains**

| Domain | App | Type |
|--------|-----|------|
| `judge.me` | Judge.me | Reviews |
| `klaviyo` | Klaviyo | Email |
| `stamped.io` | Stamped | Reviews |
| `recharge` | ReCharge | Subscriptions |
| `yotpo` | Yotpo | Reviews |
| `privy` | Privy | Popups |
| `loox` | Loox | Photo Reviews |
| `omnisend` | Omnisend | Email |
| `postscript` | Postscript | SMS |

**Pros:**
- No tools needed
- Works in any browser
- Free

**Cons:**
- Takes time
- You need to know what to look for
- Easy to miss apps

> **Want faster results?** [Try Store Inspector](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/store-inspector-theme-app/gbchfcpcpikdmdeipbkjgelkpfdnebpj) - it finds Shopify apps automatically in one click.

## Method 3: Inspect Network Requests to Find Shopify Apps

This catches apps that don't show up in the HTML. Good for finding hidden tracking pixels.

`10-20 minutes`

### How to Use DevTools

1. Press `F12` to open DevTools
2. Go to the Network tab
3. Refresh the page
4. Filter by "JS" or "XHR"
5. Look for third-party domains

### What You'll Find

| Type | What It Shows | Examples |
|------|---------------|----------|
| **Analytics** | Tracking tools | Google Analytics, Triple Whale |
| **Marketing** | Email/SMS apps | Klaviyo, Postscript, Attentive |
| **Reviews** | Review widgets | Judge.me, Yotpo, Stamped |
| **Support** | Chat tools | Gorgias, Zendesk, Intercom |
| **Testing** | A/B test tools | Google Optimize, VWO |

> Some apps load after the page loads. Network inspection catches these.

**Pros:**
- Finds more apps
- Shows tracking pixels
- Shows API calls

**Cons:**
- Needs some tech knowledge
- Takes time

## Method 4: Online Shopify App Detector Tools

Websites that scan stores for you. No install needed.

`2-5 minutes`

### How It Works

Paste a Shopify store URL. The tool scans the site. You get a list of apps.

### Options

- **StoreInspect Shopify App Detector** - Free app, plugin, and pixel check for one store
- **ShopScan.app** - Claims 2,000+ apps
- **PIPIADS App Detector** - AI-powered
- **Sell The Trend** - Part of their research suite

**Pros:**
- No install
- Quick for one-off checks

**Cons:**
- Less accurate
- May need signup
- Limited free usage

## What Shopify Apps Can (and Can't) Be Detected

### Apps You Can Detect

Most frontend apps can be detected:

| App Type | Why |
|----------|-----|
| **Review apps** | Load visible scripts |
| **Email popups** | Add JavaScript forms |
| **Upsells** | Modify the cart |
| **Live chat** | Load chat widgets |
| **Analytics** | Tracking scripts show up |
| **Page builders** | Leave code patterns |

### Apps You Can't Detect

- **Backend apps** - Inventory, fulfillment, accounting
- **Private apps** - Built for one store
- **Customized apps** - Signatures removed
- **Admin tools** - Never load on the storefront

## Best Shopify App Categories to Research

Look at these categories when doing competitor research:

| Category | What It Shows | Popular Apps |
|----------|---------------|--------------|
| **Reviews** | Focus on conversion | Judge.me, Yotpo, [Loox](https://loox.io/app/storeinspect) |
| **Email/SMS** | Retention focus | Klaviyo, Omnisend, Postscript |
| **Subscriptions** | Recurring revenue | ReCharge, Skio, Bold |
| **Upsells** | AOV focus | ReConvert, Bold Upsell, Zipify |
| **Analytics** | Data-driven, ad spend | Triple Whale, Northbeam |

> Stores using Klaviyo + ReCharge + Yotpo are usually doing 7-8 figures.

## Tips for Shopify Competitor Research

| | Tip | Why |
|---|-----|-----|
| 1 | **Check 5-10 stores** | One store isn't enough. Look for patterns. |
| 2 | **Look at combinations** | The mix of apps matters more than single apps. |
| 3 | **Read reviews** | Check the App Store before you install anything. |
| 4 | **Start free** | Most apps have free tiers. Test first. |
| 5 | **Don't copy blindly** | Use research for ideas, not blueprints. |

> Focus on *why* stores use apps, not just *what* they use.

## FAQ

**Can I see ALL apps a Shopify store uses?**

No. Backend and private apps can't be detected. You'll find about 70-80% of apps.

**Is it legal to see what apps a Shopify store is using?**

Yes. You're viewing public information that's sent to your browser.

**How often should I check competitor Shopify stores?**

Every few months. App stacks don't change often.

**What's the best Shopify app detector?**

Browser extensions like [Store Inspector](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/store-inspector-theme-app/gbchfcpcpikdmdeipbkjgelkpfdnebpj). They're fast, accurate, and free.

## Summary

| Method | Speed | Accuracy | Difficulty | Cost |
|--------|-------|----------|------------|------|
| **Shopify App Detector Extension** | Instant | High | Easy | Free |
| **Source Code** | 5-15 min | Medium | Easy | Free |
| **Network Requests** | 10-20 min | High | Medium | Free |
| **Online Tools** | 2-5 min | Low-Medium | Easy | Free/Paid |

**Ready to see what apps any Shopify store is using?**

[Install Store Inspector](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/store-inspector-theme-app/gbchfcpcpikdmdeipbkjgelkpfdnebpj) - free, instant, detects apps + pixels + themes.