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With increased competition online, Shopify PWA (Progressive Web App) offers a fast, app-like shopping experience without the reams of expenses tied up in developing native applications. But what are PWAs, and how do they help your store?
In this guide, we’ll break down what the Shopify PWAs are, why this trend even exists, and how they benefit the performance of the store and conversion rates. Also, we will walk you through the 5 best Shopify PWA apps in 2025, helping you decide on the most suitable solution for your business. Let’s dive in!
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- 12 Best Progressive Web Apps Examples (PWA Apps) in 2025
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- What Is PWA? An Easy Explanation for the Non-techie
What is Shopify PWA?
Shopify PWA refers to the integration of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with Shopify stores. PWAs are web applications that combine the accessibility of websites with the enhanced functionality of native mobile apps. They offer features like:
- Installability: Users can install PWAs on their devices, allowing them to launch the app from their home screen.
- Offline Functionality: PWAs can still work offline or at very slow rates, thereby keeping a user experience intact.
- Push Notifications: With the help of Shopify PWAs, business enterprises send push notifications to further engage their customers.
- Fast and Reliable: PWAs ensure fast loading times and smooth interactions, even on varying network conditions.
Key Components of Shopify PWA
Shopify PWAs rely on several core components to deliver a fast, secure, and app-like shopping experience. Here’s what makes them work:
- Web App Manifest: A JSON file that defines the PWA’s name, icons, and theme colors, enabling installation on a user’s home screen for an app-like feel.
- Service Workers: Background scripts that handle offline functionality, caching, and push notifications, ensuring faster load times and seamless browsing.
- HTTPS: A secure connection is mandatory for PWAs, protecting user data and building trust.
- API Integration: Shopify’s GraphQL Storefront API and REST Admin API allow smooth data exchange between the front-end and back-end for real-time updates and customization.
- Responsive Design: Ensures that the PWA adapts seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes, providing a consistent user experience
- Front-End Frameworks: Technologies like Vue.js, React, and Angular provide flexibility for building and customizing the PWA’s interface.
>> See more: How To Integrate Shopify With Android app?
Benefits of Shopify PWA mobile app
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) transform the way customers interact with your Shopify store, offering speed, reliability, and a seamless user experience. Whether you’re aiming for faster load times, better engagement, or cost-effective development, Shopify PWAs deliver powerful benefits. Here’s why they’re worth the investment:
- Lightning-Fast Performance: PWAs preload content, so pages load instantly, even during peak sales. Faster browsing = happier shoppers.
- Seamless User Experience: PWAs feel like native apps but run in a browser, making checkout smooth and hassle-free.
- Higher Engagement: Real-time notifications help you re-engage customers with cart reminders, promos, and new arrivals.
- Cost-Effective and Easy to Develop: Built with standard web technologies, PWAs eliminate the need for separate iOS/Android apps, therefore saving time and money.
- SEO Advantages for Greater Visibility: Unlike native apps, PWAs are indexed by search engines, increasing organic traffic and discoverability.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Whether on desktop, tablet, or phone, PWAs deliver a consistent, seamless shopping experience.
Shopify PWA vs Shopify native mobile app: which is better?
Choosing between a Shopify Progressive Web App (PWA) and a native mobile app comes down to your goals, budget, and the experience you want to offer. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Shopify PWA | Native Mobile App |
| Development Cost | Generally cheaper and faster to develop. Uses standard web technologies. | More expensive development for iOS and Android separately. |
| Performance | Speedily load pages, work off-network, though may run into a few performance snags on some devices. | Greater improved performance that smoothens interactions because of device hardware support. |
| User Experience | Consistent across devices-perfect for customer acquisition, perhaps lacking that immersive feel | Tailored to platform, thus providing a personalized and engaging experience. |
| Features and Hardware Access | Limited access to device hardware. Supports push notifications and basic interactions. | Full device features like GPS, camera and NFC access. It also has seamless integration with other applications. |
| Accessibility and SEO | Indexed by search engines; installs can be made easily, requiring no approval from the app store. | Approved by the app store but adds credibility for the brand. |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility | Works across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, desktop). | Separate versions needed for iOS and Android. |
| Offline Functionality | Can work offline or on slow networks. | Generally requires internet for full functionality. |
| Push Notifications | Supports push notifications for re-engagement. | Supports push notifications with more advanced targeting options. |
>> You may also like: PWA Apps vs Native Apps 2025: Which Suits You Better?
Tips: Ready to Build a Native Mobile App Without the High Cost?
With SimiCart Mobile App Builder, creating a native iOS & Android app is easier and more affordable than ever. Thanks to auto-sync technology, your app updates in real time with your Shopify store—no extra effort required!
Top 5 Shopify PWA apps in 2025
1. Ampify ‑ PWA & Mobile app
Ampify – PWA & Mobile Application assists you in transforming your Shopify store to a mobile app in seconds. To make your store perform better, the app will serve a seamless experience on customers’ phones, which could improve conversion rates. This app allows you to engage customers without any coding and store approval and even send push notifications for abandoned cart recovery, sales announcements, and new product launching.
Key feature:
- Instant App Conversion
- Direct Downloads: Bypasses app stores.
- Push Notifications: Allows informing customers about offers and sales, including abandoned cart recovery, product announcements, and promotions.
- Real-time sync.
- PWA App for Android & iOS on home screen.
Pricing: $29.99/month. A free trial is available. Shopify Plus users have an additional charge of $50.
Rating: 4.7/5 (39 reviews).
2. Progressier — PWA & Web Push
Progressier is now capable of converting your Shopify Store into Progressive Web App, making it installable on any device; iPhones, iPads, Android, Macs, or PCs. It’s an all-in-one toolbox allowing Shopify store owners to forget about the development work needed to convoy user engagement with web push notifications, thereby utilizing the web to its fullest.
Key feature:
- PWA installation across devices, with custom iOS splash screens.
- Unlimited push subscribers and web push notifications.
- Universal installation page.
- App screenshot designer tool.
- Wall of Love, for testimonials and app reviews.
Pricing: From $25/month. A free trial is available. The “Founder” plan starts at $25/month.
Rating: 5.0/5 (2 reviews).
3. Qe: PWA for iOS & Android
Qe: The PWA for iOS and Android- also PWA Builder- makes your site become a robust native app without a hassle. The app is meant to bring you an app, make a mobile app, and transition the site into an app experience for the user while allowing wider reach and higher engagement without the complexity of traditional app development.
Key feature:
- Instant PWA Conversion: Automatically turns your site into a PWA for easy installation.
- Customize App Appearance: Allows setting the app name and icon for Android/iOS platforms.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Claims to save on fees for Android and iOS development.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Offers a fully responsive app on various platforms.
- Improves website speed.
Pricing: $5/month. A free trial is available.
Rating: 5.0/5 (13 reviews).
4. Appify PWA
Appify PWA takes your Shopify store to the next level by turning it into a blazing-fast, app-like experience—without the hassle of downloads! With just a tap, customers can add your store to their home screen, ensuring seamless and speedy browsing, even on slow connections. Plus, with a perfect 100/100 Google PWA Audit score, built-in SEO enhancements, and an effortless setup, you’re all set for better visibility and engagement.
Rated 5 stars by happy merchants, Appify PWA not only enhances user experience but also helps drive more conversions.
Key feature:
- Turn your store into Progressive Web Application.
- Speed up loading time and make your store faster.
- Improve SEO and UX.
Pricing: $9.99/month. A free trial is available.
Rating: 5.0/5 (11 reviews).
5. PWA ‑ iOS & Android Mobile App
PWA ‑ iOS & Android Mobile App helps store visitors add your web store to their mobile home screen, increasing accessibility, engagement, and overall store revenue. The same PWA can also be converted into an Android mobile app that can be listed on the Google Play Store, potentially increasing store discoverability and organic traffic, thus reducing ad costs.
Key feature:
- Store becomes Installable on mobile home screens.
- Offers Push Notifications (Campaigns).
- Allows to Customise app with your own Splash screen & logo.
- Option to have your own Android App for Play Store (in the Enterprise plan).
Pricing: A Free plan is available. Paid plans include “ADVANCED” at $5.99/month and “ENTERPRISE” at $29.99/month, both with a 14-day free trial.
Rating: 4.5/5 (86 reviews).
Final thought
While Shopify themes are already optimized for mobile browsing, and there’s no shortage of push notification apps available, relying solely on a PWA may not always be the most effective approach. Shopify PWAs work well for speed and accessibility, but they lack the deep device integration, immersive user experience, and engagement power that a native mobile app provides.
If your goal is to expand your reach through app stores and build stronger customer loyalty, then a native mobile app is the smarter investment. Unlike PWAs, native apps can seamlessly integrate with device hardware, offer a premium shopping experience, and keep your brand top-of-mind with advanced push notifications and in-app features.
Using SimiCart Mobile App Builder, you can easily create a custom iOS & Android mobile app for your Shopify store—no coding required.
- Simple Drag-and-Drop Design – Choose from customizable themes or design your app with flexible elements.
- In-App Exclusive Discounts – Boost downloads and conversions with special offers and smart banners.
- Unlimited Push Notifications – Re-engage customers anytime, at no extra cost.
- Real-Time Auto-Sync – Your products, orders, and store data stay updated instantly.
- Multi-Language Support – Reach global customers with in-app language options (EN, AR, CN).
- Free App Publishing – Launch on the App Store & Google Play without additional fees.
To wrap up, we hope this article has helped you gain a clearer understanding of Shopify PWAs and how they can enhance your store’s performance. Don’t forget to follow Simicart by summit our newsletter and give the latest information about Shopify and eCommerce.
