Plobal Apps vs Vajro vs MobiLoud: Which Shopify Mobile App Builder Wins in 2025?

If you're running a Shopify store, chances are most of your customers are shopping on mobile. Mobile apps are no longer just a “nice-to-have.” They’re an important driver of growth.

Apps convert better. They load faster, keep users logged in, and let you send push notifications that actually get seen. For many brands, their app becomes the highest-performing sales channel on a user-for-user basis, with 2-5× higher conversion rates than mobile websites.

But building a custom app from scratch? That’s costly, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, especially for teams without mobile developers. That’s where app builders like Plobal Apps, Vajro, and MobiLoud come in.

Each of these platforms helps you turn your Shopify store into a fully native mobile app. But they have different approaches and trade-offs regarding cost, control, features, and flexibility.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you. We’ll compare Plobal, Vajro, and MobiLoud across six key categories:

• User Experience & Performance
• Integrations & Tech Stack Compatibility
• Engagement & Retention Features
• Branding, Design Control & Flexibility
• Price & Total Cost of Ownership

By the end, you’ll know which platform fits your brand, whether you’re just starting out, scaling fast, or running a complex omnichannel business.

Meet the Platforms: Plobal Apps, Vajro, and MobiLoud

Before we dive into the detailed comparison, let’s take a quick look at each of the three mobile app builders we'll be evaluating. 

All three are built for Shopify and offer faster, more affordable ways to launch a high-quality app. But they differ in how they work, what they prioritize, and who they’re designed for.

Plobal Apps

Founded: 2016

Approach: Native app builder with drag-and-drop customization and built-in marketing tools.

What stands out:

• Fully native iOS and Android apps (not PWAs or wrappers)
• Deep integration with Shopify apps and real-time sync
• Focus on push campaigns, segmentation, and AI personalization
• Support team and strategic onboarding
• Pricing ranges from free (Starter) to $1,199/month (Enterprise)

Plobal is suitable for brands that want both design control and engagement tools, without building from scratch. It fits Shopify Plus brands and marketers who want to own the mobile app strategy.

Vajro

Founded: 2018

Approach: No-code builder with real-time design preview, native components, and built-in live selling.

What stands out:

• Native iOS/Android apps with a visual builder
• 70+ deep integrations (e.g., Klaviyo, Smile, Loox, LoyaltyLion)
• Built-in push automation and live stream selling
• Onboarding and 24/7 support
• Plans range from $149 to $999/month

Vajro is popular among lifestyle and fashion brands running frequent drops, flash sales, or live events. It’s fast to launch and designed for non-technical teams who want rich features without custom coding.

MobiLoud

Founded: 2013

Approach: Turns your existing Shopify website into a native app – no rebuild needed.

What stands out:

• Native apps that mirror your full website
• Full tech-stack parity (everything on your site works in the app)
• Instant design consistency and no duplicate maintenance
• Flat pricing ($549–$949/month, plus one-time setup)
• Focus on high performance, white-glove support, and push automation

MobiLoud is ideal for brands with a well-optimized Shopify site that want to convert it into an app without managing a separate build. 

It fits mid-market merchants who value simplicity, speed, and no development work.

It’s also a full service – not just a tool. The MobiLoud team works with you to launch and grow an app that drives real business results.

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How We’re Comparing Them

To help you choose the best fit for your Shopify store, we’re evaluating Plobal Apps, Vajro, and MobiLoud across six key criteria. 

These are the factors that matter most when building and running a mobile app that performs.

Here’s what we’re looking at:

1. User Experience & Performance

Is the app fast, stable, and truly native?

• Do shoppers get a smooth, high-converting experience?
• Are there long load times or app crashes?
• Does the platform meet the standards needed for Apple and Google app store approval?

Why it matters: A laggy app reduces conversions. You want shoppers to feel like they're using a premium experience, not an app that’s worse than the website.

2. Integrations & Tech Stack Compatibility

Will your existing tools work seamlessly in the app?

• Does the app integrate with Shopify apps like Klaviyo, Recharge, Smile, Yotpo, etc.?
• Do you need to rebuild any features?
• Can you plug in your analytics, loyalty, reviews, or custom components without issues?

Why it matters: You’ve already invested in your tech stack. The app should extend it, not force you to rebuild it.

3. Engagement & Retention Features

What tools are built in to drive repeat purchases?

• Push notifications: manual, automated, segmented?
• Wishlist, back-in-stock alerts, loyalty features, or app-only promos?
• Any standout tools like live selling, AI personalization, or geo-targeting?

Why it matters: An app isn’t just a mini store. It’s a powerful retention engine. The right tools can boost lifetime value and make every download count.

4. Branding, Design Control & Flexibility

How much control do you have over how your app looks and feels?

• Can you match your website’s design?
• Are you limited to fixed templates, or can you fully customize the UI?
• Is it easy to update content, or do you need to submit changes to the App Store every time?

Why it matters: Your app should feel like your brand. Not someone else’s template.

5. Price & Total Cost of Ownership

What does it really cost to build and maintain your app?

• What's included in the monthly fee? Are there setup costs, commissions, or other charges?
• Do you need to manage separate content or design updates?
• Will you need developer time or agency help to maintain it?

Why it matters: The wrong tool can use up time and money. We consider both the sticker price and the true cost over time.

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Plobal Apps, Vajro, and MobiLoud: How They Stack Up

Now let's compare each Shopify mobile app builder across these key areas.

1. User Experience & Performance

Plobal Apps

Plobal delivers fully native iOS and Android apps, not PWAs or webviews. The performance is smooth, fast, and stable, even during high traffic.

• Merchants report fast load times and consistent shopping experience.
• Real-time syncing with Shopify keeps product data fresh.
• App-store publishing is handled by Plobal, with support during Apple’s approval process.

Bottom line: Plobal offers the native experience shoppers expect from an app.

Vajro

Vajro also builds true native apps, not wrappers. Performance is generally strong once the app is open.

• Real-time Shopify sync keeps inventory, orders, and content current.
• Merchants describe the UI as “professional” and “intuitive.”
• App store submission support is included.

Bottom line: Once past the splash screen, Vajro apps perform well. Some users have noted initial load times that have improved with updates.

MobiLoud

MobiLoud uses a hybrid-native approach – wrapping your mobile-optimized Shopify site in a native shell, with native UI components layered on top.

This lets you fully convert your website into a true, native-feeling app, with less work and fewer limitations.

• 100% parity with your website (every feature, every page, instantly live in the app).
• Native navigation, persistent login, splash screens, and tab bars enhance experience.
• Internal QA and regression testing help prevent crashes, and apps meet Apple/Google standards.
• Case studies show 2-7× conversion rate uplift, with brands driving 20-30% of revenue through the app.

Bottom line: If your mobile site is fast and optimized, MobiLoud gives you app-like speed and features, with no rebuild, no lag, and minimal risk.

2. Integrations & Tech Stack Compatibility

Plobal Apps

Plobal supports a solid array of tools for Shopify brands.

• Pre-built connectors for apps like Klaviyo, Yotpo, Gorgias, Recharge, Nosto, LoyaltyLion, and more.
• Real-time sync keeps your catalog, customer data, and orders up to date.
• Segmented by plan: Growth includes 4 integrations, Essential has 7, Enterprise offers unlimited and custom integrations.
• Custom API support available on higher tiers for advanced needs (e.g., ERPs, CDPs, or niche apps).

Bottom line: Strong integration coverage and API flexibility, especially on Enterprise plans. Custom development is possible but adds to cost and maintenance.

Vajro

Vajro offers one of the largest native integration libraries among app builders, with 70+ supported Shopify apps.

• Integrations include Klaviyo, Loox, Stamped, Smile.io, Tidio, LoyaltyLion, and more.
• Some integrations (e.g., Klaviyo, Apple Pay) are available on higher-tier plans like Core or Plus.
• Vajro does not offer an SDK or public API; unsupported tools require Vajro’s development team.

Bottom line: Impressive breadth, but verify your mission-critical apps for compatibility. Some integrations are gated to higher plans.

MobiLoud

MobiLoud takes a different approach. Your app doesn’t integrate your tech stack – it inherits it.

There are no pre-built integrations or APIs to configure. Your website powers the app, so all tools, Shopify apps, and custom features from your website work the same in the app.

• Everything that works on your Shopify site works in the app.
• No need for custom connectors, SDKs, or duplicated setup.
• Fully compatible with headless setups, custom React components, and third-party scripts (Klaviyo, OneSignal, Recharge, etc.).
• No separate API work required. Your app is just a faster, native version of your existing stack.

Bottom line: If your stack works on the web, it works out of the box in your app – with no duplicated effort. This makes MobiLoud the best alternative for stores with essential integrations or custom features.

3. Engagement & Retention Features

Plobal Apps

Plobal provides merchants with tools to boost engagement and drive repeat purchases.

• Unlimited push notifications on all plans.
• Supports automated flows like abandoned cart, browse recovery, and back-in-stock alerts.
• Segmented campaigns based on location, purchase history, and browsing behavior.
• AI-powered personalized product recommendations and “Recommended for You” feeds.
• In-app wishlists and loyalty program support via integrations (e.g., LoyaltyLion, Yotpo).
• Analytics dashboard shows installs, push open rates, and revenue attribution.

Bottom line: Plobal’s engagement tools are marketer-friendly and effective for teams focused on CRM and retention.

Vajro

Vajro emphasizes engagement, especially for boutique DTC brands.

• Unlimited push notifications on Premium and Plus tiers (lower plans have campaign limits).
• Includes behavior-based automation: cart abandonment, price drops, back-in-stock alerts.
• Geo-targeting, advanced segmentation, and push scheduling on top tiers.
• Unique features include Live Selling (stream video sales events in-app), countdown timers, and in-app flash deals.
• “Vajro AI” generates push copy in different tones to boost open rates.
• Wishlist syncing, loyalty integration, and basic analytics included; GA or Mixpanel can be layered in.

Bottom line: Vajro offers a full retention toolkit with standout features like live shopping and push personalization. Some features are limited to higher plans.

MobiLoud

MobiLoud’s retention approach centers on push notifications and plug-and-play compatibility.

• Unlimited push campaigns included; automated flows for abandoned cart, browse, price drops, and more.
• Optional done-for-you push management service.
• Integrates seamlessly with OneSignal, Klaviyo, and your existing CRM.
• Includes smart banners, QR codes, and opt-in templates to help grow your install base.
• Benchmark results show ARPU from push is 10× higher than email/SMS in many verticals.

Bottom line: While MobiLoud doesn’t add extras like live selling, it focuses on deep push notification functionality, helping you drive more engagement. Plus, all your website engagement tools carry over seamlessly.

4. Branding, Design Control & Flexibility

Plobal Apps

Plobal offers a balance of customization and ease of use.

• Drag-and-drop editor with customizable layouts, colors, fonts, and menus.
• Merchants can recreate their Shopify storefront’s look and feel within the app.
• Supports custom code blocks (on higher tiers) for unique UI components.
• In-house designers assist with on-brand experiences at no extra cost.
• Allows creation of custom pages and multi-language/multi-currency setups.
• Some limitations exist on deep UI changes, such as custom checkout flows without Enterprise support.

Bottom line: Solid for brands that want a high level of design control within the platform’s scope.

Vajro

Vajro uses a template-first approach with customization options.

• Several industry-themed templates (fashion, food, beauty) as starting points.
• No-code visual builder to customize layouts, colors, fonts, icons, and product grids.
• Unlimited design widgets/sections on all plans.
• Localization support: 18+ languages and 80+ currencies (dual-language on Core, unlimited on Premium+).
• Custom components and advanced branding available on Plus via Vajro’s dev team.
• Templates offer a polished foundation for many brands.

Bottom line: Vajro is fast, polished, and brandable, best suited to merchants comfortable working within template frameworks.

MobiLoud

MobiLoud offers the most freedom and flexibility by fully replicating your website in the app. The only limits are what your website allows.

• Your Shopify site becomes your app. No templates, no rebuild.
• Any design change on your website is reflected instantly in the app.
• Native UI elements like splash screens, nav bars, settings, and login enhance the mobile experience.
• Fully converts your existing CSS and branding. Ideal for custom or complex storefronts.
• No drag-and-drop interface needed. Your design team works as usual.
• App-specific experiences and pages possible (build for web, tag pages to show only in app).

Bottom line: MobiLoud gives full design freedom by letting your website handle design. No template limits, but no visual editor.

5. Price & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Plobal Apps

Plobal offers four pricing tiers, with costs depending on features and sales volume.

• Starter: $0/month + 3% commission on in-app sales.
• Growth: $199/month (no commission), includes 4 integrations and unlimited push.
• Essential: $499/month, includes automation, segmentation, and success manager.
• Enterprise: $1,199/month + 1% commission, unlocks full customization, unlimited integrations, priority support.
• 30-day free trial available on paid plans.
• App publishing requires standard Apple ($99/yr) and Google Play ($25 one-time) accounts.
• Ongoing updates, maintenance, and support included. Requires your team to maintain the app.

Bottom line: Premium pricing with revenue share on some plans. Maintenance requires managing a separate platform, adding to total cost.

Vajro

Vajro uses a tiered monthly model with no revenue share up to $100K/month in sales.

• Starter: $149/month, includes 10 pushes/month and basic integrations.
• Core: $299/month, adds segmentation, 50 pushes/month, dual language, and Apple Pay.
• Premium: $599/month, unlocks automation, unlimited pushes, loyalty, advanced features.
• Plus: $999/month, includes custom development, multi-store support, priority 24/7 help.
• Free 30-day trial on all plans.
• Above $100K/month in app sales, a 1% overage fee applies.
• No additional per-push costs or usage charges.
• Requires managing separately from your website, adding manual workload.

Bottom line: Cost-efficient overall, though some key features are on higher plans. Separate management adds workload.

MobiLoud

MobiLoud uses a flat-fee pricing model with no revenue share. Maintenance is minimal, which reduces total cost.

• Startup Plan: $299/month + $850 one-time setup.
• Growth Plan: $549/month + $1,500 one-time setup.
• Corporate Plan: Custom pricing, includes priority support and service.
• One-time setup includes onboarding, app store publishing, and asset design.
• Optional done-for-you push campaigns.
• Includes app updates, OS compatibility, and human support.
• Auto-updates with your website, removing manual work. (Some brands report significant time savings compared to other builders.)

Bottom line: Transparent, fixed costs make MobiLoud predictable. Very low maintenance compared to platforms managed separately. Startup cost is higher but time investment is lower.

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Plobal Apps, Vajro, MobiLoud Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of the key pros and cons of each platform.

Plobal Apps

✅ Pros

• Fast, stable, native user experience
• Powerful push and segmentation tools
• In-house design support and custom code blocks
• Solid Shopify app integrations

⚠️ Cons

• Revenue share (1–3%) on some tiers
• Some limits on checkout or native flow customization
• Limited to pre-built integrations; custom solutions add cost and complexity
• Requires ongoing maintenance separate from website

Vajro

✅ Pros

• Good push and automation features
• Built-in live selling
• 70+ native Shopify app integrations

⚠️ Cons

• Some reports of slow initial app load times
• Many features gated to higher-tier plans
• Template system can limit custom UI/UX options
• Limited to pre-built integrations
• Requires separate management effort

MobiLoud

✅ Pros

• 100% parity with your Shopify site
• No rebuild needed – instant launch
• Flat pricing, no revenue share
• Full flexibility with features and design as your website
• Minimal maintenance; everything syncs automatically
• Complete push notification toolkit included
• Done-for-you push and launch support available
• Agency-level service and support

⚠️ Cons

• Fewer additional native features like live selling compared to some competitors

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Summary & Recommendations

If you want to turn your Shopify site into a mobile app, these three options are all solid choices. They’re more practical than building custom native apps from scratch.

Here are our recommendations for businesses at different stages and scales.

For <$1M DTC Brands (Lean Teams, Early Growth)

Recommendation: Plobal Apps or Vajro for lowest upfront cost. MobiLoud for long-term scalability.

• Plobal Apps and Vajro let you go live for under $200/month.
• Plobal even allows launching for free, with a share of app revenue.
• MobiLoud’s higher startup cost may be more suitable for brands planning growth, offering better long-term value.

For $1M–$10M Shopify Brands (Scaling, Growth Brands)

Recommendation: MobiLoud

• MobiLoud offers a full-featured app with no design debt, low maintenance, and high ROI, especially if your site is optimized.
• Its done-for-you service suits brands aiming to scale while staying lean.
• Plobal and Vajro may still work, but DIY builders can limit scalability and add maintenance overhead.

For $10M+ Omnichannel Retailers (Complex Stacks, Enterprise Needs)

Recommendation: MobiLoud

• MobiLoud is the most flexible for complex businesses with advanced needs.
• Everything from your website carries over to the app. This reduces risks with complex tech stacks.
• MobiLoud supports multi-site, multi-language, headless builds, custom websites, Shopify Plus, and can adapt if you move off Shopify in the future.

Still have questions? Want to discuss the best fit for your business? Book a free consultation now.

Final Word

Plobal Apps, Vajro, and MobiLoud all offer ways to launch a mobile app. The right choice depends on your goals, resources, and brand complexity.

If you're a growing Shopify brand looking for the fastest route to a high-performance mobile app—with no rebuild, no ongoing maintenance, and full Shopify app compatibility—MobiLoud is the best alternative. 

It’s more than a tool; it’s a strategic partner dedicated to your success beyond launch.

It requires minimal management and lets you build full-featured, custom native apps that drive real results.

Want to see what your app could look like? Get a free preview and see your store transformed into a powerful mobile app, ready to boost retention, conversions, and repeat revenue.