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Mobile apps are an important retention tool for Shopify brands. They convert better than mobile websites, drive more repeat purchases, and turn a segment of your customers into highly engaged, loyal fans.
The challenge is choosing the right platform to build your app. Tapcart, Appbrew, and MobiLoud are three popular options.
This article will help you understand which platform best fits your brand's needs, budget, and technical requirements. We'll break down the key differences between them across six critical areas to help you make an informed decision.
Tapcart is a no-code platform that transforms your Shopify store into native iOS and Android apps using a drag-and-drop editor. Operating since 2017, it’s one of the well-known app builders for Shopify, easy to get started with, and works well for stores with straightforward needs and a moderate number of SKUs.
Tapcart uses a template-based design system, so customization happens within their predefined blocks and templates.
Appbrew also focuses on Shopify brands. Founded in 2022, it positions itself as offering more flexibility than Tapcart, with additional support for developers who want to build custom experiences.
Appbrew combines a drag-and-drop interface with support for CSS and HTML for UI customization. It is a DIY platform requiring time investment from your team to build and maintain your apps.
MobiLoud stands apart by offering a fully managed service, not just an app builder. Instead of rebuilding your site inside a new platform, MobiLoud converts your existing Shopify site into a native mobile app.
The app preserves all design, functionality, and integrations from your website. A team of experts handles everything—from configuration to launch and ongoing support.
MobiLoud has been in business since 2013, helping online businesses launch mobile apps without the overhead and duplicate work associated with other web-to-app platforms.
We'll compare Tapcart, Appbrew, and MobiLoud across six key areas that matter most to Shopify merchants:
Ready to see how Tapcart, Appbrew, and MobiLoud compare? And which one is the best fit for your Shopify mobile app?
Keep reading to find out.
Tapcart offers a native app experience out of the box for brands using Shopify's core features. Apps are responsive, load quickly, and have the look and feel expected from a shopping app.
Design customization occurs within Tapcart’s predefined UI blocks. To extend beyond these (for example, creating bespoke product layouts or interactive experiences), you need to upgrade to higher-tier plans with access to "Custom Blocks" and developer support.
It provides a solid user experience for brands that want a native app aligned with Shopify’s templates.
Appbrew combines a drag-and-drop interface with support for CSS and HTML customization, offering more granular control over the app’s UI.
This is beneficial for brands with a strong visual identity seeking more design flexibility.
The platform’s performance includes native navigation and fast load times, replicating Shopify store logic without relying on webviews.
As a DIY platform, device-specific issues may require your team’s attention to resolve.
MobiLoud uses a hybrid-native approach. Your app is a native shell with native navigation, while your actual Shopify site renders inside the app.
This approach ensures UX continuity between your mobile website and app.
All site features—from AJAX product filters to dynamic carts and custom product detail pages—work out of the box. Provided your website is fast, your app will be as well.
MobiLoud adds native elements like a bottom tab bar and splash screen to make the app look and feel native.
It suits brands with polished mobile sites wanting an app that reflects their existing experience 1:1, without rebuilding.
Tapcart offers a curated list of integrations with key Shopify apps like Klaviyo, Yotpo, Recharge, and Gorgias, covering many common needs.
Advanced or custom integrations often require their Enterprise plan. Access to Klaviyo segments for push or deeper analytics integrations are available on higher-tier plans.
You can embed custom HTML/JS via "Custom Blocks" (a premium feature), but developer support is needed to implement and maintain these.
If your store uses niche tools, custom logic, or a complex Shopify app stack, Tapcart may have limitations out of the box.
Appbrew supports over 100 native integrations and accommodates custom storefronts, subscription tools, and conversion rate optimization widgets.
It is designed to replicate your Shopify stack inside the app, syncing loyalty programs or embedding headless builds.
Marketing integrations like Klaviyo, Facebook, and Google SDKs are supported for tracking in-app behavior and retargeting campaigns.
Most integrations are plug-and-play, though advanced setups may require technical support.
MobiLoud removes the need for app-specific integrations because your app is your Shopify site.
Any third-party tool, script, or Shopify app that runs on your mobile website runs in your app without modification.
You can use all your custom code, Shopify apps, quizzes, sort orders, and scripts as they are.
This offers complete tech stack freedom without extra work or compatibility issues.
Tapcart includes engagement tools centered on push notifications. All plans include unlimited push notifications for campaigns or announcements.
Higher tiers unlock automation features like abandoned cart reminders and welcome sequences. Features such as behavior-based segmentation or advanced targeting are available on higher plans.
Push campaigns run through Tapcart’s system, which may limit flexibility if you want to coordinate with platforms like Klaviyo.
Tapcart provides the tools; strategy and execution are the merchant’s responsibility.
Appbrew supports unlimited push notifications and marketing integrations like Klaviyo for targeted messaging.
You can trigger flows based on in-app behavior and track results in your marketing dashboards.
This setup offers visibility and control, especially if you already use Klaviyo for email or SMS.
Campaign execution remains DIY, requiring your team to set up automations and optimize performance.
MobiLoud provides unlimited push notifications, native abandoned cart push, and a companion Shopify app for automated push notifications triggered by customer behavior.
Setup, segmentation, and strategy support are included. MobiLoud offers an optional done-for-you push notification service.
Push campaigns integrate with OneSignal or Klaviyo, with built-in tracking and automation. Brands using MobiLoud have reported high open rates and click-through rates, with significant recovery from abandoned cart flows.
Tapcart lets you style your app using a library of content blocks. You can change colors, fonts, and layouts within their drag-and-drop editor.
Customization beyond predefined templates requires “Custom Blocks” and a higher-tier plan, along with developer resources to write and maintain custom code.
This approach provides design flexibility within the available templates.
Appbrew offers more design freedom out of the box. You can build layouts with flexible blocks and fine-tune appearance using CSS or HTML.
This allows you to better match your brand’s style and approximate complex layouts from your site.
While more flexible than Tapcart, fully replicating your website's experience may require additional development.
MobiLoud uses your existing mobile site as the app front end, so your app is already fully aligned with your brand.
Custom sort orders, animations, unique product detail pages, or embedded experiences carry over as-is.
Native elements like a tab bar and splash screen enhance the native feel.
You can also create app-exclusive pages and experiences, such as collections, products, or promotions that appear only in the app.
This approach offers full design control without added complexity or cost.
Tapcart’s pricing starts at a monthly fee with key features gated behind higher-tier plans. Additionally, Tapcart charges a transaction fee (revenue share) on app sales, which can add to costs for high-volume stores.
Managing the app separately from your Shopify site requires duplicate effort to keep content and design in sync.
Appbrew positions itself as a platform offering deeper customization and broader integrations, with plans starting at $999 per month.
Ongoing management is expected from your team, as the app is managed separately from your website.
This makes Appbrew suitable for brands with internal technical resources prepared to handle app development and maintenance.
MobiLoud offers transparent, flat pricing with no revenue share or transaction fees. Pricing tiers include:
Because the app mirrors your Shopify site, there’s no duplication of content or design work, which reduces maintenance overhead.
Many users report saving significant time compared to managing separate platforms.
Tapcart includes support for app store submission and guidance around app updates, particularly for Apple’s evolving requirements.
Enterprise plans include a dedicated success manager.
Appbrew provides onboarding and technical support, especially for brands with development teams, and is responsive in troubleshooting custom setups.
Ongoing marketing support and campaign execution are the merchant’s responsibility.
MobiLoud offers a full-service solution. We handle building and publishing your apps, app store submission, and ongoing technical updates.
More than a tool, MobiLoud is a partner that helps you grow your app. We assist with setting up key push notification flows to drive engagement and work alongside your team to make the app a strong revenue driver.
"We're building this thing together. We collaborate closely, envisioning and creating what’s needed. The MobiLoud team helps build and improve, not just solve problems."
- Zawar Kamal, NumberC
Brands working with MobiLoud often highlight service as a differentiating factor.
Click here to explore case studies of successful brands using MobiLoud.
Here’s a summary of the evaluation to help you choose the best way to create a mobile app for your Shopify brand.
Tapcart suits Shopify brands that want to launch a native app quickly using a template-based system aligned with Shopify’s core setup.
It provides a native app working well out of the box. Design flexibility, advanced integrations, and automated push features require higher-tier plans and developer support.
If your web experience fits within Shopify’s standard setup and you have resources to manage two separate platforms, Tapcart can be a good choice.
Appbrew offers more customization and integration options, appealing to brands with in-house development resources and a complex tech stack.
It gives more control over layout and UI, with broad support for third-party Shopify apps.
Management and updates require hands-on involvement, making it a DIY platform suited for technical teams.
MobiLoud is the best alternative for brands with a strong mobile web experience who want a fully managed app that mirrors their site without duplicate work.
It offers full flexibility, supports all Shopify apps and custom code, and includes hands-on support for strategy, setup, and growth.
This makes MobiLoud ideal for teams seeking fast deployment without added complexity.
Still have questions? Get a free consultation now to explore the best way to create your brand's mobile app.
Turning your Shopify site into a mobile app is one of the best ways to future-proof your brand.
Choosing the right app solution can save you time and effort.
Tapcart and Appbrew offer useful tools but require varying degrees of effort, technical resources, and platform management.
If you want a faster, simpler path to a high-performing mobile app—without rebuilds, tech debt, or managing separate platforms—MobiLoud is the most complete solution.
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