Tapcart vs Plobal Apps vs MobiLoud: The Definitive Comparison (2025)
Tapcart, Plobal Apps and MobiLoud are three of the top Shopify mobile app builders in the market today. We put these platforms side by side (by side) to figure out the best way to create a high-ROI mobile app for your Shopify store.
Comparing three of the top Shopify mobile app builders, to see which is the best choice for a positive ROI.
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MobiLoud
MobiLoud transforms your website into a mobile app, offering seamless integration with your stack and native app performance.
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Tapcart vs Plobal Apps vs MobiLoud is good for...
Why MobiLoud is different
Trusted by 2,000+ brands including:
We guarantee your app's success
Our team doesn't just build your app - we partner with you to make it successful, from launch through ongoing optimization and growth.
"We couldn’t find another company that could offer the same features at the same price point, same time to market, and make it as easy as MobiLoud could."
Svend Hansen
Product Owner
"We wanted to give our loyal customers a convenient way to keep coming back and reach them directly with push notifications. Our app now drive 10% of our total revenue with minimal effort from our team."
Damien Smith
eCommerce CTO & COO
"Your level of service is unmatched. You are always there when we need you, and go above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly for us.”
Keep Everything From Your Website, Launch your App in 30 Days
Launch a fast, fully branded app without rebuilding anything. Keep every feature from your site while our team handles the entire process from start to finish.
Everything just works, no rebuilding required
Your entire tech stack - from custom features to third-party tools - works in your app from day one. No integrations needed, no features lost, no compromise on functionality.
Forget managing multiple platforms. When you update your website, your app updates automatically. No extra development, no duplicate work, no delays. Your team keeps working exactly as they do today.
Skip the complexity of building and maintaining an app. Our team handles everything - from development to teaching you the exact strategies that drive results. We'll help you promote your app, craft high-converting push notifications, and turn it into a reliable revenue channel.
Launch custom mobile apps for iOS and Android that update automatically from your site and support all your features. No extra workflows and no technical work.
Launching a mobile app for your Shopify store can provide benefits such as higher repeat purchase rates, improved mobile conversion rates, and a direct marketing channel via push notifications.
In 2025, three notable platforms for building Shopify-native mobile apps are Tapcart, Plobal Apps, and MobiLoud.
Each platform offers different approaches to app creation, ranging from visual drag-and-drop editors to full-service site-to-app conversions.
Choosing the right platform can support your app launch and business goals, while selecting the most suitable option helps manage budget and timeline effectively.
This guide compares these three platforms across key factors relevant to Shopify brands today – including pricing, flexibility, time-to-launch, and maintenance – to help you determine the best approach for your store’s mobile app.
Summary: Tapcart and Plobal Apps provide app-building platforms with drag-and-drop and no-code features. MobiLoud offers a service-oriented approach that includes hands-on support for app launch and growth. This, along with differences in platform capabilities and maintenance requirements, may influence which option best fits your team’s needs.
Click here to get a free preview and explore what MobiLoud can offer.
Meet the Platforms (Tapcart vs Plobal Apps vs MobiLoud)
Here’s an overview of the three platforms—what they offer, their target users, and their place in the Shopify ecosystem.
Tapcart
Core pitch: Drag-and-drop native apps with built-in push, loyalty, and personalization features.
Who it’s for: Shopify brands seeking a visual editor with app-specific integrations and native performance.
Core pitch: No-code builder with AI-driven merchandising and analytics features.
Who it’s for: Mid-sized Shopify merchants looking for a block and template-based app builder.
Notable customers: Harney & Sons, Sniper Gang Apparel, YogaClub.
Verticals: Apparel, accessories, electronics.
Founded: 2016.
MobiLoud
Core pitch: Converts your Shopify (or headless) site into fully-synced native apps. Code-free, launch in weeks, with hands-on support from an expert team.
Who it’s for: Brands seeking maximum flexibility, full website parity, or a fast launch without rebuilding a separate platform.
Verticals: Mid-market & enterprise brands across fashion, beauty, CPG.
Founded: 2013.
What You Need from a Shopify Mobile App in 2025
Before comparing platforms, it’s helpful to clarify key features a mobile app should provide for Shopify brands in 2025.
These include:
Native iOS & Android apps
Apps downloadable from app stores with native push notification capabilities, rather than PWAs.
100% Shopify data sync
Real-time synchronization of product, customer, and order data directly from Shopify without duplications.
Built-in push notifications
Control over targeted campaigns, automations, and re-engagement messaging, ideally without limits on notification volume.
Design flexibility & performance
Ability to match your site’s aesthetic and maintain fast load times.
App store compliance
Compliance with Apple and Google guidelines for physical goods sales, without requiring use of in-app purchase systems, and streamlined app approval processes.
Low maintenance
Minimal ongoing work to keep the app updated and in sync with website changes, suitable for lean tech teams.
Quality Criteria
To compare Tapcart, Plobal Apps, and MobiLoud comprehensively, we evaluated them across nine key factors.
These criteria reflect important considerations for launching and maintaining an effective app for Shopify brands, especially for teams focused on ROI.
Here’s what we looked at:
Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership. Includes subscription fees, setup costs, commissions, and developer time required.
Maintenance Load. Ongoing effort needed to keep the app updated and synchronized with your store.
Support. Availability and responsiveness of support, and whether hands-on assistance is provided.
Integrations. Compatibility with Shopify apps and services like Klaviyo, Yotpo, Recharge, or Gorgias.
Vendor Proof. Presence of case studies, client logos, and social proof indicating platform adoption.
Time to Launch. Typical duration to go live with a production-ready app.
Flexibility. Level of customization available for design and functionality, and adaptability over time.
International Support. Support for multiple languages and currencies to serve customers across markets.
Analytics & Extras. Insights into app performance and additional features such as AI merchandising or headless compatibility.
Tapcart vs Plobal Apps vs MobiLoud: Head to Head (to Head) Comparison
Below is a comparison of each platform across the criteria listed, with concise bullet points for Tapcart, Plobal Apps, and MobiLoud.
Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership
Costs include subscription fees, setup charges, commissions, and developer time needed for maintenance.
Comparison:
Tapcart
Pricing: Starts at $250/month (Core), $500/month (Ultimate), and $1,000+/month (Enterprise). Annual billing discounts available.
Fees: No revenue share or sales commissions.
Setup Fees: None.
Dev Cost: Minimal to moderate; no-code platform allows setup and updates without developers, though layout iterations may require time.
Other Costs: Content updates are managed separately from Shopify, which may require additional effort if website content changes frequently.
Summary: Predictable monthly costs with pricing tiers; total cost depends on frequency of redesigns and content updates.
Plobal Apps
Pricing: Free Starter plan (with 3% commission on in-app sales); paid plans at $199/month (Growth), $499/month (Essential), $1,199/month (Enterprise).
Fees: Starter plan includes a 3% success fee; Enterprise plan adds a 1% success fee on top of the flat fee.
Setup Fees: None.
Dev Cost: Similar to Tapcart; higher if custom blocks are used.
Other Costs: Higher-tier plans unlock additional integrations and features; use of the team for setup may involve additional fees or revenue share.
Summary: Flexible pricing with potential additional costs related to commissions and team-assisted setup.
MobiLoud
Pricing:Starts at $399/month (Startup), $799/month (Growth), Custom pricing(Corporate).
Fees: No success fees or sales commissions.
Setup Fees: One-time fee ($850–$1,500+ depending on plan).
Dev Cost: Low; MobiLoud manages app setup, configuration, and publishing.
Other Costs: Optional services such as managed push notifications or multiple development environments.
Summary: Higher upfront setup cost but potentially lower long-term total cost due to managed services reducing internal workload.
MobiLoud’s approach integrates app management with your website, reducing duplicate work. For example, XCVI reported saving approximately 10 hours per week after switching to MobiLoud.
Ongoing maintenance effort is an important consideration for lean teams.
Tapcart
Shopify product data syncs automatically in real time.
Visual content edits (e.g., banners, carousels) are managed in Tapcart’s separate App Studio.
Content updates may require duplication if website changes are frequent, due to separate management of app and site layouts.
Tapcart manages app updates, SDK upgrades, and OS version compatibility.
Many merchants manage app maintenance without developer involvement.
Summary: Minimal technical maintenance, with additional effort needed to keep app content aligned with website.
Plobal Apps
Real-time Shopify sync for product, order, and customer data.
Visual edits and campaign setup occur through Plobal’s dashboard, separate from Shopify, which may require duplicate effort.
Higher-tier plans include support from Plobal’s team for design and app changes.
Use of custom code blocks or iFrames may require additional upkeep.
Summary: Generally low maintenance; higher plans offer more support to reduce manual work.
MobiLoud
Direct sync with your website; changes to Shopify theme or content reflect instantly in the app.
No separate app dashboard; all management is done through your website.
MobiLoud handles native updates including OS versions and app store policies.
Push notifications configured through tools like OneSignal or Klaviyo; website remains the single source of truth.
Summary: Maintenance is integrated with website updates, reducing duplication and separate management.
Support
Support availability and quality can impact your experience with the platform.
Comparison:
Tapcart
Support via email and Help Center; chat support available on some plans.
Enterprise plans include dedicated account managers, real-time support, and proactive check-ins.
Extensive self-serve resources such as tutorials and Tapcart Academy.
Based in California.
Summary: Reliable support, with more personalized service available at higher tiers.
Plobal Apps
Email and live chat support available on all plans.
Essential and Enterprise plans include Dedicated Success Managers.
Enterprise clients receive priority SLAs and potentially 24/7 support.
Support teams located in multiple time zones.
Summary: Personalized support options increase with plan level, providing broad coverage.
MobiLoud
Hands-on support from setup through launch and post-launch included.
Startup plan offers email support with a 24-hour response target.
Growth plan includes faster response times and resolution targets.
Corporate plans provide concierge-style support with Slack/phone access, weekly check-ins, and dedicated project managers.
Additional services include assistance with app store listings, push notification configuration, and growth support.
Support primarily based in North America, with extended hours.
Summary: Service-oriented support model with varying levels of hands-on assistance depending on plan.
Integrations
Integration with existing Shopify apps and services is important for a seamless tech stack.
Tapcart
Offers 25+ pre-built integrations with major Shopify apps including Klaviyo, Yotpo, Okendo, Smile.io, Recharge, LoyaltyLion, Rebuy, Gorgias, Algolia, Searchspring, and more.
Standard integrations included on all plans; some premium integrations require Enterprise plan.
Custom Blocks and developer tools available on higher tiers for custom API or HTML/JS integrations.
Summary: Extensive integration options with some features reserved for higher-tier plans.
Plobal Apps
Integration limits vary by plan:
Growth: 4 integrations
Essential: 7 integrations
Enterprise: Unlimited advanced integrations
Supports key apps such as Klaviyo, Recharge, Yotpo, Nosto, Searchspring, and Gorgias.
Custom code blocks available for embedding additional tools.
Enterprise plans allow for bespoke integrations.
Summary: Covers essential apps; integration limits on lower plans may require prioritization or upgrades.
MobiLoud
Mirrors your website, so any app or script that works on your site works in the app without extra development.
No artificial limits on the number of integrations.
Supports Klaviyo, deep linking, and Firebase analytics.
Suitable for stores with custom features, embedded widgets, or headless frontends.
Summary: High integration flexibility; ideal for stores with complex or custom setups.
Vendor Proof (Clients, Case Studies & Reputation)
Evidence of platform adoption and client success can inform your decision.
Tapcart
Supports thousands of apps and reports $9B+ in merchant revenue.
Clients include Princess Polly, Fashion Nova, BYLT Basics, Chubbies, and BÉIS Travel.
Shopify Plus Certified App Partner.
Summary: Established platform with many high-volume clients across various verticals.
Plobal Apps
Used by 500+ Shopify brands, with adoption among mid-market merchants.
Clients include Harney & Sons, Sniper Gang Apparel, YogaClub, and GoGroopie.
4.9★ average rating from 160+ Shopify App Store reviews, with positive feedback on support.
Summary: Serves a range of mid-sized Shopify brands with positive user reviews.
MobiLoud
Served over 2,000 businesses across ecommerce, media, and other industries.
Shopify clients include John Varvatos, Perfume.com, Tobi, BottleStop, and Bestseller (Jack & Jones, Only & Sons).
Often selected by brands with customized sites or those transitioning from DIY builders.
Case studies highlight ease of use and flexibility compared to drag-and-drop builders.
Summary: Trusted by enterprise and content-focused brands; suited for those valuing flexibility and service support.
Based on the comparison, here is a summary of which platform may suit different needs.
Tapcart offers high-performance native apps with a drag-and-drop editor. It requires managing a separate platform for app content and may have integration limits depending on your needs.
Plobal Apps provides a block and template-based builder with localization features, suitable for global brands. Pricing includes commission fees and may increase with additional services.
MobiLoud converts your existing mobile website into an app without rebuilding or managing a separate storefront. It supports highly customized sites and headless builds, with managed services to assist with launch and growth.
Why Brands Choose MobiLoud over Tapcart and Plobal Apps
Tapcart and Plobal Apps provide app-building platforms that simplify native app creation. MobiLoud offers a service-driven solution that includes hands-on support and management.
Key differences include:
1. Service vs. Software
Tapcart and Plobal are primarily DIY app builders, requiring internal resources for marketing, maintenance, and optimization.
MobiLoud provides a managed service including:
Full app setup, configuration, QA, and publishing
Ongoing updates and maintenance
App Store and Google Play approvals and optimization
Done-for-you push notification campaigns
Launch support including email, SMS, and web assets
This approach offers a partnership model with active involvement in driving app results.
2. Flexibility and Platform Compatibility
Tapcart and Plobal focus on Shopify. MobiLoud supports multiple CMS and tech stacks including WooCommerce, BigCommerce, headless, and custom sites.
This allows MobiLoud to support a broader range of use cases without template constraints.
3. No Rebuilding Required
MobiLoud leverages your existing website to power the app, syncing updates instantly without duplicating content or workflows.
4. Transparent Pricing and Operational Costs
MobiLoud offers flat pricing without revenue share fees. While setup fees are upfront, long-term costs may be lower due to reduced internal workload.
App builders may require ongoing management time, which can add to total costs.
5. Built for Growth and Retention
MobiLoud is designed to scale with brands prioritizing mobile retention, offering no artificial limitations and support for growth initiatives.
It functions as a growth partner rather than solely an app builder.
The Bottom Line
All three platforms enable launching native mobile apps and increasing mobile revenue.
The best choice depends on your team’s resources, tech stack, and desired level of control over the app experience.
If you want:
A platform that reflects your website’s content and functionality
A low-maintenance solution integrated with your existing site
A partner providing active support to help drive ROI from your app
MobiLoud may be a suitable option.
Get a free preview of your app to explore the possibilities. This approach can reduce the management effort associated with DIY app builders by leveraging a partner to implement your optimized mobile experience.
Get weekly insights on retention and growth.
Convert your website into a mobile app
Launch custom mobile apps for iOS and Android that update automatically from your site and support all your features. No extra workflows and no technical work.
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