Intuitive usability, high-quality design options, and comprehensive in-house features – there are many reasons why Shopify is the fastest-growing e-commerce platform in German-speaking countries. But it's the software's extensive extensibility that catapults it to the top in our opinion: With over 8,000 apps, Shopify offers you the largest selection in the entire e-commerce world. This allows you to implement almost any desired e-commerce functionality through the integration of various apps.

In our opinion, the way the different Shopify apps interact and synchronize with each other is unique. Whether it's accounting, shipping, customer support, or newsletters, the App Store offers a wide selection of options to choose from to find the right solution for your online store.

However, staying on track can be a real challenge. That's why, in this article, we present the absolute must-haves from our tante-e experts. What are the best apps for Shopify that even the biggest brands trust and that every retailer should know? And which extensions are essential for your store?

Adrian
Adrian

Our e-commerce expert Adrian has already helped numerous brands launch on Shopify. In his book, Shopify for Dummies, he provides retailers with all the essential information they need to navigate Shopify ( view on Amazon / view at your local bookstore ).

  1. How can you use Shopify apps?
  2. Payment, updates & limitations: What you need to know
  3. How to find the right apps for your online shop
  4. Top Shopify Apps: Our Recommendations
    1. Cookie Banner
    2. Email marketing
    3. Invoices and accounting
    4. Marketplaces & Multichannel
    5. In-house shipping
    6. Search and filter functions
    7. Product reviews
    8. returns
    9. Customer support
    10. Multilingualism & Internationalization

1. How can you use Shopify apps?

Using Shopify apps is very similar to using apps on your smartphone. They're just as quick to install and set up. Your first stop is the Shopify App Store. Here you can discover and install new extensions. The app then becomes a permanent part of your Shopify account. In the admin area, you can centrally control and operate all your apps without having to switch windows or enter passwords.

Shopify Apps in the Admin

With over 8,000 extensions, you're guaranteed to find the right solution for your specific use case. You can rest assured that Shopify only includes compatible, continuously updated extensions in its catalog.

This number is also constantly growing, as more and more developers are adopting the "Shopify First" approach. For you, this means that Shopify offers interfaces to the most important applications and you benefit from state-of-the-art e-commerce tools.

How do you install extensions from the App Store in Shopify? We'll show you step-by-step in our guide.

2. Shopify Apps: What you need to know

Before we introduce you to the most proven and best Shopify apps, we will give you an overview of the most important information about extensions for your online store:

  • Flexibility: You typically pay a monthly fee for using your apps. This can be a fixed amount or vary depending on order volume or customer traffic. However, you have complete flexibility: Apps have no minimum term, and you can cancel them at any time.

  • Developer information: While Shopify offers its own features as apps, most apps come from independent developers. You can find all the background information and details transparently in the App Store.

  • Continuous updates: Developers regularly maintain the apps in the background, ensuring that you can use the latest features in this store without any additional effort.

  • Customer Service: Every app now comes with dedicated support to help you with questions and problems. Leading providers, in particular, pay particular attention to this.

  • Limitations: Shopify apps are not based on the same technical infrastructure, but run on the app developers' own servers and systems. This can impact the apps' resilience and legal compliance. Shopify has taken some important steps in this regard in recent years. Nevertheless, our recommendation is to carefully check whether apps are tailored to the German market from a data protection perspective.

In our guide, we show you how to identify legally compliant Shopify apps and use them safely.

3. How to find the best Shopify apps for your online store:

Finding the best Shopify apps for your online store requires a careful selection process. We know there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but in our experience, the following points will help you make an informed choice:

  • Check reviews: Read both positive and negative reviews on the app's details page. This will give you direct insight into other online retailers' experiences. What do they particularly appreciate, does the app meet their needs, and where do they find its limitations? You'll also see how well customer service responds to issues.

  • Analyze references: On the app pages, you'll often find examples of online stores using the apps. See how these stores use the extensions to assess the customizability and functionality of storefront apps in practice.

  • Check the features carefully: Make sure the app offers all the features you need. Use the feature list on the app's details page and look at the screenshots to get a better understanding of the app's functionality and interface.

  • Perform a test installation: Many apps offer a trial period during which you can test the app for free. Use this opportunity to see if the app works well in your store and meets your expectations.

  • Check interaction: Make sure new apps interact well with existing apps and have meaningful integrations.

  • Avoid overusing storefront apps: Too many apps can slow down your store's loading times and increase the risk of technical issues. Sometimes it's better to integrate desired features directly into the store theme.

When are apps really worth it? Learn all about the advantages and disadvantages of using Shopify apps and when custom programming is worthwhile in our blog.

4. Our recommendations: These top Shopify apps you really need

4.1. Cookie Banner

It's not just a recommendation, it's an absolute must: In German-speaking countries, consent forms for setting cookies are required by law. To ensure you're legally on the safe side and avoid being surprised by warnings, we recommend Pandectes GPDR & GDPR Cookie .

This app complies with all general guidelines for the use of cookie banners, is compatible with all tracking scripts, and can be easily adapted to your store's design. Furthermore, it guarantees the smooth operation of your online shop and, for example, does not falsify analytics data.

4.2. Email marketing

Emails are crucial for communicating with your target audience and nurturing your customer base. There are numerous apps that fit your needs perfectly.

If your contact list is rather manageable and the basic features are sufficient for you, we recommend Shopify's own solution , Shopify Mail .

However, if you already have an extensive mailing list and are looking for a professional tool that the most successful brands use, then we definitely recommend Klaviyo .

What's possible with Klaviyo? In the Merchant Inspiration Podcast, Swiss plant brand Feey shares with Adrian how they took their email marketing to the next level with Klaviyo.

4.3. Invoices and accounting

Although issuing invoices isn't legally required, many merchants and customers request this feature from the start. We often recommend the Invoice Printer Pro > DATEV from Pathway Solutions, as this app was developed specifically for the German market and its legal requirements.

As your sales and order volumes increase, we also recommend reviewing your accounting setup. A tried-and-tested option here is Accounting Export Pro > DATEV , also from Pathway Solutions. You can find more of our tips for Shopify accounting software on our blog.

4.4. Marketplaces & Multichannel

Many online retailers want to be present not only in their own online store, but also beyond. If you're considering listing your products on marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, Avocado Store, or Zalando, we recommend Billbee as an excellent solution.

This Shopify app is also extremely versatile: With Billbee, you can also manage inventory, print shipping labels, and create invoices.

Billbee Managing Director David Pohlmann was a guest on the Merchant Inspiration Podcast and talked about Billbee’s success story and areas of application.

4.5. In-house shipping

DHL is considered one of the leading shipping providers for online shops. If you handle shipping internally and want to work with DHL, the official Post & DHL Shipping app is an absolute must-have.

Another app we often recommend for adding multiple shipping providers to your online shop is Sendcloud .

How to properly ship on Shopify, and how exactly can Sendcloud help you? Get all the info in the Merchant Inspiration Podcast with Henriette Vogt from Sendcloud.

4.6. Search and filter functions

If you offer a wide range of products, Shopify's standard search and filtering features may soon be insufficient. Fortunately, there are effective apps that can extend these features in your store.

We recommend Shopify's proprietary app , Shopify Search & Discovery . This app makes it easier to implement complex filtering features on category pages and prioritize specific products in search results.

4.7. Product Reviews

In e-commerce, trust is one of the key factors: customers are more likely to shop in your store if they can read positive feedback and experiences from others.

There are numerous apps for this purpose. We think Judge.Me is a good option, especially for beginners. Another leading review app is Reviews.io , which offers, among other features, integration with Google Reviews and additional detailed queries.

4.8. Returns

Smooth and efficient returns processes are essential, especially in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. The 8returns app has become an integral part of the German-speaking Shopify market and is one of the leading returns portals. We highly recommend it, too.

8returns founder Amin Ben Said shares more details on logistics and returns management in the Merchant Inspiration Podcast . How are different brands addressing this issue on Shopify, and how are fluid processes improving the customer experience?

4.9. Customer Support

Gorgias is an essential customer support app on Shopify that allows you to quickly add smart processes and rules for handling requests.

The app includes, among other features, a help center with frequently asked questions and a self-service area where customers can adjust delivery information or view tracking numbers. In our opinion, anyone who wants to implement high-performance customer support in a resource-efficient manner should use Gorgias.

4.10 Multilingualism & Internationalization

If your target audience extends beyond the German-speaking area or you prioritize the internationalization of your online shop, a perfect translation is essential.

We often recommend two popular Shopify apps for multilingual support: Weglot , a paid but user-friendly and easy-to-use app. Also recommended is Shopify's own app , Shopify Translate & Adapt , which is continually being developed and offers more and more essential features for effective translation.

Back to blog

Do you need support with your online shop?

tante-e is one of the leading specialists for Shopify & Shopify Plus in German-speaking countries and has already implemented successful projects with well-known brands, including fritz-kola, LFDY, OACE, pinqponq, reisenthel and LeGer by Lena Gercke.

We would be happy to accompany you on your journey in online trading - whether it's shop setups, migrations or individual functions.

We look forward to talking to you.

Arrange a consultation