Best Review App for Shopify (2026)
Judge.me is the best review app for Shopify stores because it offers a genuinely usable free tier, supports photo and video reviews, sends automated review request emails, and integrates cleanly with Shopify themes. Most new stores can launch and scale on the free plan without hitting paywalls.
Quick Answer
Judge.me wins for Shopify review apps because the free tier includes everything most stores need: automated review requests, photo reviews, customizable widgets, and email integration. Unlike alternatives that lock core features behind paid plans, Judge.me's free version is production-ready. Upgrade to paid only if you need advanced features like review imports from other platforms or syndication to Google Shopping.
How We Evaluate Tools
We evaluate Shopify tools based on real use, documentation review, and comparison against direct alternatives. Our focus is on whether a tool solves a real problem for Shopify stores at a given stage—not on feature lists or affiliate commissions. Read our full editorial policy and review methodology.
Evaluation Summary
Judge.me was evaluated based on how easily a new Shopify store can collect and display social proof without recurring costs. The app performs well for stores needing photo reviews and automated request emails on a free tier, but may feel limiting for stores with thousands of existing reviews requiring bulk import or advanced syndication features.
Who This Is For
- New Shopify stores that need social proof but don't have reviews yet—automated request emails drive UGC collection
- Growing brands (50-500 orders/month) that want photo and video reviews without monthly subscription costs
- Stores that integrate reviews into email flows (works with Klaviyo, Omnisend, Shopify Email)
- Operators who want review widgets that match their theme without heavy customization
Who This Is Not For
- Stores migrating from another platform with 10,000+ existing reviews—bulk import is a paid feature, and import can be complex
- Brands needing advanced syndication to multiple channels (Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram)—requires paid plan
- Stores that want video review collection as a core strategy—Judge.me supports video but doesn't optimize for it
Why Judge.me Wins
- Free tier that actually works: Automated review request emails, photo reviews, customizable widgets, and manual moderation—all free. Most competing apps lock these behind $15-30/month plans.
- Clean Shopify integration: One-click install, works with all themes, pulls order data automatically for review requests. No developer needed for basic setup.
- Email platform integration: Syncs with Klaviyo, Omnisend, and Shopify Email so you can trigger review request campaigns from your existing flows and segment by review completion.
When to Choose Something Else
If you're migrating a store with thousands of existing reviews from another platform (Amazon, Etsy, or a previous Shopify store), consider Yotpo or Loox for their more robust import tools. However, both have higher monthly costs and less generous free tiers.
If you're building a highly visual brand where video reviews are central to your conversion strategy, Loox specializes in visual UGC and has better video review workflows. Judge.me supports video but doesn't prioritize it.
See the full app stack guide — Judge.me is part of our recommended minimum viable app stack for new Shopify stores. See how reviews fit with email, analytics, and upsells.
Next Steps
- Install Judge.me from the Shopify App Store (free tier, no credit card required).
- Enable automated review request emails to go out 7-14 days after order delivery.
- Add the review widget to your product pages using Judge.me's theme integration.
- After 30 days, review your UGC collection rate and decide if paid features (import, syndication) are worth upgrading.
- Integrate Judge.me with your email platform (Klaviyo, Shopify Email) to trigger review-gated campaigns.
For more context on how review apps fit into your broader Shopify tool strategy, see our minimum viable Shopify app stack guide.