2025 E-commerce Search Tools Reviewed: Shopify, Algolia, Boost Commerce

In e-commerce, search is everything. Get it right, and customers stay. Get it wrong, and they’ll leave. Shopify merchants have a number of contenders to choose from and in this article we review three of the best. Whether you’re a startup or scaling a big business, each offers unique strengths. Here’s a breakdown of what they bring to the table.

1. Shopify Search & Discovery: Free and Simple

Shopify’s very own Search & Discovery is a great option for every Shopify store. At no extra charge, it’s basic but effective offering autocomplete, tag-based filters, and straightforward merchandising via collections are its key features. You can tweak search rankings to prioritize new products or hide slow sellers, plus access analytics that show which terms are getting clicks and which products are falling flat.

For small businesses Shopify Search & Discovery is well worth a look, especially if you’re trying to keep those subscription fees to a minimum. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require any coding knowledge. With over 1,300 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, users praise its simplicity and tight integration with the rest of the Shopify ecosystem. However, it may lack the sophistication needed for larger catalogs or niche markets, as it doesn’t handle complex search queries with the same finesse.

Very good app, still needs betterment when it comes to search and recommendations. It would be great to have search by image introduced as well. Nowadays customers are taking screenshots from social media and they try to search it by image. I would prefer to have it in this app itself other than using some other apps

2. Algolia: Premium Power for Precision and Speed

If you’re scaling and need top-tier performance, Algolia is an AI-powered search app worth checking out. It’s free up to 10,000 searches, increasing to $0.50 per search after. It boasts a powerful suite of features, including its NeuralSearch AI, which understands intent even if customers type sloppy or vague queries. According to the developers, their app “…improves your site performance, significantly minimizes “no results”, and provides a seamless search experience for your shoppers. Save hours without having to create synonyms or manually assign categories”.

Beyond that, Algolia’s autocomplete is lightning-fast, and its filtering options are deep, covering everything from price to brand to size. Merchandising tools let you highlight bestsellers or create upsell opportunities, while analytics give you insights on clicks, conversions, and revenue per search term.

With only 4 stars from less than 50 reviews, the jury’s still out for Shopify merchants, although there are a bunch of 5 star reviews paying homage to the quality of the app

I recommend Algolia 100% - When launched our online store we used different apps for product discovery functionalities, it was always complex and the results obtained never made sense.

3. AI Search & Filter from Boost Commerce

Boost Commerce’s offering finds a happy middle ground. Free for stores with up to 25 products, it’s a budget-friendly option that scales with your needs, with pricing starting at $29 per month for larger stores. Its strength lies in its filtering capabilities—tags, metafields, colors, sizes, and more. Customers can slice through your catalog in any way they want.

The search itself is quick, with autocorrect and smart suggestions built-in, while merchandising lets you boost specific products or bury low performers. The analytics here are practical, helping you understand what products customers are searching for and where gaps exist in your catalog. With a 4.7-star rating and almost 2,000 reviews, it’s a favorite among mid-sized merchants with growing inventories.

Comparing the Search Capabilities

When it comes to actual product discovery, Shopify Search & Discovery keeps things simple. It does the job, but doesn’t go deep. Searching for something like “vegan boots” may not pick up on synonyms, which could leave customers frustrated.

On the other hand, Algolia offers next-level search precision. Its AI-powered approach handles imprecise queries effortlessly, making it ideal for businesses with large, varied inventories. Boost’s AI Search & Filter is the best at allowing customers to filter products based on detailed criteria, though it doesn’t dig into intent the same way Algolia does.

In terms of analytics, Shopify’s offering is basic. You get an overview of popular terms and dead-ends, but no deep dive into customer behavior. Algolia takes the crown here with comprehensive insights that cover everything from clicks to conversions, helping you optimize your store for revenue. Smart Product Filter & Search, while less detailed, offers the basics—tracking what’s being searched and what isn’t, which is useful for refining your catalog.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your decision will likely depend on the size and needs of your business.

• Shopify Search & Discovery is perfect for small shops looking for a free, easy-to-use solution with no coding required. If you’re just getting started or have a small inventory, it’s a great way to get search right without much effort.
• Algolia is the premium choice for businesses with large, complex inventories. If you’re dealing with a high volume of traffic and need advanced AI-driven search, speed, and detailed analytics, it’s worth the investment.
• Smart Product Filter & Search is the middle ground—offering strong filtering and search features without the premium price tag. It’s ideal for growing businesses who want a flexible solution that doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re just starting out, Shopify Search & Discovery’s simplicity and cost-free nature are unbeatable. As your business grows, Algolia offers the speed and AI-powered precision you’ll need for larger catalogs. Smart Product Filter & Search offers a balanced solution for growing merchants looking for advanced filters at an affordable price.

Search isn’t just a feature—it’s a competitive edge. Choose wisely, and it’ll pay off in conversions.