Embedded vs Standalone Shopify Apps:
Key Differences and How to Choose (Extended)

• Appear in the admin dashboard. Merchants can use an app without opening an external website.
• Can implement any functionality because Embedded is a default Shopify application type. Additionally, certain application types must be created as Embedded, such as Payments apps, Post-purchase apps, and more.
• Improved performance and user experience. Embedded apps are optimized by Shopify, making them load much faster. They also have reduced content layout shifts, which makes merchants perceive an app as more responsive.
• Faster development and publishing. Embedded apps must be created with App Bridge, a tool that provides standard Shopify UI components, such as Button, Menu, and Navigation, making the development process faster. These components also comply with the Shopify App Design Guidelines, making it easier to pass the app review process.
• Out-of-the-box mobile optimization. Embedded apps are optimized for the Shopify Mobile app, which greatly improves the mobile experience for merchants.
• Enhanced security. In Embedded apps, requests from the user interface to the server are automatically protected with a unique token generated by the app. The server uses this token to verify that the request came from the intended store, providing protection against unauthorized access.
• Enhanced security. In Embedded apps, requests from the user interface to the server are automatically protected against unauthorized access.
• Can be used in Shopify POS. Embedded apps can be installed on Shopify POS (point-of-sale), an official Shopify app used to sell products in person in stores, markets, and pop-up shops.
• Can get a Built for Shopify status. Embedded apps that meet specific app quality standards can receive a Built for Shopify status, the highest level of recognition and achievement that an app can attain. Apps with this status receive additional promotion in the Shopify App Store, as they appear higher in search rankings, are eligible for the first collection on the App Store homepage, and can be recommended to merchants in the Shopify admin.

• Must comply with Shopify Add Design Guidelines. All embedded apps must adhere to App Design Guidelines to ensure predictability for merchants and ease of use. However, these strict guidelines can be limiting for those who want their app's appearance to be more customizable.
• Requires knowledge of App Bridge technology. App Bridge is a library required for creating Embedded apps. To avoid unexpected issues, we recommend working with developers who have experience with App Bridge.

• Judge.me Product Reviews allows customers to leave product reviews on the merchant's store.
• Hextom: Bulk Product Edit provides bulk editing for products, collections, customers, and Metafields.
• Subscription App by Recurpay allows customers to subscribe to recurring payments.
• SEO Manager provides merchants with tools to optimize their stores for search engines.
• LoyaltyLion helps merchants create a loyalty program for their customers, with features such as point-based rewards, referral programs, VIP tiers, and more.

• No design restrictions. Standalone apps do not have to follow the same design guidelines as Embedded apps. For example, it’s possible to change the size of the icons, their colors, and tags.
• Launching on an External Website. Depending on the business case, some apps may need to appear outside of Shopify admin. These apps are separate products with their own functionality and tools that integrate with Shopify, such as Outfy, PageFly, and others.

• No access to App Bridge instruments. Standalone apps have to be built from scratch like Embedded apps but they don’t have access to the same App Bridge instruments, which can make the development process longer.
• Certain functionalities cannot be implemented in Standalone apps, including App Extensions, Post-purchase apps, Payments apps, and others.

Standalone is still a good option when:

• The app development needs more flexibility. With a standalone app, there is more freedom in technology choice without the need to use App Bridge. In some cases, this can make standalone apps faster to develop.
• The app requires using custom branding. Standalone apps can be easily customized. If the design requirements of Embedded apps do not suit the business needs for some reason, a Standalone app can be changed to meet these needs.
• The app needs to mention other Shopify apps. If there is a need to create a couple of apps that will reference each other and promote the business, it is possible to create multiple Standalone apps and place them on a single platform for users to discover.