Alma ‑ Widget vs Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builderfor Shopify (2026)
Alma ‑ Widget and Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder are both Shopify apps categorized as page builders, but they serve drastically different purposes and target distinct merchant needs. Alma ‑ Widget focuses on offering flexible payment options to customers (buy now, pay later), aiming to increase conversion rates and sales. It positions itself as a tool for established online businesses looking to improve customer satisfaction and boost revenue through flexible payment solutions, guaranteeing payment to the merchant even when customers pay later. Key features include customizable on-page widgets for product and cart pages. In contrast, Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder is designed for merchants who are either launching a new store or undergoing significant maintenance. Its primary goal is to create engaging "coming soon" or "under construction" pages to retain customer interest and collect leads. The app emphasizes customization and brand consistency during this phase. Key features include email collection forms and countdown timers. The significant difference in ratings (2.9/5 for Alma vs 5/5 for Coming Soon) and the number of reviews (17 vs 34) indicate starkly different levels of user satisfaction.
At a Glance
Alma ‑ Widget
17 reviews
Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder
34 reviews
Detailed Overview
Alma ‑ Widget
Offer flexible payments to your customers, skyrocket your business, and get paid right away.
Key Features
- Display selection for your product & cart page to maximize conversion
- Tailored style and position options to fit with your purchase journey
- Pop-up window to convert customers with additional reassuring elements
Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder
Easily create a responsive coming soon / under construction page to keep customers engaged.
Key Features
- Email collection form (integrates with MailChimp, Klaviyo, and more)
- Password protection that allows certain customers to bypass the page
- Countdown timer to build anticipation
- URL allowlisting of specific pages within your store
- Advanced WYSIWYG editor
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 2.9/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Alma ‑ Widget2.9/5 Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 17 | 34 |
Reviews Alma ‑ Widget17 Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder34 | ||
| Primary Function | Buy Now, Pay Later Integration | Coming Soon Page Builder |
Primary Function Alma ‑ WidgetBuy Now, Pay Later Integration Coming Soon Pre‑Launch BuilderComing Soon Page Builder | ||
| Target Merchant | Established stores looking to increase sales | New or under-construction stores |
Target Merchant Alma ‑ WidgetEstablished stores looking to increase sales Coming Soon Pre‑Launch BuilderNew or under-construction stores | ||
| Key Feature 1 | Payment Plan Widget | Email Collection Form |
Key Feature 1 Alma ‑ WidgetPayment Plan Widget Coming Soon Pre‑Launch BuilderEmail Collection Form | ||
| Key Feature 2 | Customizable Display Options | Countdown Timer |
Key Feature 2 Alma ‑ WidgetCustomizable Display Options Coming Soon Pre‑Launch BuilderCountdown Timer | ||
| Value Proposition | Increase sales with flexible payments | Maintain customer engagement during downtime |
Value Proposition Alma ‑ WidgetIncrease sales with flexible payments Coming Soon Pre‑Launch BuilderMaintain customer engagement during downtime | ||
| Ease of Use (Inferred) | Potentially more complex due to financial integrations | Likely easier to use due to simple page building |
Ease of Use (Inferred) Alma ‑ WidgetPotentially more complex due to financial integrations Coming Soon Pre‑Launch BuilderLikely easier to use due to simple page building | ||
Our Verdict
The choice between Alma ‑ Widget and Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder hinges entirely on the merchant's current needs. If the goal is to offer flexible payment options and boost sales within an *existing* store, Alma ‑ Widget is the relevant, albeit potentially riskier choice, given its low rating. However, the negative reviews suggest careful consideration is warranted and alternative BNPL apps should be evaluated as well.
On the other hand, if the merchant is launching a new store or temporarily shutting down for maintenance, Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder is the clear winner. Its high rating and focus on customer engagement during the pre-launch phase make it a more reliable option. The ability to collect emails and build anticipation is invaluable for new store owners.
Common Questions
Does Alma ‑ Widget offer a free plan?
The provided data does not include pricing information for either app, so the availability of a free plan is unknown.
Can Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder be used for A/B testing landing pages?
The description doesn't explicitly mention A/B testing. It focuses on creating a single engaging coming soon page rather than multiple variations.
Is Alma ‑ Widget PCI compliant?
While Alma ‑ Widget handles financial transactions, the description does not explicitly state its PCI compliance. Merchants should verify this independently before installation.
Does Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder slow down my website?
The description doesn't offer information about speed. The app creates a page that is shown while the actual website has not been launched, so, in theory, the store owner should check the load speed using Google PageSpeed Insights.
What level of technical skill is required to use each app?
Alma ‑ Widget likely requires some technical understanding of Shopify theme customization to properly place and style the widget. Coming Soon Pre‑Launch Builder, with its WYSIWYG editor, appears to be more user-friendly and accessible to non-technical users.
Get More From Your Shopify Store
Run audits for SEO, CRO, PageSpeed, and AI visibility. Get a clear report and actionable fixes.
Try Fix My Store