Brands Directory Section 2.0 vs KOBU ‑ Menu Highlightfor Shopify (2026)
Brands Directory Section 2.0 and KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight are both Shopify apps aiming to improve store navigation, but they target very different use cases. Brands Directory Section 2.0 focuses specifically on creating a brand directory using a Shopify 2.0 section, automatically listing brands and linking to vendor pages. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use for merchants who want a straightforward way to showcase their brands. KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight, on the other hand, is a more versatile menu application designed to feature products, collections, or links in a visually appealing manner, especially on mobile devices. It aims to improve visibility and reduce bounce rates through engaging menu designs similar to social media interfaces. The key difference lies in their focus: Brands Directory centers around brand-specific navigation, while KOBU offers general menu enhancement with rich customization options. Brands Directory is aimed at stores prioritizing brand visibility; KOBU is suited for stores wanting to improve general product and collection discoverability. One offers simplicity in creating a brand directory while the other offers more design freedom for improving general storefront menu navigation.
At a Glance
Brands Directory Section 2.0
0 reviews
KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight
23 reviews
Detailed Overview
Brands Directory Section 2.0
Shop by Brand, Easy add section block to any page or product.
Key Features
- No coding required. App installs a section in your Shopify 2.0 template.
- Customers will be able to see store brands in a directory listed alphabetically.
- Brands in your store will be automatically listed with a link to vendor page.
KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight
Menu for featuring products, collections or links to improve visibility and accessibility
Key Features
- Display menu on mobile or desktop or both. Support mobile menu navigation bar
- Create multiple menu groups for different product types or collections
- Comprehensive design options to adjust menu gap, width, margin and custom css
- Menu badge for circle menu to highlight new or collection on sales
- Support multiple languages
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 0/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Brands Directory Section 2.00/5 KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 0 | 23 |
Reviews Brands Directory Section 2.00 KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight23 | ||
| Focus | Brand Directory | General Menu Enhancement |
Focus Brands Directory Section 2.0Brand Directory KOBU ‑ Menu HighlightGeneral Menu Enhancement | ||
| Customization | Limited (Colors, Column Size) | Extensive (Menu Gap, Width, Margin, Custom CSS, Badge) |
Customization Brands Directory Section 2.0Limited (Colors, Column Size) KOBU ‑ Menu HighlightExtensive (Menu Gap, Width, Margin, Custom CSS, Badge) | ||
| Ease of Use | High (No Coding Required) | Medium (Design Options, Custom CSS) |
Ease of Use Brands Directory Section 2.0High (No Coding Required) KOBU ‑ Menu HighlightMedium (Design Options, Custom CSS) | ||
| Target Merchant | Stores prioritizing brand visibility | Stores aiming to improve product/collection discoverability |
Target Merchant Brands Directory Section 2.0Stores prioritizing brand visibility KOBU ‑ Menu HighlightStores aiming to improve product/collection discoverability | ||
| Mobile Support | Not explicitly mentioned | Explicit support for mobile menu navigation bar |
Mobile Support Brands Directory Section 2.0Not explicitly mentioned KOBU ‑ Menu HighlightExplicit support for mobile menu navigation bar | ||
| Value Proposition | Easy brand directory creation | Improved menu navigation and engagement |
Value Proposition Brands Directory Section 2.0Easy brand directory creation KOBU ‑ Menu HighlightImproved menu navigation and engagement | ||
Our Verdict
For Shopify merchants primarily concerned with showcasing brands and providing a simple, no-code brand directory, Brands Directory Section 2.0 could be a viable option, despite the lack of reviews at the current time. However, the absence of reviews is a significant risk factor. If a merchant needs a more robust and customizable menu solution, particularly with a focus on mobile experience and visual appeal, KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight is the clear winner, supported by a perfect rating and positive reviews. Its greater flexibility and focus on improving user engagement make it a stronger choice for most stores seeking to enhance their navigation.
Common Questions
Which app requires coding knowledge?
Brands Directory Section 2.0 explicitly states 'No coding required,' while KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight offers 'custom CSS' options, suggesting coding knowledge could be beneficial for advanced customization.
Which app is better for mobile users?
KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight explicitly mentions 'Support mobile menu navigation bar,' making it the better choice for merchants prioritizing the mobile shopping experience. Brands Directory Section 2.0 doesn't explicitly mention mobile support.
Which app is easier to set up?
Based on the descriptions, Brands Directory Section 2.0 seems easier to set up due to its 'No coding required' promise and simple brand directory functionality. KOBU ‑ Menu Highlight's extensive customization options could require more setup effort.
Does Brands Directory Section 2.0 offer any design customization?
Yes, Brands Directory Section 2.0 offers customization options for 'Colors and column size' and includes 'a section to write an intro'. These are basic customization features.
What if I only want a very simple way to showcase my brands?
If your only goal is a super-simple brand directory and the idea of more complex menu customization is intimidating, Brands Directory Section 2.0 *might* be a suitable choice, assuming you accept the risk of no current user reviews. However, you should thoroughly test it before committing to it.
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