EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter vs Search & Discovery ‑ Viselyfor Shopify (2026)
In 2026, Shopify merchants choosing between EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter and Search & Discovery ‑ Visely face a significant difference in user satisfaction and functionality. EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter, with a single 1-star review, offers basic sidebar menu and filter capabilities. Search & Discovery ‑ Visely, on the other hand, positions itself as a comprehensive solution for enhancing user engagement and boosting sales through advanced search, relevant suggestions, and tailored filters, backed by a strong 5-star rating from 34 reviews. Visely targets merchants seeking to improve the shopping experience with features like real-time catalog syncing, customized filters (including discounts and reviews), personalized recommendations, and advanced control over search results through pins, synonyms, and custom rankings. Visely also highlights its “white-glove” service for theme integration, suggesting a focus on ease of use and a higher level of support. EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter seems geared towards merchants with simpler needs and potentially limited catalogs, where a basic sidebar menu and filter functionality suffices.
At a Glance
EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter
1 reviews
Search & Discovery ‑ Visely
34 reviews
Detailed Overview
Search & Discovery ‑ Visely
Grow user engagement & boost sales with relevant search results, suggestions and filters
Key Features
- Offer relevant search results, suggestions & recommendations to your customers
- Create business tailored filters to let users refine search and collections
- Add any type of recommendations anywhere on your site to increase engagement
- Boost results relevancy with pins, synonyms, exclusions and custom rankings
- Customize user experience for international and business shoppers
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Rating EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter1/5 Search & Discovery ‑ Visely5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 1 | 34 |
Reviews EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter1 Search & Discovery ‑ Visely34 | ||
| Core Functionality | Sidebar Menu & Filter | Advanced Search, Suggestions, Recommendations & Filters |
Core Functionality EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar FilterSidebar Menu & Filter Search & Discovery ‑ ViselyAdvanced Search, Suggestions, Recommendations & Filters | ||
| Target Merchant | Small catalog, basic needs | Growing business, large catalog, complex filtering needs |
Target Merchant EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar FilterSmall catalog, basic needs Search & Discovery ‑ ViselyGrowing business, large catalog, complex filtering needs | ||
| Ease of Use | Likely simpler setup | White-glove service for theme integration |
Ease of Use EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar FilterLikely simpler setup Search & Discovery ‑ ViselyWhite-glove service for theme integration | ||
| Value Proposition | Basic navigation & filtering | Increased engagement & sales through optimized search & discovery |
Value Proposition EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar FilterBasic navigation & filtering Search & Discovery ‑ ViselyIncreased engagement & sales through optimized search & discovery | ||
| Catalog Synchronization | Not mentioned | Real-time catalog sync |
Catalog Synchronization EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar FilterNot mentioned Search & Discovery ‑ ViselyReal-time catalog sync | ||
| Personalization | Not mentioned | International & Business shopper customization |
Personalization EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar FilterNot mentioned Search & Discovery ‑ ViselyInternational & Business shopper customization | ||
Our Verdict
For most Shopify merchants in 2026 aiming to optimize their store's search and discovery experience, Search & Discovery ‑ Visely is the clear winner. Its high rating, robust feature set including real-time catalog sync, and focus on personalization demonstrate its value in driving user engagement and sales. While EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter may suffice for stores with very basic needs and limited product catalogs, the lack of positive user feedback and the absence of advanced features make it a less compelling option.
Merchants with larger catalogs, international customers, or those needing fine-grained control over search results should strongly consider Visely. Stores prioritizing simplicity and cost savings *might* initially consider EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter, but they should carefully weigh the risks associated with the app's low rating and limited features. A trial of both apps is highly recommended to assess their suitability for the specific needs of each store.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up?
While EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter likely has a simpler initial setup due to its limited feature set, Search & Discovery ‑ Visely offers a "white-glove" service for theme integration, potentially making it easier to integrate seamlessly into your store's design despite its advanced capabilities.
Which app is better for large product catalogs?
Search & Discovery ‑ Visely is undoubtedly better for large product catalogs. Its real-time catalog sync and advanced filtering capabilities, including filters for discounts and reviews, are designed to handle the complexities of a larger inventory.
Does either app offer personalization features?
Search & Discovery ‑ Visely offers personalization features for international and business shoppers, allowing you to customize the user experience based on their location and business type. EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter does not explicitly mention any personalization capabilities.
Which app has better customer support?
While neither app explicitly mentions their support, the higher rating and number of reviews for Search & Discovery ‑ Visely suggests a better overall user experience, which often includes better support. The 'white-glove' service also implies a higher level of support compared to EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter.
Which app offers more control over search results?
Search & Discovery ‑ Visely provides extensive control over search results with features like pins, synonyms, exclusions, and custom rankings, allowing you to fine-tune the relevancy of search results for your customers. EZ Sidebar Menu+Sidebar Filter's search functionality is likely much more basic.
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