Frequently Bought Together FT vs MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Orderfor Shopify (2026)
Frequently Bought Together FT and MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order, both categorized as 'Product bundles' apps on Shopify, cater to distinct merchant needs despite their shared category. Frequently Bought Together FT (FT) focuses on increasing average order value by suggesting complementary products. With a rating of 4.7/5 from 335 reviews, it aims to improve the customer shopping experience and drive sales by showcasing relevant bundles. Its core value proposition is enhanced product discovery and cross-selling. MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order, boasting a perfect 5/5 rating from 306 reviews, centers on streamlining the order process for customers who frequently purchase multiple variants of a single product. It is likely designed for stores with a high degree of product customization or a business model reliant on bulk orders. This app simplifies the selection process and facilitates rapid order placement. The crucial difference lies in the user's intent: FT encourages adding more products to the cart, while MultiVariants focuses on simplifying the selection of different versions/variations of the *same* product in bulk. In 2026, with an increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape, both apps offer valuable functionalities, yet their target audience and core functionalities are fundamentally different. The choice depends entirely on the merchant's specific goals and the nature of their product catalog.
At a Glance
Frequently Bought Together FT
335 reviews
MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order
306 reviews
Detailed Overview
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Frequently Bought Together FT4.7/5 MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 335 | 306 |
Reviews Frequently Bought Together FT335 MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order306 | ||
| Core Functionality | Suggests complementary product bundles for upselling | Facilitates bulk ordering of multiple variants of a single product |
Core Functionality Frequently Bought Together FTSuggests complementary product bundles for upselling MultiVariants ‑ Bulk OrderFacilitates bulk ordering of multiple variants of a single product | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants seeking to increase average order value via cross-selling | Merchants offering highly customizable products or targeting bulk orders. |
Target Merchant Frequently Bought Together FTMerchants seeking to increase average order value via cross-selling MultiVariants ‑ Bulk OrderMerchants offering highly customizable products or targeting bulk orders. | ||
| User Experience Focus | Improves product discovery and cross-selling experience | Streamlines the variant selection and ordering process |
User Experience Focus Frequently Bought Together FTImproves product discovery and cross-selling experience MultiVariants ‑ Bulk OrderStreamlines the variant selection and ordering process | ||
| Value Proposition | Increased average order value, improved customer engagement, enhanced product discovery | Simplified bulk ordering, reduced ordering errors, improved customer satisfaction (for bulk purchases) |
Value Proposition Frequently Bought Together FTIncreased average order value, improved customer engagement, enhanced product discovery MultiVariants ‑ Bulk OrderSimplified bulk ordering, reduced ordering errors, improved customer satisfaction (for bulk purchases) | ||
| Impact on Cart Size | Encourages larger cart sizes by adding different product types. | Primarily increases the quantity of a single product (across different variants). |
Impact on Cart Size Frequently Bought Together FTEncourages larger cart sizes by adding different product types. MultiVariants ‑ Bulk OrderPrimarily increases the quantity of a single product (across different variants). | ||
| Primary Benefit | Product Recommendations | Variant Bulk Ordering |
Primary Benefit Frequently Bought Together FTProduct Recommendations MultiVariants ‑ Bulk OrderVariant Bulk Ordering | ||
Our Verdict
If your primary goal is to increase the average order value by encouraging customers to purchase related products, Frequently Bought Together FT is likely the better choice. Its recommendation engine can significantly boost sales by suggesting complementary items that customers might not have considered otherwise. This is ideal for stores selling a diverse range of products where strategic bundling can be effective.
However, if you sell products with numerous variants (e.g., size, color, material) and cater to customers who frequently buy in bulk, MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order is the superior option. Its streamlined interface for selecting multiple variants simplifies the ordering process, reducing friction and potentially increasing sales volume. Stores selling clothing, custom-made goods, or wholesale items would benefit the most. While MultiVariants has a higher rating, remember that both apps address distinct needs; choosing the right one depends entirely on your specific business model.
Common Questions
Which app is better for increasing average order value?
Frequently Bought Together FT is specifically designed to increase average order value by suggesting complementary products. MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order primarily focuses on streamlining bulk variant selection for a single product.
Which app is better for a store selling clothing with multiple sizes and colors?
MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order would likely be more beneficial, as it allows customers to easily select multiple sizes and colors of the same item in bulk.
Does the higher rating of MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order automatically make it the better choice?
No. The higher rating indicates greater satisfaction among its target users, but the apps address different needs. The best choice depends on whether you need to promote product bundles (Frequently Bought Together FT) or simplify bulk variant ordering (MultiVariants ‑ Bulk Order).
Can both apps be used together?
Potentially, but careful consideration is needed. Using both apps concurrently could overwhelm customers if not implemented strategically. It depends on the store's specific product offering and customer behavior.
Which app requires less technical expertise to set up and manage?
Without further details, it is impossible to say for certain. Evaluate the app's documentation and support resources before committing. Both apps generally try to make it straightforward.
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