Members Only Section vs XO Sectionsfor Shopify (2026)
In 2026, Shopify merchants choosing between 'Members Only Section' and 'XO Sections' face a stark contrast. 'Members Only Section' focuses on gating content based on customer tags, creating exclusive areas within existing pages and product templates for VIP or wholesale customers. It emphasizes customization of restricted area messages and appearance, integrating directly into Shopify 2.0 themes without requiring coding. In contrast, 'XO Sections' is a broader page builder, empowering merchants to design custom product pages and add sections to any theme. It highlights ease of use, diverse design options for images, icons, and buttons, and optimized page speed. The target audiences and value propositions differ significantly.
At a Glance
Members Only Section
0 reviews
XO Sections
23 reviews
Detailed Overview
Members Only Section
Adds a Members only section to any 2.0 Theme page or product template.
Key Features
- Works on any Shopify 2.0 theme without coding.
- Customer tag as trigger per section (can have different tags on each section)
- Custom message to logged in customers.
XO Sections
No-code sections & product page builder
Key Features
- Add sections to any theme.
- Design product pages with different content
- Different background types, option to change blocks.
- Different styles for image, icon, button...
- Perfect page speed.
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 0/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Members Only Section0/5 XO Sections5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 0 | 23 |
Reviews Members Only Section0 XO Sections23 | ||
| Target Use Case | Content restriction via customer tags | Full page & section building with design flexibility |
Target Use Case Members Only SectionContent restriction via customer tags XO SectionsFull page & section building with design flexibility | ||
| Theme Compatibility | Shopify 2.0 themes (no coding) | Any theme |
Theme Compatibility Members Only SectionShopify 2.0 themes (no coding) XO SectionsAny theme | ||
| Key Differentiator | Customizable content restriction based on customer tags | Broad design options for various page elements |
Key Differentiator Members Only SectionCustomizable content restriction based on customer tags XO SectionsBroad design options for various page elements | ||
| Ease of Use Claim | No coding required | Easy-to-use interface |
Ease of Use Claim Members Only SectionNo coding required XO SectionsEasy-to-use interface | ||
| Primary Benefit | Create member-exclusive areas | Design flexible & visually appealing pages |
Primary Benefit Members Only SectionCreate member-exclusive areas XO SectionsDesign flexible & visually appealing pages | ||
| Reported Performance | Not stated | Perfect page speed |
Reported Performance Members Only SectionNot stated XO SectionsPerfect page speed | ||
- Conversion Audit
- Speed Audit
- SEO Audit
Conversion Audit
Our Verdict
For merchants needing to create membership-restricted content areas and prioritizing seamless integration within Shopify 2.0 themes, 'Members Only Section' might be a good starting point, assuming they are willing to be early adopters without the reassurance of existing reviews. However, the lack of ratings and reviews presents a significant risk. 'XO Sections', with its higher rating and positive reviews, presents a more confident and potentially more robust option, especially for merchants seeking extensive design freedom for overall storefronts and optimized page speed. Due to the lack of social proof for 'Members Only Section', 'XO Sections' is the safer recommendation at this point.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to use?
Both apps claim ease of use, stating 'no coding required' for Members Only Section and 'easy-to-use interface' for XO Sections. However, XO Sections has the backing of 23 reviews that support this claim, making it the more trustworthy option.
Which app is better for creating a wholesale section?
Members Only Section is specifically designed for scenarios like a 'wholesale only collection' because it's based on customer tags, allowing you to restrict access to users tagged as wholesalers. XO Sections could potentially be used, but would require extra customization to manage access.
Which app is better for optimizing page speed?
XO Sections explicitly states that it leads to 'Perfect page speed'. Members Only Section makes no such claims, making XO Sections the better choice for merchants concerned about website performance.
Can I use both apps together?
It is possible but may not be the ideal solution. 'Members Only Section' focuses solely on content restriction, while 'XO Sections' deals with overall page and section design. Using both may lead to feature redundancy and potentially conflict. It's best to assess your specific needs and select one app that fulfills the majority of them.
How is the customer support for each app?
Neither app description offers insight into their customer support practices. XO Sections may have better support based on its numerous positive reviews.
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