Section Star: Theme Sections vs Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSfor Shopify (2026)
Section Star: Theme Sections and Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS both aim to enhance Shopify stores, but they take different approaches. Section Star focuses on providing ready-made, customizable theme sections to improve store design without coding. Its high rating (5/5) and emphasis on ease of use make it attractive to merchants looking for quick visual upgrades. Conversely, Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS prioritizes theme maintenance, updates, and data protection, using AI to ensure seamless updates and offering backup solutions. OOTS targets merchants concerned with technical upkeep and data security. Its features like AI-powered updates and automated backups are geared toward reducing the time and complexity associated with managing a Shopify store's backend. While Section Star offers direct developer support, OOTS provides features like theme version comparison and Shopify outage alerts, reflecting its focus on comprehensive store management and risk mitigation. The larger number of reviews for OOTS suggests wider adoption and a more established presence, despite the slightly lower rating (4.2/5).
At a Glance
Section Star: Theme Sections
76 reviews
Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS
254 reviews
Detailed Overview
Section Star: Theme Sections
Elevate your theme design using ready-to-go sections. Quickly customize to make it your own!
Key Features
- Choose from our library of beautiful Sections.
- No coding needed. Simply select the section and hit publish.
- Make it your own with deep customizations for each section.
- Tested to meet rigorous speed and quality metrics.
- Talk directly with the developer for support!
Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS
Get AI theme updates, add new sections, and protect your store with backups & outage alerts.
Key Features
- Update your Shopify theme without losing your customizations or content
- Email alerts when theme updates are available and Shopify outages are detected
- Automated backups for products, collections, themes, orders, customers, and more
- Compare themes versions (diff checker) to ensure customizations are maintained
- Install premium theme sections made by the top theme developers
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.2/5 |
Rating Section Star: Theme Sections5/5 Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS4.2/5 | ||
| Reviews | 76 | 254 |
Reviews Section Star: Theme Sections76 Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS254 | ||
| Primary Function | Theme Section Library & Customization | Theme Updates & Data Protection |
Primary Function Section Star: Theme SectionsTheme Section Library & Customization Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSTheme Updates & Data Protection | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants needing quick visual theme upgrades | Merchants needing theme maintenance and data security |
Target Merchant Section Star: Theme SectionsMerchants needing quick visual theme upgrades Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSMerchants needing theme maintenance and data security | ||
| Ease of Use | High (no coding required) | Moderate (AI-powered but more features) |
Ease of Use Section Star: Theme SectionsHigh (no coding required) Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSModerate (AI-powered but more features) | ||
| Value Proposition | Beautiful, customizable theme sections with developer support | Seamless theme updates, automated backups, and store monitoring |
Value Proposition Section Star: Theme SectionsBeautiful, customizable theme sections with developer support Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSSeamless theme updates, automated backups, and store monitoring | ||
| Key Differentiation | Direct developer support | AI-powered theme updates and automated backups |
Key Differentiation Section Star: Theme SectionsDirect developer support Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSAI-powered theme updates and automated backups | ||
| Backup Functionality | None | Automated backups for multiple data types |
Backup Functionality Section Star: Theme SectionsNone Theme Updater & Backups | OOTSAutomated backups for multiple data types | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants primarily focused on aesthetic improvements and easy-to-implement design changes, Section Star: Theme Sections is likely the better choice. Its ready-made sections and emphasis on customization offer a simple way to enhance store visuals. The direct developer support is also a significant benefit for those less comfortable with technical aspects.
However, for merchants prioritizing the smooth operation and security of their store, Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS is the more suitable option. Its AI-powered theme updates, automated backups, and store monitoring provide essential safeguards against data loss and technical issues. While it might have a slightly steeper learning curve, the long-term benefits of automated maintenance and data protection make it a valuable investment.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to use for a beginner?
Section Star: Theme Sections is likely easier for beginners due to its no-code approach and focus on ready-made, customizable sections. Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS has more features, which may present a steeper learning curve.
Does either app help with theme speed?
Section Star claims its sections are tested for speed, implying optimization. Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS's description doesn't directly address theme speed, but updated themes often contain performance improvements.
Which app is better for stores with custom-coded themes?
Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS is specifically designed to handle custom-coded themes through its AI-powered updater, preserving customizations during theme updates. Section Star is likely compatible, but its focus is on adding pre-designed sections rather than modifying existing custom code.
Which app is cheaper?
The provided data does not contain pricing information. A merchant would need to visit the Shopify App Store to compare the pricing models of each app in 2026.
Can these apps be used together?
Yes, they can be used together. Section Star can enhance the design of a store with pre-built sections, while Theme Updater & Backups | OOTS ensures the underlying theme is up-to-date and backed up.
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