Shopify Search & Discovery vs Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)for Shopify (2026)
Shopify Search & Discovery and Skio Subscriptions target entirely different aspects of a Shopify merchant's business, despite sharing the 'Upsell and cross-sell' category. Shopify Search & Discovery, developed by Shopify itself, focuses on improving the on-site shopping experience through enhanced search functionality, customizable filters, and product recommendations. Its strength lies in making it easier for customers to find the products they want and discover related items, aiming to increase average order value. It's especially useful for merchants with large catalogs or those looking to optimize their existing product discovery process using built-in analytics. Skio Subscriptions, on the other hand, is a third-party app designed to manage and optimize subscription-based businesses. It prioritizes customer retention and increased lifetime value (LTV) through features like a no-code customer portal, customizable subscription boxes, and automated customer journey flows. Skio caters to merchants who rely heavily on recurring revenue and need a robust platform to manage subscriptions, reduce churn, and improve the subscriber experience. The claim that 'top brands graduate to' Skio indicates a focus on more mature or rapidly growing subscription businesses.
At a Glance
Shopify Search & Discovery
485 reviews
Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)
219 reviews
Detailed Overview
Shopify Search & Discovery
Help customers find the right products and sell more using Shopify’s free Search & Discovery app
Key Features
- Customize filters to let shoppers refine their search by multiple categories.
- Make synonym groups, so product descriptions match the terms shoppers use.
- Use product boosts to feature products you want highlighted in search results.
- Add related and complementary products on product detail pages.
- Access analytics to understand your store’s search and discovery performance.
Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)
The subscription platform top brands graduate to.
Key Features
- No-code customer portal - Beautiful UX that cuts support tickets in half
- Build-a-Box - Let subscribers customize bundles (static/dynamic/sectioned)
- Multi-step cancel flows - Turn cancellations into pauses, swaps, and saves
- Automated journeys - Welcome flows, win-backs, and upsells on autopilot
- Seamless migration - We move your subscribers without losing data or sleep
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Shopify Search & Discovery4/5 Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 485 | 219 |
Reviews Shopify Search & Discovery485 Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)219 | ||
| Primary Function | Enhance Product Discovery | Manage Subscriptions |
Primary Function Shopify Search & DiscoveryEnhance Product Discovery Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Manage Subscriptions | ||
| Target Merchant | All Shopify Merchants | Subscription-Based Businesses |
Target Merchant Shopify Search & DiscoveryAll Shopify Merchants Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Subscription-Based Businesses | ||
| Key Feature 1 | Customizable Filters | No-Code Customer Portal |
Key Feature 1 Shopify Search & DiscoveryCustomizable Filters Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)No-Code Customer Portal | ||
| Key Feature 2 | Product Recommendations | Build-a-Box Subscriptions |
Key Feature 2 Shopify Search & DiscoveryProduct Recommendations Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Build-a-Box Subscriptions | ||
| Ease of Use | Likely Higher (Shopify-Native) | Potentially Steeper Learning Curve |
Ease of Use Shopify Search & DiscoveryLikely Higher (Shopify-Native) Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Potentially Steeper Learning Curve | ||
| Value Proposition | Improved On-Site Search & Discovery | Increased Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) |
Value Proposition Shopify Search & DiscoveryImproved On-Site Search & Discovery Skio Subscriptions (YC S20)Increased Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) | ||
Our Verdict
Choosing between Shopify Search & Discovery and Skio Subscriptions depends entirely on the merchant's business model. If a store's primary focus is on one-time purchases and the goal is to improve product findability and cross-selling opportunities, Shopify Search & Discovery is the clear choice, especially given its free availability and Shopify integration. It's a solid foundation for any Shopify store looking to optimize its search and discovery experience.
However, for businesses centered around subscriptions, Skio Subscriptions is the far superior option. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed to manage and grow a subscription business, from customizable subscription options to churn-reduction features. While it might require a higher investment and a slightly steeper learning curve, the potential ROI in terms of increased LTV and customer retention makes it a worthwhile investment for subscription-focused merchants.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up?
Shopify Search & Discovery is likely easier to set up, given it is a native Shopify app and likely integrates seamlessly with the existing Shopify store setup. Skio might require more configuration, especially during the initial migration of subscribers.
Which app is free?
Shopify Search & Discovery is free, whereas Skio Subscriptions is a paid app.
Can I use both apps at the same time?
Yes, you can use both apps concurrently, as they address different aspects of the business. Shopify Search & Discovery enhances the overall shopping experience, while Skio Subscriptions manages the subscription aspect. There might be some overlap in cross-selling, but they mainly serve different customer segments (one-time vs. recurring).
Which app focuses on customer retention?
Skio Subscriptions directly focuses on customer retention, with features like multi-step cancel flows and automated win-back journeys. Shopify Search & Discovery indirectly impacts retention by improving the overall shopping experience.
Which app provides more detailed analytics?
While both apps offer analytics, Shopify Search & Discovery provides analytics focused on search and discovery performance within the store. Skio provides analytics focused on subscription performance, churn rate, and customer lifetime value.
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