Product Comparisons for Shopify Stores: How Better UX Boosts Conversions

While not every store uses side-by-side tables, many leading Shopify brands use comparison UX patterns:

Even when you don’t see a formal table, the principle remains the same: reduce decision friction, make comparisons easy, and help customers choose faster.

Their dedicated “Compare Mattresses” section allows users to see key features side by side in a clean, scannable format, a textbook case of comparison UX in action.

Allowing just two products at a time makes this design manageable on mobile.

Since many shoppers compare stoves across different sites and brands, we wanted them to do this within the Stovefitters Shopify store. I designed a “sticky compare” feature that lets users add products themselves and view them side by side.

View the Stovefitter’s case study here.

This design allowed users to expand product cards to show more options directly on the collection page. This way, customers could make informed decisions without needing to click through to multiple product pages.

Many Shopify stores avoid formal side-by-side tables but still use subtle comparison tools like badges, filters, and product highlights. For example, lifestyle brands often use “Best Seller” tags or colour-coded filters to guide customers without overwhelming them.

According to Baymard Institute, comparison features directly improve product page usability and decision confidence. For Shopify stores, the benefits include:

1. Reduced Returns: Customers make more informed choices, so they’re less likely to buy the “wrong” item.

2. Higher Average Order Value: Highlighting upgrades nudges buyers toward premium options.

3. Increased Trust: Transparent comparisons show you’re not hiding information.

4. Faster Purchase Decisions: Less confusion means fewer abandoned carts.

For more information and tips on how to boost CRO and AOV see my article How to Increase Conversion Rates on Your Shopify Store

Ideal for electronics, supplements, software, or any product with features that can be lined up side by side.

• Apps: Product Compare by Omega or Yotpo.

• Top tip: Highlight the “recommended” product with a badge or subtle colour shift.

For lifestyle brands, quizzes simplify choices while gathering customer data.

• Example: Which mattress is right for you? or What Coffee would you like?

• App: Recharge.

I have worked on a lot of quizzes which show a curated selection of products at the end. Utilising apps like Recharge can easily badge on subscriptions into this flow, which is great for ongoing sales.

For lifestyle brands, quizzes simplify choices while gathering customer data.

• Example: Which mattress is right for you? or What Coffee would you like?

• App: Recharge.

I have worked on a lot of quizzes which show a curated selection of products at the end. Utilising apps like Recharge can easily badge on subscriptions into this flow which is great for ongoing sales.

Not every store needs a table. Sometimes a simple “Best Seller” or “Most Popular” badge does the job.

Amazon’s approach is a gold standard, highlighting products with the best value or products with the biggest saving.

Let customers self-compare by filtering by attributes (size, colour, price, rating).

• Shopify supports this natively, but UX tweaks can make it far more usable.

My Microinteractions in Shopify Design article is a helpful guide on how you can make filters, badges, and highlights a better user experience.

• Keep it simple: No more than 3–4 products side by side.

• Use icons: Visuals are processed faster than text.

• Highlight differences: Don’t just list features — call out what’s unique.

• Mobile first: Ensure tables stack properly and remain scannable.

• CTA placement: Always keep “Add to Cart” or “Shop Now” buttons visible.

Product comparisons aren’t a gimmick or a dated approach — they’re a proven way to reduce choice overload, build trust, and guide customers to the right purchase. Whether you use tables, quizzes, or subtle badging, the goal is the same: help customers decide faster and with more confidence.

If you’re a Shopify store owner wondering how to integrate comparisons into your store, working with a Shopify Expert and specialist freelance designer like me can help you choose the right approach for your products and your customers’ needs.