COMPARISON
Recharge vs Shopify Subscriptions by catalog type.
An app fee against native. Shopify Subscriptions is Shopify's free app for subscription plans; Recharge is a dedicated subscription platform with bundles, a richer portal and retention tools.
OUR VERDICT
Pick Shopify Subscriptions for a simple catalog with straightforward plans. Pick Recharge when you need build-a-box bundles, a customisable portal, cancellation flows and deeper subscription analytics — and the volume justifies the fee. Pricing changes often — check current pricing: Recharge pricing.
SIDE BY SIDE
Recharge vs Shopify Subscriptions, row by row.
Green marks the better option for most Shopify brands; amber means it depends on your store.
| Recharge | Shopify Subscriptions | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Monthly plan plus transaction fees | Free appBetter |
| Setup | More to configure | Quick, inside ShopifyBetter |
| Customer portal | Customisable, with skip, swap and add-onsBetter | Native customer accounts |
| Bundles & build-a-box | Built inBetter | Limited |
| Retention tools | Cancellation flows and offersBetter | Basic |
| Analytics | Subscription-specific reportingBetter | Shopify reports |
| Integrations | Large ecosystem (email, loyalty, analytics)Better | Works with Shopify apps |
| Checkout | Shopify checkout | Shopify checkout |
| Best catalog | Many SKUs, bundles, high volumeDepends | Few products, simple plansDepends |
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Plan your subscription offer
Frequencies, incentives and retention flows that fit your product.
See subscriptions & retention →CONVERSION CALCULATOR
Model the revenue
See what a lift in subscription conversion is worth.
Run the calculator →FAQ
Questions about Recharge vs Shopify Subscriptions
Still torn?
We’ll look at your store on a 30-minute call.
Book a callCan I switch from Recharge to Shopify Subscriptions?
Yes, but subscriptions and payment methods must be migrated carefully so renewals aren't interrupted. Plan it with both apps' migration tools.
Does Recharge use Shopify checkout?
Yes. Recharge subscriptions are purchased through Shopify checkout.
Which is better for a single-product brand?
Usually Shopify Subscriptions, unless you need advanced retention tools or bundles.
You've reached the end, so now…
Tell us what you're selling.
Send us your store. Within one business day you get a short Loom from a senior: the three things we'd fix first, what it would cost, and whether we're the right team for it.
- No pitch deck, no discovery-call theatre
- You keep the audit whether or not you hire us
- Fixed-scope quotes, no hourly surprises
Prefer to talk? Book 20 minutes with Haniel or call +1 855-764-4977