Cheaper Alternative to Fast Simon for Shopify & eCommerce Stores

AI-powered search and merchandising platforms like Fast Simon offer powerful tools to improve product discovery and conversions. However, as many Shopify and eCommerce store owners quickly realize, these advanced features often come at a high price.

If you’re exploring a cheaper alternative to Fast Simon, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a growing brand or a mid-sized retailer looking to manage costs without compromising on performance, there are credible alternatives worth considering.

In this blog, we’ll break down why businesses search for alternatives, what to look for in a cost-effective search platform, and which features you should prioritize to strike the right balance between price and performance.

Why Are Merchants Looking for Alternatives to Fast Simon?

Recent reviews from Shopify store owners shed light on key issues:

Unexpected Price Hikes

Several long-time users reported significant jumps in their subscription pricing — in some cases, more than doubling — without new features or clear value added. One US-based store mentioned their plan going from $140/year to $400/year, and that the app disabled basic search on their store once the subscription expired, causing lost sales over the weekend.

Another store from Germany noted a price increase from $19/month to $149/month, with no explanation. When they contacted support, they were told the pricing was “just how it is now.”

These kinds of jumps leave store owners feeling locked in and penalized for trying to scale — making it a common reason to seek alternatives.

What to Look for in a Cheaper Alternative

If you’re evaluating alternatives to Fast Simon, you don’t necessarily have to compromise on features. The key is identifying platforms that focus on core functionality without inflating costs. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Accurate, typo-tolerant search

• Custom filters (facets)

• Visual merchandising or pinning

• Lightweight implementation

• Stable, transparent pricing

• Responsive customer support

Examples of Merchants Switching to Affordable Options

• A US-based design brand switched away from Fast Simon after a major price hike and unresponsive support. They tested two other apps with freemium plans and found that even those met their needs at a fraction of the cost.

• A European apparel store opted out after realizing the new pricing didn’t align with any measurable improvements in search quality. They highlighted how several other plugins offered more flexible billing models and were easier to use.

These stories aren’t isolated — similar sentiments appear frequently in review sites like G2, Shopify App Store, and community forums.

Source

Key Benefits of Switching

• Cost Savings: Alternatives typically offer flat pricing or tiered plans that scale more predictably.

• Faster Setup: Many options have plug-and-play configurations with no dev needed.

• Feature Control: You get only what you need — no bloated tools or bundled upsells.

• Customer-Centric Support: Smaller providers often prioritize customer care to retain loyalty.

Conclusion: Don’t Overpay for Features You Don’t Use

Fast Simon has undeniably strong features, but not every merchant needs an enterprise-grade tool with an enterprise-grade price tag. Rising costs, reduced flexibility, and inconsistent support have led many store owners to consider more budget-friendly alternatives — especially when other apps provide comparable functionality.

✅ Expertrec is one such solution that offers a powerful, customizable Shopify search experience at a fraction of the price. Learn more on our website.