In this guide, we compare Searchspring vs Fast Simon to help you choose the best eCommerce search solution for your business in 2025. Both platforms have built strong reputations in the eCommerce world, helping online stores optimize site search, product recommendations, and merchandising.
But which one is better for your business in 2025? In this guide, we break down the differences between Searchspring vs Fast Simon, what they’re best known for, and what to consider before making your decision.
What Is Searchspring?
Searchspring is a search and merchandising platform trusted by enterprise and mid-sized retailers to power their site search and product discovery experiences. It is especially favored by brands that want more manual control over search results, product curation, and merchandising logic.
Retailers who prioritize detailed customization — like rule-based filtering, category-level control, and deep analytics — often gravitate toward Searchspring for its flexibility and precision.
What Is Fast Simon?
Fast Simon, on the other hand, is an AI-first search and merchandising platform. It focuses on speed, automation, and personalization. Rather than requiring intensive manual setup, Fast Simon uses machine learning to adapt to shopper behavior and optimize product discovery in real-time.
It’s a favorite among Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento merchants who want an intelligent plug-and-play solution with minimal manual involvement.
Key Differences Between Searchspring and Fast Simon
While both platforms offer AI-powered features like smart search, product recommendations, and merchandising tools, they differ in execution and approach.
Searchspring puts emphasis on manual control and customization. You can set detailed rules, configure sorting logic, and fine-tune search filters to fit specific merchandising strategies.
Fast Simon focuses on real-time AI automation, using shopper behavior and contextual signals to automatically adapt what users see — without requiring you to set up detailed rules.
Their target audiences overlap, but they cater to slightly different mindsets:
Searchspring appeals to merchants who want to steer the engine. Fast Simon appeals to merchants who want the engine to drive itself.
What About Pricing?
Neither platform offers public pricing on their websites. Both use a custom quote model, typically based on:
- Monthly website traffic
- Number of SKUs or products
- Number of features enabled (e.g., search only vs search + recommendations)
Many users report that Searchspring and Fast Simon are positioned at the premium end of the market. That means their solutions are robust but may be more expensive — particularly for small or growing businesses.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Searchspring if:
- You need precise control over merchandising logic
- Your team has the resources to configure complex rules
- You want granular filtering and reporting
Choose Fast Simon if:
- You prefer a hands-off, AI-automated setup
- You want a quick time-to-live integration
- You value predictive personalization and smart collections
Looking for a Simpler, More Affordable Alternative?
If you’re stuck between Searchspring vs Fast Simon and both seem too complex or too costly for your current needs — take a look at ExpertRec. It offers AI-powered site search, recommendations, and merchandising in a simpler, more budget-friendly package designed for businesses of all sizes.
With fast setup, intuitive controls, and flexible pricing, ExpertRec is a great option for businesses who want smart search without the overhead.
Final Thoughts
Both Searchspring and Fast Simon are powerful tools that can elevate your eCommerce experience. The right choice depends on whether you value control or automation, and how much you’re willing to invest in onboarding and customization.
But if you’re looking for a middle ground — power, ease, and affordability — ExpertRec might be the perfect fit for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions about Searchspring vs Fast Simon
What is the difference between Searchspring and Fast Simon?
Searchspring offers manual control and rule-based merchandising, while Fast Simon focuses on AI automation and real-time personalization.
Is Fast Simon cheaper than Searchspring?
Pricing for both platforms is custom and not publicly listed, but many users find Fast Simon to be more cost-effective for smaller businesses.
Which is better for Shopify stores: Searchspring or Fast Simon?
Fast Simon is often preferred by Shopify users for its fast setup and native integrations, while Searchspring is better for stores needing advanced control.
Do both Searchspring and Fast Simon support AI-powered recommendations?
Yes, both platforms offer AI-based product recommendations and search capabilities, though their approaches differ in setup and control.
Is there a simpler alternative to Searchspring and Fast Simon?
Yes, ExpertRec offers a simpler, more affordable alternative with fast setup and customizable features for growing eCommerce businesses.
