Froystore review for Searchanise Search & Filter

Dec. 29, 2016

Largely given the options (mainly this versus InstantSearch+), Searchanise is the best available search provider for Shopify. Our main issue is that the app is still really weak/simplistic when it comes to search. For example, searching "table" on our store pulls up "table lamp" and "table clocks" as top results. Expected top results should be "dining tables" and "coffee tables". Trying to play with synonyms did not work, since it only applies to exact search strings. In fact, InstantSearch+ seems to be slightly more intelligent since they're able to provide the proper results (emphasis on "slightly" since they failed some basic search tests elsewhere). However, the cost of Searchanise is far superior and they also have some core features that InstantSearch+ does not. InstantSearch+ seems to have had a head start and coasted at this point - and it shows. InstantSearch+'s overall dashboard and "feel" is outdated compared to Searchanise, which we hope will continue to improve. Another point is customer service - the Searchanise team was very responsive and supportive of the few emails I sent. InstantSearch+'s service felt rather dismissive (a lot of one liners and ignoring some technical questions altogether). Overall, both apps fall short of what's expected from a power search app. Searchanise wins on affordability, customer support, and a weak competitive field. We'd pay more if the search was more accurate, but, given current lack of core search accuracy, the app still falls short of its main purpose. For a great search example, a competitor like Wayfair's search bar perfectly reflects user intent within the furniture/decor industry (but who knows how many times more they've invested into their technology).