10 Fastest Shopify Themes To Improve Your Site Speed
No one wants to wait around for a slow website! Trust me; a fast and smooth website can make a big difference in turning visitors into paying customers. But finding a fast Shopify theme can be tricky, as so many options exist!
That's why I decided to test all themes on the Shopify theme store so you don’t have to do the heavy work. I will pick out the 10 fastest ones based on my test scores and separate them into free and premium categories because, let's face it, comparing a basic free theme to a feature-packed premium one isn't fair.
My Testing Methods
Here's how I compiled the fastest Shopify themes list:
- I used Google's PageSpeed Insights to test each theme with its .myshopify.com subdomain for a real experience of the theme on a real live store. I did not use the preview page on the Shopify theme store.
- I picked 1 preset of each theme and tested the Home page, 1 Collection page, and 1 Product page, measuring Speed Index and Performance scores on both Mobile and Desktop devices.
- I also considered feedback from users regarding the theme's speed and performance.
So, let's see which themes live up to their reputations!
Fastest Loading Shopify Themes - Premium Themes
Premium Shopify themes, packed with many features, can sometimes drag down your site's performance. But, there are some gems out there that manage to deliver both beauty and speed!
Blum
The Shopify Blum theme embraces a minimalist philosophy, using ample white space, simple typography, and subtle animations to create a sophisticated and uncluttered look.
I was struck by the theme's snappy performance. Pages loaded swiftly and seamlessly, navigation feels incredibly smooth. It's clear that the developer has taken steps to optimize the theme for speed, making it a great choice for businesses that value a fast and visually engaging Shopify store.
Blum also delivers exceptional Google Pagespeed scores that create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.9s | 97 | 1.9s | 91 |
| Collection Page | 0.8s | 96 | 2.4s | 73 |
| Product Page | 0.7s | 100 | 2.4s | 71 |
| Average | 0.8s | 97.7 | 2.2s | 78.3 |
Key features:
- Lightweight, optimized code for faster loading
- Mobile-first design
- Optimized images
- Lazy loading
- Built-in caching features
- Intuitive navigation and quick view option
- SEO-friendly
Pricing: $170
Ratings:
Based on the reviews I've seen, users are raving about the theme! It has a 100% positive rating, with praise for its intuitive design, extensive features, and stellar customer support. Users also highlight its lightning-fast loading speed and recommend it for beginners or those on a budget.
Who should use the Shopify Blum theme?
- Fashion and apparel brands that prioritize a clean, modern aesthetic
- Luxury cosmetics, skincare, and beauty stores
- Small to medium-sized businesses prioritizing speed and performance
Prestige
While known for its elegant and luxurious aesthetic, the Shopify Prestige theme also delivers impressive performance.
Its streamlined design, featuring optimized code, minimalist layouts, and strategic use of image optimization and lazy loading techniques further contributes to its rapid performance. Features like quick view and efficient product filtering also minimize page loads.
While the theme might be a bit slower on mobile devices compared to desktop, the theme still provides a smooth and seamless browsing experience for customers.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.7s | 99 | 3.3s | 64 |
| Collection Page | 1.2s | 99 | 3.4s | 74 |
| Product Page | 0.9s | 99 | 3s | 69 |
| Average | 0.93s | 99.0 | 3.2s | 69.0 |
Key features:
- Optimized code
- Lazy loading images
- Efficient CSS
- Less render blocking resources
- Quick view
- Advanced filtering
- Mega-menu and intuitive navigation
Pricing: $380
Ratings
Prestige boasts a 90% positive rating on the Shopify Theme Store, with users highlighting its premium design and the developer's responsive and helpful support. Many also appreciate its fast loading times, clean code, and extensive features, making it a popular choice for developers and experienced users.
Who should use the Shopify Prestige theme?
- Luxury brands & high-end products
- Fashion & beauty brands that focus on visual storytelling and product visual showcasing
- Businesses with both online and offline presence
Stockmart
The Shopify Stockmart theme lives up to its reputation for fast loading speeds. From my own experience, its sleek and modern design, combined with lightweight code and optimized images, translates to a noticeably quicker browsing experience for users, especially on desktop, often achieving load times under a second.
While the mobile loading speed might be slightly slower, it's still fast enough to keep customers engaged, especially considering the theme's ability to handle high-resolution media.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.9s | 100 | 3.4s | 78 |
| Collection Page | 2.9s | 87 | 1s | 98 |
| Product Page | 0.9s | 98 | 3.4s | 75 |
| Average | 1.57s | 95.0 | 2.6s | 83.7 |
Key features
- Clean and minimalist design
- Optimized image sizes and formats
- Efficient navigation with mega menu
- Predictive search
- Quick view
- Quick buy
Pricing: $380
Ratings:
The Stockmart Shopify theme has an 88% positive rating on the Shopify theme store, with users highlighting its sleek design and practical features. It's a newer theme, and people seem to appreciate its fresh approach, speed, and unique functionalities.
Who is the Shopify Stockmart theme best for?
- Stores with extensive inventories
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Electronics, clothing & apparel, home goods stores
- Brick-and-mortar stores who want to go online
Habitat
From my firsthand experience with the Habitat Shopify theme, it's clear that it has struck a balance between stunning aesthetics and impressive speed. The homepage is a visual treat with its large, high-quality images and captivating animations, yet it manages to load in less than a second on desktop.
The emphasis on rich media does seem to slightly impact loading times, especially on slower connections or mobile devices. However, the product page loads remarkably fast, highlighting their focus on optimizing the core of the shopping experience.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.9s | 97 | 1.9s | <82 |
| Collection Page | 0.8s | 97 | 2.7s | 59 |
| Product Page | 1s | 96 | 2.8s | 73 |
| Average | 0.9s | 96.7 | 2.5s | 71.3 |
Key features
- Product-focused design
- Mobile responsiveness
- Efficient codebase
- Browser caching
- Optimized code
- Enhanced search
- Infinite scroll
- Mega menu
Pricing: $300
Ratings
Habitat users are generally very satisfied with the theme, with a whopping 88% positive feedback. They particularly love its beautiful design and practical features. It seems like recent updates have made a big difference, especially by removing the need for extra filtering apps.
Plus, customers rave about the helpful and responsive support team, which is always a big plus when it comes to customizing and troubleshooting.
Who should use the Shopify Habitat theme?
- Shopify stores with medium to large catalog sizes
- Fashion, furniture, and home decor stores
- Stores with multiple physical locations
Stockholm
From my own experience navigating the Shopify Stockholm theme's demo store, it's clear that speed and efficiency are core components of its design. The minimalist aesthetic, with its clean lines and generous white space, not only creates a sense of elegance but also contributes to faster loading times.
The focus on showcasing a limited number of products per page further streamlines the browsing experience, ensuring that customers aren't overwhelmed with information and that the site remains responsive.
Additionally, the theme's emphasis on high-quality imagery doesn't seem to hinder its performance, suggesting effective image optimization techniques behind the scenes.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 1.1s | 98 | 3s | 79 |
| Collection Page | 0.9s | 98 | 2.3s | 92 |
| Product Page | 0.9s | 100 | 3.2s | 68 |
| Average | 0.97s | 98.7 | 2.8s | 79.7 |
Key features
- Clear menu structure
- Prominent search bar
- Focus on essential content
- Clean & simple aesthetics
- OS 2.0 functionality
Pricing: $320
Ratings:
The Stockholm Shopify theme has garnered an impressive 91% positive reviews, with users particularly appreciating its ability to make products look visually appealing and high-end with fast loading speed. However, there are also some criticisms regarding the product page design on mobile devices.
Reformation
The Shopify Reformation theme's popularity is well-deserved. In my experience, the homepage, while gorgeous with its large images, header videos and animations, does take a bit longer to load fully. However, once the page is loaded, navigation is smooth and responsive.
The product pages also load relatively quickly, ensuring a seamless browsing experience once customers are engaged.
Overall, while Reformation might not be the absolute fastest Shopify theme, it balances speed and visual impact, making it suitable for brands prioritizing aesthetics and storytelling alongside a smooth user experience.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 1.1s | 99 | 4.5s | 77 |
| Collection Page | 0.8s | 99 | 3s | 74 |
| Product Page | 1s | 98 | 2.8s | 87 |
| Average | 0.97s | 98.7 | 3.4s | 79.3 |
Key features:
- Optimized code
- Intuitive navigation
- Quick buy
- Enhanced search
- Mega menu
- Responsive design
Pricing: $320
Ratings
Reformation has an impressive 91% positive reviews on the Shopify theme store. Users of this Shopify theme generally find it to be quick, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing, with many appreciating its flexibility and comprehensive features. Another strong point is the responsive and helpful customer support. However, there have been some compatibility concerns with certain third-party apps.
Who is the Shopify Reformation theme best for?
- Fashion retailers, especially those with large inventories
- Businesses operate physical stores alongside their online presence
Minion
From my hands-on experience, the Shopify Minion theme is designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that enhances visual appeal. The theme’s lightweight structure, efficient coding, and optimized media handling significantly reduce the time it takes for pages to load, particularly on desktop.
However, the theme’s performance on mobile may not reach the bar. It's possible that as a theme for large product catalogs, the theme's emphasis on rich visuals and animations contributes to the slower load times. Despite this, I personally think Minion deserves a spot in the fastest Shopify themes list.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 1s | 93 | 2.8s | 81 |
| Collection Page | 1.2s | 90 | 3s | 89 |
| Product Page | 1.3s | 99 | 3.6s | 84 |
| Average | 1.17s | 94.0 | 3.1s | 84.7 |
Key features:
- Optimized image sizes
- Well-structured layouts with clear sections and organized content
- Lazy loading for images and videos
- Mega menu
- Product filtering and sorting
- Enhanced search
Pricing: $250
Ratings
The Shopify Minion theme is generally well-received for its design and functionality, but the support experience seems inconsistent. Some users find it excellent, while others find it lacking, especially when dealing with more complex or technical problems.
Who is the Shopify Minion theme best for?
- Businesses expecting significant traffic and sales volume
- Businesses needing a quick setup
- High-volume pet stores
- Wholesalers or dropshippers selling household goods or kid toys
- Brands focused on visual storytelling
Fastest Shopify Themes - Free Themes
If you're on a tight budget, starting with a free Shopify theme is a smart move. The themes below offer surprisingly fast loading times and a clean minimalist design.
Trade
Trade, the latest addition to Shopify's free themes, is a standout performer when it comes to speed. Designed specifically for wholesale businesses, it boasts impressive loading times even with its large product images and interactive features.
I've noticed that its minimalist layout and strategic use of white space contribute to its quick performance. It has a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience for customers, even on slower connections or mobile devices.
If you're looking for a free theme that combines speed, elegance, and wholesale-specific features, Trade is definitely worth considering.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.7s | 100 | 1.9s | 92 |
| Collection Page | 1s | 99 | 2.2s | 91 |
| Product Page | 0.5s | 100 | 2s | 94 |
| Average | 0.73s | 99.7 | 2.0s | 92.3 |
Key features
- Minimalist design
- Mobile responsiveness
- Optimized images
- Lazy loading
- Streamlined navigation
- Quick buy
- Quick view
- Enhanced search
- Mega menu
- Product filtering and sorting
Pricing: Free
Ratings
Based on what I've gathered, the Shopify Trade theme has received mixed feedback from users. Many appreciate its features, fast loading speed, and ease of customization, especially those who are new to Shopify.
However, some users have encountered bugs during the initial setup process. Overall, it seems like Trade is a solid theme with great potential, but there might be a few minor hiccups during setup for some users.
Who should use the Shopify Trade theme?
- B2B and wholesale businesses
- Businesses with a lot of products and traffic
- Stores operating both online and offline
Dawn
Dawn is Shopify's most popular theme for a reason: it's fast and efficient! The minimalist design, with lots of white space and clean lines, is both visually pleasing and incredibly quick to load.
The lack of excessive animations and heavy design elements contributes to a snappy performance, even on mobile devices. Navigation feels effortless and responsive, further emphasizing the theme's focus on speed and user-friendliness.
Overall, Dawn's design philosophy and execution prioritize performance without sacrificing aesthetics, making it a fantastic choice for merchants seeking a fast and visually appealing Shopify theme.
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.8s | 98 | 2.1s | 88 |
| Collection Page | 0.9s | 100 | 2.9s | 95 |
| Product Page | 0.9s | 99 | 2.5s | 83 |
| Average | 0.87s | 99.0 | 2.5s | 88.7 |
Key features
- Minimalist and responsive design
- Streamlined layouts for efficient content display
- Optimized images and codes by Shopify
- Shopify's built-in performance optimizations
Pricing: Free
Ratings:
Based on the reviews I've seen, it seems like the Dawn theme has mixed reviews from previous users. While it offers a clean, simple design and the quick loading speed that many users appreciate, there are some technical issues and customization limitations that may frustrate some.
Who is the Shopify Dawn theme best for?
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- New Shopify store owners
- Brands with visually appealing products, such as fashion, homeware, or art
- Merchants prioritizing fast loading times and mobile responsiveness
Taste
The Shopify Taste theme felt incredibly fast and smooth during my exploration. Pages loaded quickly despite the presence of high-quality images and subtle animations. Its clean layout and generous use of white space not only create an aesthetically pleasing experience but also contribute to its efficient loading times.
It's clear that Taste strikes a balance between design and performance. Navigation was intuitive and responsive, making the overall user experience enjoyable. It surely deserves a spot on this list!
Pagespeed Scores
| Page/Speed | Desktop Load Time | Desktop Performance Score | Mobile Load Time | Mobile Performance Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Page | 0.8s | 99 | 1.9s | 83 |
| Collection Page | 0.5s | 99 | 1.7s | 96 |
| Product Page | 0.7s | 99 | 1.8s | 93 |
| Average | 0.67s | 99.0 | 1.8s | 90.7 |
Key features
- Clean & simple aesthetic
- Mobile friendly design
- Subtle animations
- Essential content focus
- Image optimization
- Clear menu structure
- Prominent search bar
- Support from Shopify
Pricing: Free
Ratings
Users of the Shopify Taste theme have a range of opinions. Many appreciate its features, speed, ease of use, and modern design. They find it particularly effective for mobile responsiveness and showcasing their brand's personality. However, some users have encountered challenges with specific customization needs.
Who should use the Shopify Taste theme?
- F&B starts ups & SMEs
- Gourmet shops, organic food stores, and specialty beverage shops
- Restaurants, coffee or pastry shops
- Health and wellness brands focused
Bottom Line
So, to sum it up, Blum and Trade emerged as the top performers in terms of speed, with Blum leading the premium themes and Trade dominating the free options.
But remember, the fastest theme doesn't always mean it's the best theme for you. Speed is just one factor to consider. Don't make your decision solely based on a page speed score.
Take the time to explore the features each theme offers, consider your budget, and think about the specific needs of your business. The perfect theme is the one that balances speed, functionality, and design to create a seamless experience for your customers and helps you achieve your business goals.
Fastest Shopify Theme: FAQs
What Shopify theme is the fastest?
Currently, the fastest Shopify theme according to various performance tests is
the Shopify Blum theme. It consistently achieves impressive loading times and the best scores on speed testing tools. However, other themes like Prestige, Stockmart, Dawn, Trade, and Taste also demonstrate excellent performance.
Is Dawn the fastest Shopify theme?
Dawn is indeed one of the fastest Shopify themes available. Its minimalist design and streamlined code contribute to its impressive performance. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking a balance of speed, aesthetics, and affordability.
How do I speed up my Shopify theme?
Here are some key tips to improve your Shopify theme’s speed:
- Compress image sizes and use the appropriate formats (like WebP) to reduce loading times.
- Minimize app usage, only install essential ones
- Choose a fast-loading theme, like those mentioned earlier.
- Levrage Shopify's built-in features
- Minimize the use of custom code
How does a theme impact my store’s speed?
The theme you choose can significantly impact your store’s speed.
Themes with bloated code, large images, or excessive animations can slow down your store, leading to a poor user experience and lower conversion rates. That’s why you should pt for a theme with clean code, optimized images, and efficient design elements.
Are free themes slower than paid themes?
Not necessarily. While premium themes might offer more advanced features and customizations, they don’t always guarantee faster loading times. The Shopify Trade and Dawn theme, for example, is a free theme known for its excellent speed and performance.
Choose a theme based on its performance and features rather than solely on its price tag.
What makes a Shopify theme fast?
Several factors contribute to a fast Shopify theme:
- Clean and optimized code
- Properly sized and compressed images.
- Lazy loading
- Minimal animations and effects
- Mobile-first design
