This article aims to shed light on the differences between Shopify options and variations to meet the needs of new merchants. Let’s take a closer look at this difference!

What Are Shopify’s Product Options?

Shopify’s Product Options are the feature that allows merchants to offer different choices for their products. Customers can select their preferred options before adding the product to their cart.

For example, let’s say a merchant sells t-shirts on their Shopify store. They can use Product Options to create variations for 

• Size (small, medium, large)
• Color (red, blue, green)

What Are Shopify’s Product Variants?

Shopify’s Product Variants are the specific combinations of those options. They represent the actual, unique items you have in stock.

For example, if you sell a T-shirt with size and color options, a variant would be a “Small Red T-shirt” or a “Large Blue T-shirt.” Customers visiting the product page can then select the desired size and color combination before adding the product to their cart.

What Is The Difference Between Product Options And Product Variants Shopify?

How To Add Options And Variants To Your Shopify Products

Adding options and variants to your Shopify products is very easy. Here’s how:

• From your Shopify admin, go to Products.
• Click the name of the product to which you want to add options or variants.
• In the Variants section, click Add Option or Add another option

• Enter a name for the option (e.g., Material) and add values for the option (e.g., Leather, Silk). These option names and values will be displayed to your customers.
• Click Done, and then click Save.

Related article: How to Add Variants on Shopify

Top 5 Shopify Product Variants Apps If You Exceed The Maximum Number Of Variants 

1. Infinite Products Options

Infinite Product Options is the ultimate app for businesses seeking limitless product customization possibilities. With Infinite Options, you can break free from the constraints of limited options and unlock the power to offer an infinite number of product variations.

Click here to start a 14-day free trial with this app.

Key features:

• Text inputs, radio buttons, checkboxes, dropdown menus, color swatches, and more!
• Use options to offer addon bundles so you can increase average order values
• Personalize products with swatches, engraving, monogramming, and custom printing
• Show/hide relevant options based on selections with conditional logic
• Friendly USA-based support team

2. Globo Product Options, Variant

Globo Product Options, Variant is the ultimate app designed to elevate your product customization game. With an extensive array of features and unparalleled flexibility, Globo Product Options, Variant allows businesses to create an exceptional shopping experience. 

Click here to see how much this app costs.

Key features:

• Text input field, file upload, color swatch, variant image, dropdown, checkbox
• Add-on price – Additional cost when your customer chooses a product variant
• Conditional logic: Show/hide relevant options depending on the previously selected
• Import & export product variants using CSV files. Complete product custom tool.
• Apply an option set to either all products or group products.

3. Variant Option Product Options

Variant Option Product Options is recognized as a top choice among apps for product variants and customization, providing businesses with reliable and comprehensive tools to meet their variant needs. 

The app is free to install for development stores, and users can opt for the basic plan at a few dollars per month.

Key features:

• Price add-ons, custom text box, checkbox, photo upload photo, custom options
• Upload images, upload file product add-ons, personalized product variants
• Infinite product options and customize custom variant image swatch variant color
• Custom product builder, product add-ons infinite, options variant, image variant

However, there are a couple of areas that could be improved. Firstly, the formatting options for text fields should be made more user-friendly, eliminating the need for users to use code to change text formats and add images. Additionally, the instruction fields currently do not print on the order invoice, so having the option to include them would be helpful.

4. Avis Product Options, Variants

Avis Product Options Variants is a powerful yet free app designed to revolutionize the way businesses manage and customize their product offerings. With its comprehensive range of features and user-friendly interface, Avis Product Options Variants empowers businesses to effortlessly add and manage an unlimited number of product options.

Key features:

• Versatile option types with Text, File Upload, Color Swatches, Size chart & more
• Price add-ons and Bundle: add an extra charge for specific variant option
• Turn Spfy basic options into dynamic Color Swatches and Variant Image
• Showcase product options and variants across Orders, Emails, and more
• Dedicated live support, ready-to-use templates, bulk apply options to product(s).

5. King Product Options & Variant

King Product Options & Variant is an app that offers unlimited options without any cost. It proves to be a valuable tool for merchants seeking to enhance sales through increased customization choices. For website webmasters, this app proves to be quite user-friendly, and clients have reported a significantly improved customization experience. The fact that such an exceptional app is available for free is truly remarkable, making it a highly recommended choice.

Key features:

• Create unlimited app options to help merchants increase sales.
• Support ajax cart and “buy it now”
• Compatible with Online Store 2.0 Themes
• Flexible and unlimited options template

Related articles:

• Shopify vs Dukaan: Which One is Better?
• Shopify vs Zyro: Which One is Better for Online Store?
• Alidropship vs Shopify – Which One is the Better Option?

Bottom Line

Now you know the difference between Shopify options vs variants. Merchants can leverage powerful Shopify apps to streamline product customization and inventory management. The right tools not only enhance your store’s flexibility but also improve customer satisfaction, leading to higher conversions and fewer cart abandonments.

Read more: Top 9 Best Shopify Product Options Apps for 2024