Shopify Speed Optimization Without Paid Apps (2025 Guide)

Learn how to optimize your Shopify store speed without paid apps. A practical 2025 guide by Shopify expert Mihai Dobre with real tips, tools, and results.

Why Speed Still Rules in 2025 🚀

In 2025, Shopify websites that load in under 2.5 seconds have a 35% higher conversion rate than slower stores. Google also prioritizes speed in rankings.

But here’s the kicker: most store owners slow down their stores by adding speed apps instead of fixing the core issues.

Let me show you how to boost your site speed without wasting money on paid apps — using only native tools and best practices.

Step 1: Use a Lightweight Theme (Like Dawn or Custom) ✅

Many paid themes come bloated with animations, sliders, and unnecessary code. If you want true speed:

• Start with Dawn, Craft, or a custom theme
• Remove unused sections or templates
• Avoid third-party app blocks in the homepage

Tip: I build custom Shopify themes that load in under 1.5s. You can see my work here.

Step 2: Compress Your Images Properly ✅

Don’t use apps for this — do it manually and smartly.

🛠 Free Tools I Use:

• TinyPNG
• Squoosh
• Save as WebP or AVIF

Bonus tip: Use lazy loading and set width/height attributes to prevent layout shift.

Step 3: Minimize Unused Shopify Features ✅

• Remove Shopify Inbox if not used
• Disable automatic currency conversion if you don’t sell globally
• Turn off “dynamic checkout buttons” if your theme shows both Add to Cart + Buy Now
• Uninstall old apps properly (many leave leftover code)

Step 4: Use Shopify’s Native Speed Report ✅

Navigate to Online Store → Themes → View Report to check:

• Largest Contentful Paint
• First Input Delay
• Cumulative Layout Shift

Track performance before and after changes.

Step 5: Limit the Use of Apps & Scripts ✅

Each app adds JS, CSS, or API calls.

Instead of:

• App for popups → use Shopify’s native theme popups
• Reviews apps → use Shopify’s built-in Product Reviews app
• Cart drawer apps → use a theme with it already built-in

My rule: No more than 5 apps installed at a time.

Step 6: Minimize Font Loads ✅

Fonts are a hidden speed killer.

• Use system fonts (like Helvetica, Arial) or limit to 1-2 Google Fonts
• Self-host fonts if needed (woff2 format)
• Load only the weights you use (e.g., 400, 700)

Step 7: Optimize Sections and Liquid Code ✅

If you work with a developer or are one:

• Remove unused snippets and templates
• Avoid render loops and inline SVGs in collections
• Use defer or async on scripts

I personally use a clean Shopify boilerplate to keep my code fast and lean. Need help? Work with me →

Bonus: Use These Tools to Audit Your Store 🎯

Conclusion ✅

You don’t need a bunch of paid apps to optimize your Shopify store speed in 2025. You just need a solid strategy, clean design, and smart performance decisions.

If you want me to audit or optimize your store, or build you a custom theme that loads insanely fast — let’s chat.

👉 Hire me here