Looking for the best alternative to Algolia?

See where your search stack is adding work. Cut manual tuning, ship visual discovery, and give merchandisers real control with Layers.

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Layers vs Algolia

See why merchants switch from Algolia to Layers

The difference between Layers and Algolia

See meaning, not just matches

Algolia treats search as keyword matching. Layers treats it as intent recognition. Your shoppers don’t type perfect queries; they describe what they want. Layers understands “running shoes under $100 in red” without needing synonyms or rules. It reads the context, applies filters automatically, and learns what converts. Algolia makes you define that behavior manually.

Built for commerce, not code

Algolia was built for developers. Layers was built for ecommerce operators. It speaks Shopify: combined listings, multi-region catalogs, and currency-aware search work out of the box. Merchandisers can boost, pin, or hide products visually; no API juggling or JSON editing. Layers adds the intelligence and control Algolia leaves to engineering.

Lower total cost, higher control

One platform handles semantic search, visual discovery, and merchandising; no add-ons, no usage penalties. Algolia charges for operations and refinement queries; Layers doesn’t. The setup is done in a week, training included. Merchandisers actually enjoy using it.

Instant setup, zero babysitting

Layers syncs your catalog, variants, and filters directly from Shopify and starts ranking within hours. No synonym lists. No ongoing tuning. No scripts to maintain. Algolia expects weekly upkeep: synonyms, filters, rules, and QA. Layers self-optimizes from clicks, adds, and conversions so you can move on to merchandising, not maintenance.

Merchandising, you can see

Most search tools stop at relevance scoring. Layers add visual merchandising. Pin hero products, schedule time-based rules, run A/B tests, or preview collections before they go live. It blends behavioral data with margin, inventory days, and return rates; so your best products aren’t just popular, they’re profitable. Algolia can’t connect that loop without custom logic.

Global by default

Layers supports 100+ languages and Shopify Markets natively in one index. That means price, currency, and translations are automatic. Merchants don’t need to juggle separate indexes or manage locale configs. Algolia was never built for native multi-market Shopify environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the core difference between Layers and Algolia?

Layers is purpose-built for Shopify Plus. It understands your catalog, variants, and merchandising logic automatically. Algolia is a developer-first engine that needs custom setup, synonyms, and ongoing tuning. Layers brings semantic and visual search with built-in merchandising; Algolia gives you raw infrastructure.

What’s the core difference between Layers and Algolia?

How fast can we go live on Shopify?

Most teams connect Layers and have live search and merchandising running within a few hours. Algolia often needs developer setup, index configuration, and API wiring before it shows results.

How fast can we go live on Shopify?

Most teams connect Layers and have live search and merchandising running within a few hours. Algolia often needs developer setup, index configuration, and API wiring before it shows results.

How fast can we go live on Shopify?

Most teams connect Layers and have live search and merchandising running within a few hours. Algolia often needs developer setup, index configuration, and API wiring before it shows results.

Will Layers learn from shopper behavior automatically?

Yes. Layers continuously learns from clicks, adds, and purchases to rerank results and boost what converts. Algolia relies on manual ranking rules, A/B testing, and constant tuning to achieve the same effect.

Will Layers learn from shopper behavior automatically?

Does Layers support Shopify Markets and multilingual catalogs?

Absolutely. Layers handles multi-region, multi-currency, and multi-language catalogs in one index. Algolia typically requires separate indexes and language-specific setup.

Does Layers support Shopify Markets and multilingual catalogs?

Absolutely. Layers handles multi-region, multi-currency, and multi-language catalogs in one index. Algolia typically requires separate indexes and language-specific setup.

Does Layers support Shopify Markets and multilingual catalogs?

Absolutely. Layers handles multi-region, multi-currency, and multi-language catalogs in one index. Algolia typically requires separate indexes and language-specific setup.

What does pricing and maintenance look like?

Layers offers flat, predictable pricing with no additional cost for refinement searches or add-ons. Algolia bills by usage and query count, which can rise quickly. Layers also includes onboarding and training; no hidden fees, no separate support plan.

What does pricing and maintenance look like?

Which should I pick for visual and merchandising control?

If you want merchandisers to own the experience, pin products, create lookbooks, and preview pages, go with Layers. If you want a developer-first API search stack that needs engineering oversight, Algolia fits that profile.

Which should I pick for visual and merchandising control?