Built for Shopify Plus

Looking for the best alternative to SearchSpring?

See where rules-based search and merchandising slow teams down. Remove manual tuning, add semantic understanding, and give merchandisers modern control with Layers.

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Layers vs SearchSpring

See why merchants switch from SearchSpring to Layers

Category

Feature

Layers

Nosto

Platform

Native ingestion of Shopify taxonomy

Support for Shopify combined listings and bundles

Native support for Shopify Markets, including multi-region catalogs, currencies, and languages

Multi-lingual catalog and storefront with translated product content and search UI

Out-of-the-box storefront components optimized for Shopify theme architecture

Search

No synonym lists needed, semantic embeddings understand meaning automatically.

Multilingual model supporting 100+ languages in a single index

Detects user intent and automatically applies filters and context

Keyword search with prefix matching, fuzzy matching, and typo tolerance

Behavior-based learning at the query level using clicks, adds, and purchases

Zero ongoing tuning with self-optimization from behavior data

Semantic search and natural language understanding

Acronym and abbreviation expansion

Multilingual query processing mapped to the catalog

Autocomplete and type-ahead suggestions with personalization

Camera or image-based visual search

Price detection in queries with automatic filtering

Dynamic facet and filter generation based on search context

Faceting and filtering beyond standard Shopify filters

Query-to-result reranking using machine learning

Handles incomplete or ambiguous queries

Merchandising

Supports multiple custom sort orders per collection

Rules engine for boosting or demoting products based on attributes, events, and performance

Drag-and-drop merchandising interface for pinning and sequencing

Product sequences and lookbooks

Custom metric formulas for ranking

Contextual boosting by segment, such as geography, language, or source

Scheduled merchandising with time-based rules

A/B testing of sort configurations

Variation of sort logic by Shopify Market or UTM context

Visual preview of search and collection results

Integration of business metrics like margin, inventory days, and return rate into the ranking

Dynamic pinning or exclusion, such as hiding out-of-stock products

Company

Training, documentation, and support for merchandisers

Under 10-minute catalog sync from Shopify

All onboarding and training included

No additional cost for refinement searches

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The difference between Layers and SearchSpring

See meaning, not just rules

SearchSpring depends on keyword rules, boosts, and ongoing tuning. At the same time, Layers automatically understands shopper intent, handling incomplete and natural-language queries without requiring synonyms or constant updates that SearchSpring needs to maintain relevance.

Built for modern Shopify catalogs

SearchSpring was built before Shopify Markets, combined listings, and complex variant structures became standard. At the same time, Layers is designed for modern Shopify setups with native support for multi-region catalogs, currency-aware ranking, and multilingual discovery without bolt-ons.

Instant setup, minimal maintenance

Layers installs quickly, syncs catalog data, and self-optimizes from clicks, adds, and purchases. SearchSpring typically requires more hands-on setup and continuous tuning to maintain relevance as catalogs and behavior change.

Merchandising with context, not guesswork

Layers gives merchandisers visual control over ranking, pinning, sequencing, and scheduling with real-time previews while integrating business metrics like margin and inventory into ranking decisions, something SearchSpring cannot achieve without significant customization.

Global-ready by design

Layers supports Shopify Markets and multilingual storefronts in a single index. SearchSpring was not built with native multi-market Shopify workflows as a first-class use case.

Fewer tools, clearer outcomes

Layers combines semantic search, visual discovery, and merchandising into a single platform with predictable pricing. At the same time, SearchSpring addresses parts of the problem but leaves teams managing higher operational overhead across the discovery stack.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the core difference between Layers and SearchSpring?

SearchSpring is a rules-driven search and merchandising tool. Layers is an intent-driven discovery platform that reduces manual tuning and adapts automatically from behavior.

What’s the core difference between Layers and SearchSpring?

SearchSpring is a rules-driven search and merchandising tool. Layers is an intent-driven discovery platform that reduces manual tuning and adapts automatically from behavior.

What’s the core difference between Layers and SearchSpring?

SearchSpring is a rules-driven search and merchandising tool. Layers is an intent-driven discovery platform that reduces manual tuning and adapts automatically from behavior.

How fast can we go live on Shopify?

Most teams go live with Layers within hours. SearchSpring typically involves longer setup and tuning cycles.

How fast can we go live on Shopify?

Most teams go live with Layers within hours. SearchSpring typically involves longer setup and tuning cycles.

How fast can we go live on Shopify?

Most teams go live with Layers within hours. SearchSpring typically involves longer setup and tuning cycles.

Will Layers reduce ongoing merchandising work?

Yes. Layers self-optimizes and reduces the need for constant rule updates. Merchandisers focus on strategy, not maintenance.

Will Layers reduce ongoing merchandising work?

Yes. Layers self-optimizes and reduces the need for constant rule updates. Merchandisers focus on strategy, not maintenance.

Will Layers reduce ongoing merchandising work?

Yes. Layers self-optimizes and reduces the need for constant rule updates. Merchandisers focus on strategy, not maintenance.

Does Layers support Shopify Markets and multilingual catalogs?

Yes. Layers handles multi-region, multi-currency, and multi-language catalogs natively.

Does Layers support Shopify Markets and multilingual catalogs?

Yes. Layers handles multi-region, multi-currency, and multi-language catalogs natively.

Does Layers support Shopify Markets and multilingual catalogs?

Yes. Layers handles multi-region, multi-currency, and multi-language catalogs natively.

Which should I choose for long-term scalability?

Choose Layers if you want a system that improves automatically as your catalog and traffic grow. SearchSpring works well for rule-heavy setups but requires more ongoing effort at scale.

Which should I choose for long-term scalability?

Choose Layers if you want a system that improves automatically as your catalog and traffic grow. SearchSpring works well for rule-heavy setups but requires more ongoing effort at scale.

Which should I choose for long-term scalability?

Choose Layers if you want a system that improves automatically as your catalog and traffic grow. SearchSpring works well for rule-heavy setups but requires more ongoing effort at scale.

Migrate and save up to $200,000 annually*

Migrate and save up to $200,000 annually*

Switch to Layers and save ~50% compared to other enterprise platforms, without losing a dollar in revenue. 

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*Cost savings are based on real-world feedback and data collected during onboarding. There is no guarantee that your business will experience the same or similar cost savings, it is driven by volume and features utilized.

Setup in less than a week

Setup in less than a week

No technical experience required

No technical experience required

Seamless Shopify Plus integration

Seamless Shopify Plus integration

Reduce empty searches by 30%+

Reduce empty searches by 30%+

Unlimited user accounts included

Unlimited user accounts included

24/7 dedicated support

24/7 dedicated support