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
Feature
Layers
Nosto
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
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
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
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
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.

