EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery vs Essential Grid Galleryfor Shopify (2026)
Both EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery and Essential Grid Gallery are highly-rated Shopify apps (4.9/5) designed to enhance product presentation and engagement. However, Essential Grid Gallery positions itself as a more comprehensive solution, extending beyond simple lookbooks to encompass image galleries, shoppable videos, Instagram feeds, and product grids. EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery focuses primarily on enabling "shop the look" experiences through image galleries. While both apps serve the purpose of visually showcasing products, Essential Grid Gallery's broader feature set caters to merchants seeking an all-in-one media display solution, while EM Lookbook is more specific for merchants who emphasize the Lookbook visual presentation of their product catalog.
At a Glance
EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery
153 reviews
Essential Grid Gallery
172 reviews
Detailed Overview
Essential Grid Gallery
Create Lookbook Image Gallery, YouTube Shoppable Video Gallery, Instagram Feed, Product Grid, etc...
Key Features
- 80+ High-Converting Gallery Templates
- Image Gallery: Grid, Masonry, & Collage Styles
- Shoppable Videos: YouTube Shorts or Shopify-Uploaded
- Video Gallery: Shopify, Vimeo, Instagram feed & YouTube Video Gallery
- Lookbook: Shop the look by tagging products from lifestyle gallery hotspots
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 |
Rating EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery4.9/5 Essential Grid Gallery4.9/5 | ||
| Reviews | 153 | 172 |
Reviews EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery153 Essential Grid Gallery172 | ||
| Primary Focus | Shop the Look Lookbooks | Versatile Media Galleries & Shoppable Content |
Primary Focus EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by GalleryShop the Look Lookbooks Essential Grid GalleryVersatile Media Galleries & Shoppable Content | ||
| Video Support | Limited (Implied Shop the Look) | Extensive (YouTube, Vimeo, Shopify Uploads, Shoppable Videos) |
Video Support EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by GalleryLimited (Implied Shop the Look) Essential Grid GalleryExtensive (YouTube, Vimeo, Shopify Uploads, Shoppable Videos) | ||
| Gallery Templates | Not Specified | 80+ High-Converting Templates |
Gallery Templates EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by GalleryNot Specified Essential Grid Gallery80+ High-Converting Templates | ||
| Instagram Integration | Not Specified | Instagram Feed Integration |
Instagram Integration EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by GalleryNot Specified Essential Grid GalleryInstagram Feed Integration | ||
| Target Merchant Type | Fashion/Apparel businesses prioritizing 'Shop the Look' experiences | Businesses needing diverse media galleries (video, images, social feeds) and shoppable content features |
Target Merchant Type EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by GalleryFashion/Apparel businesses prioritizing 'Shop the Look' experiences Essential Grid GalleryBusinesses needing diverse media galleries (video, images, social feeds) and shoppable content features | ||
| Ease of Use | Likely simpler due to focused functionality | Potentially steeper learning curve due to broader feature set |
Ease of Use EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by GalleryLikely simpler due to focused functionality Essential Grid GalleryPotentially steeper learning curve due to broader feature set | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants whose primary goal is to create and manage visually appealing "Shop the Look" experiences, EM Lookbook ‑ Shop by Gallery is likely sufficient and easier to manage. It targets those businesses whose main sales angle is to showcase products being used together, in one location. On the other hand, Essential Grid Gallery is the better choice for merchants seeking a versatile media solution with a wide range of gallery types, shoppable video capabilities, and social media integrations. It's a one-stop-shop for any business who needs to showcase their products through a wide variety of formats and different integrations.
Common Questions
Which app is better for creating shoppable videos?
Essential Grid Gallery is the clear winner here. It explicitly supports shoppable videos, including YouTube Shorts and Shopify-uploaded videos, whereas EM Lookbook's support for video is unclear.
Which app has more design options for galleries?
Essential Grid Gallery offers over 80 high-converting gallery templates, suggesting a wider range of design choices compared to EM Lookbook, where the number of templates is not explicitly mentioned.
Which app is easier to set up and use?
While both have high ratings, EM Lookbook's focused functionality likely makes it easier to set up and use, especially for merchants primarily interested in 'Shop the Look' experiences. Essential Grid Gallery's broader feature set might require a steeper learning curve.
Which app is better for integrating social media feeds?
Essential Grid Gallery explicitly mentions Instagram feed integration. EM Lookbook does not mention social media feed integration.
Which app is more valuable for overall media management?
Essential Grid Gallery, with its diverse media support (images, videos, social feeds) and gallery types (grid, masonry, collage), offers more value for merchants seeking a comprehensive media management solution.
Get More From Your Shopify Store
Run audits for SEO, CRO, PageSpeed, and AI visibility. Get a clear report and actionable fixes.
Try Fix My Store