How do I check my Shopify store speed?

Run key pages through PageSpeed Insights on mobile, and review both lab and field data. Also check the Core Web Vitals report in Search Console.

Why do my PageSpeed scores change between tests?

Lab tests vary with server load and network conditions. Look at trends and field data rather than a single number.

What should I fix first on a slow Shopify store?

Start with high impact, low effort items: image sizing and prioritisation, and removing unused apps and leftover code.

How to Run a Shopify Speed Audit Yourself: A Step-by-Step Method

1. Pick the pages that matter

The homepage.
Your top collection page.
Your top product page.
The cart, and any landing page used for paid traffic.

2. Measure lab and field data

Run each page through PageSpeed Insights on mobile. Lab data is a simulated test that helps you diagnose. Field data is what real visitors experienced, and it is what Core Web Vitals assessments use, so weigh it more heavily where it is available. Record both, along with the date.

3. Find the biggest causes

Images: oversized, wrongly sized or wrongly prioritised. See our image optimisation guide.
Apps and third-party scripts. See how apps slow a store.
Theme JavaScript and CSS that is unused or render-blocking.
Fonts and video loading too early.
Layout shifts caused by late-loading elements.

4. Prioritise by impact and effort

List every issue with the metric it affects.
Estimate effort and risk for each fix.
Start with high impact, low effort items such as image sizing and removing unused apps.
Leave risky theme code changes for a duplicate theme and a careful test.

5. Fix, retest and track

Change one thing at a time where you can, and retest to confirm the effect.
Track Core Web Vitals in Search Console, which shows trends across groups of pages.
Recheck monthly and after installing apps or changing the theme.

If you would like an expert review, see our speed audit and Core Web Vitals services, or read our Core Web Vitals guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my Shopify store speed?: Run key pages through PageSpeed Insights on mobile, and review both lab and field data. Also check the Core Web Vitals report in Search Console.
Why do my PageSpeed scores change between tests?: Lab tests vary with server load and network conditions. Look at trends and field data rather than a single number.
What should I fix first on a slow Shopify store?: Start with high impact, low effort items: image sizing and prioritisation, and removing unused apps and leftover code.