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Back in Stock vs STOQ: 2026 comparison
Back in Stock and STOQ both cover restock alerts, preorders with partial payment, and demand analytics. Back in Stock is the better choice for merchants who want the original app in the category (launched 2011, ten years before STOQ), web push delivery on top of email and SMS, and flat plans with no automatic per-preorder overage fees. STOQ is a fast-growing alternative with 24/7 live chat support.
Full feature comparison
| Back in StockRecommended | STOQCompetitor | |
|---|---|---|
| In market since | 2011 | 2021 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Flat + opt-in top-ups | Usage-based overages |
| Entry paid price | $19/mo | $10/mo |
| Top-tier price | $99/mo (unlimited) | $69/mo |
| Automatic overage fees | None — opt-in top-ups | (above plan caps) |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Preorders | Yes | Yes |
| Notification channels | Email, SMS, Push | Email, SMS |
| Wishlist module | Coming soon | No |
| Low-stock badges | Coming soon | — |
| Multi-language | Yes | — |
| Built for Shopify | Yes | Yes |
| Try Back in Stock for Free |
STOQ figures verified against their Shopify App Store listing on July 29, 2026. Review counts and pricing change frequently — check the App Store for current details. "—" means unverified, not absent.
STOQ figures verified against their Shopify App Store listing on July 29, 2026. Review counts and pricing change frequently — check the App Store for current details. "—" means unverified, not absent.
Where Back in Stock wins
Original since 2011
Back in Stock launched in 2011; STOQ arrived in November 2021. That's a decade more restock seasons, merchant feedback, and edge cases handled — and in that time Back in Stock has become the choice of some of the biggest DTC brands, including Skims, Red Bull, Alo, and Kylie Cosmetics.
Email, SMS, and web push
Back in Stock delivers restock alerts through email, SMS, and web push. STOQ's Shopify listing covers email and SMS delivery — no push. Push notifications reach shoppers who won't open email in time for a fast-selling restock.
No automatic preorder overages
STOQ bills $0.25 per preorder above your plan cap automatically ($0.10 on Pro). Back in Stock's plans are flat with opt-in top-ups. Both apps bill SMS per message (Back in Stock at $0.015, STOQ at $0.025 per SMS on every tier).
Where STOQ might fit
STOQ is a fast-growing competitor with preorders, restock alerts, analytics, and 24/7 live chat support. If live chat support matters more than push notifications, founding tenure, or flat pricing without per-preorder overage fees, STOQ is a credible option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back in Stock better than STOQ?
Back in Stock is the better choice for merchants who want the original back-in-stock app (since 2011), web push delivery alongside email and SMS, and flat pricing without automatic per-preorder overage fees. STOQ is a credible alternative if 24/7 live chat support matters most.
Does STOQ send push notifications?
STOQ's Shopify App Store listing covers email and SMS restock alerts; it does not list web push. Back in Stock sends restock notifications via email, SMS, and web push, in multiple languages.
Which is cheaper — Back in Stock or STOQ?
STOQ's paid plans start at $10/month versus Back in Stock's $19/month, but STOQ adds $0.025 per SMS on every tier plus automatic per-preorder overage fees. Back in Stock's flat tiers with opt-in top-ups make total cost more predictable as volume grows. Both offer free plans.
Is Back in Stock older than STOQ?
Yes. Back in Stock launched on May 18, 2011; STOQ launched on November 1, 2021 — both per their Shopify App Store listings.