Comparison · Tested October 6, 2026
Side Cart WooCommerce by XootiX is the most installed side cart on WordPress.org. We installed both in the same store to show you where they differ, and which one fits yours.
The short version
Four differences that matter most when you pick a side cart. Everything below is checked against both plugins on October 6, 2026.
- Free vs Pro only Coupon field and recommendations CartPops includes a coupon field and upsell recommendations in the free version. In Side Cart WooCommerce, both are Pro features.
- Built in vs none Bundle Builder Offer frequently bought together sets with a bundle discount, right under the cart item.
- Revenue vs no analytics See what your cart earns CartPops Pro shows drawer opens, checkout starts and the revenue each feature brings in. Side Cart WooCommerce has no analytics.
- Store API vs classic AJAX Built on modern WooCommerce CartPops talks to WooCommerce through the Store API, the same API behind the Cart and Checkout blocks. Side Cart WooCommerce uses classic AJAX.
Which one fits your store?
Choose CartPops if you
Our pick- Want a coupon field and recommendations without paying for Pro
- Want bundles and one-tap extras like shipping protection
- Want to see the revenue each cart feature brings in
- Want a cart built on the WooCommerce Store API
Choose Side Cart WooCommerce if you
- Want the most installed side cart on WordPress.org
- Want the lowest Pro price: $29 for one site with a year of updates
Side by side
Free versions tested in the same store. Pro features and prices from each plugin's own pages, checked October 6, 2026.
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Growing the order | ||
| Coupon field | Free | Pro |
| Upsell and cross-sell recommendations | Free | Pro |
| Bundle Builder with a bundle discount | Pro | No |
| Analytics with revenue per feature | Pro | No |
| Reward tiers with a discount or free gift | Pro | Pro |
| Free shipping bar | Pro | Pro |
| In our test | ||
| Opens after every add to cart on a classic theme | Yes | Yes |
| Opens from a block theme shop grid | Yes | Yes |
| Works right after install, no setup | Yes | Yes |
| Built on | ||
| WooCommerce Store API | Yes | Classic AJAX |
| Cart Drawer and Cart Launcher blocks for the Site Editor | Yes | No |
| Pricing | ||
| Pro for one site | $49 / year | $29 (1 year of updates) |
| Lifetime license | $199 once | No |
Switching from Side Cart WooCommerce takes minutes
A side cart only changes how the cart is shown. Your products, orders and customers stay exactly where they are.
- Install CartPops from WordPress.org Free, and it works right away with your theme. No setup wizard.
- Deactivate Side Cart WooCommerce Your cart contents, orders and products aren't touched. Only one side cart should be active at a time.
- Set up your rewards and recommendations Pick a preset, set your free shipping and reward tiers, and preview every change live before you save.
Questions about switching
Is Side Cart WooCommerce cheaper than CartPops?
Its Pro version starts lower, at $29 for one site with a year of updates. CartPops Pro is $49 a year and adds tools Side Cart WooCommerce doesn't have, like the Bundle Builder and revenue analytics.
Is the free version of CartPops enough?
For many stores, yes. The free version includes the drawer, a launcher, a coupon field and upsell recommendations. Pro adds the Shipping & Rewards Meter, bundles, add-ons, the Smart Bar and analytics.
Will I lose orders or settings when I switch?
Your orders, products and customers aren't touched. Side Cart WooCommerce's settings don't carry over, so you set up your rewards and recommendations in CartPops once.
Do both work with block themes?
Yes. Both opened after every add to cart on the Twenty Twenty-Five block theme in our test. CartPops also ships Cart Drawer and Cart Launcher blocks for the Site Editor.
Can I try CartPops before I install it?
Yes. Open the live demo and try the real drawer in a demo store, with rewards, bundles and add-ons.
Still have questions? Get in touch with the team
See the difference for yourself
Try the real CartPops drawer in our demo store, or install the free plugin and switch in a few minutes.