A/B testing is the broader method of comparing controlled experiences. Split testing often refers specifically to routing traffic between separate URLs, although many teams use the terms interchangeably.

The shared method

Both approaches divide eligible traffic, preserve assignment, and compare a defined outcome. The experiment is reliable only when the groups are exposed during the same period and attribution follows the shopper through purchase.

When separate URLs help

Use a URL split test when each experience already has its own landing page or when a campaign needs clearly separated destinations. This is often easier for page-builder layouts and major content differences.

When one URL is better

Template, theme, or custom tests can change the experience while the shopper remains on the same URL. That approach helps when search equity, campaign links, and the address shown to shoppers should remain stable.

Choose by implementation risk

Select the test type that changes the fewest moving parts while expressing the hypothesis correctly. Check redirects, query parameters, markets, carts, and order attribution before launch.

Run the test in Shopify

Sofcy supports URL, template, theme, and custom JavaScript API experiments.

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