kitio.aiShopify Sidekick vs Forthcast
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Forthcast has the lower starting price: about $20 a month, against $39 for Shopify Sidekick.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Store data questions
- Product description writing
- Flow automation builder
- Reports and analytics
- Custom app generation
- Store-wide demand forecasts
- Reorder suggestions
- Draft purchase orders
- ABC classification
- Multi-location stock views
| Feature | Shopify Sidekick | Forthcast |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI commerce assistant built into the Shopify admin | AI demand forecasting and reorder planning for Shopify stores |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $39/mo | $19.99/mo |
| Free plan | No, 3-day trial | No, 14-day trial |
| Made by | Shopify | Forthcast |
| Based in | Canada | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Forthcast has the lower starting price: about $20 a month, against $39 for Shopify Sidekick.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Basic
$39/mo
- Sidekick AI assistant included
- For solo entrepreneurs
- 2% 3rd-party payment fee
Grow
$105/mo
- Everything in Basic
- Up to 5 staff accounts
- 1% 3rd-party payment fee
Advanced
$399/mo
- Everything in Grow
- Up to 15 staff accounts
- Live 3rd-party shipping rates
Plus
From $2,300/mo
- Unlimited staff accounts
- Fully customizable checkout
- 0.2% 3rd-party payment fee
2 plans
14-day trial
Free
- Full product access
- Billed through Shopify after
Basic Plan
$19.99/mo
- No SKU tiers or fees
- Forecasts up to 12 months
- Draft purchase orders
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Shopify Sidekick
- Included with Shopify plans
- Uses live store data
- Reviews changes before applying
- Only works for Shopify stores
- Complex tasks still need apps
- Answers can be generic
Forthcast
- Flat price with no SKU tiers
- You approve every purchase order
- Billed through Shopify
- Only works with Shopify
- New products have weaker forecasts
- No annual plan offered
Which one should you choose?
Choose Shopify Sidekick if you want:
- Included with Shopify plans
- Uses live store data
- Reviews changes before applying
Watch out: only works for shopify stores.
Choose Forthcast if you want:
- Flat price with no SKU tiers
- You approve every purchase order
- Billed through Shopify
Watch out: only works with shopify.
Shopify Sidekick vs Forthcast FAQ
What is the difference between Shopify Sidekick and Forthcast?
Shopify Sidekick: AI commerce assistant built into the Shopify admin. Forthcast: AI demand forecasting and reorder planning for Shopify stores. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Shopify Sidekick or Forthcast cheaper?
Forthcast has the lower starting price: about $20 a month, against $39 for Shopify Sidekick.
Do Shopify Sidekick and Forthcast have free plans?
Shopify Sidekick: No, 3-day trial. Forthcast: No, 14-day trial.
Who makes Shopify Sidekick?
Shopify Sidekick is made by Shopify, based in Canada.
Who makes Forthcast?
Forthcast is made by Forthcast.
Which should I choose, Shopify Sidekick or Forthcast?
Choose Shopify Sidekick if you value included with shopify plans and uses live store data. Choose Forthcast if you value flat price with no sku tiers and you approve every purchase order.