Broadcast vs Empire: Which Is Faster & Better for Shopify? (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of PageSpeed, pricing, store adoption, and features to help you choose the right Shopify theme.
Broadcast wins on more metrics
Mobile PageSpeed
73
Broadcast
70
Empire
Desktop PageSpeed
86
Broadcast
83
Empire
Broadcast
Metric
Empire
-
Rating
5.0
0
Reviews
465
73
Mobile PageSpeed
70
86
Desktop PageSpeed
83
Free
Price
$340
Yes
OS 2.0
Yes
1.9
Top Store Adoption %
2.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Broadcast or Empire?
Broadcast and Empire are very evenly matched. Compare PageSpeed scores, pricing, and style to find the best fit for your store.
Is Broadcast or Empire faster?
Broadcast is faster with a mobile PageSpeed score of 73/100 vs Empire's 70/100. Faster themes improve Core Web Vitals, which can boost your Google rankings.
Which theme is more affordable: Broadcast or Empire?
Broadcast is free while Empire costs $340 as a one-time purchase.
The Verdict
Based on our data, Broadcast wins on more key metrics.
Choose Broadcast if:
- • You want faster mobile performance
- • You want a free theme
- • You want a lower-cost theme
Choose Empire if:
- • It suits marketplace aesthetics
- • It suits modern aesthetics
Related Theme Comparisons
Learn More About Broadcast
Learn More About Empire
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