Dawn 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.
Dawn wins on more metrics
Mobile PageSpeed
85
Dawn
70
Empire
Desktop PageSpeed
95
Dawn
83
Empire
Dawn
Metric
Empire
-
Rating
5.0
0
Reviews
465
85
Mobile PageSpeed
70
95
Desktop PageSpeed
83
Free
Price
$340
Yes
OS 2.0
Yes
4.2
Top Store Adoption %
2.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Dawn or Empire?
Based on our data, Dawn edges ahead on more metrics. It has 85/100 mobile PageSpeed and N/A/5 rating. That said, the best theme depends on your niche and design preferences.
Is Dawn or Empire faster?
Dawn is faster with a mobile PageSpeed score of 85/100 vs Empire's 70/100. Faster themes improve Core Web Vitals, which can boost your Google rankings.
Which theme is more affordable: Dawn or Empire?
Dawn is free while Empire costs $340 as a one-time purchase.
The Verdict
Based on our data, Dawn wins on more key metrics.
Choose Dawn if:
- • You want faster mobile performance
- • You want a free theme
- • You want a lower-cost theme
- • It suits minimal aesthetics
Choose Empire if:
- • It suits marketplace aesthetics
- • It suits modern aesthetics
Related Theme Comparisons
Learn More About Dawn
Learn More About Empire
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