A side cart opens on the side of the screen when a product is added, so customers can keep shopping or check out without losing the page. Read why a side cart sells more. When you compare plugins, check these points.
1. Built on the Store API
Old side carts rely on “cart fragments”, an AJAX request on every page that slows sites down and conflicts with caching. Modern ones use the official WooCommerce Store API, loaded only when needed.
2. Compatible with the block cart and checkout
New WooCommerce stores use the Cart and Checkout blocks. The side cart must link to them and work with the same data.
3. Opens at the right moment
- After AJAX add to cart in shop pages.
- After add to cart on product pages (which reload the page).
- When the header cart icon is clicked (optional).
4. Useful content only
Product image, name, quantity, line price, remove button, subtotal and two buttons. A free shipping progress bar and one or two cross-sells are welcome; a full product carousel is not.
5. Respects quantity rules
Stock limits, sold individually products and minimum quantities must be respected in the side cart too.
6. Accessibility
It is a dialog: keyboard navigation, focus trap, Escape to close and screen reader labels.
7. Weight
No jQuery requirement, no external service, a few kilobytes of CSS and JS.
Checklist
- Store API, no cart fragments
- Block checkout compatible
- Opens on add to cart and on cart link click
- Quantities, remove, subtotal
- Free shipping bar and cross-sells
- Accessible
- Lightweight
Our option
Cartly was built on these rules. Add a product on the live demo to see it open, and read the 10 cart changes that increase checkouts.
Frequently asked questions
What are cart fragments?
An AJAX request WooCommerce themes use to refresh mini carts; it can slow sites down. Store API based carts avoid it.
Does a side cart replace the cart page?
No, the cart page stays available; the side cart is a faster view of it.
Should the side cart open automatically?
Yes after add to cart: it confirms the action and offers the next step.