WooCommerce vs. Shopify: Key Differences
While these two platforms offer many features to help you start and grow your business, they still have several differences, which we’ve highlighted below.
Pricing structure
On paper, WooCommerce is much cheaper (even offering a free version) while Shopify comes with a monthly pricing structure.
However, WooCommerce is more customizable and the costs will mount up the more extensions and features you add.
Shopify prices are static, so you'll never have to worry about surprise expenses.
Ease of use
Shopify has a much more out-of-the-box feel to it and is easier to get to grips with.
WooCommerce on the other hand offers a wide range of ways to tinker with your store and it supports multiple third-party extensions.
WooCommerce vs. Shopify: Point By Point Comparison
Let’s have a deeper look at how these top dogs compare side-by-side.
Criteria | Shopify | WooCommerce | Verdict |
|---|
Ease of Use | Easy setup from dashboard; no web development skills required. | Relatively user-friendly but requires time to learn; needs third-party extensions. | Shopify wins for its simple user interface and ease of setup. |
Build Time | Pre-built features; instant store setup; hosting included. | Requires finding a host; need to select multiple extensions before starting. | Shopify wins for faster setup time. |
Design and Themes | Offers around 100 free and paid themes; premium themes can be expensive. | Thousands of templates and themes through extensions; highly customizable. | WooCommerce wins for a wider choice of themes. |
Sales Features | Comprehensive features ready out of the box, including abandoned cart recovery, email marketing, customer follow-up. | Offers similar features but requires finding and installing plug-ins. | Tie; both offer similar sales features. |
Plug-ins and Integrations | About 1,200 free and paid apps; customer reviews available. | Over 50,000 plug-ins and integrations; highly customizable. | WooCommerce wins for a vast number of extensions. |
Marketing Tools | Robust tools ready out of the box; automated email campaigns; integration with MailChimp; multi-channel selling. | Similar tools available but require separate extensions for each. | Shopify wins for convenience of built-in tools. |
Payment Options and Transaction Fees | Over 100 payment gateways included; Shopify charges a 2% processing fee. | Similar number of payment options; no additional fees charged by WooCommerce; requires plug-ins. | WooCommerce wins for no transaction fees. |
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | Offers SEO add-ons; customizable URLs; SEO boosters; content optimization tools. | Code optimized for SEO; benefits from WordPress integration. | WooCommerce wins narrowly due to SEO optimization and WordPress integration. |
Security | Built-in security measures; SSL certificate included; compliant with data protection regulations. | No built-in security; depends on hosting provider's security measures. | Shopify wins for built-in security features. |
Customer Support | 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone; support from Shopify as host and provider. | Support via incident tickets; additional support from hosting provider; many agents are WooCommerce experts. | WooCommerce wins for multiple support avenues. |
Pricing | Plans from $29 to $299 per month; includes hosting and features. | Free platform; hosting costs $3–$20/month; plug-ins average $39 each. | WooCommerce wins for free entry-level option. |
Customization | Limited customization options; designed for simplicity. | Highly flexible with thousands of plug-ins and templates; allows for unique websites. | WooCommerce wins for extensive customization capabilities. |
Business Size | Ideal for small businesses; quick setup for users with little web knowledge. | Suitable for both small and large businesses; flexible and scalable but may have a learning curve. | WooCommerce wins for versatility across business sizes. |
When to Migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce and Vice Versa
You’ve outgrown Shopify
If your business has grown to the point Shopify’s features are no longer enough, you might want to consider scaling up to WooCommerce.
Cost comparisons
Some users can easily overspend on WooCommerce plugins and find switching to the more consistent subscription model of Shopify helps them budget more easily.
You’re looking for simplicity
If WooCommerce is too much to handle, switching over to Shopify can really help simplify your business.
Limited technical knowledge
Suppose managing WooCommerce feels too complex, switching to Shopify with its easy interface and built-in features can simplify running your store.
Advanced customization needs
If your store needs advanced customization, WooCommerce’s flexibility and large plugin library might be better for creating a unique eCommerce experience.
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