Choosing the right ecommerce platform is one of the most important decisions for any online business. The cost of running and managing a website can escalate quickly if the platform isn’t fit for purpose.
Shopify and WooCommerce are two of the most popular ecommerce solutions for startups and growing businesses. Both have their advantages, but they work in different ways. This guide compares Shopify vs WooCommerce across design, functionality, security, and cost to help you decide which platform is right for your business.
Key factors to consider
- Are you running a standard ecommerce store, or do you need subscription-based features?
- Do you sell physical products that need shipping, or are you offering digital downloads?
- Is SEO a major priority for your business?
- Do you need a fully customisable solution, or do you want a quick and easy setup?
Each platform has its strengths, but the right choice depends on the complexity of your store and how you plan to scale.
Shopify vs WooCommerce: key differences
Shopify is a hosted ecommerce platform, meaning it provides everything you need in one package, including hosting, security, and built-in features. WooCommerce is an open-source plugin for WordPress, giving you more flexibility but requiring additional setup and maintenance.
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Included | Self-hosted (you need your own server) |
| Ease of setup | Quick and user-friendly | Requires manual installation and configuration |
| Customisation | Limited to themes and apps | Fully customisable with coding |
| SEO control | Limited | Advanced SEO options |
| Security | Built-in SSL and PCI compliance | Requires third-party security plugins |
| Transaction fees | 1.5% - 2% + payment processing fees | Depends on payment provider |
| Subscription selling | Third-party apps required | Built-in support via WooCommerce Subscriptions |
| Support | 24/7 Shopify support | Community support, forums, and developer assistance |
Shopify vs WooCommerce: design and flexibility
Both Shopify and WooCommerce offer a range of themes, but customisation levels differ significantly.
Shopify
- Easy-to-use theme store with free and paid options
- Limited ability to modify checkout (unless using Shopify Plus)
- Requires Shopify’s Liquid coding for advanced customisation
WooCommerce
- Works with any WordPress theme, offering complete control
- More flexible layouts and checkout customisation
- Requires more technical expertise for advanced changes
If you need full creative control, WooCommerce is better suited. If you want a quick, polished setup, Shopify is the easier choice.
Shopify vs WooCommerce: security and maintenance
Security is crucial for ecommerce, but the two platforms handle it differently.
- Shopify includes SSL certificates and PCI compliance as standard
- WooCommerce requires additional plugins and hosting security
Shopify removes the hassle of managing security, while WooCommerce gives you more control but requires ongoing maintenance.
Shopify vs WooCommerce: costs and transaction fees
While WooCommerce is technically free, costs can add up with hosting, plugins, and payment processing fees.
- Shopify charges monthly fees (starting at £25)
- WooCommerce itself is free, but hosting can cost £5-£30 per month
- Shopify applies transaction fees (unless using Shopify Payments)
- WooCommerce uses Stripe or PayPal, with lower per-transaction fees
Shopify vs WooCommerce: best for subscriptions
If you’re running a subscription business, both platforms have solutions, but they differ in execution.
WooCommerce Subscriptions
- Handles multiple billing schedules and renewal notifications
- Fully customisable with third-party reporting tools
Shopify Subscriptions
- Relies on third-party apps like Recharge
- Simpler to set up but less flexible than WooCommerce
WooCommerce is the better choice for complex subscription models, while Shopify is easier to manage for simple recurring payments.
Shopify vs WooCommerce: the final decision
- Choose Shopify if you want a hosted, easy-to-use solution with minimal technical setup.
- Choose WooCommerce if you need full control, advanced SEO, and customisation options.
For businesses prioritising simplicity and support, Shopify is ideal. If you need flexibility, WooCommerce allows greater control and customisation. Both platforms have strengths, so your choice depends on your business goals and technical capabilities.