Last updated: October 5, 2026 · 3 min read · By Ali Raza
Choose Shopify if you want a managed platform where hosting, security and checkout are handled for you and you are happy to pay a monthly plan fee. Choose WooCommerce if you want full control over code, data and checkout, already use WordPress, or need custom logic that Shopify’s rules make hard. Both can run a successful store; the difference is who manages the technology.
Shopify and WooCommerce are the two platforms we are asked about most. Store owners usually want to know three things: which is cheaper, which is easier, and which will still fit when the business grows.
The honest answer depends on your products, your team and how custom your store needs to be. Here is how they compare in 2026.
Shopify vs WooCommerce at a glance (October 2026)
| Shopify | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Software cost | Basic $39/mo, Grow $105/mo, Advanced $399/mo (monthly billing; lower if paid yearly) | Free plugin |
| Hosting | Included | You choose and pay for hosting |
| Fee if using a third-party payment provider | 2% Basic, 1% Grow, 0.6% Advanced | None from WooCommerce |
| Updates & security | Managed by Shopify | Your responsibility |
| Customisation | Themes, apps, Shopify Functions | Full code-level control |
| Large stores | Shopify Plus from $2,300/mo | Scales with better hosting |
Which is cheaper?
WooCommerce has no licence fee, but you pay for hosting, a theme, premium extensions and someone to maintain it. Shopify’s plan fee covers hosting and security, but many stores add paid apps, and Shopify charges an extra transaction fee if you use a payment provider other than Shopify Payments. For a small store with standard needs, total costs are often similar. The gap appears with growth: app subscriptions add up on Shopify, while hosting and developer time add up on WooCommerce. Our online store cost guide breaks this down.
Which is easier to run?
Shopify. Updates, hosting, backups and checkout security are handled for you, and the admin is simple for non-technical teams. WooCommerce is easy to use day to day, but someone must keep WordPress, the theme and plugins updated and tested.
Which gives more control?
WooCommerce. You own the code and database and can change anything, including checkout. Shopify is more structured: you customise through themes, apps and Shopify Functions, and checkout changes are limited to what Shopify allows, especially on lower plans. Shopify retired its old checkout.liquid customisation for the information, shipping and payment pages in August 2024, so checkout customisation now goes through checkout extensibility.
Which is better for SEO?
Both rank well when built properly. WooCommerce benefits from WordPress’s strong content tools, which suits stores that publish lots of guides. Shopify handles technical basics well but uses fixed URL patterns such as /products/ and /collections/.
Which is better for bundles and custom features?
Both need apps or custom development for advanced bundles, B2B pricing or configurators. Our guide to product bundles on WooCommerce and Shopify compares the options.
How to choose in four questions
- Do you want to manage hosting and updates? If not, Shopify.
- Do you need unusual checkout, pricing or product logic? Lean WooCommerce.
- Is content a big part of your marketing? WooCommerce has the edge.
- Do you already run WordPress? WooCommerce adds to it; Shopify can sit alongside it.
Already on one and thinking of switching? Read our migration checklist. Or ask for a free store review through our Shopify and WooCommerce development service.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopify or WooCommerce better for a small business?
Shopify is usually better for small teams that want simplicity and managed hosting. WooCommerce is better if you want full control, already use WordPress or need custom logic.
Is WooCommerce really free?
The plugin is free, but you pay for hosting, a domain, premium extensions and maintenance.
Does Shopify charge transaction fees?
Shopify charges an extra fee when you use a third-party payment provider instead of Shopify Payments: 2% on Basic, 1% on Grow and 0.6% on Advanced, according to its pricing page.
Can I switch from WooCommerce to Shopify later?
Yes. Products, customers and orders can be migrated, and 301 redirects protect your SEO.