Shopify vs WooCommerce
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Shopify (4.5/5)
We tested Shopify and WooCommerce side-by-side. Shopify comes out ahead overall, but WooCommerce may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 4.5/10 | 4.6/10 |
| Ease of Use | 4.3/10 | 3.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 4/10 | 4.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 3.9/10 | 3.6/10 |
| Overall | 4.2/10 | 4.2/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Online Store Builder | No | No |
| Payment Processing | No | No |
| Inventory Management | No | No |
| Marketing & SEO Tools | No | No |
| App Store | No | No |
| No | No |
Pricing Comparison
Shopify: From $39/month
WooCommerce: Free (hosting separate)
Shopify Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive e-commerce ecosystem with extensive app store
- Scalable for businesses from startups to large enterprises
- User friendly interface for store setup and management
- Robust marketing and SEO tools built in
- Reliable hosting and security infrastructure
Cons
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Customization can be limited without coding knowledge on lower tiers
- Pricing can become expensive for advanced features or high volume stores
- Reliance on third party apps for certain functionalities
WooCommerce Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source core
- Unlimited products with no transaction fees
- 800+ official extensions
- Complete customization freedom
- Full data ownership
- Massive WordPress ecosystem
- REST API for headless commerce
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than hosted platforms
- Requires self-managed hosting and security
- Extension costs can add up quickly
- Performance depends on hosting quality
- Updates can cause plugin conflicts
- No dedicated customer support for free core
Key Specifications
| Spec | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Pricing | From $39/month | Free (hosting separate) |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | Distributed (Automattic) |
| Employees | N/A | 1,000+ |
Our Verdict
Shopify wins overall. Choose Shopify if you value Small to medium sized businesses launching an online store. Choose WooCommerce if you prioritize WordPress site owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shopify better than WooCommerce?
Based on our testing, Shopify scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to WooCommerce's 4.2/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Shopify and WooCommerce?
Shopify is known for: The world's leading e-commerce platform powering 4.8M+ online stores.. WooCommerce is known for: Open-source WordPress e-commerce plugin with unlimited customization..
Which is cheaper, Shopify or WooCommerce?
Shopify pricing: From $39/month. WooCommerce pricing: Free (hosting separate).
Can I use Shopify and WooCommerce together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the e-commerce category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Shopify?
Comprehensive e-commerce ecosystem with extensive app store. Scalable for businesses from startups to large enterprises. User friendly interface for store setup and management
What are the pros of WooCommerce?
Free and open-source core. Unlimited products with no transaction fees. 800+ official extensions
Which e-commerce should I choose?
Choose Shopify if you value Small to medium sized businesses launching an online store. Choose WooCommerce if you prioritize WordPress site owners.