Reviewed 2026-10-14
WooCommerce vs Shopify
Both run a real store. The choice is whether you pay a subscription or pay in hosting, extensions and maintenance time.
Our take
Shopify
WooCommerce is cheaper on paper because the plugin is free, and it gives you control of the stack. That only wins if you value that control and can absorb the upkeep. If nobody on the team wants to own patching, backups and checkout performance, Shopify's subscription buys that time back.
Side by side
Rows marked in colour show which option we think is ahead on that point.
| Criteria | WooCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| What you pay for | Hosting, extensions and maintenance time | A monthly subscription |
| Server maintenance | Entirely your responsibility | Handled by the platform |
| Control over the stack | Full access to code, database and theme | Constrained; deeper checkout changes need higher plans |
| Checkout reliability under load | Depends on your hosting and plugin set | Managed and predictable |
| Up-front cash | Near zero to start | Subscription from day one |
Sources
These are the vendor pages we used when writing this comparison. Prices and plan limits change; confirm them before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers restate what this comparison records and link to the vendor pages it cites.
Is WooCommerce free to run compared with Shopify?
The WooCommerce plugin is free and open source, but our entry records that the cost shows up in hosting, extensions and maintenance time. Shopify is a monthly subscription that takes server maintenance, patching and checkout reliability off your plate. Confirm both on the WooCommerce pricing page and the Shopify pricing page.
What is the difference between WooCommerce and Shopify?
Both run a real store. The choice is whether you pay a subscription or pay in hosting, extensions and maintenance time.
How do WooCommerce and Shopify compare on price?
Both are tiered, so the figure depends on your own volume. Our entries describe WooCommerce as: Plugin is free; the cost is hosting, extensions and maintenance time. And Shopify as: Monthly subscription; promotions vary. Compare the WooCommerce pricing page and the Shopify pricing page before you commit.
Which should I choose, WooCommerce or Shopify?
WooCommerce is cheaper on paper because the plugin is free, and it gives you control of the stack. That only wins if you value that control and can absorb the upkeep. If nobody on the team wants to own patching, backups and checkout performance, Shopify's subscription buys that time back.
Where did the figures in this comparison come from?
This comparison is based on the vendor pages we read: WooCommerce pricing and Shopify pricing. Prices and plan limits change, so check them before you commit.
How do WooCommerce and Shopify compare on "What you pay for"?
WooCommerce: Hosting, extensions and maintenance time. Shopify: A monthly subscription.