Shopify vs WooCommerce
A head-to-head comparison for 2026 — pricing, features, and which is better for different use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39/mo | Free + hosting |
| Free Plan | 3-day trial | Yes (plugin is free) |
| Transaction Fee | 0% (Shopify Pay) / 2% without | Payment processor only |
| Products | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Channels | Online, social, POS | Online + extensions |
| Best For | Most online stores | WordPress users + full control |
Shopify — Overview
Shopify powers over 4 million online stores worldwide. The most complete e-commerce platform with 8,000+ apps, multichannel selling (Instagram, TikTok, Amazon), built-in payments, and 24/7 support. The industry standard for online retail.
WooCommerce — Overview
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns any WordPress site into an online store. No monthly platform fee — you pay for hosting ($10-30/mo) and payment processing only. 60,000+ extensions and complete customization. Powers 23% of all online stores.
Key Differences
Hosted simplicity vs self-hosted control. Shopify handles everything — hosting, security, updates, payments. WooCommerce gives you complete control but you manage hosting and maintenance yourself. Shopify is easier and faster; WooCommerce is cheaper and more customizable. Shopify for most merchants; WooCommerce for WordPress users who want full control.
The Verdict
Choose Shopify for the easiest path to selling online. Choose WooCommerce if you already use WordPress and want maximum control at a lower cost.