Choose Shopify if you want a reliable store that is easy to run, with hosting, security and checkout handled for you, from $29/month billed yearly. Choose WordPress with WooCommerce if you need full control, heavy content and custom features, and you are ready to manage hosting and updates.
We build online stores on both Shopify and WordPress (WooCommerce), so we see where each one shines. The right choice depends on how you want to run the store day to day.
Shopify vs WordPress at a glance
| Shopify | WordPress + WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hosted ecommerce platform | Open-source CMS with an ecommerce plugin |
| Monthly cost | Basic $29, Grow $79, Advanced $299 (billed yearly) | Hosting plus paid plugins and themes |
| Hosting and security | Included | You manage it |
| Ease of use | Easier | Steeper, more settings |
| Apps and plugins | Large app store, many paid apps | Huge plugin ecosystem |
| Content and blogging | Basic | Excellent |
| Customization | Within Shopify’s system | Almost unlimited |
| Best for | Product-focused stores that want simplicity | Content-heavy stores and custom features |
Shopify prices are from its public pricing, billed yearly; paying monthly costs about 25% more. Payment processing and app fees come on top.
Costs beyond the plan
- Shopify: payment processing, paid apps and a premium theme if you need one.
- WordPress: managed hosting, premium plugins (subscriptions, bookings, filters) and maintenance time.
Ease of running the store
Shopify handles updates, security, checkout and hosting, so owners focus on products and marketing. WordPress needs regular updates for core, theme and plugins, ideally on good hosting. See our WordPress hosting guide.
SEO and content
Both rank well. WordPress is stronger for stores that publish a lot of content, because it started as a blogging platform. Shopify covers the essentials for product pages and collections.
Which should you choose?
Choose Shopify if you sell physical products, want to launch fast and do not want to manage technical upkeep.
Choose WordPress if content is central to your business, you need unusual features or you want full ownership of code and hosting.
From the studio: most of our product-focused clients are happier on Shopify. Content-led brands with a big blog often stay on WordPress.
Related guides
We build stores on both Shopify and WordPress and recommend the one that fits.
FAQ
Is Shopify better than WordPress?
For simple, product-focused stores, usually yes. WordPress wins for content-heavy stores and custom functionality.
Is Shopify cheaper than WordPress?
Not always. WordPress software is free, but hosting, plugins and maintenance add up. Compare total yearly cost.
Can I move from WordPress to Shopify?
Yes. Products, customers and orders can be migrated, and old URLs should be redirected to protect SEO.
Which is better for SEO, Shopify or WordPress?
Both can rank well. WordPress is stronger for blogging; Shopify covers product SEO well.
Shopify pricing; WooCommerce. Prices checked October 2026.
Founder of SkyDesigner. Fiverr Pro Vetted designer, selling on Fiverr since 2014 with 24,500+ reviews.
