Shopify vs WooCommerce — eCommerce Platform Comparison [2026]
In summary, Shopify is a hosted, all-in-one eCommerce platform that handles everything from hosting to payments. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that gives you full control but requires self-management of hosting, security, and updates. Shopify is easier and faster to launch; WooCommerce is more customizable and potentially cheaper for WordPress-savvy teams.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Fully hosted (included) | Self-hosted (you manage) |
| Ease of Setup | Minutes to launch | Hours to days (technical) |
| Pricing | $39-399/month + transaction fees | Free plugin + hosting ($10-100/month) |
| Themes | 100+ official themes | 1,000+ free/paid themes |
| Customization | Liquid templating, app ecosystem | Full PHP/WordPress access |
| Payment Processing | Shopify Payments built-in | WooPayments or 100+ gateways |
| Security | PCI DSS compliant, SSL included | You manage SSL, security, backups |
| Scalability | Shopify Plus for enterprise | Depends on hosting infrastructure |
Our Verdict
For most businesses, Shopify gets you selling faster with less hassle. WooCommerce is better for WordPress-native teams wanting maximum control. ECOSIRE provides expert services for both platforms — Shopify store setup and WooCommerce-to-Shopify migration.
Choose Shopify When
- You want a hassle-free, fully managed eCommerce store
- You prioritize speed to market over deep customization
- You want built-in payment processing and PCI compliance
- You plan to scale and eventually need Shopify Plus
Choose WooCommerce When
- You already have a WordPress website and want to add a store
- You need complete code-level control over your store
- You want to avoid monthly platform fees
- You have a developer who can manage WordPress hosting
Frequently Asked Questions
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