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Shopify vs WooCommerce

Hosted SaaS vs WordPress plugin.

Shopify is hosted, opinionated, fast to start. WooCommerce requires WordPress knowledge, more customizable, cheaper at scale.

At a glance

ShopifyWooCommerce
HostingManaged SaaSSelf-hosted WordPress
CustomizationThemes + appsUnlimited (WP ecosystem)
Monthly cost$29-399Hosting only (~$20-500)
Learning curveLowModerate (WP required)

When to pick Shopify

Speed to launch, no-ops preference, design-forward.

When to pick WooCommerce

Full control, WordPress already in stack, cost sensitivity.

My verdict

Shopify for most new DTC. WooCommerce for WP-native teams.

Further reading