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Are you considering opening an online store? Are you unsure whether to use Shopify or WooCommerce?
Shopify and WooCommerce are the two most popular eCommerce platforms in the world, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
As a business owner, selecting the best eCommerce platform for your needs is critical to your success.
I'll show you a full comparison of Shopify vs. WooCommerce in this answer. The idea is to break down their benefits and drawbacks so you can choose the best solution for your eCommerce company.
Comparison: Shopify vs. WooCommerce
Before we begin our in-depth comparison of the two most popular eCommerce platforms on the web, we must first discuss the fundamentals and emphasize what distinguishes these platforms.
What exactly is Shopify?
Shopify is a one-stop eCommerce solution that allows you to create an online store, process payments, and manage your inventory all from a single platform.
What exactly is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is a WordPress eCommerce plugin that is open source. It enables you to use the most advanced content management system (CMS) to run an online business.
Cost: Shopify vs. WooCommerce
Cost is often the most important consideration for eCommerce website owners. You need to evaluate the cost of getting started while also keeping in mind the variable costs for add-on services and software.
The True Cost of Using Shopify
Shopify makes it super easy to start your online store. Their basic plan starts at $29 per month, and you can upgrade to the Shopify plan for $79 or the Advanced Shopify plan for $299 per month.
Each of these plans includes an SSL certificate and web hosting. It will come with a Shopify branded subdomain (e.g. https://your-store.myshopify. com).
If you want to use your.com domain name, then you’ll need to purchase it separately. Pricing for a regular .com domain name generally starts at $14/year.
The True Cost of Using WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an eCommerce plugin for WordPress.org (also known as self-hosted WordPress). It is open-source and available as a free plugin.
However, you’ll need a domain name, SSL Certificate, and a WordPress hosting account to start a WooCommerce store.
Typically, a domain name costs $14.99, an SSL Certificate costs $69.99, and web hosting costs around $7.99 / month. This is not cheap, particularly when you are just starting.
Thankfully, several hosting companies are now offering specialized WooCommerce hosting plans which significantly reduce the cost.
As you can see, the cost of starting a basic WooCommerce store is significantly lower than Shopify. WooCommerce also doesn’t charge you a percentage fee on transactions which is a very nice perk.
Shopify vs. WooCommerce: Ease of Use
The majority of people who establish an internet store are neither web designers or developers. Even people who are familiar with fundamental principles require a platform that is simple to use and stays out of the way.
Let's explore how Shopify and WooCommerce compare in terms of usability.
Shopify – User-friendliness
Shopify is a fully hosted platform, so you won't have to install, operate, or update any software. You also don't have to be concerned about security, performance, backups, or compatibility.
As soon as you sign up, you'll be able to select a design from among the numerous free Shopify themes. Following that, they will lead you through the customizing process and then assist you with adding products.
WooCommerce – Userfriendliness
WooCommerce, unlike Shopify, is not a hosted platform. This means you'll have to install the WooCommerce plugin, handle upgrades, monitor backups, and ensure your website's security. There are numerous free and commercial plugins available that can automate the majority of these activities for you.
Which is the better eCommerce platform, WooCommerce or Shopify?
Both Shopify and WooCommerce are powerful platforms for launching an eCommerce store. It everything boils down to your abilities and preferences.
Shopify is far more user-friendly. It does not require any installation and allows you to get started instantly. Payments are quicker to set up, and pricing plans are simple to grasp.
The disadvantage of Shopify is that you don’t have full control over everything. Your costs can go high with transaction fees, add-ons, and integrations. Your upgrade options are limited to select plans, and you cannot manage costs on a pay-as-you-grow basis.
WooCommerce is open source and gives you full control of your website. It costs a lot lower to start an online store with WooCommerce especially with these WooCommerce hosting companies.
The disadvantage is that you’ll have to maintain the software. It comes with a bit of a learning curve. However, millions of beginners are already using it, and they get over the learning phase quite quickly.
If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, and you want to have full control of your online store, then WooCommerce is the best platform for you.
If you want something that’s completely hassle-free that has infinite scalability, then Shopify is the better platform for you.
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