Whether it’s about opening a web-store or managing an eCommerce business, great managing software is a must. Both Shopify and WooCommerce are good choices for this purpose.
If you are unsure about which tool/software you should use for your online store then you are at the right place. We have made an in-depth comparison for which is better and why.
Howbeit, before we dive into our efficacious battle-testing, let us know about the difference between WooCommerce and Shopify. You can skip this step if you already know about these tools.
Shopify
Shopify is a one-stop solution that provides everything you would need for an eCommerce business. This solution allows the user to build his business website from scratch without any coding or development knowledge. You can create your online store and just start selling like a fast runner.
You don’t need to buy a hosting, then find the theme, and continue the process to the end. Simply sign up to Shopify and your business is on-air.
WooCommerce
While Shopify offers single all round solution, the game is totally differencing with WooCommerce (WordPress). Long story short, WooCommerce is a free WordPress extension that allows you to set up an online store. You need to separately buy a domain, a hosting and a theme. Plus, if you are new to eCommerce world, you need to add the taxing and other boring settings.
For a WooCommerce website, you first need to set-up your site. Once, you are done with site building, all you need to do is add WooCommerce plugin and you are good to go.
WordPress offer better content management which is a plus here. Not to forget you need to buy a fast web hosting, though hosting type could vary. I would recommend SiteGround or Bluehost.
Shopify Vs WooCommerce: the battle begins here
Now that you know Shopify is an all-in-one platform for setting up your online business. Let us start comparing it with WordPress plugin, WooCommerce. Here is a quick comparison table.
| WooCommerce | Shopify |
| WordPress plug-in for creating e-store | Complete eCommerce solution for online business |
| Integrated Content Management | You can only add light pages |
| for non-commercial pages | |
| You need to buy hosting | Hosting Plan is inbuilt |
| WooCommerce community | Shopify team for customer support |
| Extensive SSL Certification | Basic SSL Certification |
| Less swift Navigation | Easy Navigation |
| Web developer is needed | No web developer needed |
| Unlimited staff accounts | Only 15 Staff accounts |
Usability
The basic requirement for every business venture is usability and most of the solutions including woo commerce and Shopify know this already. Both of these platforms are great for beginners and/or non-coders.
You can easily build your site from zero either one of these solutions. However, you do need to spend a little time for adding regular pages (like contact us page) and for performing other tasks like listing and management. To ease this process a bit, there is a technical guide which is purely user oriented.
But, but, you need to put in a lot more time in website building and setting up an e-store in the case of WordPress (WooCommerce) plug-in.
Performance
Many websites out there made the entire comparison between these two; however, no one tested them for speed. To help you a bit, I added Shopify once and then WooCommerce on a testing site. Here are the results I obtained:
While using Shopify
And then for WooCommerce
Note- I did not add any product before/after the speed test.
Here you could see Shopify is faster than WooCommerce, but this doesn’t mean WooCommerce lost the battle. This is because, In latter software website speed can be boosted effectively by managing your hosting, reducing installed plug-ins and using other tricks for the faster site. The price for hosting, however, would vary with different hosting types and companies.
See our recent post for effectively improving your WooCommerce website speed.
Features
Next thing that all business ventures look for when starting an e-store is swift and useful features’ availability.
Shopify offers different divisions for orders, products, customers, and reports. WooCommerce has a more complicated sidebar with a less swift navigation.
Both of these don’t charge any fee for transaction and have huge storage, means you can add any much products you want into your listings. The only game changer is Coupons option. WooCommerce already has a separate option for this, but for enabling this on Shopify, you need to spend some bucks.
You can make the WooCommerce plugin more robust with add-ons. Again, lesser additions are available for Shopify.
Content Management
Most of the e-store owners hire a content strategist separately for non-commercial content including the targeted landing pages and blog posts. This feature is missing in Shopify.
You need to add a WooCommerce plug-in and content management will come handy.
That said Shopify offer little options for adding basic pages like contact us. This is optimum for users with different marketing plans and less need for non-selling pages.
SSL Certification
Security is another essential feature for an e-store.
SSL certificate encrypts the sensitive information shared between the user and the admin and shows up a 443 error to the third party. It helps make your payment info and/or your authentic details safe and secure.
While Shopify has basic SSL certification that will save the info to the limited extent; there is no control for altered SSL certificates. WooCommerce, on the other hand, allows the user to buy an SSL certificate addition.
Business reports
Reports and analysis are the essential part of online ventures and e-stores. It helps you monitor the sales and traffic. WooCommerce offers free reporting exclusively for the WordPress users.
Shopify needs additional plans for this service.
Storage and accounts
WooCommerce and Shopify both have unlimited storage. However, you need to go to a better hosting plan for WooCommerce as more data could slow your site navigation a bit. You can also add multiple accounts on both of them.
Shopify provides a limited number of accounts, means you can only create around 15 staff accounts on Shopify. Nevertheless, WooCommerce offers unlimited staff accounts.
Payment gateway
WooCommerce and Shopify both have free payment options.
Shopify provides PayPal integration and free credit card service (only across US, Australia, UK and Canada). There are different payment gateways for other countries. You need to brainstorm a little to find out your fit.
WooCommerce with stripe has free credit card support and PayPal option. Other payment options are also available but it will cost you accordingly.
Pricing and Support
Despite so many features Shopify still offers a reasonable price of $29 per month. You can improve its dynamic functionality by choosing pricier plans. For instance, you can add more quirky features by extensions, but more actionable features would need you to spend more.
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plug-in. You don’t need to spend for monthly plan and service. However, you do need to buy a fast domain. If you are on a fixed budget, shared hosting could be a great option. You only need $3 per month for this service.
Another thing that you need to know is support. Shopify has a 24/7 support and service team. Shopify team is quick at providing assistance over anything on your e-store. On the other side, WooCommerce does not have a specific support service or team, but there is a support community. You can get help/assistance from there. Our Winner is WooCommerce.
Over to you
While we have selected WooCommerce as a better eCommerce platform, you can still decide your personalized choice.
Choose Shopify if – you are new to the eCommerce business and just starting up your e-store from scratch with no knowledge for tax, shipping, and related charges. Shopify is also a perfect choice for beginners with no coding or back-end experience. Shopify will do everything for building up a web-store with minimal effort. Navigation is easy and technical guide is always there to help you.
Choose WooCommerce if – you already own an e-store and willing to start-up another or if you have web development knowledge. Setting up a WordPress site is easy-breezy. Just buy a domain and a hosting. Select a theme and your WordPress handle is there. Add a WooCommerce plugin and your business is online. WooCommerce has its own content management WordPress software – WordPress.
If you are still unsure about what to choose or have a doubt, let us know with your comment. We will drive you to an efficacious choice.
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