Shopify and WordPress are two of the most popular ways to run an online store. Both can work well. The right choice depends on how much you want to manage yourself and what else your website needs to do.
How they differ
Shopify is a hosted platform built for selling. You pay a monthly subscription, and Shopify looks after the hosting, security and checkout. You choose a theme, add products and start selling.
WordPress is free website software that you install on your own hosting. To sell online, you add WooCommerce, a free plugin. You have more control over everything, and more to look after.
Side by side
| What to compare | Shopify | WordPress with WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | Quick, everything included | Needs hosting and setup |
| Running costs | Monthly subscription, plus paid apps and themes | Hosting, plus paid plugins and themes |
| Hosting and security | Handled by Shopify | Your responsibility, or your developer’s |
| Flexibility | Strong within Shopify’s rules | Very flexible, almost anything is possible |
| Content and blogging | Basic | Excellent, WordPress started as a blogging tool |
| Day-to-day updates | Few technical updates needed | Regular plugin and software updates |
Costs vary by plan, apps and hosting, so compare current prices for your situation rather than relying on a general figure.
When Shopify is usually the better choice
- Selling products is the main purpose of the website.
- You want to start quickly and spend little time on technical upkeep.
- You expect to use built-in features such as discounts, shipping rates and inventory.
- Your team is not technical and wants a simple admin.
When WordPress is usually the better choice
- Content matters as much as selling, such as articles, guides or a large website.
- You need unusual features or deep customisation.
- You already run a WordPress website and want to add a shop.
- You are comfortable with, or have help for, hosting and regular updates.
Questions to ask before you decide
- How many products will you sell, and how often do they change?
- Who will manage the store day to day, and how comfortable are they with technology?
- What else must the website do, such as bookings, a blog or a members area?
- Which tools must it connect to, such as accounting, shipping or a CRM?
- Who will handle updates and problems after launch?
Can you switch later?
Yes, although moving products, customers and orders takes planning, and links must be redirected so you keep your search rankings. It is easier to choose carefully at the start.
We build and improve stores on both platforms. If you would like help choosing, read about our Shopify and WordPress services or describe your store and we will recommend one in plain words.