July 16, 2026 · 8 min read
In short: Shopify makes sense if you want to launch fast without touching the technical side and you accept a monthly fee plus transaction fees. WooCommerce makes sense if you want full control, no platform lock-in and lower recurring costs, in exchange for some maintenance. There is no absolute «best» choice — it depends on your business model.
| Criterion | WooCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Hosting only (from €29) | From ~€30 + paid apps |
| Fees | Only your gateway's | Gateway + Shopify fee unless using Shopify Payments |
| Control and ownership | Total, your code | Limited by the platform |
| Maintenance | On you (or your partner) | Handled by Shopify |
| Customization | Unlimited (open source) | Bound to themes and apps |
| SEO | Full control over URLs and structure | Good but with some limits |
WooCommerce is an open-source plugin for WordPress: you pay only for hosting and get full freedom over design, features and SEO. It is the right call if you have an unusual catalog, want custom integrations with a management system or an ERP, or don't want to be tied to a growing subscription. In return, someone has to handle updates, backups and security.
Shopify is a turnkey platform: hosting, security and updates are included in the fee. It is ideal if you want to start selling immediately without managing the technical side and have standard requirements. The downside is a cost that grows with apps and fees, and less freedom to customize.
Whichever platform you pick, the result depends on how the store is built. We work with both: see our e-commerce service, read how much an e-commerce costs, or get in touch for advice on your case.