Shopify
by Shopify Inc.
The commerce platform that helps you start, grow, and manage your business
7.4
/ 10
Overall Score
Shopify scores 7.4/10 overall. The commerce platform that helps you start, grow, and manage your business. Best for: Anyone starting an online store who wants an all-in-one solution. Starting at $39/month. Last verified Mar 24, 2026.
Score Breakdown
How we score →Scores are editorial assessments on a 1–10 scale. Overall score uses a weighted formula: Value (25%), Power (20%), Transparency (20%), Ease (15%), Setup (10%), Migration (10%). Full methodology
Switching Intelligence
Sasanova ExclusiveMigration Difficulty
Implementation Complexity
LowWhat triggers people to switch AWAY
- App costs add up significantly
- Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments (2% on Basic)
- Need more design/code flexibility
What blocks people from leaving
- Entire storefront and product catalog
- Customer data and order history
- App integrations and workflows
- SEO rankings tied to Shopify URLs
Hidden Costs & Gotchas
- Transaction fees (2% Basic, 1% Shopify, 0.6% Advanced) if not using Shopify Payments
- Paid apps average $20-50/mo each
- Premium themes: $180-350 one-time
- POS Pro add-on: $89/mo per location
Data Export & Portability
CSV export of products, orders, customers. API access.
Best For
- Anyone starting an online store who wants an all-in-one solution
- Businesses that want a huge app ecosystem for customization
- Brands scaling from small to enterprise-level commerce
Avoid If
- You want to avoid monthly fees (WooCommerce is free to start)
- You need full control over your codebase (consider headless or WooCommerce)
- You sell only digital products (Gumroad or Lemon Squeezy are simpler)
Features
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Billing | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39/mo | $348/yr | flat | 2 staff accounts, basic reports, up to 77% shipping discount |
| ShopifyPopular | $105/mo | $948/yr | flat | 5 staff accounts, professional reports, up to 88% shipping discount |
| Advanced | $399/mo | $3588/yr | flat | 15 staff accounts, advanced reports, custom pricing, duties & import taxes |
| Plus | $2300/mo | $27600/yr | custom | Enterprise features, unlimited staff, Shopify Functions, checkout customization, dedicated support |
Pricing Calculator
Estimate your monthly cost for Shopify. Click a plan to select it.
Estimates based on published pricing. Usage-based plans are approximated. Verify with vendor for exact quotes.
Integrations
Alternatives
Related Comparisons
Shopify vs WooCommerce
Shopify wins for ease of use and all-in-one hosted commerce. WooCommerce wins for developers wanting full code control and lower ongoing costs.
Shopify vs BigCommerce
Shopify wins on app ecosystem, ease of use, and market share. BigCommerce wins on built-in features, zero transaction fees, and B2B capabilities.
Shopify vs Squarespace
Shopify wins for serious e-commerce with a massive app ecosystem, multi-channel selling, and advanced inventory management. Squarespace is better for design-forward sites that sell a handful of products.
Shopify vs Gumroad
Gumroad is the fastest way to sell digital products with zero setup and a simple fee structure. Shopify is a full commerce platform for businesses needing inventory, shipping, and multi-channel retail.
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