The Short Answer
If you want to launch fast and focus on selling: pick Shopify. If you need total control and have some technical skills: pick WooCommerce.
But the full picture is more nuanced. Let me walk through what I've learned from using both.
Pricing: The Real Numbers
Shopify
Shopify's pricing looks simple on the surface:
- Basic: $39/month
- Shopify: $105/month
- Advanced: $399/month
But here's what they don't tell you upfront:
- Transaction fees: 2.9% + 30cents per transaction unless you use Shopify Payments
- Apps: Most stores spend $20-$100/month on apps
- Theme: A decent paid theme runs $180-$350 one-time
WooCommerce
WooCommerce itself is free, but:
- Hosting: $10-$30/month for decent managed WordPress hosting
- Domain: $10-$15/year
- SSL: Free (via Let's Encrypt)
- Plugins: Can range from $0-$200+/year depending on needs
- Developer help: Budget at least $200-$500 if you need custom work
Winner: WooCommerce (on price alone)
Ease of Use
Shopify wins hands down here.
- Shopify: Sign up, pick a theme, add products, start selling — literally in an afternoon
- WooCommerce: Install WordPress, configure hosting, install WooCommerce, set up SSL, pick a theme, configure payment gateways... it adds up
If you're not technical, the time you save with Shopify is worth the extra monthly cost.
Customization
This is where WooCommerce shines.
With WooCommerce, you own everything. You can modify every line of code, customize the checkout flow, add custom fields — whatever you need. Shopify limits what you can customize, especially on the checkout page (unless you're on Shopify Plus at $2,000/month).
My Recommendation
- Start with Shopify if you're new to ecommerce. The time savings alone justify the cost.
- Switch to WooCommerce when you're doing $5k+/month and want to optimize your margins and checkout experience.
Either way, don't overthink it. The platform matters less than your products and marketing. Pick one and launch.