Create an online store: Shopify or WooCommerce? (2026 comparison)
Do you want to sell online and are you hesitating between Shopify and WooCommerce? These are the two most used solutions, but they are based on opposing logics. Understanding the difference will help you avoid getting the wrong base — a costly change once you launch the store.
Shopify: the turnkey solution
Shopify is an all-in-one commerce platform. You pay a monthly subscription, and everything is managed for you: hosting, security, payments, updates. You focus on your products and your sales, not on technology.
- Benefits :quick to launch, reliable, secure, customer support, ideal for scaling.
- Disadvantages:monthly subscription, more supervised personalization, possible commissions depending on the payment method.
WooCommerce: the freedom of WordPress
WooCommerce is an extension that transforms a siteWordPressin store. You get almost total freedom and no subscription to the platform, but you manage hosting, security and maintenance.
- Benefits :full control, unlimited customization, no platform fees, complete ownership.
- Disadvantages:more technique, maintenance at your expense, hosting and extension costs which add up.
Real costs
With Shopify, the cost is predictable: a monthly subscription, plus any applications. With WooCommerce, the software is free but you combine hosting, theme, extensions and maintenance. In the end, both can come back to a close budget; what changes is thedistributionand thetechnical level. To find an overall budget, see our articlehow much does a website cost.
Which one to choose?
ChooseShopifyif you want to launch quickly, without worrying about technique, and concentrate on sales. ChooseWooCommerceif you want total freedom, you already have a WordPress site, or you accept a little more technical management. In both cases, call on afreelance e-commercefor the launch saves you from many beginner mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopify or WooCommerce cheaper?
It depends on the use. Shopify has a fixed and predictable monthly cost. WooCommerce is free initially but combines hosting, extensions and maintenance. For a small store, budgets often end up close.
Can we migrate from one to the other later?
Yes, but a migration is a project in itself (products, orders, design, SEO). It's better to choose the right base from the start based on your technical level and your ambitions.
Do you need to know how to code?
No for Shopify, which is designed for non-technical people. WooCommerce requires a little more ease, but remains accessible, especially with the help of a freelancer for the setup.
