Shopify vs WooCommerce (WordPress)
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
Non-technical founders, fastest time to market, managed platform, simple ongoing maintenance.
Full control, lower long-term cost at scale, existing WordPress site, complex customisation needs.
| Aspect | Shopify | WooCommerce (WordPress) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £19-79+ plus 0.5-2% transaction fees | £5-20 hosting + optional paid plugins |
| Technical skill needed | Low | Medium-High |
| Transaction fees | 0.5-2% (avoidable with Shopify Payments) | None (beyond payment processor) |
| Customisation | Good (with apps) | Unlimited (with dev skills) |
| Scaling | Easy | Requires technical management |
Frequently asked
What are Shopify's actual total costs?
Basic Shopify: £19/month + 2% transaction fee on Basic (waived if using Shopify Payments). For a store doing £5,000/month: £19 + £100 transaction fees = £119/month. WooCommerce equivalent: ~£20 hosting + £0 transaction fee = £20/month. The gap grows with revenue.
Is WooCommerce free?
The core plugin is free. You'll pay for: hosting (~£5-20/month), premium plugins (£0-200/year), a premium theme (£40-100 one-off), and payment processor fees (Stripe: 1.5% + 25p per transaction in UK). Total: ~£20-50/month for a typical small store.