Shopify and WooCommerce represent the two main paths in ecommerce: a fully managed hosted platform vs a free, self-hosted open-source plugin for WordPress.
Quick verdict
- Choose Shopify if you want a managed, scalable store with minimal maintenance.
- Choose WooCommerce if you use WordPress, want full control and content + commerce, and have (or can hire) technical skill.
Head to head
| Shopify | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Model | Hosted SaaS | Self-hosted open-source |
| From | $29/mo | Free plugin + hosting (~$5/mo) |
| Maintenance | Managed for you | You manage it |
| Customization | Liquid + apps | Unlimited (open-source) |
| Content/CMS | Basic | Best (WordPress) |
Bottom line
For hands-off scaling pick Shopify; for control and content + commerce on WordPress pick WooCommerce. Read the full Shopify review and WooCommerce review.