WordPress vs Shopify for eCommerce: Which Should You Choose in 2025?
If you’re planning to launch an online store in 2025, you’re likely asking:
Should I build it on WordPress or Shopify?
Both platforms are industry leaders—but they serve different needs. This detailed comparison will help you choose the right eCommerce platform based on features, flexibility, scalability, and budget.
Quick Overview
| Feature | WordPress (WooCommerce) | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Fully Self-Hosted | Hosted by Shopify |
| Flexibility | High | Limited custom control |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very Beginner-Friendly |
| Monthly Costs | Varies | Fixed Subscription Fees |
| Transaction Fees | Depends on Payment Gateway | Shopify fees apply |
Why Choose WordPress + WooCommerce?
1. Full Control and Customization
With WordPress, you’re not restricted to predefined templates. You can:
- Customize everything from checkout flows to user dashboards
- Use thousands of plugins to expand features
- Integrate with CRMs, analytics, and SEO tools freely
2. Lower Long-Term Costs
Unlike Shopify’s recurring subscription model, WordPress lets you:
- Pay once for themes/plugins
- Avoid platform lock-in
- Choose your hosting provider
3. Better for SEO
You can install powerful SEO plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO, optimize permalinks, control site speed, and structure your blog strategy.
Why Choose Shopify?
All-in-One Solution
Shopify takes care of hosting, security, updates, and scalability. It’s ideal for:
- First-time sellers
- Dropshipping businesses
- Entrepreneurs who don’t want to deal with tech
Easy Setup & Maintenance
- No coding needed
- Built-in payment gateways
- Drag-and-drop store builder
Strong App Ecosystem
Access to apps for:
- Email marketing
- Cart recovery
- Inventory and shipping tools
But note: Most apps come with recurring fees, increasing overall cost.
Cost Comparison (2025)
| Feature | WordPress (WooCommerce) | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Cost | Free | $39–$399/month |
| Hosting | $5 – $30/month | Included |
| Payment Gateway Fees | 0% – 2.9% (Stripe/PayPal) | 2% (Shopify Payments) |
| Themes & Plugins | $50 – $300 one-time | $180 – $360/year (Apps) |
| Development Flexibility | High | Medium |
Need help budgeting your WordPress store? Read: How Much Does It Cost to Build a WordPress Site in 2025
Who Should Use What?
| You Are… | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Just starting out | Shopify |
| Want full customization & scalability | WordPress |
| Running a blog + store | WordPress |
| Need simple setup & quick launch | Shopify |
| SEO-focused and blog-driven strategy | WordPress |
Real-World Examples
- Shopify: Great for drop-shippers, small brands with fewer products, influencer merch stores.
- WordPress: Ideal for niche products, complex catalogs, content-first brands, and multi-language/global stores.
Need Help Deciding?
As a WordPress specialist, I’ve also helped clients migrate from Shopify when they outgrew its limits.
Let’s schedule a free consult and figure out the best fit based on your goals.
Do You Have An Interesting Project?
- Want To Get Started?
$10/ HR