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Shopifiy or WordPress for your SMB’s website?
This comparison should make it easy. If not contact me (John Buck,) and I might be able to help you.
- Shopify: a fully managed, all-in-one commercial platform. It works right out of the box.
- WordPress: a free, open-source software. You control the hosting, security, and design.
Differences At-A-Glance
| Feature |
Shopify |
WordPress (with WooCommerce) |
| Setup Speed |
Fast. Ready in hours. |
Slow. Requires technical configuration. |
| Monthly Cost |
Fixed. $29–$299+/month plus apps. |
Variable. $5–$50/month for hosting. |
| Transaction Fees |
Yes. Charges 0.5%–2% if not using Shopify Payments. |
No. Only standard credit card processing fees. |
| Design Control |
Restricted. Locked into structured templates. |
Infinite. Complete control over every pixel. |
| Media Handling |
Basic. Optimized for standard product images. |
Advanced. Perfect for audio, video, and PDFs. |
| Maintenance |
Hands-off. Automatic updates and hosting security. |
Hands-on. You must update plugins and backups. |
2026 Prices
Best Use Cases
- Choose Shopify if: You sell hundreds of physical items, want zero technical headaches, and need built-in shipping logistics.
- Choose WordPress if: You sell a mix of digital and physical goods (like music books), want deep multimedia integration, and hate monthly platform fees.
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