Are you considering having an online store? Coming up with the best decision on which platform to use is tough. Probably you have across different eCommerce platforms which makes it hard to decide. The reason is that you may want to choose either Shopify or Wordpress ( WooCommerce ), which are the world's two top popular eCommerce platforms.

Every platform has its merits, with each outdoing the other on certain aspects. It will depend on where you want to base your online store. We will help you choose the one to go with by giving you comprehensive details focusing on the strengths and downsides of each of the two platforms.

Let’s first understand the platforms.

WooCommerce is an eCommerce plugin for WordPress which is open-source. It allows users to influence the utmost authoritative content management system and utilize it to operate an online store. An individual can customize every feature of a shop and easily make custom extensions.

Shopify is an all-together eCommerce platform. It helps users easily build an online store, manage inventory, and accept payments. All are done in one platform without fear of technical factors of managing websites like security, cache, web hosting, etc.

Now, let’s compare the giant online stores.

1. Design

eCommerce web design is an important aspect of websites especially eCommerce stores. Customers trust a site with the right aesthetic design.

Shopify

The visual themes’ quality is among the largest selling points of Shopify. They look extremely incredible out of the stand. The store comes with over 54 various templates, with ten being free. Each of the themes has distinctive variations. Therefore, you can get at least 100 separate designs.

An interesting thing is that all are compatible with mobile and have a wide range of coloring selections. The aesthetic is fashionably lean and sleek, making it a perfect match for modern and straight-thinking sites.

Shopify’s designs are not in-house but rather they outsource them from a group of web designing experts. These professionals ensure they are engaging and current. This brings together creativity from different people.

WooCommerce

WooThemes developers are responsible for the WooCommerce plugin. The platform doesn't deliver any particular trait on its own. It only offers ways to sell services and products to customers. It leaves the design work to a WordPress theme. A user can pick any WordPress theme and work it with WooCommerce.

But, some themes recognize WooCommerce and they make your services or products look amazing. You can start with Woo’s default theme called Storefront, which is free. All important basics of an online store are available. The free version has various child themes. Hundreds of WooCommerce compatible designs are available.

WooCommerce is ahead of Shopify when it comes to design.

2. Cost

Shopify

It is easy to start an online store using Shopify. Their basic plan begins at $29 every month. The second plan is Shopify going for $79 and last is Advanced Shopify for $299, both per month.

The pricing doesn't consist of either third-party tools or add-ons, which people use to promote their business. The costs increase as your business develops. That means you will be paying more.

If a user wants to use a third-[art payment gateway, a 2.0% flat fee will apply for every transaction. The fee can be reduced with the Advanced Plan.

WooCommerce

A normal domain title charges $14.99, web hosting at $7.99, and SSL Certificate goes for $69.99monthly.

Fortunately, various hosting firms are offering specialized Woocommerce hosting programs which significantly minimizes the cost.

WooCommerce is the cost winner having lower plans than Shopify. There is no percentage fee for any transaction as well.

3. Platform Maintenance

WooCommerce

WooCommerce gives users ultimate control together with the store’s ownership. The compromise of the flexibility means you’re responsible for maintaining your store, this includes security of the store.

However, it’s not a must you do it yourself. Some hosts offer WooCommerce hosting management. If there is a need for development work, it's when you can outsource to a professional.

Shopify

There is little maintenance of the store from you when using Shopify. The platform handles all the maintenance and security issues of your store. You only need to be on top of any app you utilize in your shop to ensure it continues to work properly.

Shopify wins for platform maintenance and security.

4. The Simplicity of Use

Shopify

The subscription-based online tool is Shopify’s main strength. You need to go to Shopify.com, use the signup button, and then go through a simple setup wizard, then all is done.

Shopify will direct you with the process, asking you various important questions about your store. You will get general tips about the platform. After going through the first wizard, you will access the main dashboard. From there now you will create your eCommerce store.

The entire process is very direct. You don't need to have any site-building or design skills to create a store on the platform.

WooCommerce

Being a non-subscription-based and a WordPress plugin, Woocommerce leaves users with some things to do before getting to the platform.

You need to: Pick a domain title, sign up, get WordPress, get and install the WordPress theme.

After completing that, now you install the WooCommerce platform on the WordPress site. The process requires some knowledge of web-related things.

To make things a bit easier, outsource a WordPress hosting company. It will go through all the processes while you relax. The only part that you will have to do is on WooCommerce.

Regarding the ease of use, Shopify is the winner. The platform has easy steps to understand, unlike its counterpart. It shows that it is easy to control and use even after completing the creation process.

Conclusion

Every platform is offering different features and basics. You need to go through them keenly to make sure you understand every aspect. However, despite being costly on their plans, Shopify seems to outdo WooCommerce on vital elements like maintenance and security. That's a key feature you have to consider when starting an eCommerce platform. Well, hope you now know the best among the two giants.