stackswitch

Shopify

The e-commerce platform for all businesses

$29
Starting price
4.4/5
G2 rating
4
Pricing plans
2006
Founded

Quick verdict

Shopify is built for growing teams and mid-market companies who need solid e-commerce capabilities. It holds its own against competitors like other tools in this space. There is no free plan, so you need to be fairly sure it fits before committing.

Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, powering over 4 million stores. It provides everything needed to sell online and in person — store builder, payments, inventory, shipping, and a vast app ecosystem.

What we like

  • Easiest e-commerce setup
  • Massive app ecosystem
  • Reliable hosting
  • Great POS for in-person

Watch out for

  • Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
  • Monthly fees add up
  • Customisation limited without Liquid knowledge

Key features

Online store builderShopify PaymentsPOS systemInventory managementAbandoned cart recoveryApp store (8,000+)Multichannel selling

Who should use Shopify?

If you are a Solo / freelancer...

At $29/mo, it is a real investment for a solo operator. Consider a free alternative first, then switch when you outgrow it.

If you are a 5-person startup...

For a team of five, expect to pay roughly $145/mo on the Basic plan. That is reasonable for a startup budget.

If you are a 50+ person company...

You will likely need the Advanced plan or above. At this scale, check the app store (8,000+) and multichannel selling capabilities — they matter more as teams grow.

Pricing: the honest take

Starting at $29/mo with no free tier, Shopify is positioned for buyers who already know they need this category of tool. The Basic plan is mid-range for the e-commerce market.

See full Shopify pricing breakdown →
See Shopify pricing → See alternatives →

Our verdict

Shopify is a well-regarded e-commerce tool with 4 pricing plans. Starting at $29/mo, it is priced for growing teams. If the watch-outs above are dealbreakers, see the alternatives below.

Shopify: frequently asked questions

Is Shopify free?

No — Shopify does not have a free plan. Pricing starts at $29/mo.

How much does Shopify cost?

Shopify has 4 plans. Paid plans start at $29/mo. See full pricing →

What are the best alternatives to Shopify?

There are several alternatives in the E-Commerce space. See full comparison →