Which to choose? Let’s jump right in.
If you’re trying to decide between Shopify and WordPress, you’re not alone. They are two of the most popular website platforms on the planet — and both can produce a great online store.
But here’s the truth: the “best” platform depends on how much control you want, how customizable your store needs to be, and whether you want to be tied to monthly platform costs long-term.
Updated January 2026: This page was refreshed to reflect modern WordPress builders, ecommerce options, and long-term platform considerations.
FAQ: Shopify vs WordPress (Quick Answers)
Is Shopify better than WordPress?
Shopify is often easier for launching a basic store quickly, because hosting, checkout, and core store features are built in. WordPress is better when you want full control, deeper customization, and long-term flexibility without being tied to one platform.
Is Shopify better for SEO than WordPress?
Both can rank well in Google when done correctly. However, WordPress generally gives you more SEO control over structure, content, page speed, and long-form publishing — which makes it a stronger long-term SEO platform for most businesses.
If you want a deeper breakdown of how to get noticed in Google, see: Google: Get Noticed.
Is WooCommerce required for ecommerce on WordPress?
No. WooCommerce is popular, but it’s not the only option. You can also build ecommerce with lighter platforms like SureCart, which can be easier to manage and may reduce the performance impact on your website.
Is SureCart better than WooCommerce?
It depends on your needs. WooCommerce can work well for traditional cart-based stores, but it can become plugin-heavy and harder to maintain. SureCart is a cleaner option for many businesses because it’s easy to use, fast, and less likely to slow down your site.
Does SureCart have a free version?
Yes — and this is one of the biggest reasons I like it. SureCart offers a free version that gives you a great way to get started without committing to heavy monthly costs right away.
Shopify vs WordPress Cost Comparison (What to Expect)
This is where the difference becomes very clear over time.
Shopify costs typically include monthly subscription fees and additional app costs as you grow. Many store owners start with a basic plan and then gradually end up paying more as they add functionality.
WordPress costs are usually more flexible. You pay for hosting and tools you choose, but you’re not locked into a single platform. If you build the site properly, WordPress can be a more cost-controlled long-term investment.
So what is Shopify?
Shopify is a cloud-based e-commerce platform (Software as a Service). It allows businesses and organizations to create an online store for physical products, digital products, and services.
If you want to see the platform directly, Shopify is here: Shopify.com.
One of the major benefits to Shopify is that setup is fairly painless. Many store owners can launch quickly without needing to write code. The platform is hosted for you, and much of the technical side is handled behind the scenes.
Like WordPress, Shopify allows you to use HTML and CSS to make modifications. It also uses its own templating language (Liquid), which gives developers flexibility, but it can feel unfamiliar if you’re used to PHP and traditional WordPress development workflows.
It’s also important to understand that Shopify is a closed platform. Your site runs on Shopify’s system, on Shopify’s servers, using Shopify’s rules. That can be great for simplicity — but it comes with tradeoffs.
Pros of Shopify
- fast startup for basic stores
- hosting and many technical details are handled for you
- built for ecommerce from day one
- generally smooth store management interface
Cons of Shopify (and why it’s not my preferred platform)
- You’re tied to the platform (including monthly costs)
- Customization can feel limited compared to WordPress
- Advanced changes often require digging into Liquid and theme structure
- Apps are frequently paid add-ons, which increases monthly costs quickly
- You may need a Shopify developer even for moderate custom work
In short, Shopify can be a good platform for someone who wants a more hands-free system and doesn’t care about deep customization. But if you value flexibility and ownership, Shopify can start to feel restrictive.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is open-source software, regularly maintained and improved by a global community. It started as a blogging platform, but today it’s the most widely used website Content Management System (CMS) in the world.
You can download WordPress at no charge from WordPress.org and install it on your own hosting. That means you own the site, own the data, and you have the freedom to customize anything you want.
For me personally, WordPress feels more natural because it’s closer to traditional web development workflows. If you’re comfortable with PHP, WordPress development makes far more sense and is easier to extend.
WordPress is also a workhorse. It can power a small brochure site, a full ecommerce store, a blog, a membership platform, and everything in between.
WordPress in 2026: More builders, more speed, more options
One of the biggest shifts in WordPress is how many strong site builder options now exist — and how much faster and cleaner many of them have become. The platform has matured beyond basic themes and heavy plugin stacks.
If you want a deeper overview of WordPress builders (and where WordPress is headed), see: WordPress Builders and Where WordPress Is Headed.
For more SEO tips that apply to WordPress sites, see: Improve Search Rankings in Google.
Pros of WordPress
- full ownership and control over your website
- extreme flexibility and customization
- thousands of themes and builder choices
- massive plugin ecosystem
- easier to extend if you’re comfortable with PHP
- excellent SEO potential
What people worry about with WordPress
WordPress is powerful, but it does require good decisions up front. If you add too many plugins, use a bloated theme, or skip performance setup, WordPress can become slower than it needs to be.
The solution is simple: build clean, stay lean, and avoid piling on unnecessary plugins.
What about WordPress eCommerce?
WordPress supports ecommerce in several ways. For many years, WooCommerce has been the default choice for adding ecommerce to WordPress.
WooCommerce can work fine, especially for smaller stores or businesses that need traditional shopping-cart features. But I personally don’t choose WooCommerce unless I have to.
The reason is simple: WooCommerce can add a lot of weight to the site. It often requires extra plugins, extra configuration, and extra ongoing maintenance.
For a small number of products, WooCommerce can be okay — but for modern ecommerce, I prefer something cleaner and lighter.
My Recommendation: WordPress + SureCart (Best of Both Worlds)
If you want full control over your site — and you also want ecommerce that doesn’t slow everything down — my preferred setup is:
- WordPress for the website and content
- SureCart for ecommerce
SureCart is the platform I now swear by for building online stores. It’s fast, simple, and powerful, without the headaches that come with heavier ecommerce systems.
If you want to see SureCart, it’s here: SureCart.
It also gives store owners a smoother experience, and keeps the website lighter. That matters for SEO, usability, and conversion rates.
And the fact that SureCart has a free version is a huge plus. It gives you a way to start small and grow without getting hit with heavy monthly costs right away.
Why this combination works so well
- WordPress gives you full control over your website
- SureCart keeps ecommerce clean and easier to manage
- you avoid ecommerce bloat slowing down your site
- you get long-term flexibility without being locked into a platform
Final Thoughts
Shopify and WordPress can both work. Shopify is convenient for businesses that want a more closed, hosted system. WordPress is the better choice for those who want flexibility, ownership, and long-term control.
If you feel overwhelmed by complicated ecommerce platforms, I highly recommend considering a WordPress + SureCart setup. It’s one of the cleanest ways to build a modern store without giving up control or performance.
If you’d like help choosing the best platform for your business (or you want a clean WordPress + SureCart setup built properly from the start), you can see my services here: Rankbydesign Services.