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04.04.2025
WooCommerce vs Shopify, which is best?
If you’re planning to launch an online store or refresh your current setup, one of the first decisions you’ll face is which e-commerce platform to choose. At SmartaStudio, we regularly design and build online shops using both WooCommerce and Shopify, depending on the needs of each client.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between WooCommerce and Shopify, share the pros and cons of each, and refer to two of our recent projects: Hamilton Home Interiors (WooCommerce) and Nantwich Pet Centre (Shopify).
| Feature | WooCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Self-hosted (WordPress plugin) | Hosted (fully managed) |
| Design Flexibility | Highly customisable | Limited without paid themes or apps |
| Ease of Use | Requires some technical knowledge | Very beginner-friendly |
| Cost | Free plugin, but hosting & plugins cost | Monthly subscription (starts at £25/mo) |
| Performance | Depends on hosting quality | Optimised out of the box |
| App/Plugin Ecosystem | Huge range via WordPress | Extensive but mostly paid |
| SEO Capabilities | Excellent with right setup | Strong, but more limited control |
| Support | Community support | 24/7 live support from Shopify |
| Payment Options | Flexible with plugins | Built-in with transaction fees |
For brands that want complete design control, advanced functionality, and a seamless integration with WordPress, WooCommerce is a solid choice. We used it for Hamilton Home Interiors because they needed a bespoke layout, highly customised product pages, and a site that blended their e-commerce with a strong content-driven design.
When Nantwich Pet Centre came to us, they wanted a reliable, easy-to-manage e-commerce store with minimal fuss. Shopify was the perfect fit. It’s a great platform for retailers who want to get up and running fast and don’t need highly custom features.
If you want full control, endless customisation, and you’re comfortable with a bit of technical input (or working with a web partner like us), WooCommerce is the way to go.
If you want to launch quickly, manage your store with ease, and prefer a more hands-off approach to hosting and tech, Shopify is a brilliant option.
At SmartaStudio, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer both platforms depending on what’s best for your business. Whether it’s a fully tailored WordPress build like Hamilton Home Interiors or a seamless Shopify setup like Nantwich Pet Centre, we’ll guide you through every step.
Need help choosing or want to chat about your project? Get in touch with us today and we’ll point you in the right direction.
