When it comes to choosing an eCommerce platform, Shopify stands out as one of the most popular and user-friendly options. However, as businesses grow, so do their needs. For companies with higher sales volume and more complex requirements, Shopify Plus offers a more robust, enterprise-level solution. While Shopify Plus shares many of the same foundational features as its counterpart, it takes the platform to the next level with added functionality, scalability, and customization options.
Shopify Plus is designed for large businesses and enterprises with higher sales volumes (typically over $100,000) and more advanced eCommerce needs. It provides enhanced features like dedicated account management, advanced reporting, and multichannel accessibility. These benefits make Shopify Plus a more conversion-centric platform, offering greater flexibility when it comes to page design and analytics.
This article will break down the key differences between Shopify Plus vs Shopify, highlight their features, and guide you in selecting the platform that aligns with your goals. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Shopify and Shopify Plus
Shopify and Shopify Plus both belong to the same family of powerful eCommerce tools, but they serve different audiences and business needs. To decide which is right for you, it’s essential to understand what each platform offers.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a beginner-friendly eCommerce platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Known for its simplicity and flexibility, it allows business owners to set up and manage an online store with minimal technical expertise.
Who Should Use Shopify?
Shopify is ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses that need an affordable, reliable, and straightforward eCommerce solution. It’s especially great for startups with limited resources but big ambitions.
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is the enterprise-level eCommerce solution tailored for high-volume merchants and rapidly growing brands. It offers everything Shopify provides, but with added features, scalability, and advanced customizations designed for larger businesses.
Who Should Use Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is built for businesses handling significant traffic, high transaction volumes, or complex operations. Global brands and enterprises looking for a scalable and customizable platform often choose Shopify Plus to power their online presence.
Key Differences Between Shopify and Shopify Plus
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features and Customization | Shopify offers customizable storefront themes and pre-built apps and integrations suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. | Shopify Plus offers advanced API access, custom checkout options, and exclusive integrations tailored for large enterprises. | Shopify is suitable for businesses requiring basic customization, while Shopify Plus is better for those needing advanced integrations. |
| Scalability and Performance | Shopify works well for small to medium-sized businesses with moderate traffic and offers reliable hosting. | Shopify Plus is designed for high-traffic enterprises, offering excellent scalability and handling large transaction volumes effortlessly. | Shopify is great for businesses with manageable traffic, while Shopify Plus caters to global enterprises with significant traffic demands. |
| Support and Customer Service | 24/7 support through email, chat, and phone for all Shopify plans. | Includes 24/7 support, with a dedicated account manager and priority support for enterprise merchants. | Shopify offers reliable support, while Shopify Plus provides more personalized and priority support services. |
| Security and Compliance | Basic security features including SSL certification and PCI DSS compliance. | Advanced fraud detection and additional security layers, equipped for managing complex compliance needs at scale. | Both platforms are secure, but Shopify Plus offers enhanced security for large-scale enterprises. |
| Pricing and Transaction Fees |
|
Pricing starts at $2,000/month with customized pricing based on business size and needs. Lower transaction fees. | Shopify is affordable for smaller businesses, while Shopify Plus offers advanced features and lower transaction fees for high-volume merchants. |
While both Shopify vs Shopify Plus are robust eCommerce platforms, they serve distinct purposes and cater to different business needs. Here’s a detailed Shopify plan comparison to help you understand their unique features and choose the right platform for your business.
Features and Customization
Shopify: Shopify offers a range of customizable storefront themes, making it easy for businesses to create a visually appealing online store. It provides a variety of pre-built apps and integrations to enhance functionality, allowing small to medium-sized businesses to personalize their online presence without requiring technical expertise.
Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus takes customization to the next level with advanced API access, enabling enterprises to build bespoke shopping experiences. Merchants can leverage tools like Shopify Scripts for custom checkout processes and Shopify Flow for automated workflows. Additionally, Shopify Plus features include exclusive third-party integrations tailored for enterprise needs, ensuring seamless operations at scale.
Key Takeaway: If your business requires basic customization, Shopify is sufficient. For advanced integrations and tailored solutions, Shopify Plus is the better choice.
Scalability and Performance
Shopify: Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, Shopify performs well for moderate traffic levels. It offers reliable hosting and fast load times, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers.
Shopify Plus: Built for high-traffic enterprises, Shopify Plus delivers unparalleled scalability. It handles large transaction volumes effortlessly, supports global storefronts in multiple languages and currencies, and provides a seamless checkout process optimized for speed.
Key Takeaway: Shopify is ideal for growing businesses with manageable traffic, while Shopify Plus caters to enterprises operating at scale and aiming for a global reach.
Support and Customer Service
Shopify: All Shopify plans include 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, ensuring help is always available when needed.
Shopify Plus: In addition to 24/7 support, Shopify Plus provides a dedicated account manager who acts as a point of contact for troubleshooting and strategic guidance. Priority support ensures enterprise merchants receive timely resolutions for critical issues.
Key Takeaway: Shopify’s support is reliable for general inquiries, but Shopify Plus offers dedicated and priority services for businesses requiring more personalized assistance.
Security and Compliance
Shopify: Shopify ensures basic security features such as SSL certification and fraud prevention tools. Its compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) safeguards customer payment information.
Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus enhances these protections with advanced fraud detection and additional security layers. It’s equipped to manage complex compliance needs, making it suitable for enterprise businesses handling sensitive customer data at scale.
Key Takeaway: Both platforms are secure, but Shopify Plus offers enterprise-grade security features tailored for large-scale operations.
Pricing and Transaction Fees
Shopify: Shopify offers tiered pricing plans:
- Basic Shopify: $39/month
- Shopify: $105/month
- Shopify Advanced: $399/month
These plans cater to varying needs, with additional transaction fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments.
Shopify Plus: Pricing for Shopify Plus starts at $2,000/month and is customized based on your business size and requirements. While the cost is significantly higher, it eliminates many transaction fees and includes advanced features like unlimited staff accounts and exclusive tools.
Key Takeaway: Shopify is budget-friendly and ideal for smaller businesses, while Shopify Plus pricing justifies its higher cost with advanced features and lower transaction fees for high-volume merchants.
Benefits of Shopify vs. Shopify Plus
When deciding between Shopify vs Shopify Plus, it’s important to consider the unique benefits each platform offers. Both are excellent eCommerce solutions, but the right choice depends on your business needs, size, and growth potential.
Why Choose Shopify?
Shopify is an affordable and user-friendly eCommerce solution, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses. Its simplicity and range of features allow entrepreneurs to quickly set up an online store and start selling. Whether you’re a boutique store, a new brand, or a small-scale business, Shopify’s pricing plans and tools are designed to meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Key Benefits of Shopify for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses:
- Affordable Pricing Plans: With options ranging from $39 to $399/month, Shopify provides a cost-effective way to enter the eCommerce space.
- Ease of Use: Shopify’s intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone to set up an online store, regardless of technical expertise.
- Built-in Features: Essential eCommerce tools, including customizable themes, SEO optimization, and payment gateway integrations, are included with every plan.
- Scalability: Shopify can grow with your business, making it a good long-term solution for companies looking to expand over time.
Shopify is the perfect fit for small businesses that want a straightforward and budget-friendly platform with the ability to scale as they grow.
Why Choose Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is designed for enterprise merchants, offering advanced features that cater to high-volume businesses. If you have ambitious growth plans, need custom integrations, or require global scalability, Shopify Plus provides the tools necessary to meet these demands.
Key Benefits of Shopify Plus for Enterprise Merchants:
- Global Scalability: Shopify Plus supports businesses that operate on a global scale, offering multi-currency and multi-language features to reach customers worldwide.
- Advanced Integrations: Shopify Plus offers more sophisticated integration options, allowing you to connect to a wider range of third-party apps, tools, and ERP systems.
- Customizable Checkout: Shopify Plus allows you to create a customized checkout experience, improving conversion rates and providing a personalized shopping journey for customers.
- Dedicated Support: Enterprise-level businesses benefit from dedicated account managers, ensuring personalized assistance and quicker issue resolution.
If you’re a large business or a rapidly growing company with complex needs, Shopify Plus provides the advanced features and scalability to support your enterprise.
Cost Comparison: Is Shopify Plus Worth the Price?
While Shopify vs Shopify Plus both offer powerful eCommerce tools, their pricing structures are significantly different. Shopify is designed to be accessible for small to medium-sized businesses, while Shopify Plus offers an enterprise-level solution with a higher price tag. In this section, we’ll compare the costs of each platform and discuss whether Shopify Plus pricing is worth the investment.
Breakdown of Shopify Pricing Plans
Shopify offers several pricing tiers to meet the needs of different businesses:
- Basic Shopify: $39/month
- Shopify: $105/month
- Shopify Advanced: $399/month
Each plan is affordable and offers great value for small and medium-sized businesses, but the real question is whether Shopify Plus justifies its higher price tag for larger enterprises.
Understanding Shopify Plus Pricing Structure
Shopify Plus starts at $2,000/month, but the exact pricing can vary based on your business needs and the level of customization required. The higher cost reflects the advanced features and support provided.
Key Aspects of Shopify Plus Pricing:
- Custom Pricing: Shopify Plus offers a custom pricing structure based on business needs, transaction volumes, and custom features.
- Transaction Fees: Shopify Plus offers lower transaction fees compared to regular Shopify plans, which can make a big difference for businesses with high sales volumes.
While Shopify Plus comes at a premium price, the advanced features and tailored support make it a worthwhile investment for businesses looking for scalability, customization, and global reach.
| Cost Comparison | Shopify | Shopify Plus | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakdown of Shopify Pricing Plans |
|
Starts at $2,000/month, with pricing varying based on business needs and custom features. | Shopify offers affordable pricing for smaller businesses, while Shopify Plus is tailored for larger enterprises with advanced needs. |
| Understanding Shopify Plus Pricing Structure | Shopify has fixed pricing based on the plan you choose. | Custom pricing structure based on your business size, transaction volume, and required features. | Shopify Plus offers more flexibility but at a significantly higher cost, reflecting its enterprise-level features. |
| Transaction Fees | Additional transaction fees apply if you don’t use Shopify Payments. | Lower transaction fees compared to regular Shopify plans. | Shopify Plus offers a cost advantage for high-volume businesses due to lower transaction fees. |
| Is Shopify Plus Worth the Price? | Affordable for small to medium-sized businesses with standard features. | Advanced features, scalability, and tailored support justify the higher cost for enterprises. | Shopify is budget-friendly, but Shopify Plus is a good investment for businesses looking for scalability, customization, and global reach. |
How to Decide: Shopify or Shopify Plus?
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is crucial for your business’s success. Whether you opt for Shopify or Shopify Plus depends on your current needs, future growth, and the resources available to you. Here are some important decision-making factors to consider when determining which platform is best suited for your business.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shopify
- Budget-Friendliness: If you’re a small to medium-sized business or just starting, Shopify provides an affordable entry point with flexible pricing plans that suit a variety of budgets.
- Ease of Use: Shopify’s user-friendly interface and simple setup process make it the go-to platform for entrepreneurs with limited technical expertise. It allows you to focus on growing your business rather than dealing with complicated setup processes or coding.
- Growth Potential at a Moderate Pace: Shopify is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a solution that offers scalability at a manageable pace. If you’re just starting out or are in the early stages of growth, Shopify’s core features will likely be enough to help you scale without overwhelming your resources.
- Essential Features for Small Businesses: Shopify offers all the tools a small business needs to run an online store, including inventory management, payment gateways, SEO tools, and an easy-to-use mobile app to manage your store on the go.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shopify Plus
- Scalability Needs: If your business is growing rapidly or if you anticipate significant growth in the near future, Shopify Plus offers the scalability you need. The platform can easily handle large catalogs, high traffic volumes, and complex business structures, making it ideal for businesses that are ready to expand.
- Custom Solutions: If your business requires custom checkout experiences, advanced integrations with third-party systems, or specific tools tailored to your operational needs, Shopify Plus is the best option. Shopify Plus offers robust customization features that allow for more flexibility in design and functionality.
- Global Expansion: For businesses looking to sell internationally, Shopify Plus provides tools that enable easy multi-store management, local currencies, and language support, making it a great fit for global operations.
- Dedicated Support for Enterprise-Level Merchants: With Shopify Plus, you gain access to a dedicated account manager and priority support, ensuring that your store is always running smoothly and any issues are addressed quickly.
Which is Better for Your Business: Shopify vs Shopify Plus?
In the battle of Shopify vs Shopify Plus, the right choice depends on your business goals, size, and complexity. For small to medium-sized businesses, Shopify is an affordable and user-friendly solution that grows with your business. However, if you’re an enterprise with higher traffic, advanced customization needs, and global operations, Shopify Plus offers the scalability and features required to succeed at scale.
If you’re unsure which platform to choose, consider your business’s future growth and whether you’ll need the advanced features Shopify Plus offers. For those just starting out or running a small business, Shopify remains a powerful, cost-effective option.
Ready to Take Your Ecommerce Business to the Next Level?
Whether you are just beginning or scaling your enterprise, selecting the correct platform is a matter of success. If you have not yet made up your mind on which is better Shopify or Shopify Plus, start your free trial today and see how each platform will work with your business.
Already on Shopify? Upgrade to Shopify Plus to unlock advanced features and enterprise-level support that will take your business global. Contact us for a personalized consultation to assess your business needs and unlock the full potential of your e-commerce journey.
Your future success begins with the right e-commerce platform—let’s make it happen!
About the Writer
Mandeep Singh Chahal
Founder/CEO, Mandy Web Design
Mandeep Singh Chahal is the proud Founder/CEO of Mandy Web Design. After completing his graduation from Punjab University, Mr. Mandeep started gaining experience in SEO, Digital Marketing, Web Designing, and Business Development. His years of experience have earned him a reputed Web Design Company – Mandy Web Design.
