Comparison guide
WooCommerce vs Shopify in India (2026): Which Should You Choose?
The short answer
Choose WooCommerce if you want full ownership, custom code and lower monthly costs with a WordPress store. Choose Shopify if you want a managed platform with built-in hosting, checkout and apps, and are happy to pay a monthly subscription plus transaction fees.
WooCommerce vs Shopify at a glance
| Factor | WooCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Cost model | Free plugin + your hosting (~₹500–₹2,000/mo) | Subscription from ~₹2,100/mo + transaction fees |
| Ownership | You own everything: files, data, domain | Platform-hosted; data exportable but platform-dependent |
| Customisation | Full PHP/theme/plugin control | Theme + app/API level, within platform limits |
| Hosting | You arrange it (CBWS can set it up) | Included, managed |
| Payments in India | Razorpay/UPI/any gateway you choose | Shopify Payments + supported gateways |
| SEO flexibility | Very high - full control of URLs, schema, speed | Good, but less control over technical SEO |
| Maintenance | You manage updates/security (or hire CBWS) | Platform handles core updates |
WooCommerce vs Shopify - FAQs
Is WooCommerce cheaper than Shopify in India?
Usually yes for the first few years. WooCommerce has no licence fee, so the main costs are hosting, domain and any premium plugins. Shopify adds a monthly subscription and transaction fees on top of your payment gateway.
Which is better for SEO?
WooCommerce gives you complete control over URLs, redirects, schema and page speed, which makes it stronger for technical SEO when handled well. Shopify is solid but restricts some technical settings.
Can I switch from Shopify to WooCommerce?
Yes. CBWS can migrate products, customers, orders and URLs from Shopify to WooCommerce with redirects planned to protect your rankings.