Independent store builder guide
Shopify, Wix or WooCommerce — the key differences explained plainly, so you can pick the one that fits how you work.
The contenders
The commerce engine
Best for: Brands serious about selling products online
Model: Hosted subscription
Check current pricing on the official site ↗Built specifically for e-commerce
Hosting, security and checkout included
Large app store for extra features
Paid apps add to monthly cost
Possible extra fees with third-party payment providers
The design canvas
Best for: Creators and small shops who want beauty, fast
Model: Hosted subscription, free plan available
Check current pricing on the official site ↗Free-form drag-and-drop editor
Large template library
Business tools such as bookings and events
Website builder first, store second
An existing site’s template can’t simply be switched
The open-source toolkit
Best for: Content-led sites and teams wanting full control
Model: Free open-source plugin + your own hosting
Check current pricing on the official site ↗Free, open-source software
Full control over code and data
Runs on WordPress, built for content
You manage hosting, updates and security
More setup than hosted builders
via Bluehost, a WordPress hosting provider
30-second matcher
No email required. Recommendations are based only on your answers — never on commissions.
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At a glance
| Feature | Shopify | Wix | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hosted e-commerce platform | Hosted website builder | Open-source WordPress plugin |
| Hosting included | Yes | Yes | No — choose your own host |
| Try before paying | Free trial | Free plan (paid plan to sell) | Software is free |
| Updates & security | Handled by Shopify | Handled by Wix | Your responsibility |
| Code access | Theme code | Custom code via Velo | Full source code |
| Self-hosting | No | No | Yes |
| Primary focus | Selling products | Building websites | Commerce on WordPress |
Pricing changes often, so we don’t list it here — check current plans on each provider’s site. Estimate your costs with the store cost calculator → · Browse all guides →
Our principles
We describe objective differences — how each platform works — not marketing claims.
No made-up scores or prices. For current pricing, we send you to the source.
The matcher recommends based only on your answers. Every platform can win.
We earn from some links and say so clearly. Partners don’t review our content.
Questions
Try before you commit, and check current pricing on the provider’s site.