Shopify pricing plans (2026): Real costs, fees & hidden charges revealed
- Shopify Plan Comparison: At a GlanceHow Much Does Shopify Really Cost?So, How Much I Paid for Shopify Each MonthShopify Pricing Plans: A Detailed Breakdown
- I. Starter Plan: Easiest Way to Sell on Social MediaII. Basic Shopify Plan: Cost-Effective Plan to Sell OnlineIII. Shopify Grow: Perfect for Small teams Ready to GrowIV. Advanced Shopify Plan: Optimized for Larger BusinessesV. Shopify Plus: A Powerful, Enterprise-Level PlanVI. Shopify POS Pro (Retail) Pricing ($89/mo per location)Shopify Transaction Fees Explained
- What Are Shopify Transaction Fees?Shopify Payments vs. Third-Party GatewaysHow Transaction Fees Impact Your RevenueKey Takeaways on Transaction FeesHidden Shopify Costs to ConsiderHow to Estimate Your Total Shopify Cost
- Step 1: Start with Your Plan SubscriptionStep 2: Estimate Transaction & Credit Card FeesStep 3: Add Your App & Plugin CostsStep 4: Factor in One-Time CostsStep 5: Use the Shopify Fee Calculator**Shopify vs Alternatives (Squarespace, Wix, WooCommerce)
- When to Choose Shopify Over AlternativesWhen Alternatives Might Be BetterTotal Cost ComparisonWhich Shopify Plan Should You Choose?
- Why I Recommend the Grow PlanSummarize this post with AI
Are you just getting started with Shopify? Let’s be honest—it can feel a bit overwhelming, right? So many plans to choose from, so many details. But don’t stress. I’ve been where you are, trying to figure out the best way to launch my online store without burning a hole in my pocket.
Here’s the good news: Shopify has options for everyone, whether you’re just dipping your toes in or ready to go big. From just $5/month to enterprise-level plans, there’s something that fits every budget. And did you know they offer a 3-day free trial? Yup, no strings attached. Plus, after that, it’s just $1/month for three months.
So, let’s break down these plans to find the one that makes the most sense for your business.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- Shopify Plans Overview
- How much does Shopify really cost?
- All Shopify plans breakdown
- Shopify Transaction Fees Explained
- Hidden Shopify costs to consider
- How to Estimate Your Total Shopify Cost
- Shopify vs Alternatives
- My recommendation
- Shopify Pricing by Country
🎧 Tune in to our exclusive podcast episode, where we break down the pricing and give you expert tips to get the most out of Shopify.
Podcast #1: Selecting the best Shopify Pricing Plans for your Business
Shopify Plan Comparison: At a Glance

Shopify offers five main plans:
- Starter: $5/month (basic setup, no full online store)
- Basic: $39/month (or $29/month if paid annually)
- Grow (formerly Shopify): $105/month (or $79/month annually)
- Advanced: $399/month (or $299/month annually)
- Plus: Starts at $2,300/month (custom pricing)
💡 Pro Tip: You can save 25% on all plans if you opt for annual billing.
How Much Does Shopify Really Cost?
I know you’re wondering, how much does Shopify really cost each month? It’s not just the subscription fees you need to think about. There are credit card fees, transaction fees, and optional add-ons like apps and premium themes. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Starter Basic Shopify Advanced Monthly subscription $5 $39 $105 $399 Online credit card rate (Shopify Payment) 5% + 30¢ per transaction 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction 2.7% + 30¢ per transaction 2.5% + 30¢ per transaction In-person credit card rate (Shopify Payment) N/A 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction 2.5% + 10¢ per transaction 2.4% + 10¢ per transaction Additional transaction fee (External Payment) 5% per transaction 2% per transaction 1% per transaction 0.6% per transaction Note: Opting for annual billing can provide a 25% discount on the Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans.
Additional Costs:
Depending on your business requirements, you might incur extra expenses:
- Apps and Plugins: While some are free, others can range from $5 to $100 or more per month.
- Premium Themes: One-time fees typically range from $150 to $380.
- Domain Registration: Approximately $10 to $20 per year.
- Email Hosting: Third-party services may charge between $1 to $5 per user per month.
- Shipping Label Fees: Costs vary based on shipping volume and carrier choices.
So, How Much I Paid for Shopify Each Month
My total was around $102.67 to $142.67 each month. Some months were cheaper, others were more expensive, significantly when sales increased. Here is a breakdown of my actual monthly costs:
Expense Monthly Cost Notes Basic Shopify Plan $39 Full online store with hosting and secure checkout Transaction Fees $30 – $50 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (varies with sales) Apps & Plugins $20 Paid apps to boost store performance Domain Registration $1.67 Purchased externally for $20/year Email Hosting $2 For a professional email like [email protected] Shipping Labels $10 – $30 Depends on the number of orders Total Estimated Cost $102.67 – $142.67 Varies based on sales volume 💡 Tip: Use this Shopify fee calculator to get a precise estimate based on your sales and needs. It’ll help you figure out what fits your budget before you commit!Shopify Pricing Plans: A Detailed Breakdown
I. Starter Plan: Easiest Way to Sell on Social Media
The Shopify Starter Plan is excellent if you’re just starting out and want a low-cost option. It’s only $5/month. Perfect if you want to sell on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t let you build a fully functional, standalone online store, but it gives you the basics to start selling quickly.
What’s included?
With the Starter plan, you can:
- Easily handle customer inquiries through a customer contact page.
- List unlimited products
- Use a shopping cart page so customers can check out directly.
- Drive traffic using Shopify’s link-in-bio tool—it’s perfect for social media.
- Manage customer messages in one place with Shopify Inbox. Keeps things organized.
- Store and ship products using Shopify’s fulfillment services.
Pricing & Fees
Here’s what you’ll need to pay:
- Monthly fee: $5
- Online credit card rate: 5% + $0.30 per transaction
- In-person credit card fee: 5%
- For international credit cards, there’s an extra 1% fee per transaction.
Note that:
- Every sale you make has a 5% transaction fee. And that’s on top of the regular credit card fee of 5% + 30¢ per transaction if you use Shopify Payments, Shopify’s built-in payment solution.
- If you use a third-party payment provider, the 5% fee applies, plus whatever extra fees your payment provider charges for each transaction.
My Verdict: Who is Shopify Starter Best for?
The Shopify Starter Plan is a great starting point. It’s perfect for selling through social media and keeping things simple. I’d recommend it if you’re on a budget or just testing things out.
Shopify Starter plan is ideal for:
- Social media sellers selling directly on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok with link-in-bio tools.
- Content creators & influencers who want to monetize their audience without a full store.
- New entrepreneurs who want to test a product idea with minimal risk before investing in a full site.
- Hobbyists & side hustlers who want to turn a hobby into extra income without the hassle of a full online store.
💡 Top Tip: If you’re serious about building a bigger store, you might outgrow it quickly. In that case, you’ll want to consider upgrading to the Basic Plan or even higher tiers as your business grows.
For $5/month, though? It’s hard to beat.
II. Basic Shopify Plan: Cost-Effective Plan to Sell Online
The Shopify Basic Plan is the most cost-efficient way to sell online. For a small monthly fee, you get a fully functional e-commerce store with everything you need—customizable design, built-in tools, and reliable support. It’s perfect for small businesses that want to grow without breaking the bank.
Pricing & Transaction Fees
Let’s break down the fee when using the Basic plan:
- Monthly Subscription Fee: $39/month
- Transaction Fees: No transaction fees (If you use Shopify Payments).
- Credit Card Fees (for online purchases in the U.S.): 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
- Credit Card Fees (using Shopify’s point-of-sale card reader): 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction.
If you use a third-party payment provider instead of Shopify Payments, you will pay two types of fees per transaction:
- Shopify’s 2% Transaction Fee: This fee applies to all sales processed through a third-party payment gateway. It’s Shopify’s way of covering the cost of integrating with external systems.
- The Third-Party Provider’s Fees: These fees vary depending on your chosen payment provider. Most providers charge their own transaction fees (usually a percentage of the sale plus a flat fee per transaction).
For example:
- If you sell a product for $100, Shopify would take $2 (2% transaction fee).
- Your payment provider (e.g., PayPal or Stripe) might charge another 2.9% + $0.30, which is $3.20.
=> Total fees for the sale: $5.20.
Basic Shopify Plan vs Starter Plan: What’s Different?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the Basic Shopify Plan and the Starter Plan to help you decide:
Plans: Basic Shopify Plan Starter Plan Best For: Full e-commerce stores Selling on social media Cost: Starts at $39/month $5/month Online Store: Fully customizable Not included Selling Tools: Advanced features available Basic link-sharing tools 💡 Want more details? Check out our full comparison in the article Shopify Basic vs Starter.
Who is the Shopify Basic Plan for?
The Basic plan Shopify is best for:
- Freelancers: Creatives or professionals selling services or digital products like graphic design, writing, or courses.
- Handmade Crafters: Individuals making and selling handcrafted items like jewelry, candles, or art.
- Home-Based Sellers: Entrepreneurs selling products like baked goods, skincare, or custom merchandise from home.
- Side Hustlers: Those testing a business idea or building a part-time venture around their passion, such as dropshipping or print-on-demand.
- Personal Brand Creators: Influencers, bloggers, or YouTubers monetize their brand with merchandise or products.
III. Shopify Grow: Perfect for Small teams Ready to Grow
The Shopify Grow Plan is the right balance of cost and features. With this pricing plan, you get everything from the Basic plan, but you also get features that really help if you’re scaling. It’s a solid choice for small businesses looking to grow without spending too much.
Pricing & Fees
1. Subscription Fees:
- Monthly Fee: USD 105 per month.
- Annual Billing: USD 79 per month when billed annually, totaling USD 948 per year.
2. Credit Card Processing Fees (via Shopify Payments):
- Online Transactions: 2.7% + 30¢ per transaction.
- In-Person Transactions: 2.5% + 10¢ per transaction.
3. Transaction Fees (using third-party payment providers):
If you choose to use a third-party payment provider instead of Shopify Payments, you will need to pay the following fees:
Type of FeeDescriptionExample Amount (for $100 sale)Shopify Transaction FeeFee Shopify charges for using a third-party payment provider.$1.00 (1%)Third-Party Payment Processing FeeCharged by your payment provider (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).$2.90 (2.9%) + $0.30Total FeesCombined Shopify and third-party fees.$4.20What You Get from the Shopify Grow Plan
In addition to what’s included in the Shopify Basic plan, the Shopify plan offers more support for scaling online stores:
- Up to 88% shipping discounts – a significant uplift from the Basic plan
- Lower transaction and credit card fees
- USPS discounts for shipping products
- Up to five staff accounts, allowing you to manage your store with a team.
- Access advanced reports to track your business performance, including analytics on sales, customer behavior, and inventory.
- Support international growth through tools that help you manage settings for different regions.
My Verdict: Is the Shopify Plan Right for You?
The Grow Plan is perfect for small teams that need more than the basics but aren’t quite at the advanced level yet. It retains everything from the cheaper tiers with added tools to help you grow. It’s not too simple or too complex—just right for businesses starting to scale.
So, who specifically can benefit from the Shopify Grow?
- Boutique Retailers: Small clothing or accessory stores with a few employees managing online and in-store sales.
- Local Cafés or Bakeries: Establishments expanding into online orders and deliveries, requiring staff accounts for order management.
- Handcrafted Goods Sellers: Artisans with a small team handling production, online sales, and customer service.
- Fitness Studios: Gyms or yoga studios offering merchandise and class bookings online, managed by a team.
IV. Advanced Shopify Plan: Optimized for Larger Businesses
The Shopify Advanced plan is ideal for larger businesses that are growing fast and need stronger tools to keep up. This plan includes a comprehensive set of features to help manage large inventories, drive growth, and use detailed analytics for strategic planning.
Pricing & Transaction Fees
One of its key advantages is the lowest transaction fees among Shopify’s core plans, resulting in significant savings as your sales volume increases. This rate is much lower than the Basic and Shopify plans, which can go up to 2%.
1. Subscription Fees
- Monthly fee: $399 per month.
- Annual billing: $299 per month, saving $1200 per year.
2. Credit Card Processing Fees (via Shopify Payments)
- Online transactions: 2.5% + 30¢ per transaction.
- In-person transactions: 2.4% + 10¢ per transaction.
3. Transaction fees (using third-party payment methods)
When using third-party payment providers on Shopify’s Advanced plan, a transaction fee of 0.6% applies to each sale. This fee is in addition to any charges imposed by the third-party payment processor.
Here’s an example to detail Shopify transaction fees on the Advanced Plan when using a third-party payment gateway:
DescriptionCalculationAmount ($)Sale Price$100 saleThird-Party Gateway Fee (2.9%)2.9%×1002.90Fixed Gateway Fee0.30Shopify Transaction Fee (0.6%)0.6%×1000.60Total Fees2.90+0.30+0.603.80Net Revenue100−3.8096.20For a $100 sale, you’d pay $3.80 in combined fees (Shopify transaction fee and the payment gateway). To avoid Shopify’s 0.6% fee, consider using Shopify Payments, which only charges the payment gateway fee (no additional Shopify transaction fee).
What You Get from the Shopify Advanced Plan
- Everything in the Shopify plan
- Support 15 staff accounts
- Carrier-calculated shipping
- 10x faster checkout capacity
- Localized selling with custom markets
- Enhanced 24/7 chat support
- Offering the most comprehensive report to track your business performance.
My Verdict: Who is Shopify Advanced Plan Best for?
The Shopify Advanced Plan is best suited for scaling businesses with higher sales volumes that require advanced reporting, lower transaction fees, and enhanced international commerce features.
- Established businesses are experiencing significant growth and need advanced features.
- Businesses with multiple staff for better collaboration among team members.
- Merchants need detailed analytics, including creating custom reports and accessing predicted values for certain metrics.
- International sellers manage cross-border sales, including calculating and collecting duties.
- Businesses with high-volume sales require competitive transaction fees.
V. Shopify Plus: A Powerful, Enterprise-Level Plan
The Shopify Plus Plan is built for large-scale businesses with specific needs. It offers maximum flexibility, unlimited staff accounts, advanced POS features, and the ability to manage multiple stores from one dashboard.
Like other Shopify plans, Shopify Plus charges credit card rates and transaction fees. However, these credit card rates vary by country, so you’ll need to consult a Shopify Plus representative to get specific details.
Shopify Plus adds a 0.15% transaction fee if you use a third-party payment processor. To avoid this fee, you can use Shopify Payments instead.
Key Features of the Shopify Plus Plan
- Manage up to 10 stores from a single account—ideal for brands needing separate stores for different product lines.
- Include 20 Shopify POS Pro locations at no extra cost (normally $89/month per location).
- Exclusive phone support is only available to Shopify Plus users.
- Enhanced flexibility for international selling with access to 50 markets, allowing custom pricing in local currencies for up to 50 countries or regions.
So, Who is the Shopify Plan Plus for?
- B2B and wholesale businesses
- High-volume businesses sell in large quantities and need advanced features to support their growth.
- Organizations with multiple Shopify stores from a single location through organization settings.
- Businesses needing unlimited staff accounts make managing larger teams easier without additional costs.
- Merchants requiring advanced checkout customizations and access to specialized apps designed for high-growth merchants.
VI. Shopify POS Pro (Retail) Pricing ($89/mo per location)
If you’re selling in-person – whether at a retail store, pop-up shop, or market- Shopify’s POS (Point of Sale) system is something you’ll want to know about. Shopify offers two POS options:
Shopify POS Lite (Included Free)
Every Shopify plan (Basic and above) comes with Shopify POS Lite at no extra cost. It covers the basics for in-person selling:
- Accept payments via tap, chip, and swipe
- Sync products and inventory with your online store
- Issue receipts (email or SMS)
- Basic customer profiles and order history
Shopify POS Pro ($89/month per location)
For retailers who need more advanced in-store features, Shopify POS Pro is available as an add-on at $89/month per location. This includes everything in POS Lite, plus:
- Staff management: Set roles and permissions, track individual staff performance
- Smart inventory management: Demand forecasting, low stock alerts, inventory counts, transfer between locations
- Omnichannel selling: Buy online pick up in store (BOPIS), ship-to-customer from store, local delivery
- Advanced checkout: Custom printed receipts, exchanges, save/retrieve carts
- In-store analytics: Daily sales reports by staff, location, and register
POS Pro Pricing Breakdown
Plan POS Lite POS Pro (per location) Basic ($39/mo) Included + $89/mo Grow ($105/mo) Included + $89/mo Advanced ($399/mo) Included + $89/mo Plus ($2,300+/mo) Included Included (up to 20 locations) Note: Shopify Plus merchants get POS Pro included for up to 20 locations at no additional cost—a savings of up to $1,780/month.
Who Needs Shopify POS Pro?
- Brick-and-mortar retailers with physical stores needing staff management and advanced inventory
- Multi-location businesses managing inventory across several stores
- Omnichannel brands that want seamless online-to-offline experiences (BOPIS, local delivery)
- Pop-up shop operators who need a professional POS setup temporarily
If you’re only selling at occasional markets or events, POS Lite should be sufficient. But if retail is a core part of your business, POS Pro pays for itself with better inventory control and staff insights.
Shopify Transaction Fees Explained
One of the most confusing parts of Shopify pricing is the transaction fee structure. Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly what you’re paying.
What Are Shopify Transaction Fees?
Shopify charges two types of fees on every sale:
- Credit card processing fees: These are charged by the payment processor (Shopify Payments or a third-party gateway) every time a customer pays by card.
- Shopify transaction fees: An additional percentage Shopify charges only if you use a third-party payment gateway instead of Shopify Payments.
Shopify Payments vs. Third-Party Gateways
Using Shopify Payments is the simplest way to avoid extra Shopify transaction fees. Here’s the comparison:
Plan Shopify Payments (Online) Shopify Payments (In-person) Third-Party Gateway Fee Starter 5% + 30¢ 5% 5% Basic 2.9% + 30¢ 2.6% + 10¢ 2.0% Grow 2.7% + 30¢ 2.5% + 10¢ 1.0% Advanced 2.5% + 30¢ 2.4% + 10¢ 0.6% Plus Custom rates Custom rates 0.15% How Transaction Fees Impact Your Revenue
Let’s say you make $10,000/month in sales. Here’s how much you’d pay in credit card processing fees alone (using Shopify Payments, online transactions):
Plan Credit Card Fee Calculation Monthly Fee Cost Basic ($10,000 × 2.9%) + (100 orders × $0.30) $320 Grow ($10,000 × 2.7%) + (100 orders × $0.30) $300 Advanced ($10,000 × 2.5%) + (100 orders × $0.30) $280 The difference between Basic and Advanced is $40/month in processing fees alone. At higher sales volumes, this gap grows significantly.
Key Takeaways on Transaction Fees
- Use Shopify Payments whenever possible to avoid the extra 0.6%–5% third-party gateway fee.
- Higher plans have lower credit card rates, so if your monthly sales are high enough, upgrading can save money overall.
- International transactions incur an additional 1%–2% fee depending on the card and currency.
- Shopify Payments is available in 23 countries. If it’s not available in your country, you’ll have to use a third-party gateway and pay the additional fee.
Hidden Shopify Costs to Consider
Like other platforms, Shopify has costs beyond its subscription fees to cover the costs of additional services and features. While these extra fees can add up, they often provide value by saving you time, improving customer experience, and helping you scale your business efficiently.
- Transaction Fees: Shopify charges 0.6% to 2% for third-party payment gateways. However, if you use Shopify Payments, these transaction fees are waived, encouraging merchants to stay within Shopify’s ecosystem.
- Apps & Plugin Fees: App costs range from free to thousands of dollars monthly, depending on complexity and features.
- Premium Themes & Customization: Premium themes cost $150 to $380 as a one-time purchase for advanced design, performance, and support.
- Shipping Label Fees: On average, shipping label fees can range from $10 to $200+ per month, depending on your sales volume and the shipping options you choose.
How to Estimate Your Total Shopify Cost
Before committing to a Shopify plan, it helps to estimate your total monthly cost, not just the subscription fee. Here’s a simple framework to calculate what you’ll actually spend.
Step 1: Start with Your Plan Subscription
Choose a plan based on your business stage:
Business Stage Recommended Plan Monthly Cost Testing an idea / social selling Starter $5 Launching your first online store Basic $39 Growing with a small team Grow $105 Scaling with high sales volume Advanced $399 Enterprise / multi-store Plus $2,300+ Step 2: Estimate Transaction & Credit Card Fees
Multiply your expected monthly revenue by the credit card processing rate for your plan. For example, on the Basic plan with $5,000/month in sales:
- Credit card fees: $5,000 x 2.9% + ($0.30 x 50 orders) = $160
- Third-party gateway fee (if applicable): $5,000 x 2% = $100
Step 3: Add Your App & Plugin Costs
Most Shopify stores use 3–6 paid apps. Common categories and their typical costs:
App Category Typical Monthly Cost Email marketing (e.g., Klaviyo, Mailchimp) $0 – $50 SEO optimization $0 – $30 Reviews & social proof $0 – $25 Upsell & cross-sell $10 – $50 Shipping & fulfillment $0 – $30 Average total $20 – $100 Step 4: Factor in One-Time Costs
- Domain name: $10 – $20/year
- Premium theme: $150 – $380 (one-time)
- Logo/branding: $0 – $500 (one-time)
Step 5: Use the Shopify Fee Calculator**
For a precise, personalized estimate, use our free Shopify Fee Calculator. Just enter your expected monthly sales, number of orders, and plan choice—it’ll calculate your total fees instantly.
Total Cost Example (Basic Plan):
Cost Category Example Item Monthly Estimate Platform Basic plan subscription $39 Payment Processing Credit card fees ($5,000 sales) $160 Apps & Extensions Apps & plugins $30 Domain Domain (annualized) $1.50 Shipping Shipping labels $15 Total Estimated Cost — ~$245.50 / month This gives you a realistic picture of what it actually costs to run a Shopify store, helping you budget accurately before you launch.
Shopify vs Alternatives (Squarespace, Wix, WooCommerce)
Shopify isn’t the only e-commerce platform out there. Here’s how it stacks up against the most popular alternatives in terms of pricing, features, and best use cases.
A Quick Comparison Table:
Feature Shopify (Basic) Squarespace (Commerce Basic) Wix (Business) WooCommerce Monthly Price $39/mo $33/mo $17/mo Free (self-hosted) Transaction Fees 2.9% + 30¢ (Shopify Payments) 3% 2.9% + 30¢ Depends on gateway Hosting Included Included Included Self-managed ($5–$30+/mo) Number of Products Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Themes / Templates 190+ (12 free) 140+ (all free) 800+ (all free) 1,000+ (free & paid) App / Plugin Ecosystem 8,000+ apps 40+ extensions 500+ apps 59,000+ plugins POS / In-person Selling Yes (POS Lite free) Limited No Via plugins Multichannel Selling Yes (social, marketplaces) Limited Limited Via plugins Ease of Use Easy Easy Very easy Moderate (requires tech skills) Best For Dedicated e-commerce stores Creative brands & portfolios Small businesses & beginners Full customization & control When to Choose Shopify Over Alternatives
- You’re serious about e-commerce: Shopify is purpose-built for selling. It has the best checkout, the most payment options, and the deepest app ecosystem for online stores.
- You sell on multiple channels: Shopify natively integrates with Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Amazon, and more. Competitors are more limited here.
- You need POS for in-person sales: Shopify’s POS system is far more advanced than those from Squarespace or Wix.
- You want to scale: Shopify grows with you, from $5/month to enterprise-level Plus plans.
When Alternatives Might Be Better
- Squarespace: If design is your priority and you sell fewer products, Squarespace offers stunning templates and a more visual editor. Best for creatives, photographers, and small boutiques.
- Wix: If you’re on a tight budget and need a simple site with some e-commerce features, Wix is more affordable. Best for hobby sellers and small businesses with basic needs.
- WooCommerce: If you want full control over your store’s code, hosting, and customization, WooCommerce (built on WordPress) gives you maximum flexibility. Best for developers and tech-savvy merchants who want to avoid monthly platform fees.
Total Cost Comparison
Cost Item Shopify (Basic) Squarespace (Commerce Basic) Wix (Business) WooCommerce Annual plan $348 ($29/mo) $396 ($33/mo) $204 ($17/mo) $0 Hosting Included Included Included ~$120 Domain ~$15 Free (1st year) Free (1st year) ~$15 Theme $0 – $380 $0 $0 $0 – $80 Essential apps/plugins ~$240 ~$0 ~$120 ~$120 Estimated Year 1 Total $603 – $983 ~$396 ~$324 ~$255 – $335 My verdict: While WooCommerce has the lowest upfront cost, it requires more technical knowledge and time investment for setup, security, and maintenance. Shopify’s higher price includes managed hosting, security, and support.
Which Shopify Plan Should You Choose?
Picking the right Shopify plan depends on your business, goals, and budget. For me, the Grow Plan hits the sweet spot. It’s the best choice for small businesses ready to grow without spending a fortune.
Here’s why:
The Basic Plan is great when you’re starting out, but it can feel a little limiting when your store begins to scale. The Advanced Plan? It’s awesome, but honestly, it’s pricey if you’re not a bigger business yet.
The Grow Plan fills that gap. It’s affordable and has just the right mix of tools to help you manage and grow your store. You get everything you need to scale without feeling overwhelmed—or overspending.
Why I Recommend the Grow Plan
- Affordable Growth Tools: You get more features than the Basic Plan without breaking the bank.
- Perfect Balance: It’s not too basic, not too advanced.
- Room to Expand: You’ll have what you need to scale as your business grows.
When I started, I went for the Basic Plan. It worked well until my sales picked up, and then I needed better tools. The Grow Plan gave me those extras, but I wasn’t ready to splurge on the Advanced Plan yet.
So ask yourself:
- What’s your budget?
- What tools do you need right now?
- Where do you see your store in six months?
If you’re growing steadily and need more features without overspending, the Grow Plan is the sweet spot.
Quick Recommendation Guide
Your Situation Recommended Plan Selling via social media only Starter ($5/mo) Launching your first store Basic ($39/mo) Growing team, need reports Grow ($105/mo) High-volume, international sales Advanced ($399/mo) Enterprise, multi-store, B2B Plus ($2,300+/mo) In-person retail focus Any plan + POS Pro ($89/mo) 5 Cost-Saving Tips
- Use Shopify Payments: Avoid the extra 0.6% to 5% third-party transaction fee. With Shopify Payments, you just pay credit card processing fees.
- Choose annual billing: Save 25% by paying yearly instead of monthly. Start with monthly billing when you’re new, then switch to annual once you’re committed.
- Buy your domain elsewhere: Domain providers like Namecheap or Google Domains often offer lower prices than Shopify’s built-in domain registration.
- Consider third-party payment processors: Providers like Stripe and PayPal may offer competitive rates, especially with tiered or interchange-plus pricing structures. They also offer advanced fraud protection and faster payouts.
- Upgrade or downgrade strategically: Monitor your sales volume and feature usage. Upgrade when the savings from lower transaction fees outweigh the higher subscription cost. Don’t pay for features you don’t use.
👉 Don’t Wait— Try Shopify Free for 3 Days and Pay Just $1/Month for 3 Months!Global Breakdown: How Shopify’s Pricing Varies Across Countries
While Shopify Plus is priced at $2,300 for all countries, the cost of the other plans may also vary depending on your location and the currency you use. We’ll convert the prices into different currencies and compare three main plans to help you understand how much you’ll spend based on your location.
Plan(monthly) Basic Shopify Advanced More Information US $39 $105 $399 Shopify US Pricing Plans UK 25 GBP (~$26,39) 65 GBP (~$68,60) 344 GBP (~$363,07) Shopify UK Pricing Plans Australia 56 AUD (~$36,29) 149 AUD (~$96,55) 575 AUD (~$372, 58) Shopify AU Pricing Plans Canada $51 CAD (~$36,41) $132 CAD (~$94,23) $517 CAD (~$369,06) Shopify CA Pricing Plans Germany/France 36 EUR (~$38) 105 EUR (~$110,82) 384 EUR ($405,29) Shopify DE/FR Pricing Plans India ₹1.994 (~$23,62) ₹7.447 (~$88,23) ₹30.164 (~$357,36) Shopify Indian Pricing Plans New Zealand $39 $105 $399 Shopify NZ Pricing Plans Spain €36 (~$37.99) €105 (~110,80) €384 (~$405,22) Shopify ES Pricing Plans Ireland €32 EUR (~$33,77) €92 EUR (~$97,08) €384 EUR (~$405,22) Shopify IE Pricing Plans Shopify plans: FAQs
How do you avoid Shopify transaction fees?
To avoid transaction fees, use Shopify Payments as your payment gateway. By doing so, you won’t incur the additional transaction fees that apply when using third-party payment processors.Is Shopify worth it for beginners?
Yes, Shopify is a great option for beginners. It’s user-friendly, provides excellent support, and includes everything you need to start selling online quickly. The Starter Plan is ideal for those just testing the stores without a significant upfront investment.
Did Shopify’s pricing plan increase?
Yes, Shopify has increased its pricing plans in the past. For instance, in April 2023, Shopify raised the price for 3 plans by approximately 25%. The Basic plan increased from $29 to $39 per month, the Shopify plan from $79 to $105 per month, and the Advanced plan from $299 to $399 per month.
These adjustments were made to support the development of new features and to adapt to changing market conditions. However, there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding an increase in Shopify pricing plans, so you should always check the latest pricing details on the Shopify pricing pages for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Is Shopify $1 for 3 months?
Yes, Shopify has a new offer where you can get your first 3 months for just $1 per month after the initial 3-day free trial
What is the difference between Shopify Basic and Shopify plan?
The Basic Plan is ideal for new ecommerce businesses, providing essential features such as a complete online store, two staff accounts, and basic reports. In contrast, the Shopify Plan includes more advanced capabilities, such as detailed reporting, five staff accounts, and reduced transaction fees, making it a better fit for expanding businesses.Is Shopify expensive for small businesses?
Yes, Shopify can be cost-effective for small businesses, especially with its Starter and Basic plans. The Starter plan is only $5/month, making it budget-friendly for those selling through social media. The Basic plan at $39/month (or $29/month with annual billing) includes essential features for a full online store.
While the costs can increase as you scale and add apps or advanced features, Shopify’s built-in tools, easy setup, and scalability often make it worth the investment. The savings on transaction fees when using Shopify Payments and the potential to grow your business can offset the upfront costs.
Is there a free Shopify?
No, Shopify does not offer a free plan. However, you can start with a 3-day free trial and then extend it with a HOT offer of $3 for three months ($1/month), allowing you to test the platform at a minimal cost.How much does Shopify cost per month?
Shopify offers various plans, including:
- Starter: $5/month
- Basic: $39/month ($29/month if billed annually)
- Shopify: $105/month ($79/month if billed annually)
- Advanced: $399/month ($299/month if billed annually)
- Plus: Starts at $2,300/month (custom pricing)
Is shopify free?
No, Shopify is not free. However, it usually offers a short free trial (typically around 3 days) so you can explore the platform before paying. After the trial, you need to choose a paid plan to run your store. The most common starting plan is Basic at $39 per month, though cheaper options like the Starter plan at $5 per month exist for selling through social media.
Do I have to pay for Shopify?
Yes, you have to pay to use Shopify.
Shopify offers a short free trial, but once it ends, you must choose a paid plan to keep your store active and start selling. The most common plan for new stores is Basic at $39 per month, though cheaper options like the Starter plan ($5/month) are available for selling through social media.
Final Words: Shopify Subscription Plans
This review helps Shopify store owners grasp the specific monthly Shopify costs. It’s essential to understand that while basic plans can be cost-effective, upgrading to higher tiers can offer more features and potentially lower processing costs in the long run.
Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Vietnam. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.Related Post



