Within a very short period after its launch in 2006, Shopify became a favorite as the platform offered easy ecommerce development with modern features. However, as technology evolved over time and brands needed more powerful features to compete in the market, the world of ecommerce witnessed the launch of Shopify Plus in 2014.

While it took the entire ecommerce market by storm, it also put businesses in a tough spot. Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus is a tough dilemma that’s still confusing business owners even in 2024. As both platforms are designed to support different types of businesses and goals, understanding their main differences, features, and benefits is imperative to make the right decision.

Stay with us as we explain the differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus based on your business requirements and goals.

Shopify vs. Shopify Plus: A Quick Overview

Before diving deep into the comparison between these two, let’s take a quick look at their differences.

Shopify

Dedicated to small and mid-sized businesses, Shopify is an easy-to-use and affordable solution for building and operating your online store with all modern and essential features. Thanks to its pre-designed themes, powerful app store, and almost zero requirements of advanced technical knowledge, Shopify becomes an exceptional choice for businesses looking to launch and scale quickly without doing complex customizations and building high-end functionalities.

Shopify Plus

Primarily designed to support enterprise-level businesses and fast-growing brands, Shopify Plus is a highly robust and scalable platform that features cutting-edge customization options. The platform is capable of handling huge volumes of traffic, task automation, and hyper-personalization. With exclusive features like tailored checkouts, custom discounts, payments, and a launchpad for automating promotions, it genuinely offers the ‘plus’ large businesses need for global domination.

Key Differences Between Shopify and Shopify Plus

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Advanced Features

Now let’s see how Shopify fares with Shopify Plus when it comes to some of the advanced features.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Price Comparison

The difference in pricing between Shopify Plus and other Shopify plans is significant. However, when you consider the advanced features, customizations, and flexibility you get with Shopify Plus, it starts to make sense. Moreover, it’s not a sink or swim situation as the price difference between the non-plus plans is gradual.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Themes and Design Flexibility

Shopify

With Shopify, you can explore many different themes, from free to paid ones. Not only are they easy to use and responsive, but they also ensure quick launching. However, these themes come with limited scopes for customizations, unless you decide to involve a developer in the project.

Shopify Plus

With Shopify Plus, you get all the goodness of Shopify, but with considerably more customizability and flexibility. It offers full access to Script Editor and Liquid code, enabling businesses to build customized checkout processes and designs that convey the brand identity.Working with a Shopify Plus expert can unlock even greater possibilities for unique designs and business transformation.

Benefits of Shopify vs Shopify Plus

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus come with their own sets of advantages that benefit online store owners. And to choose one over the other, knowing these benefits would come in handy.

Benefits of Shopify

1. Ease of Use: With a simple and easy-to-use interface, beginners can create and manage their stores effortlessly.
   
2. Affordable Pricing: Pocket-friendly plans for small to mid-sized businesses with minimum upfront costs.
   
3. Mobile Optimization: The mobile shopping experience gets a huge boost with highly responsive themes that fit all screen sizes.
   
4. App Store Access: The easy access to the app store offers all necessary tools for important functions like inventory management and marketing.
   
5. SEO-Friendly: SEO features like meta tags, sitemaps, clean URLs, etc. ensure that your website ranks well on SERP every time.
   
6. Payment Gateway Integration: With the support for 100+ payment gateways across the globe, you get effortless transactions.
   
7. Secure Hosting: Securing customer data with top-notch features like SSL certificates and level 1 PCI DSS compliance.
   
8. Multi-Channel Selling: Sell across social media, marketplaces, and in-person through POS.
   
9. Inventory Management: Basic yet efficient inventory tools for small-scale operations.
   
10. Support for Digital Products: Easy listing and selling of digital goods like eBooks and courses.
    
11. Analytics and Reporting: Access to vital analytics and reports to track sales and customer behavior.
    
12. Community Support: Large Shopify community forums and user groups resolve queries and offer guidance.
    
13. Free Themes: A variety of free themes to help you get started without paying additional cost

Benefits of Shopify Plus

1. Advanced Customization: Full access to Liquid code for personalized themes and checkout experiences.
2. Scalability: With the capability of managing a high volume of traffic and huge sales, Shopify Plus is the best solution for enterprise-level businesses.
3. Launchpad: By automating product launches, promotions, and flash sales, it streamlines campaign management.
4. Script Editor: Get high-end customization options for shipping rules, discounts, payment methods, and checkout processes.
5. Wholesale Channel: Manage wholesale and B2B customers separately without involving third-party apps.
6. Dedicated Support: A dedicated Launch Manager not only helps with setup and migration but also with priority support.
7. Global Expansion Tools: Cater to the global markets with robust multi-currency, multi-language, and tax compliance features.
8. Exclusive Apps: Get access to apps like Shopify Flow that are exclusive to Shopify Plus and get streamlined workflows and automation.
9. Lower Transaction Fees: Reduced transaction fees compared to the other plans. Moreover, the use of Shopify Payments makes it even less.
10. API Limits: Enjoy smooth integration with third-party tools and systems with increased API call limits.
11. Custom Checkout: Customized checkout process that aligns with brand identity and customer requirements.
12. Enhanced Security: Cutting-edge fraud protection and enterprise-level security features to keep data safe.
13. Flexibility for Growth: Scales with your business while offering unlimited potential for customization and expansion.

Shopify or Shopify Plus: Which One Suits Your Online Store?

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, or a small to mid-sized business, Shopify is undoubtedly the perfect choice for you. Shopify’s affordability alongside the availability of modern-day features makes the platform an ideal choice for growing online stores.

On the other hand, large businesses and brands scaling rapidly should subscribe to Shopify Plus as the platform offers cutting-edge technology, the latest features, advanced customizations, and unmatched support for your business growth.

Wrap Up

There is no right and wrong between Shopify and Shopify Plus. Both platforms have their own unique advantages, catering to specific business types. With the above features, benefits, and comparisons, you can make better decisions as to which platform fits your needs.