Shopify vs WooCommerce: which is best for POD?
Shopify is a hosted eCommerce platform that handles hosting, security, and updates for you—great for speed and simplicity. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns your site into a store—great for flexibility and content-led SEO. If you’re running print-on-demand, both connect to the major suppliers and marketplaces; the right choice depends on your budget, tech comfort, and how much control you want.
Quick verdict
Choose Shopify if you want the fastest setup, reliable hosting, and an app ecosystem that “just works” with minimal maintenance.
Choose WooCommerce if you want deep customization, full ownership of your stack, and you’re comfortable managing WordPress hosting, plugins, and updates.
Key differences
| Factor | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting & security | Hosted (PCI, SSL, updates handled) | Self-hosted WordPress (you manage hosting, SSL, backups) |
| Setup speed | Very fast—hours to launch | Fast if you know WP; add time for theme & plugin setup |
| Customization | High (themes & apps), but within Shopify’s framework | Very high (full code access, any WP plugin/theme) |
| Costs | Monthly plan + apps; separate gateway fees | Hosting + premium plugins/themes; gateway fees |
| Performance | Optimized out of the box; scales automatically | Depends on host, caching, and plugin choices |
| Content & SEO | Strong; blogging is good, apps fill gaps | Excellent; full WordPress CMS + SEO plugins |
| Checkout & payments | Shopify Checkout (fast); outside gateways may add fees | Many gateways; you own the flow (more config) |
| POD integrations | Deep integrations with major suppliers (Printful, Printify, Gelato, Gooten, etc.) | Deep integrations via plugins/APIs with the same suppliers |
| Maintenance | Low—Shopify manages servers & core | Medium/High—update WP, Woo, plugins, PHP |
| Best for | Entrepreneurs who want speed & simplicity | Brands that need control, content depth, or unique flows |
Shopify pros & cons
- Hosted, secure, and performant by default
- Huge app ecosystem + robust POD integrations
- Fast theme setup; consistent checkout
- Monthly fees & some app stack costs
- Less low-level control than self-hosted WordPress
WooCommerce pros & cons
- Maximum flexibility; full code & database control
- Best-in-class for content-led SEO (WordPress)
- Wide range of POD and utility plugins
- Requires maintenance (updates, security, speed tuning)
- Performance varies by host and plugin choices
Which should you pick?
Go Shopify if you want to launch quickly, keep maintenance low, and rely on a polished checkout with apps that cover most needs.
Go WooCommerce if you want deep customization, advanced content/SEO, or you already run a WordPress site and don’t mind managing hosting and updates.
POD considerations for each platform
On Shopify
- Install your POD app (Printful, Printify, Gelato, etc.) and connect products.
- Use app-native shipping profiles and automated order routing.
- Lean on apps for reviews, email/SMS, and upsells to lift AOV.
On WooCommerce
- Pick a quality host + caching (object/page) for speed.
- Use official POD plugins; keep plugins lean to avoid conflicts.
- Install SEO & schema plugins; use your CMS for rich guides (like yours!).
Migration notes (if you switch later)
- Export products & orders; keep your artwork files and listing copy.
- Rebuild key pages (home, collections, PDPs) using your new theme.
- Set 301 redirects for any URL changes to preserve SEO.
- Retag analytics, pixels, and email/SMS flows.
FAQ
Which is cheaper? Shopify has predictable monthly fees; WooCommerce can be cheaper or more expensive depending on your hosting and plugin stack. Calculate total cost (hosting/apps/gateways) for your needs.
Which is better for SEO? WooCommerce (WordPress) is excellent for content-heavy SEO. Shopify is also strong, and apps/themes cover most needs—site speed and information architecture matter more than platform alone.
Do POD suppliers support both? Yes—major suppliers integrate with both Shopify and WooCommerce. Check our integrations matrix for specifics.