Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Which is the Best Option?

When you think about starting an online store, Shopify often comes up as one of the best e-commerce platforms in the market. It’s easy to use, scalable, and packed with features that help entrepreneurs sell online without needing deep technical knowledge.

But as your business grows, you’ll start hearing about Shopify Plus—a more advanced version tailored for enterprises and high-volume brands. The real question then arises: Shopify vs Shopify Plus—Which one is right for you?

This guide breaks down the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, including pricing, features, scalability, and use cases, so you can make an informed choice.

Understanding Shopify

Shopify is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that allows small to medium-sized businesses to set up and run their online stores. It is popular because of its:

• Ease of use: You don’t need to be a developer to start.
• Customisable themes: Choose from free and premium themes.
• All-in-one solution: Hosting, security, and updates are handled for you.
• Affordable pricing: Plans start at a budget-friendly level.

For most businesses that are just getting started or are scaling steadily, Shopify provides everything needed to run an online business efficiently.

Understanding Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is the enterprise-level version of Shopify. It is designed for large-scale businesses, brands with high sales volume, and companies looking for more control and flexibility.

It offers everything that standard Shopify does, but with advanced features like:

• Dedicated account management.
• Higher API limits.
• Enhanced checkout customisation.
• Better scalability and automation tools.
• Exclusive apps and integrations.

In short, Shopify Plus is for businesses that need more than what the standard Shopify plan can deliver.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Key Differences

Let’s break down the differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus so you can see clearly which fits your business stage.

1. Pricing

• Shopify:
  • Basic plan: $39/month
  • Shopify plan: $105/month
  • Advanced plan: $399/month
• Shopify Plus:
  • Pricing starts at around $2,000/month and increases depending on sales volume.

👉 Shopify is clearly more affordable for small businesses. Shopify Plus is a serious investment for enterprises generating high revenues.

2. Customisation and Themes

• Shopify: You can customise themes using Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor. Advanced customisation requires coding with Liquid, Shopify’s template language.
• Shopify Plus: Provides deeper checkout page customisation, which is not available on standard Shopify. This is a big advantage because checkout experience directly impacts conversion rates.

3. API Access and Integrations

• Shopify: API access is limited, suitable for most small businesses.
• Shopify Plus: Offers higher API limits, which is crucial for businesses that need to integrate multiple systems like ERP, CRM, and advanced marketing tools.

4. Dedicated Support

• Shopify: Offers 24/7 chat, email, and phone support.
• Shopify Plus: Gives you a dedicated account manager (Merchant Success Manager) and priority support. This can save significant time for enterprises handling thousands of daily transactions.

5. Automation Tools

• Shopify: Manual processes for discounts, workflows, and campaigns.
• Shopify Plus: Includes Shopify Flow (automation tool) and Launchpad (for scheduled sales and campaigns). These tools are game changers for large businesses.

6. Scalability

• Shopify: Suitable for small to mid-sized stores, usually up to a few million in annual revenue.
• Shopify Plus: Handles extremely high traffic and sales volumes. Popular brands like Nestle, Red Bull, and Kylie Cosmetics use Shopify Plus.

7. International Expansion

• Shopify: Limited to multiple currencies but lacks advanced localisation features.
• Shopify Plus: Supports multiple storefronts for different regions, languages, and currencies, making it ideal for global brands.

8. Transaction Fees

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus charge transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. However, Plus merchants often negotiate better credit card processing rates, saving money on large transactions.

9. Exclusive Features of Shopify Plus

Some of the features that you’ll only find in Shopify Plus include:

• Customisable checkout with Shopify Scripts.
• Wholesale channel for B2B sales.
• Advanced API access for third-party integrations.
• Unlimited staff accounts (Shopify caps this based on plan).
• Organisation-level admin to manage multiple stores from a single dashboard.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Which Businesses Should Choose What?

Here’s a breakdown of which platform makes sense depending on your business stage.

Choose Shopify if:

• You are a new business owner or a small business.
• Your annual revenue is under $1-2 million.
• You don’t require heavy integrations with external systems.
• You’re comfortable with basic support and limited checkout customisation.
• Budget is a concern.

Choose Shopify Plus if:

• You are a large enterprise or rapidly scaling brand.
• You generate millions in annual revenue.
• You want to sell globally with multiple storefronts.
• You need advanced integrations with ERP/CRM systems.
• You require deep checkout customisation to boost conversions.
• You want a dedicated account manager and automation tools.

Real-World Examples

• Shopify: A small clothing boutique starting online sales with limited products. They need affordable hosting, good design, and basic payment options. Shopify is perfect here.
• Shopify Plus: A global cosmetics brand processing thousands of daily orders, running flash sales, and selling in multiple countries. They need checkout customisation, automation, and enterprise-level integrations. Shopify Plus is the right fit.

Pros and Cons of Shopify

Pros:

• Affordable plans.
• Easy to use.
• Scalable for small businesses.
• Large app marketplace.

Cons:

• Limited checkout customisation.
• Restricted API usage.
• Support not as personalised.

Pros and Cons of Shopify Plus

Pros:

• Advanced checkout customisation.
• Higher API limits.
• Automation tools (Flow, Launchpad).
• Unlimited staff accounts.
• Dedicated account management.
• Perfect for global expansion.

Cons:

• Very expensive for small businesses.
• May be more than what you need if your sales volume is low.

How to Decide Between Shopify and Shopify Plus

Ask yourself these key questions:

1. What is your current revenue?
   • If under $1-2 million, Shopify is usually sufficient.
   • If above $2 million, Plus may help you save costs and scale better.
2. Do you need advanced integrations?
   • Shopify Plus supports complex third-party integrations better.
3. How important is checkout customisation?
   • If conversion optimisation is your priority, Plus is worth it.
4. Are you expanding internationally?
   • Shopify Plus is designed for multiple regions and currencies.
5. What’s your budget?
   • Shopify Plus starts at $2,000/month, which can be heavy unless your profits justify it.

Final Verdict

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus are powerful in their own ways.

• If you’re just starting out or growing steadily, Shopify offers affordability, flexibility, and ease of use.
• If you’re a fast-growing or enterprise-level business looking for scalability, automation, and advanced features, Shopify Plus is the clear winner.

The best way to decide is to evaluate your business stage, revenue, and growth plans. Remember, upgrading is always an option—many businesses start with Shopify and move to Shopify Plus once they outgrow the standard plans.

Conclusion

Choosing between Shopify vs Shopify Plus ultimately depends on where your business stands today and where you want to take it.

• Go with Shopify if you want a cost-effective, easy-to-manage solution.
• Go with Shopify Plus if your brand is scaling fast and requires enterprise-level features.

Both platforms are reliable, secure, and designed to help you sell online successfully. The difference lies in the level of control, scalability, and investment you are ready for.