Table of Contents
Introduction
When you’re starting or scaling an online business, choosing the right eCommerce platform is a big decision — and pricing plays a massive role in that choice. Shopify is one of the world’s leading eCommerce solutions, powering millions of stores in over 175 countries. But with multiple pricing plans available, each offering different features and costs, it can be confusing to figure out which one is the best fit for you.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down Shopify’s pricing plans, compare them side-by-side, and help you choose the one that gives you the best value for your money. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned seller looking to upgrade, you’ll find everything you need here to make an informed decision.
Understanding Shopify Pricing Basics
Before we dive into each plan, let’s look at how Shopify’s pricing works.
1. Monthly vs Annual Billing
Shopify lets you choose between monthly and annual billing.
- Monthly: More flexibility but higher long-term costs.
- Annual: You get up to 25% savings by paying upfront.
If you’re testing the waters, monthly might make sense. But if you’re committed to your business, annual billing will save you money.
2. Additional Costs to Keep in Mind
While Shopify’s subscription covers the core platform, there are extra costs you should consider:
- Domain name: Around $14/year if purchased through Shopify.
- Premium themes: Free and paid themes available; paid themes usually cost $140–$350 one-time.
- Apps: Many apps are free, but premium apps can cost $5–$50+ per month.
- Payment processing fees: Charged per transaction. Lower fees on higher plans.
Shopify Pricing Plans Overview
As of 2025, Shopify offers the following main plans:
| Plan Name | Monthly Price (Annual Billing) | Monthly Price (Monthly Billing) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $5/month | $5/month | Selling via social media/messaging apps |
| Basic Shopify | $39/month | $51/month | New online stores |
| Shopify | $105/month | $133/month | Growing businesses |
| Advanced | $399/month | $512/month | Scaling stores needing advanced reporting |
| Shopify Plus | From $2,000/month | Custom pricing | High-volume enterprises |
Let’s look at each in detail.
Shopify Starter Plan
Price: $5/month
Best for: Beginners who want to sell products online without a full website.
The Shopify Starter plan is the cheapest option, designed for sellers who want to sell via social media, WhatsApp, or email using Shopify’s checkout system.
Features:
- Sell unlimited products.
- Access to Shopify’s secure checkout.
- Link products anywhere online.
- Manage orders through Shopify admin or mobile app.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable.
- Great for testing product ideas.
- No need for a full website.
Cons:
- No online store builder.
- Limited customization.
Example: If you’re selling handmade jewelry through Instagram, this plan lets you accept secure payments without a full store.
Basic Shopify Plan
Price: $39/month (annual) or $51/month (monthly)
Best for: New eCommerce businesses building their first store.
The Basic plan is Shopify’s entry-level store package and includes everything you need to launch an online shop.
Features:
- Fully customizable online store.
- 2 staff accounts.
- Unlimited products.
- Basic reports.
- 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction via Shopify Payments.
Pros:
- Affordable for beginners.
- Complete store-building capabilities.
- Unlimited product listings.
Cons:
- Basic reporting only.
- Higher transaction fees than advanced plans.
Example: Perfect for a small business selling clothing or niche products online.
Shopify Plan
Price: $105/month (annual) or $133/month (monthly)
Best for: Growing businesses that need advanced features.
This is Shopify’s most popular plan, offering stronger reporting, lower fees, and more staff accounts.
Features:
- 5 staff accounts.
- Professional reports.
- Lower transaction fees (2.6% + 30¢ online).
- International pricing and domains.
Pros:
- Advanced reporting for better business insights.
- Lower fees save money at higher volumes.
- More staff accounts for growing teams.
Cons:
- Higher monthly cost than Basic.
- Advanced features might be overkill for small stores.
Example: Great for a store doing $5,000+ in monthly sales, where better analytics and lower fees make a difference.
Advanced Shopify Plan
Price: $399/month (annual) or $512/month (monthly)
Best for: Scaling businesses that need the most advanced reporting and lowest fees.
Features:
- 15 staff accounts.
- Advanced custom reporting.
- 3rd-party calculated shipping rates.
- Lowest transaction fees (2.4% + 30¢ online).
Pros:
- Saves significant money on transaction fees for high-volume stores.
- Detailed reports help with scaling.
- Supports large teams.
Cons:
- High monthly cost.
- Overkill for smaller businesses.
Example: Ideal for large-scale dropshipping businesses or established brands with high traffic.
Shopify Plus (Enterprise)
Price: Starting from $2,000/month
Best for: Large enterprises with complex needs.
Features:
- Fully customizable checkout.
- Dedicated account manager.
- Priority support.
- Enterprise-grade scalability.
Pros:
- Tailored to massive sales volumes.
- Advanced customization options.
- Handles millions in monthly sales.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Unnecessary for small or mid-size businesses.
Example: Suitable for brands like Gymshark or Kylie Cosmetics.
Comparing Shopify Plans Side-by-Side
| Feature | Starter | Basic Shopify | Shopify | Advanced | Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Annual) | $5 | $39 | $105 | $399 | $2,000+ |
| Online Store | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Staff Accounts | N/A | 2 | 5 | 15 | Unlimited |
| Reports | N/A | Basic | Professional | Advanced | Custom |
| Transaction Fee (Shopify Payments) | 5% | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.6% + 30¢ | 2.4% + 30¢ | Negotiable |
Hidden Costs & Extra Fees
Even with Shopify, you might face additional expenses:
- Third-party payment gateways: Extra 0.5%–2% fee.
- Apps: Many stores use 5–10 paid apps.
- Themes: Premium themes cost extra but improve branding.
Which Shopify Plan Should You Choose?
If You’re Just Starting
- Budget under $50/month → Basic Shopify
- Selling only via social media → Starter
If You’re Growing
- Need better analytics → Shopify
- International sales & lower fees → Shopify
If You’re Scaling
- High-volume sales → Advanced
- Enterprise level → Shopify Plus
Tips to Save Money on Shopify
- Choose annual billing to save up to 25%.
- Use free apps where possible.
- Avoid upgrading too early — upgrade only when your sales volume justifies it.
Final Recommendation
If you’re a beginner → Start with Basic Shopify.
If you’re growing → Upgrade to Shopify.
If you’re scaling → Move to Advanced.
✅ Ready to start? Get Shopify’s 3-day free trial here and see which plan works for you.
FAQ
Q: Can I switch Shopify plans later?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade anytime.
Q: Does Shopify have a free plan?
No, but they offer a free trial.
Q: Is Shopify worth the price?
For most businesses, yes — especially given the scalability, support, and features.
