Shopify vs Adobe Commerce: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Shopify is the better pick for merchants wanting a fully hosted store. Adobe Commerce is the better pick for large enterprises with complex catalogs.

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At a Glance

Feature	Shopify	Adobe Commerce
Best For	Merchants wanting a fully hosted store	Large enterprises with complex catalogs
Pricing	Paid plans; free trial available	Free Magento Open Source; licensed Adobe Commerce
Free to Start	No	Yes
License	Proprietary	Open-core
Deployment	Managed cloud	Self-hosted or managed cloud
Link	Visit Shopify	Visit Adobe Commerce

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Detailed Breakdown

Shopify

Hosted commerce platform

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Huge app ecosystem
• Reliable checkout

Cons:

• Extra transaction fees without Shopify Payments
• App subscriptions add up

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Adobe Commerce

Enterprise commerce platform built on Magento

Pros:

• Highly customizable
• B2B features
• Open-source edition available

Cons:

• Expensive to run and develop
• Complex architecture

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Shopify — hosted commerce platform. Adobe Commerce — enterprise commerce platform built on Magento.
• Licensing differs: Shopify is proprietary while Adobe Commerce is open-core.
• Deployment: Shopify — managed cloud. Adobe Commerce — self-hosted or managed cloud.
• Adobe Commerce can be started for free, while Shopify requires a paid plan. Shopify pricing: paid plans; free trial available.
• Signature strength: Shopify — easy setup. Adobe Commerce — highly customizable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shopify better than Adobe Commerce?

It depends on your requirements. Shopify is a strong fit for merchants wanting a fully hosted store, while Adobe Commerce suits large enterprises with complex catalogs.

Is Shopify free to use?

Shopify does not have a permanent free plan. Pricing model: Paid plans; free trial available.

Is Adobe Commerce free to use?

Yes, you can start with Adobe Commerce for free. Pricing model: Free Magento Open Source; licensed Adobe Commerce.

Can I self-host Shopify or Adobe Commerce?

Shopify is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. Adobe Commerce can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Shopify and Adobe Commerce?

Shopify: extra transaction fees without Shopify Payments; app subscriptions add up. Adobe Commerce: expensive to run and develop; complex architecture.