Ecwid vs Shopify
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Ecwid and Shopify. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Shopify edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, Ecwid (4/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Businesses with existing websites wanting to add e-commerce without rebuilding. Read on for the full breakdown.
Ecwid vs Shopify at a Glance
Ecwid
★ 4Ecwid (by Lightspeed) is an e-commerce platform that lets you add an online store to any existing website. Instead of building a new site, you embed Ecwid's store widget into your current WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace site. Also offers a standalone store and POS. Popular with businesses that already have a website.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Businesses with existing websites wanting to add e-commerce without rebuilding
Read full review →Shopify
★ 4.5Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, powering millions of online stores globally. It provides everything needed to start, run, and grow an online business, from website building and product management to payment processing and shipping. Known for its ease of use and extensive app ecosystem.
Starting from: £24/month
Best for: Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem
Read full review →Ecwid vs Shopify Feature Comparison
Here is how Ecwid and Shopify compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Ecwid | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | Yes | No |
| Starting Price | £0/month | £24/month |
| Best For | Businesses with existing websites wanting to add e-commerce without rebuilding | Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem |
| Our Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Basic | Basic |
| Integrations | Limited | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Ecwid vs Shopify Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Ecwid Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓5 products
- ✓Online store
- ✓Mobile app
- ✓Social selling
Venture
£14/month
- ✓100 products
- ✓SEO tools
- ✓Coupons
- ✓Marketplace integrations
Business
£27/month
- ✓2,500 products
- ✓Abandoned cart emails
- ✓Product variations
- ✓Staff accounts
Unlimited
£67/month
- ✓Unlimited products
- ✓Priority support
- ✓Custom apps
- ✓Wholesale pricing
Shopify Pricing
Basic
£24/month
- ✓Online store
- ✓Unlimited products
- ✓2 staff accounts
- ✓Basic reports
Shopify
£59/month
- ✓Everything in Basic
- ✓5 staff accounts
- ✓Professional reports
- ✓Lower card rates
Advanced
£289/month
- ✓Everything in Shopify
- ✓15 staff accounts
- ✓Custom reports
- ✓Lowest card rates
Shopify Plus
From £1,750/month
- ✓Enterprise features
- ✓Unlimited staff
- ✓Dedicated support
- ✓Customisable checkout
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Ecwid and Shopify for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Ecwid Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Add e-commerce to any existing website
- •Generous free plan to start
- •No transaction fees on any plan
- •Multi-channel selling included
- •Easy to set up and manage
✗Cons
- •Free plan limited to 5 products
- •Design customisation is limited
- •Fewer features than Shopify or BigCommerce
- •App ecosystem is small
- •Advanced features require higher tiers
Shopify Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Easiest e-commerce platform to use
- •Massive app ecosystem (8,000+ apps)
- •Excellent payment processing (Shopify Payments)
- •Scales from small to enterprise
- •Strong SEO capabilities
✗Cons
- •Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
- •Monthly costs add up with apps
- •Limited customisation without coding
- •Content management is basic compared to WordPress
- •Migrating away is difficult
Our Verdict: Ecwid vs Shopify
Both Ecwid and Shopify are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Ecwid if you need Businesses with existing websites wanting to add e-commerce without rebuilding. With a starting price of £0/month and a rating of 4/5, it offers add e-commerce to any existing website.
Choose Shopify if you need Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem. Starting at £24/month with a 4.5/5 rating, it excels at easiest e-commerce platform to use.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between Ecwid and Shopify? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Ecwid or Shopify for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.