Shopify vs Shopware: which one fits your business?
Both are excellent platforms — for different businesses. Here is how they compare on the things that actually decide a replatforming.
At a glance
| — | Shopify | Shopware 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Hosted SaaS | Open source; self-hosted, managed hosting or SaaS |
| Hosting & updates | Handled by Shopify | Your responsibility or your host’s |
| Code ownership | Themes and apps; core is closed | Full access to the code |
| B2B | Available on Shopify Plus | Available, with deep rule-based pricing and customer-specific catalogues |
| Checkout customisation | Limited; more on Plus via Functions and extensions | Fully customisable |
| Multi-language & multi-currency | Supported via Markets | Native via sales channels |
| Costs | Monthly plan + apps + transaction fees (unless Shopify Payments) | Licence depends on edition; hosting and development costs |
| Data location | Shopify’s infrastructure | Wherever you choose, including the EU |
| Ecosystem strength | Global, strongest in North America | Strongest in Europe, especially DACH |
Pricing and plan features change regularly — check the current offers before deciding.
Rules of thumb
Choose Shopify if
- You want to launch fast with a small team
- You sell mostly B2C with a standard checkout
- You never want to think about servers or upgrades
- Your growth plan is mainly outside Europe
Choose Shopware if
- You sell B2B, or B2B and B2C together
- Your pricing or catalogue logic is complex
- You need a custom checkout or deep integrations
- EU hosting or code ownership is a requirement
Where people get the decision wrong
Comparing monthly plan prices misses most of the cost. On Shopify, apps and transaction fees add up as you grow; on Shopware, hosting, maintenance and upgrades need a budget. Compare total cost over three years, including development.
The other common mistake is choosing on today’s requirements only. If B2B, marketplaces or new countries are on your roadmap, that should weigh heavily — replatforming again in two years is expensive.
Already decided?
Shopify → Shopware
How we move growing brands off Shopify.
Shopware → Shopify
How we move shops onto Shopify.
Shopware development
What we build on Shopware 6.
Shopify development
What we build on Shopify.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopware cheaper than Shopify?
It depends on your size. Small stores are usually cheaper on Shopify. For larger catalogues, B2B or heavy app usage, Shopware’s total cost is often lower — but it needs development and hosting budget.
Which is better for SEO?
Both can rank very well. Shopware gives you more control over URLs and technical SEO; Shopify has a fixed URL structure but handles the basics well out of the box.
Can you help us decide?
Yes. A short discovery call with your requirements is usually enough to give a clear recommendation — and we are happy to recommend either.
Let’s talk about your project
A 30-minute call is enough to understand your situation and tell you honestly what it would take.
Book a call