E-commerce Platforms

commercetools vs Shopify

Both are e-commerce platforms. The short answer: choose commercetools if you are enterprises building headless, API-first commerce; choose Shopify if you are brands launching a serious online store.

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commercetools logo commercetoolsShopify logo Shopify
Best forEnterprises building headless, API-first commerceBrands launching a serious online store
Free planNo (trial may exist)No (trial may exist)
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesE-commerce PlatformsWebsite Builders, E-commerce Platforms, Online Marketplaces to Sell On
Strengths
  • Flexible API-first architecture
  • Built for e-commerce
  • Large app store
  • Reliable hosting
Watch out for
  • Requires developers
  • Monthly costs add up with apps
  • Transaction fees on some payment setups
Visit commercetoolsVisit Shopify

Which should you choose?

commercetools: Headless commerce platform for custom storefronts and channels.

Shopify: Leading hosted e-commerce platform with themes, apps and payments.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all e-commerce platforms compared.