Shopify is one of the leading all-in-one e-commerce platforms, powering online stores for businesses of all sizes. Understanding Shopify pricing is crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to manage costs and maximize profitability.
In 2025, Shopify offers a range of plans and fees that merchants should be aware of before picking a plan and launching their online store. This comprehensive guide breaks down Shopify’s pricing as per the plans and helps you pick one that best suits your needs. Read on.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a renowned ecommerce platform that enables individuals and companies to create ecommerce stores and sell products online.
It provides hosting, store templates, payment processing, inventory management, shipping integrations, and app extensions all in one place.
It’s popular among small businesses and startups for its ease of use and scalability. At the same time, larger brands and enterprises also use Shopify (especially the Shopify Plus plan) to handle high volume sales with custom solutions.
Shopify Pricing Plans in 2025
Shopify’s pricing structure in 2025 includes several core plans, each with different features and costs. Broadly, Shopify has the following plans:
Starter
Basic
Shopify
Advanced
Shopify Plus
Retail (POS)
Enterprise Ecommerce
Additionally, there’s a specialized Shopify Retail plan (focused on point-of-sale) and the enterprise-grade Shopify Plus. Below is a breakdown of each plan, their monthly costs, and key differences:
Plan
Monthly Price (paid monthly)
Price (paid annually)
Features & Staff Accounts
Payment Processing Fees
Starter
$5 per month
Annual not available
Sell through social media and messaging apps with buy buttons; no full online store or blog; 5% transaction fee. Best for solopreneurs testing online sales. Staff Accounts: None
Online: 5.0% In-Person: Not applicable Transaction Fee (if not using Shopify Payments): 5.0%
Basic
$39 per month
~$29 per month (25% off)
Full online store with website and blog, up to 10 inventory locations, 24/7 chat support, localized global selling (3 markets), and POS Lite. Best for new small businesses. Staff Accounts: None
Online: 2.9% + 30¢ In-Person: 2.6% + 10¢ Transaction Fee (if not using Shopify Payments): 2.0%
Shopify
$105 per month
~$79 per month (25% off)
All Basic features plus up to 88% shipping discounts, professional reports, and 5 staff accounts. Best for growing businesses.
Online: 2.7% + 30¢ In-Person: 2.5% + 10¢ Transaction Fee (if not using Shopify Payments): 1.0%
Advanced
$399 per month
~$299 per month (25% off)
All Shopify features plus advanced report builder, up to 15 staff accounts, third-party calculated shipping rates, and lowest transaction fees. Best for scaling businesses.
Online: 2.5% + 30¢ In-Person: 2.4% + 10¢ Transaction Fee (if not using Shopify Payments): 0.5%
Shopify Plus
Starting at $2,300 per month
Custom pricing
Enterprise-grade solution with dedicated support, advanced automation (Shopify Flow), customizable checkout, and unlimited staff accounts. Best for high-volume merchants and large brands.
Online & In-Person: Varies by country Transaction Fee (if not using Shopify Payments): Negotiated
Retail (POS)
$89 per month
~$79 per month (annual)
Includes all Basic plan online features plus Shopify POS Pro for in-store sales (advanced POS roles, unlimited registers, staff management, and inventory tracking). Best for physical retailers needing an integrated online and offline solution. Staff Accounts: Unlimited (for POS)
Online: 2.9% + 30¢ In-Person: 2.6% + 10¢ Transaction Fee (if not using Shopify Payments): 2.0%
Note: The Enterprise Ecommerce plan is a custom solution designed for large-scale businesses with high sales volumes and complex operations. Pricing and features are available upon request, and businesses must contact Shopify for a tailored quote.
Key Differences Between Shopify Pricing Plans
The main differences in Shopify pricing plans are in features, staff access, reporting, and transaction fees. Higher-tier plans offer more staff accounts, advanced reports, and lower credit card processing rates. For example, the Basic plan includes standard reports but doesn't offer staff accounts, while Advanced offers 15 staff accounts and custom reporting. Credit card fees via Shopify Payments decrease from 2.9% on Basic to 2.5% on Advanced.
Higher plans also unlock better shipping discountsi.e. up to 88% off retail rates on Advanced. This helps businesses save on fulfillment costs.
All standard plans (except Starter)include an online store, unlimited products, 24/7 support, discount codes, and abandoned cart recovery.
Shopify Plus, for enterprises, provides API integrations, automation tools, and large scale order management, going beyond the capabilities of standard plans.
The Shopify Retail (POS Pro) plan at $89/month combines in store sales tools with an online store, making it perfect for brick and mortar businesses.
For most online businesses, the choice between Basic, Shopify, and Advanced comes down to budget and required features. Below is a quick reference table of Shopify pricing plans and their payment processing fees.
Understanding Shopify’s Pricing Structure
Monthly vs. Annual Subscription Costs:
Shopify plans can be paid monthly or annually. Paying annually gives about a 25% discount on the Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans. For example, the Basic plan drops from $39/month to ~$29/month when billed annually. Similarly, higher tier plans drop from $105 to $79 and $399 to $299. Opting for annual billing saves 2-3 months’ worth of fees, but it’s a commitment. Cancelling mid-term doesn’t provide a prorated refund.
Upgrade or Downgrade Flexibility:
Shopify allows easy plan upgrades or downgrades. If you change plans monthly, you’re charged the new rate immediately, and any unused time from the old plan is credited. There’s no penalty for switching, except for Shopify Plus, which involves a contract.
Free Trial and Introductory Offers:
Shopify now offers a 3-day free trial, and after that, you can continue your first month for just $1. Occasionally, Shopify provides further promotions like "3 months for $1/month". After the trial, regular billing begins. If Shopify isn’t the right fit, you can cancel anytime.
In summary, Shopify pricing is straightforward: you pay a subscription fee, which you can reduce by paying annually, and transaction fees on sales. There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime on standard plans.
Shopify Pricing: Additional Costs
Beyond the base subscription, it’s important to consider the additional costs within Shopify pricing. This would impact the total expense of running your store. Here are the main ones:
Transaction Fees
When you make a sale on Shopify, you’ll pay a payment processing fee. If you use Shopify Payments, the fee is the credit card rate (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ on Basic, 2.5% + 30¢ on Advanced). Shopify does not take an extra cut if you use Shopify Payments.
However, if you use an external payment provider like PayPal or Stripe, Shopify charges an additional fee (2% on Basic, 1% on Shopify, and 0.6% on Advanced). To minimize fees, Shopify Payments is usually the best option.
Shopify Payments vs. Third Party Processors
Shopify Payments simplifies payments by handling everything through the Shopify admin, with no extra fees beyond the standard card rate. Third party gateways incur extra fees from Shopify, but some merchants prefer external options like PayPal, which also incurs additional Shopify fees if not used through Shopify Payments. Shopify Payments is usually more cost effective if available in your region.
Credit Card Rates for Online vs In-Person
For in-person sales using Shopify POS, the processing rates are slightly lower than online rates. For example, Basic plan in-person rates are 2.7% + 0¢ (compared to 2.9% online). These fees are competitive with other POS systems, so if you have a physical store, consider the Shopify Retail plan or POS Pro for more advanced features, with rates aligned with your base plan.
Optional add-ons and services
While your Shopify subscription includes hosting for your online store, there are a few optional costs you might incur to fully set up your shop:
Custom Domain Name
Shopify offers a free subdomain (yourstorename.myshopify.com), but for branding, you’ll likely want a custom domain (yourstore.com). Domains typically cost $10–$20/year for standard .com addresses. Shopify allows easy domain purchase and management through their platform (around $14/year). This cost is separate from your Shopify pricing.
Premium Themes
Shopify provides free themes, but you can buy a premium theme from the Shopify Theme Store for $150–$350. Premium themes are a one time purchase, and many merchants start with free themes until they need a more unique design. This cost is optional and depends on your business needs, impacting Shopify pricing.
Shopify Apps
The Shopify App Store offers free and paid apps to extend functionality. Apps range from a few dollars to $50+/month depending on the feature. While these apps enhance your store, they contribute to your Shopify pricing and should be selected based on ROI. Some examples of Shopify apps are Easy Bundles, Checkout Wiz, Fly Bundles and Kite: Discount & Free Gift App.
Email Hosting or Google Workspace
Shopify doesn’t provide email hosting, so you’ll need a separate service like Google Workspace ($6/user/month). Some domain providers offer free email forwarding, but for a professional setup, expect to pay a few dollars each month. This adds to your overall Shopify pricing.
Point of Sale Hardware
For in-person sales via Shopify POS, you’ll need hardware like card readers, barcode scanners, and receipt printers. Shopify offers a basic $49 card reader, which is a one-time purchase. This cost should be considered if your business operates offline, influencing your total Shopify pricing.
Shipping and Fulfillment
While Shopify pricing doesn’t include shipping fees, Shopify provides discounted rates for shipping labels via Shopify Shipping. You’ll pay the carrier directly (UPS, USPS, etc.), and fulfillment costs are operational expenses tied to running your store.
Shopify Email / Marketing
Shopify Email is free for the first 2,500 emails/month, with additional emails costing around $1 per 1,000. If you use a third-party platform like Klaviyo or Omnisend, expect tiered pricing based on the number of contacts or emails sent, which will affect your Shopify pricing.
In short, Shopify’s base pricing covers the essentials to get your store online, but you should budget for a few extras like a custom domain, possibly a theme, and perhaps a couple of apps or services that your specific business might need. Many of these costs are flexible – you can start with free options (free theme, no paid apps) and only add paid extras once you see the need or ROI.
Shopify Pricing Plans by Regions
Market (Country)
Starter Plan
Basic Plan
Shopify Plan
Advanced Plan
Shopify Plus
United States
$5 USD/month
$39 USD/month
$105 USD/month
$399 USD/month
Starting at $2,300 USD/month
India
₹399 INR/month
₹1,994 INR/month
₹7,447 INR/month
₹30,164 INR/month
Starting at ₹1,75,000 INR/month
Canada
$7 CAD/month
$51 CAD/month
$132 CAD/month
$517 CAD/month
Starting at $2,300 USD/month
United Kingdom
£5 GBP/month
£25 GBP/month
£65 GBP/month
£344 GBP/month
Starting at $2,300 USD/month
Australia
$7 AUD/month
$56 AUD/month
$149 AUD/month
$575 AUD/month
Starting at $2,300 USD/month
Germany
€5 EUR/month
€36 EUR/month
€105 EUR/month
€384 EUR/month
Starting at $2,300 USD/month
Shopify’s Pricing Plans for Nonprofits
If you run a nonprofit organization or charity, Shopify provides special pricing to support your mission. Shopify has dedicated non-profit (NPO) plans that offer discounted rates and extra features tailored for qualifying nonprofits. These plans aren’t always advertised on the main site, but you can access them by contacting Shopify support and providing proof of nonprofit status.
Shopify NPO Lite Plan
Priced at $29 per month, NPO Lite is a discounted plan for nonprofits that is roughly equivalent to the standard Basic plan (which is $39). However, it includes several benefits beyond the normal Basic features, designed to help nonprofits save money:
Lower transaction fees: If you use an external payment gateway, the fee is only 1% on NPO Lite, instead of the 2% that Basic would normally charge. This means more of each donation or sale stays with your organization.
Lower credit card rates: When using Shopify Payments, nonprofits on NPO Lite get access to slightly reduced credit card processing rates (Shopify hasn’t published exact figures, but NPO plans advertise exclusive lower rates than the normal 2.9% on Basic). Again, this helps maximize funds going to your cause.
Accept donations through Shopify Payments: NPO Lite explicitly allows donation processing if the nonprofit is registered in the US or Canada, letting you take donations as a payment type (useful for charities raising funds)
Unlimited staff accounts: Unlike the Basic plan’s limit on staff accounts, NPO Lite provides unlimited staff accounts. This is great for nonprofit teams or volunteers who all need access to the store admin.
Real-time carrier shipping: This feature (calculating live shipping rates at checkout) is included in NPO Lite, whereas in standard plans it’s only on Advanced or via an add-on. It can help if you ship merchandise to donors or sell products, ensuring accurate shipping costs for supporters
Shopify NPO Full Plan
Priced at $99 per month, NPO Full corresponds roughly to the Shopify/Advanced tier for nonprofits. It includes all the perks of NPO Lite, and adds even more:
No Shopify transaction fees: If you use a third party payment provider, Shopify waives the transaction fee entirely (0%) on NPO Full. This is a huge benefit – you only pay the payment processor’s fee, not Shopify, meaning donations via PayPal, for example, won’t incur the extra 1% or 2% cut.
Even lower credit card rates: NPO Full offers better Shopify Payments rates than NPO Lite (and certainly lower than standard plans), so credit card processing is as low-cost as possible for you.
Unlimited staff accounts: Also unlimited, just like NPO Lite, to accommodate your whole team or volunteers.
Donation features: Same ability to accept Shopify Payments donations for US/Canada charities as NPO Lite.
Real-time carrier shipping: Also included in NPO Full for convenience in shipping calculations.
Shopify supports nonprofits with a standard 10% discount on annual billing for NPO plans, offering an additional savings on top of the reduced monthly rates. Shopify also provides other benefits, such as access to community forums and nonprofit focused resources. To sign up, nonprofits typically need to start a regular Shopify trial, verify their nonprofit status (e.g., 501(c)(3) documentation in the US), and then contact Shopify support to switch to the NPO plan. These plans enable nonprofits to set up online stores for merchandise sales, donations, event ticketing, and more, with a budget-friendly Shopify pricing structure to support social causes.
Competitor Comparison: How Does Shopify Pricing Compare?
Shopify is a top e-commerce platform, but it’s not the only option. Let’s compare Shopify’s pricing with a few major competitors in 2025: WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix eCommerce. Each platform has a different pricing model, so understanding these differences will help you evaluate value for money.
To summarize the competitor comparison, here’s a quick table of how Shopify’s pricing stacks up against these alternatives:
Platform
Starting Plan Cost
Platform Transaction Fees
Notes / Best For
Shopify
$39/month (Basic plan) or $29 on annual; also $5 Starter option
0% (no extra fee) if using Shopify Payments; up to 2% fee if external gateway
All-in-one hosted solution, very user friendly, huge app ecosystem. Great for most small to mid-sized businesses scaling online.
BigCommerce
$39/month (Standard plan)
0% – no added transaction fees on any plan
Hosted solution similar to Shopify. No Shopify Payments equivalent needed (no extra fees). Has annual sales limits per plan. Good for avoiding transaction fees; features comparable to Shopify.
WooCommerce
$0 (free plugin) + hosting (~$10–$30/mo for small site)
Self-hosted (WordPress). Low cost software but requires technical work. Flexible and customizable, but you manage security and updates. Good for tech savvy or budget sensitive merchants willing to DIY.
Wix eCommerce
~$29/month (Core plan, billed annually)
0% platform fee (uses Stripe/PayPal ~2.9%+30¢)
Hosted website builder with eCommerce capabilities. Very easy design tools. Best for small stores integrated with content sites. Less scalable for large, complex eCommerce needs.
As the table shows, Shopify pricing is competitive with other hosted platforms like BigCommerce and Wix, especially for starting plans.
The main differences lie in the fee structure and features. BigCommerce may save you money on fees if you use external gateways, while Shopify offers more apps and saves time.
Comparing Shopify pricing with WooCommerce, the latter requires more time and tech resources, while Shopify is easier to maintain.
Wix offers a cheaper, design-focused platform, but Shopify pricing provides more depth for serious eCommerce growth.
How Can Small Businesses Manage Shopify Costs?
For small businesses, managing Shopify pricing is key to staying within budget. Here are some actionable tips to optimize costs:
Choose the Right Plan:
Start with the plan that fits your current needs. The Basic plan is likely sufficient if you’re just launching. Upgrade to a higher plan only when necessary, as each upgrade should justify cost savings or more sales. For example, moving from Basic to Shopify can save 0.2% in transaction fees, but it only makes sense if that savings exceeds the $66 price difference at higher sales volumes.
Use Annual Billing:
If possible, opt for annual billing to save 25% on Shopify pricing. For example, the Basic plan costs $29/month with annual billing instead of $39/month, saving you $120 annually. Many businesses start with monthly billing and switch to annual once they see consistent sales.
Leverage Free Resources:
Shopify provides free themes and many apps to cover basic needs like SEO, product reviews, and marketing. Use these before paying for premium versions. Shopify pricing also includes built-in tools like abandoned cart recovery, which can save you from paying for additional apps.
Minimize App Costs:
Install only necessary apps and regularly remove those you no longer use. Apps can add significant recurring costs, so focus on those that drive sales or save time.
Use Shopify Payments:
Stick to Shopify Payments to avoid the extra 1–2% transaction fee for using third party gateways. This simplifies payouts and keeps your costs lower.
Take Advantage of Discounts:
Keep an eye out for Shopify promotions like shipping or advertising credits, especially if you're switching from another platform. Also, make use of free trials for apps to test their value before committing.
Optimize for Efficiency:
Shopify’s tools can save you time, reducing the need for outsourcing. Use free resources like the Shopify help center and community forums to handle tasks in-house, which can lower costs.
Monitor Your Usage:
Watch for any apps that may increase costs based on usage (e.g., emails sent, page views). Check your Shopify billing page to avoid surprises.
By following these strategies, you can manage Shopify pricing effectively, keeping costs low while scaling your business. Many small businesses start with basic plans and minimal apps, which can keep expenses below $50/month. As your sales grow, reinvest profits to improve your store’s performance.
Conclusion
Shopify’s pricing in 2025 offers flexible options for businesses of all sizes, from the $5 Starter plan to the enterprise level Shopify Plus. Higher tier plans reduce transaction fees and provide advanced tools, while Shopify Payments helps avoid extra charges. Optional costs like domains, themes, and apps can be managed to keep expenses low.
Compared to competitors, Shopify excels with its all-in-one solution, scalability, and app ecosystem, while others like WooCommerce and Magento require more technical expertise. BigCommerce has no transaction fees but includes sales limits, and Wix is better for small scale stores. By choosing the right plan, using free resources, and monitoring expenses, businesses can scale profitably while keeping Shopify pricing manageable. Take advantage of Shopify’s free trial to explore which plan suits your needs and drive your online success.
Hurrify customers to buy within a given timeframe with a sales countdown timer & improve conversions
Another popular Shopify checkout app is Checkout Promotions. The app comes with the ability to leverage a collection of highly robust visibility rules that help show customers one-click post purchase upsell promotions after an order payment has been made. Some of its key features include:
Features
AI recommended and manual recommendations for upselling.
Complete branding control.
Checkout Upsell for increasing AOV.
AI recommended and manual recommendations for upselling.
Pricing
Development
Free
Monthly Plan
$99/ month
Plus Plan
$99/ month
Plus Plan
$99/ month
Shopify Pricing FAQs
How much does Shopify really cost?
Shopify’s pricing depends on the plan. The Basic plan costs $39/month ($29/month if paid annually), the Shopify plan is $105/month ($79/month annually), and the Advanced plan is $399/month ($299/month annually). The Starter plan is available for $5/month, and the Plus plan starts at $2,300/month. Additional costs like transaction fees or apps may apply.
Is Shopify $1 for 3 months?
Yes, Shopify offers new users a 3-day free trial, followed by $1/month for the first three months. After this period, the plan switches to standard pricing (e.g., Basic reverts to $39/month). Promotions may change, so check Shopify’s website for updates.
Is Shopify actually worth it?
For most businesses, yes. Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform offering an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution for online selling. It simplifies website setup, payments, and inventory management, making it worth the cost for serious store owners. However, for small hobby projects, you should consider whether the investment is necessary.
Can I cancel Shopify after 3 months?
Yes, Shopify has no long-term contracts, and you can cancel anytime. If you're on the $1 for 3 months deal, you won’t be billed after cancellation. Annual plan users, however, need to wait until the term ends, as those are prepaid.
Do I have to pay for each store on Shopify?
Yes, each Shopify store requires a separate subscription, and there’s no bulk discount for multiple stores. However, Shopify Plus allows multiple store setups under one agreement, but it’s designed for large businesses and comes at a higher cost.
How much does Shopify take per sale?
Shopify charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction on the Basic plan, 2.6% + 30¢ on the Shopify plan, and 2.4% + 30¢ on the Advanced plan when using Shopify Payments. If you use an external payment gateway like PayPal, Shopify charges an additional 2% on Basic, 1% on Shopify, and 0.5% on Advanced. Using Shopify Payments avoids these extra transaction fees.
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Neetika M
Neetika is the founder of Skai Lama. Passionate about building SaaS, Product Development, and Marketing, she talks about eCommerce Growth, Product Bundling, Gifting, Retention, and Shopify.
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