Shopify vs. Shopify Plus: Powering or Preparing for Millions?

Introduction

In this rapidly evolving ecommerce industry, choosing the right platform can make or break your growth strategy. Shopify and Shopify Plus remain robust ecommerce platforms suitable for businesses of all sizes and goals. Shopify and Shopify Plus serve the same purpose; however, both are different. In Shopify vs Shopify Plus, one is suitable for small-sized businesses, while the other one works great for large-scale enterprises.

So if you are wondering if you should stick to Shopify or upgrade to Shopify Plus, this guide is for you. Here we will discover features, pricing, and scalability to help you decide between Shopify vs Shopify Plus. 

We will look at how Shopify empowers millions of businesses, while Shopify Plus is designed for those looking to join the ranks of the eCommerce elite and generate millions in sales. 

Key Shopify Statistics (2025)

• There are a total of 9.1 million Shopify stores worldwide.

• The global ecommerce market share of Shopify is 30%.

• As of now, Shopify has served 875 million unique shoppers globally.

• There are 2.1 million active merchants on the platform.

• The annual revenue of Shopify was $8.8 billion (2024).

• There are 71,178 Shopify Plus stores globally, up 16% YoY.

• There are 2.4 million US-based stores (27% of the global total).

• The Average revenue per customer is $92.

• The Shopify app ecosystem has over 16,000 apps.
  

Shopify: Powering Ambitious Startups

The essence of Shopify is a vibrant marketplace overflowing with enterprises. Its primary offerings are designed exclusively for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) striving to build their online empire. 

Consider it a full startup package. Shopify provides everything you need to launch an eCommerce business, from an easy-to-use store builder to built-in marketing tools. This makes it ideal for new businesses or established brick-and-mortar stores wishing to broaden their reach through an online presence. 

Core Features: 

• It provides a drag-and-drop store builder and a broad range of themes for quick store creation. 
• Get built-in tools for SEO, email marketing, and social media integration with Klavio and Mailchimp platforms. 
• With a vast app marketplace, you can access thousands of apps for dropshipping, page builders, etc. 
• The affordable pricing plans make it ideal for businesses and startups with annual revenue under $1 million. 

Pricing Overview: 

Basic Plan: Starts from $39/month. Includes one staff account, basic reports, and up to 1000 inventory locations.     

Shopify: Starts from $105/month. Includes five staff accounts, standard reports, and more. 

Advanced: $399/month. Includes fifteen staff accounts, advanced reports, and more features. 

Shopify Development Partners 

Shopify development partners are experts who can personalize and optimize your Shopify store. They provide a variety of services that help you in creating a high-converting online store that reflects your brand and increases sales. 

Shopify Plus: Built for Enterprise-Level  

Designed for established giants such as Converse and Sony, Shopify Plus provides a rich range of tools and functions that are specifically geared to the demands of high-volume business organizations. 

The focus here moves from merely opening a store to taking it to new heights. Shopify Plus has comprehensive customization choices, dedicated account management, and the ability to handle huge sales volumes, providing enterprises with everything they need to outperform the competition. 

Core Features: 

• With Shopify Plus, you can gain access to exclusive APIs, scripts for a custom checkout experience, automation, and product page improvements. 
• Get full control over checkout customization, including B2B and global level. 
• Using web app technology, you can build flexible and high-performing storefronts. 
• Get real-time data access to generate advanced reports for sales, user behaviour, and inventory. 

Pricing Overview 

Shopify Plus plan starts from $2,500 per month for a 1-year term. However, brands can connect with the team to get a custom plan based on their revenue, needs, and complexity. 

Primary Benefits of Shopify Plus

• Dedicated Support and Partners: Get expert help from Shopify and a network of certified Shopify Plus development partners. These partners can assist you with anything from store design to marketing and inventory management. 

• Advanced Features: Access features such as headless commerce for increased freedom, vast theme storage for design exploration, and a powerful checkout editor for a smooth purchasing experience. 

• Omnichannel Selling: Reach clients through numerous channels, including social media and online marketplaces, all handled from your Shopify Plus dashboard. 

• Growth Potential: Manage up to 200 locations, develop up to 50 customized marketplaces for worldwide reach, and use B2B wholesale capabilities to grow your clientele. 

• Reduced Costs: Remove transaction fees on most Shopify Payments transactions. For high-volume firms, this might result in significant cost savings. 

Shopify Plus Development Partners 

Shopify Plus development partners are experts who can help you achieve the full potential of Shopify Plus. They provide advanced services such as headless commerce deployment and B2B wholesale tool configuration to assist you in scaling your enterprise business. 

Shopify Plus Partners are skilled agencies and developers who offer tailored e-commerce solutions, specialized support, and advanced integrations to high-growth, enterprise-level firms using the Shopify Plus platform. They focus on customization, speed optimization, and scalability to help Shopify Plus stores expand their capabilities and global reach. 

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Core Differences

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: What to Choose When? 

Choose Shopify if; 

• If you are a solo brand or focused on D2C or local selling.
• You generate under $1 million in annual revenue. 
• If your store doesn’t require high customization and you prioritize simplicity. 
• If you want to go live with minimal upfront cost. 

Shopify remains an ideal platform for new startups, lifestyle brands, or niche-based product sellers. 

Choose Shopify Plus if; 

• You generate over $1 million in annual sales consistently. 
• You work with multiple brands or target markets. 
  
• If you require a customized experience or automation solution for your business. 
  
• If enterprise-level security or performance is your goal. 

Shopify Plus is more than an upgrade – it’s a strategic move toward long-term scalability. 

Conclusion 

In short, Shopify offers A to Z tools and functionality that a growing or newbie business might need to launch their ecommerce business. On the other hand, Shopify Plus remains a valuable platform for rapidly growing and complex businesses.

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