When you build a website, one of the first things to figure out is where it will be hosted. But when you choose Shopify, things are a bit different — because Shopify is an all-in-one hosted platform.
You don’t need to worry about buying hosting, setting up servers, or managing uptime. But it’s still important to understand what Shopify hosting includes, how it compares to traditional hosting, and how it impacts your store’s speed, security, and scalability.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Shopify hosting in 2025, so you can make informed decisions as a store owner or developer.
What is Shopify Hosting?
Shopify hosting means that your online store is hosted and managed by Shopify itself. Unlike open-source platforms like WordPress or Magento (where you need third-party hosting), Shopify provides:
- Web hosting
- Domain connection
- SSL certificates
- Global CDN
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 24/7 uptime monitoring
It’s fully managed cloud hosting, optimized for eCommerce performance and security.
Shopify Hosting Infrastructure Overview
Here’s what Shopify’s hosting infrastructure looks like in 2025:
- Global Hosting Network powered by Google Cloud and Fastly CDN
- Automatic scaling during traffic spikes
- Data centers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia
- Shopify’s own edge computing systems for fast page delivery
- Shopify Protect and DDoS defense layers
Benefits of Shopify’s Built-In Hosting
1. No Server Setup Required
You don’t need to configure Apache, NGINX, cPanel, or anything. Just sign up and launch.
2. Blazing Fast Load Times
Thanks to a global Content Delivery Network (CDN), your store loads quickly from anywhere in the world.
3. Unlimited Bandwidth
No extra charges for traffic spikes. Whether you have 100 or 1 million visitors, your hosting costs don’t change.
4. Free SSL Certificate
Every Shopify store includes HTTPS by default, improving trust and security.
5. Daily Backups (Internal)
Shopify performs automatic backups on their servers. For external backups, you can use apps like Rewind.
6. High Uptime (99.99% SLA)
Shopify guarantees 99.99% uptime. You don’t have to worry about your store going offline on Black Friday.
7. Built-In Security
Shopify complies with Level 1 PCI DSS — the highest level of security certification for handling credit card data.
Shopify Hosting vs Traditional Hosting
| Feature | Shopify Hosting | Traditional Hosting (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround) |
| Server Setup | Fully managed | Manual setup required |
| Speed Optimization | Built-in CDN & edge caching | Requires manual config or plugins |
| SSL Certificate | Free, auto-installed | May need manual install or payment |
| Security | PCI-DSS, DDoS protection | Depends on host; must manage patches |
| Backups | Internal daily backups | Not always automatic |
| Uptime Monitoring | 24/7 Shopify monitoring | Varies by host |
| Cost Structure | Included in subscription | Charged monthly/yearly, varies by usage |
| Email Hosting | Not included | Often included |
What Shopify Hosting Includes
- Website hosting
- Secure checkout hosting
- CDN via Fastly
- SSL certificate
- Domain integration (Shopify domains or custom)
- Asset caching
- Media and image optimization
- Infrastructure maintenance
What Shopify Hosting Does Not Include
- Email hosting (use Google Workspace or Zoho for email like info@yourstore.com)
- FTP or cPanel access (you don’t need it, but it may feel limiting to developers)
- Database access (Shopify is a closed platform)
- Direct server logs (logs are limited to admin and analytics)
Recommended Shopify Hosting Plans
All Shopify plans include hosting:
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Hosting Included | Best For |
| Basic | $39 | Yes | New stores |
| Shopify | $105 | Yes | Growing brands |
| Advanced | $399 | Yes | High-volume stores |
| Plus | From $2300 | Yes + Custom CDN | Large-scale enterprises |
Pro Tip: Shopify Plus users can access custom SSL, dedicated CDN, and improved performance configurations for enterprise needs.
Shopify Hosting for International Stores
Shopify supports Shopify Markets, which lets you:
- Serve multiple countries from a single store
- Use automatic domain redirection (e.g., .co.uk for UK visitors)
- Show pricing in local currencies
- Offer region-specific content
Thanks to Shopify’s edge network, your site loads quickly in all major regions without setting up a separate hosting instance.
Developer Notes About Shopify Hosting
- You can’t install server-side languages like PHP or MySQL
- All customization is done via Liquid templates, JavaScript, and Storefront API
- Use Shopify CLI and GitHub integration for theme development
- Use Hydrogen + Oxygen if you need headless Shopify with custom hosting control
Is Shopify Hosting Secure?
Yes. Shopify hosting includes:
- PCI-DSS Level 1 certification (secure checkout)
- SSL encryption by default
- Shopify Protect against fraudulent orders
- DDoS protection
- Constant infrastructure updates and patches
- Optional two-factor authentication for your admin panel
For extra safety, use apps like Shop Protector or Locksmith to prevent spam, bot traffic, or unauthorized content access.
Hosting and Shopify SEO
Fast loading times and secure browsing impact SEO directly. With Shopify hosting, you automatically get:
- Fast page speed (especially on mobile)
- HTTPS for all pages
- Clean URLs
- Image compression and lazy loading
Want better control? Use apps like TinyIMG or SEO Manager for more optimization options.
Final Verdict: Is Shopify Hosting Good Enough?
Yes — it’s not just good enough, it’s exceptional.
Shopify hosting removes the technical burden from store owners and gives you:
- Reliable performance
- Security peace of mind
- Built-in speed optimization
- Global infrastructure
- No extra cost
If you want more control, explore Shopify Hydrogen + Oxygen (for headless) or consider Shopify Plus for more hosting customization.
Ready to launch without worrying about hosting? Try Shopify free for 3 days and experience fast, secure, hassle-free eCommerce hosting.
