Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus is a major decision for eCommerce businesses ready to grow — but how do you know which one is right for your needs?
Both platforms offer powerful tools to build, manage, and scale an online store, but they serve different types of businesses. Whether you’re just hitting $1 million in revenue or scaling beyond $10 million, understanding the key differences, benefits, limitations, and pricing of each platform will help you make a smart decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Shopify vs Shopify Plus across features, pricing, use cases, and more — so you can confidently choose the platform that fits your growth.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a hosted eCommerce platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop store builder, product management tools, SEO options, marketing features, and third-party app integrations.
Ideal for:
- Startups
- Small to mid-sized businesses
- Brands generating <$1 million in revenue annually
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is Shopify’s enterprise-level solution built for high-volume merchants. It comes with advanced features, greater customization, automation capabilities, dedicated support, and B2B functionality.
Ideal for:
- High-revenue brands ($1M+ annually)
- Global companies
- B2B businesses
- Businesses needing full API access and automation
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Feature Comparison
H3: Pricing
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Monthly Cost | $39 – $399 | Starts at $2,000/month |
| Transaction Fees | 0.5% to 2.0% (if not using Shopify Payments) | As low as 0.15% |
| Custom Pricing | ❌ | ✅ (negotiable for large volumes) |
Verdict: Shopify is more cost-effective for small businesses. Plus is ideal for enterprises that can offset the higher price through increased conversions and automation.
Customization and Control
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Theme Editor | ✅ | ✅ |
| Checkout Page Customization | ❌ (only branding) | ✅ (access to checkout.liquid file) |
| Scripts & Automation | ❌ | ✅ (Shopify Scripts + Flow) |
Verdict: Shopify Plus gives developers full control over checkout and advanced logic, enabling dynamic discounts, custom payment options, and conditional flows.
Staff Accounts
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Staff Accounts | 2–15 (based on plan) | Unlimited |
Verdict: Plus is better for teams and multi-user roles, especially with larger operations.
Automation and Workflows
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Shopify Flow | ❌ (limited apps only) | ✅ (full access) |
| Launchpad | ❌ | ✅ |
| Scripts | ❌ | ✅ |
Verdict: Shopify Plus offers automation tools to run flash sales, product launches, and inventory rules without manual input.
Support and Resources
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Dedicated Account Manager |
| Launch Engineer | ❌ | ✅ |
| Priority API & Support | ❌ | ✅ |
Verdict: If you need a strategic partner and personalized onboarding, Shopify Plus wins with dedicated launch and success managers.
Internationalization and Expansion
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Shopify Markets | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (advanced tools) |
| Expansion Stores | ❌ | ✅ (9 included) |
| Multi-Store Setup | ❌ | ✅ |
Verdict: Shopify Plus is ideal for brands expanding into international markets with separate storefronts and localized experiences.
APIs and Integrations
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| API Rate Limits | Standard | Higher Limits |
| Third-Party Integrations | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Apps | Limited | Full Access |
Verdict: If your store requires deep integrations or complex ERP/CRM connections, Plus offers the flexibility you need.
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Use Case Scenarios
Use Shopify If You:
- Are launching your first store
- Have under $1M in annual revenue
- Rely on apps and don’t need custom checkout
- Want a low-cost, simple-to-run business
Use Shopify Plus If You:
- Are generating $1M+ in annual revenue
- Run multiple brands or stores
- Want custom checkouts and automation
- Need international stores with regional control
- Sell B2B and require complex logic
B2B Features: A Shopify Plus Advantage
Shopify Plus now includes native B2B functionality:
- Custom catalogs and pricing
- Purchase orders and net payment terms
- Customer-specific payment options
- Company accounts with permissions
- Volume-based discounting
Ideal for wholesale, manufacturing, and distributor businesses.
Is Shopify Plus Worth the Cost?
Shopify Plus is not just about features — it’s about support, scalability, and control. If your store has:
- High traffic
- Complex backend needs
- International plans
- B2B requirements
…then the ROI from Plus will far outweigh the cost.
If not, start with Shopify and upgrade later. Shopify has a natural growth path, making it easy to scale over time.
Final Verdict: Shopify or Shopify Plus?
| Question | Choose This |
| New or small eCommerce store? | Shopify |
| Scaling to international markets? | Shopify Plus |
| Need checkout customization? | Shopify Plus |
| Budget-sensitive? | Shopify |
| Large team with automation needs? | Shopify Plus |
| Selling wholesale B2B? | Shopify Plus |
Whether you’re just starting or scaling, pick the Shopify plan that fits your current needs — and build the foundation for sustainable growth. Contact Us Today!
