Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Cost Breakdown Every Brand Should Know

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a pivotal decision for any brand, and Shopify remains a top contender for businesses of all sizes. However, as your business scales, you may face the choice between Shopify’s standard plans and its enterprise-level solution, Shopify Plus. Understanding the cost differences between these options is crucial for making an informed decision. This article breaks down the costs of Shopify versus Shopify Plus, helping you determine which plan aligns with your brand’s needs in 2025.

Shopify Pricing Breakdown

Shopify’s standard plans are straightforward, with clear monthly fees and features. As of 2025, here’s how they stack up:

• Basic Shopify: $39/month

  • Ideal for new businesses or small stores.

  • Includes essential features like unlimited products, 2 staff accounts, and basic analytics.

  • Third-party transaction fees: 2% (if not using Shopify Payments).

• Shopify: $105/month

  • Suited for growing businesses.

  • Offers 5 staff accounts, advanced reporting, and lower transaction fees (1% for third-party payments).

• Advanced Shopify: $399/month

  • Designed for scaling businesses.

  • Includes 15 staff accounts, advanced analytics, and reduced transaction fees (0.6% for third-party payments).

Additional costs may include:

• Themes: Free themes are available, but premium themes range from $140 to $450 as a one-time fee.

• Apps: Third-party apps for marketing, analytics, or customer support can cost $5–$500/month, depending on functionality.

• Domain and Hosting: Shopify handles hosting, but domains typically cost $10–$20/year.

• Transaction Fees: Using Shopify Payments avoids third-party fees, but credit card processing fees apply (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction for Basic).

Shopify Plus Pricing Breakdown

Shopify Plus starts at a significantly higher price point, reflecting its enterprise-level capabilities. The base cost is:

• Standard Pricing: $2,300/month for a 3-year contract or $2,500/month for a 1-year term.

• Revenue-Based Pricing: For businesses exceeding $800,000/month in sales, Shopify Plus charges a variable fee of 0.25%–0.4% of monthly revenue, capped at $40,000/month.

Included in Shopify Plus:

• Main Store + 9 Expansion Stores: Supports international or multi-store operations at no extra cost. Additional stores cost $300/month each.

• Unlimited Staff Accounts: Ideal for large teams with granular permissions.

• Lower Transaction Fees: Only 0.2% for third-party transactions (10x lower than Basic Shopify).

• Dedicated Support: Includes a Launch Engineer, Merchant Success Manager, and 24/7 priority support.

• Advanced Features: Tools like Shopify Scripts, Flow, and Launchpad enable custom checkouts, automation, and flash sales.

Additional Costs:

• Premium Themes: $150–$500 one-time fee for custom designs.

• Apps: Exclusive apps like Shopify Flow or Launchpad are included, but third-party apps can add $500–$2,000/month.

• Custom Development: Headless commerce or bespoke integrations may require hiring developers, costing $7,000+ for custom themes or features.

• Consulting Services: Enterprise consultancies for complex setups can cost tens of thousands.

Key Cost Differences

1. Base Subscription:

   • Shopify: $39–$399/month.

   • Shopify Plus: $2,300–$2,500/month or revenue-based fees.

   • Takeaway: Shopify Plus is significantly more expensive, making it unsuitable for small businesses unless rapid growth is anticipated.

2. Transaction Fees:

   • Shopify: 0.6%–2% for third-party payments.

   • Shopify Plus: 0.2% for third-party transactions.

   • Example: A store with $50,000/month in third-party transactions saves $900/month on Shopify Plus ($1,000 vs. $100 in fees). Over a year, this is $10,800 in savings.

3. Scalability Costs:

   • Shopify: Limited to one store per plan; additional stores require separate accounts.

   • Shopify Plus: Includes up to 10 stores, ideal for global or multi-brand operations.

4. Customization and Support:

   • Shopify: Limited checkout customization and support via standard channels.

   • Shopify Plus: Advanced customization (e.g., Shopify Scripts, headless API) and dedicated support, but may require developer costs.

When to Choose Shopify vs. Shopify Plus

Choose Shopify If:

• Your business generates less than $80,000/month in sales.

• You need a simple, cost-effective platform with basic customization.

• You have a small team and limited technical expertise.

• You’re focused on a single market or store.

Choose Shopify Plus If:

• Your annual revenue exceeds $1M or monthly sales surpass $80,000.

• You require advanced automation, custom checkouts, or B2B functionality.

• You operate multiple stores or sell internationally in up to 50 markets.

• You need unlimited staff accounts and dedicated support.

Pro Tip: Calculate potential transaction fee savings. If Shopify Plus’s lower fees offset the $2,300+/month cost, it’s likely worth the upgrade.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Shopify:

  • High third-party transaction fees can erode profits for high-volume stores.

  • Limited themes (20 max) and staff accounts may restrict growth.

  • Advanced features like automation require third-party apps, adding costs.

• Shopify Plus:

  • Custom development for headless setups or unique features can be pricey.

  • Revenue-based fees for high earners ($800,000+/month) can exceed the base cost.

  • Third-party apps for niche needs can accumulate quickly.

Is Shopify Plus Worth the Investment?

Shopify Plus is a powerful platform for high-growth brands, offering scalability, lower transaction fees, and advanced tools. However, its high base cost makes it overkill for smaller businesses. A good rule of thumb is to consider upgrading when your monthly sales hit $80,000 or your annual revenue exceeds $1M. If transaction fee savings and automation efficiencies outweigh the subscription cost, Shopify Plus becomes a smart investment.

For example, brands like Gymshark and Kylie Cosmetics leverage Shopify Plus for its ability to handle high traffic, global expansion, and custom experiences. Smaller brands, however, can thrive on Shopify’s standard plans until they reach that critical growth stage.

Conclusion

Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus boils down to your business’s size, growth trajectory, and operational needs. Shopify’s standard plans are ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, offering affordability and ease of use. Shopify Plus, with its higher cost but lower transaction fees and enterprise-grade features, is tailored for brands ready to scale globally or manage complex operations. By weighing subscription costs, transaction fees, and potential savings, you can make a data-driven decision that fuels your brand’s growth.

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