Shopify Plus vs Shopify in 2025: Which One is Right for Your Business?
In this guide, we provide a detailed comparison between Shopify Plus vs Shopify, identifying which plan is best for your business based on budget, scalability, features, and future goals. Whether you’re a startup or a fast-scaling brand, this in-depth analysis will help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Table: Shopify Plus vs Shopify (2025)
Looking to choose between Shopify Plus vs Shopify in 2025? This side-by-side breakdown highlights the core differences in pricing, customization, scalability, and advanced ecommerce features — helping you select the right solution based on your business size and growth stage.
What is Shopify Plus?
Key Features of Shopify Plus:
- – Starts at $2,000/month with custom quotes
- – Unlimited staff accounts
- – Access to Launchpad for sales automation
- – Script Editor and Shopify Functions for backend logic
- – Merchant Success Manager and 24/7 priority support
- – Up to 9 storefronts with unified admin
- – B2B on Shopify: custom wholesale experiences
- – Headless commerce tools (Hydrogen, Oxygen, Storefront API)
- – Built-in tax engine and global compliance tools
What is Shopify?
Key Features of Shopify Core Plans:
- – Pricing from $5/month (Starter) to $399/month (Advanced)
- – Access to Shopify App Store with 8,000+ apps
- – Built-in SEO tools and marketing integrations
- – POS system and sales channel integrations
- – Shopify Payments to eliminate extra transaction fees
Shopify Plus vs Shopify: In-Depth Feature Comparison for 2025
When comparing Shopify Plus vs Shopify, the decision depends on your business size, growth stage, and operational complexity. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose wisely:
1. Pricing
- Shopify: Starting at: $5/mont (Starter: $5/month, Basic: $39/month, Shopify: $105/month, Advanced: $399/month)
Shopify Plus: Starting at: $2,000/month (Pricing varies based on sales volume, support requirements, and customization needs)
Verdict: Shopify wins for startups and small businesses due to affordability. Shopify Plus is suitable only when you’re generating high sales volume consistently.
2. Customization & Checkout Control
- Shopify: Limited to theme-based customizations, drag-and-drop editing, and some checkout tweaks via apps.
Shopify Plus: Unlocks advanced checkout customization, script editing, and Shopify Functions for logic-based pricing, discounts, and workflows.
Verdict: Shopify Plus wins for businesses needing personalized shopping experiences and conversion-focused checkout flows.
3. Support & Merchant Success
- Shopify: 24/7 support via live chat and email. Access to help docs, forums, and Shopify Academy.
Shopify Plus: Comes with a dedicated Launch Manager, Merchant Success Manager, and priority 24/7 support.
Verdict: Shopify Plus offers unmatched support, perfect for businesses requiring strategic guidance and quick issue resolution.
4. Staff Accounts & Multi-Store Scalability
- Shopify: 2 to 15 staff accounts based on your plan tier.
Shopify Plus: Unlimited staff accounts + ability to manage up to 9 storefronts from one admin dashboard.
Verdict: Shopify Plus is built for scaling teams and global expansion, making it the best for enterprise-level collaboration.
5. Transaction Fees
- Shopify: Starting at: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (Basic: 2.9% + 30¢, Shopify: 2.6% + 30¢, Advanced: 2.4% + 30¢)
- Shopify Plus: Starting at: around 2.15% per transaction (domestic) (Rates are lower and may vary based on sales volume and agreement with Shopify)
Verdict: Shopify Plus offers lower per-transaction costs for high-volume sellers, making it more cost-efficient at scale.
6. App Integrations & API Access
- Shopify: 8,000+ apps available but limited API calls.
Shopify Plus: Access to exclusive apps, advanced API limits, and custom ERP/CRM integrations.
Verdict: Shopify Plus is ideal for businesses needing deep backend connections and customized tech stacks.
7. B2B / Wholesale Features
- Shopify: Requires third-party apps like Wholesale Club or Bold Custom Pricing.
Shopify Plus: Native B2B suite includes custom price lists, purchase orders, and net terms support.
Verdict: Shopify Plus wins hands-down for wholesale ecommerce or hybrid D2C + B2B business models.
8. Headless Commerce
- Shopify: Supports basic headless setups with Storefront API, but lacks tooling.
Shopify Plus: Designed for headless builds using Hydrogen (frontend) and Oxygen (hosting) for blazing-fast experiences.
Verdict: Shopify Plus empowers developers to build flexible storefronts tailored to modern ecommerce.
9. Automation & Workflow Control
- Shopify: Access to Shopify Flow only on Advanced plan; limited triggers/actions.
Shopify Plus: Full Flow suite, plus Launchpad for scheduled automation and custom scripts.
Verdict: Shopify Plus enables deep operational automation that saves time and increases ROI.
10. Performance, Security & Uptime
- Shopify: Great uptime and performance for small to mid-sized stores; PCI compliant and SSL secured.
Shopify Plus: Offers enterprise-grade uptime, custom SSL certificates, fraud protection, and scalable infrastructure.
Verdict: Shopify Plus ensures faster loading, superior uptime, and security — essential for enterprises handling sensitive customer data.
Which Platform is Right for You?
Your choice depends on your business size, complexity, and growth goals. Shopify suits small to mid-sized brands needing simplicity and affordability. Shopify Plus is ideal for large-scale businesses that need advanced customization, B2B tools, and enterprise-level support.
Choose Shopify if:
- – You’re a small-to-mid-size business
- – You’re just starting out in ecommerce
- – You need an affordable, scalable solution
- – You don’t need advanced backend customization
- – You’re fine with basic automation and limited API access
Choose Shopify Plus if:
- – You’re an enterprise brand generating over $1M in annual GMV
- – You need high-volume B2B functionality and custom pricing
- – You want a fully customized checkout & storefront experience
- – You manage multiple stores or regional markets
- – You require dedicated account managers and advanced automation tools
Shopify Plus vs Shopify: Pros & Cons
Your choice depends on your business size, complexity, and growth goals. Shopify suits small to mid-sized brands needing simplicity and affordability. Shopify Plus is ideal for large-scale businesses that need advanced customization, B2B tools, and enterprise-level support.
When Should You Upgrade to Shopify Plus?
You should consider Shopify Plus if:
- – Your business is generating $1M+ in annual GMV
- – You require multi-store functionality (regional storefronts, B2B)
- – You need advanced customization or headless commerce
- – You’re managing high traffic during peak seasons
- – You want access to priority support and strategic guidance
Need Help Migrating to Shopify or Shopify Plus?
Ready to Scale with Shopify or Shopify Plus?
Whether you’re launching your first store or scaling a global ecommerce brand, choosing the right platform is only the beginning. At ROI Hunt, our Shopify experts help you build fast, conversion-ready, and scalable online stores.
FAQ
- What’s the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
Shopify is ideal for SMBs, while Plus is built for high-growth enterprise brands with advanced needs.
2. Is Shopify Plus worth it for small businesses?
Not usually. The cost and features are geared toward larger operations. Shopify Advanced may be more suitable.
3. Do you need Shopify Plus for B2B?
Yes, if you’re serious about B2B ecommerce. Shopify Plus provides a built-in B2B suite unavailable in core plans.
4. How much does Shopify Plus cost?
Starts at $2,000/month and varies based on volume, support needs, and infrastructure.