Shopify and Wix are two popular platforms for creating online stores. Shopify is known as a powerful e-commerce platform built specifically for online sales, while Wix is a flexible website builder with the ability to add a store. In this guide, we will compare Shopify and Wix by key parameters in the context of Ukraine. Consider tariffs, design, SEO, integration with Ukrainian payments and delivery, support, simplicity for beginners, as well as opportunities for developers.

Prices and tariffs

Shopify: The platform offers several plans. The main plans for 2025 are as follows: Starter — $5/month, Basic — ~$29/month (with annual payment), Shopify — $79/month, Advanced — $299/month. There's also a Shopify Plus corporate plan starting at $2300/month. New users get a 3-day free trial, as well as a promotion — the first 3 months for $1 per month. To the cost of the plan you need to add a transaction fee: the standard rate for online payments is ~ 2.9% + $0.30 (for card transactions). When using a non-proprietary Shopify payment system (for example, a Ukrainian gateway), an additional fee of 0.5— 2% is charged depending on the tariff.

Wix: The platform offers e-commerce business plans that are somewhat cheaper at a high level. Current rates: Business Light — ~$17/month, Core — $29/month, Business — $36/month, Business Elite — $159/month. There is a free Wix plan that allows you to try the platform (with Wix advertising and without the ability to accept online payments). The fee for processing payments on Wix is comparable to Shopify — about 2.9% + $0.30.

Pricing conclusion: The basic Shopify and Wix plans for a small store are similar, but scaling on Shopify costs more. At the same time, Shopify offers substantial discounts on an annual payment, and Wix does not. Shopify also lowers its transaction fee on more expensive plans, while Wix has a fixed fee percentage.

Design & Templates

Wix — flexibility and choice of templates. Wix offers more than 800 ready-made design templates. All templates are modern and responsive. The strong point of Wix is a powerful visual editor with drag-and-drop technology. Minus — after selecting the original template, you cannot switch to another without losing the changes made.

Shopify is focused on quality and branded themes. In the official Shopify Themes store, the selection is smaller — about 70 professional themes. The possibilities of editing the design through the Shopify admin panel are more limited, but the themes are adapted for e-commerce. Shopify allows you to change the theme without losing content.

Comparison: Wix gives beginners more design freedom and requires no code knowledge. Shopify provides a structured approach, themes look professional, and the ability to change the template is an advantage when scaling.

SEO-Capabilities and Speed

Multilingualism and local SEO. Wix has a built-in Multilingual tool. Shopify also supports multilingualism, but through apps that can be paid.

SEO settings. Both platforms allow you to set meta tags, CNC, sitemap. Wix has an SEO assistant, but limits custom schemas and canonicals. Shopify is more flexible for technical optimization.

Download speed. Shopify is usually faster due to its lighter code and CDN. Wix can be slower on complex pages. Shopify scales better for large catalogs.

Integrations with Ukrainian payment systems and delivery services

Payment: Shopify supports local gateways through third-party applications: LiqPay, Monopay/Plata, etc. Wix does not have official LiqPay support, there is only UAPay. Shopify allows you to configure payment methods more flexibly, although it requires applications.

Shipping: Shopify does not allow the integration of New Mail into the standard checkout (except Shopify Plus), but there are solutions through third-party applications. Wix does not have this integration — just a text box for the address. Shopify offers more automation capabilities.

User support and localization

Interface: Wix is fully Ukrainianized. Shopify is in English only. For a beginner, Wix is more comfortable in this aspect.

Support: Shopify — 24/7 in English. Wix — via the request form and telephone (not around the clock), partially available Ukrainian support. Both have user communities.

Ease of use for beginners

Wix is a designer “for everyone”. Very simple interface, step-by-step website creation, ADI mode. Ideal for starting without experience.

Shopify is focused on commerce. It takes a little time to master. But the sales processes are structured. Requires more study, but is better suited for scaling.

Opportunities for developers

Shopify: Open platform, API, theme code editing (Liquid). There is support for private applications, webhook, scaling for any business.

Wix: The Velo by Wix platform allows limited use of JS. There is no full access to the backend. Creating custom integrations is limited.

Shopify or Wix: which is better for whom?

• Newbies: Wix is an easier start. Shopify is more complex, but more promising.
• Small Business: Wix is for a local startup. Shopify is for growing stores.
• IT professionals: Shopify is an undoubted advantage due to its API and customization.
• Creative professionals: Wix — more flexibility in design and blogging. Shopify is for sales with an emphasis on efficiency.

Summary: Wix is perfect for small businesses and beginners who need quick results. Shopify is a strategic choice for growing ecommerce projects that want a professional solution with the flexibility to scale.

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