Shopify review
All-in-one platform to build and run an online store
- Shopify Inc.
- Subscription
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Web
Does it deserve #1?
The verdict
Shopify is the easiest way to start and grow an online store. Themes look professional out of the box, checkout converts well with Shop Pay, and the app store covers almost any need. The same system runs in-person sales through Shopify POS, and the Sidekick AI assistant helps with setup and reporting. The catch: costs add up with apps, premium themes and extra transaction fees if you skip Shopify Payments.
- Store builder with polished themes
- Shop Pay accelerated checkout
- Shopify POS for in-person sales
- Large app ecosystem
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Fast to launch a professional-looking store
- Reliable hosting and checkout that scale easily
- Huge app store for marketing, shipping and more
What could be better
- Monthly app fees add up quickly
- Extra transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Brands and small businesses that want to sell online with minimal technical work
you only sell a few items and just need a simple payment link
Questions about Shopify
Is Shopify free?
No, Shopify is a paid subscription, but it offers a free trial so you can build your store before choosing a plan. Payment processing fees apply on top of your plan.
Do I need my own website hosting to use Shopify?
No, Shopify hosts your store for you, including checkout and security, and you can use a free Shopify address or connect your own domain.
What are the best alternatives to Shopify?
The closest alternatives are Square, HubSpot CRM and Zoho CRM. See all of them ranked on our Shopify alternatives page.
Where does Shopify rank?
Shopify ranks #1 of 8 in our Business & Sales ranking, with an overall score of 9.1 out of 10.