Ecwid vs Shopify: Comparison on Which is the Better Ecommerce Platform

As an expert in e-commerce, I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to choose the right eCommerce platform when starting or scaling an online business. Shopify and Ecwid are two of the most popular options, but determining which is best can be challenging.

Drawing from our extensive experience at POWR working and integrating with both platforms, I'll guide you through a comprehensive comparison of Ecwid and Shopify. 

We'll examine key aspects such as pricing, features, ease of use, and integrations – areas where our POWR software seamlessly works with both platforms. 

By the end of this article, you'll have the insights needed to decide which eCommerce solution aligns best with your business goals and requirements.

Shortcuts:

• Overview: Ecwid and Shopify
• Pricing
• Features
• Ease of Use
• Payment Options and Fees
• SEO and Marketing Tools
• Third-Party App Markets
• Drawbacks and Limitations
• Customer Support
• FAQs: Ecwid vs Shopify
• Final Recommendation: Ecwid or Shopify

1. Overview: Ecwid and Shopify

• Ecwid Overview

Ecwid, short for "eCommerce Widget," is an eCommerce platform that can easily integrate with an existing website, social media, or other online marketplaces.

Ecwid by Lightspeed is often used by small to medium sized businesses looking to add a store to an existing website rather than build one from scratch.

Its plugin-based approach allows for seamless integration with popular content management systems like WordPress, Wix, and Joomla, making it an attractive option for businesses that already have an established online presence.

Additionally, Ecwid's multi-channel selling capabilities enable businesses to manage their inventory and orders across various platforms from a single dashboard, streamlining the eCommerce process for busy entrepreneurs.

• Shopify Overview

Shopify is a comprehensive eCommerce platform that allows you to build and manage your online store from scratch.

Shopify is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and powerful tools for entrepreneurs and businesses that want to scale their online presence.

It offers a full suite of tools for website building, inventory management, order processing, and customer relationship management, making it a one-stop solution for eCommerce needs.

Shopify's extensive app marketplace and robust API allow for significant customization and expansion of functionality, enabling businesses to tailor their online stores to meet specific requirements as they grow.

Also, Shopify's built-in analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and overall store performance, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions.

2. Pricing: Ecwid vs Shopify

• Ecwid Pricing

Ecwid pricing offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible to smaller businesses or those just starting. 

Paid plans range from $25 to $105 monthly, more affordable than Shopify's offerings. Ecwid does not charge transaction fees, though you will still pay fees to your payment processor.

• Shopify Pricing

Shopify offers tiered pricing based on business needs, starting at $39 monthly. 

Shopify also charges additional transaction fees if you use a third-party payment provider, though Shopify Payments can help you avoid these fees. 

Shopify’s plans tend to be more expensive, especially for businesses just starting.

3. Features: Ecwid vs Shopify

• Ecwid Features

Ecwid shines when it comes to adding eCommerce functionality to existing websites. It integrates well with platforms like WordPress and Joomla and supports selling through social media. 

However, customization and built-in features like Point of Sale (POS) systems are more limited compared to Shopify.

• Shopify Features

Shopify offers more robust features, especially for businesses looking to scale. 

From robust POS systems to built-in marketing tools and advanced customization options, Shopify is designed for merchants who want to grow and sell across multiple channels.

4. Ease of Use: Ecwid vs Shopify

• Ecwid

Ecwid is extremely easy to set up and integrates well with existing websites. 

Ecwid is an excellent choice for quickly selling online without rebuilding your website if you already have a website or blog. It’s ideal for smaller operations with limited product catalogs.

• Shopify

Shopify is also known for its ease of use but requires more setup if starting from scratch. 

The platform offers a drag-and-drop store builder, and once set up, managing your store is straightforward. It’s great for businesses that plan to grow and need a platform that scales.

5. Payment Options and Fees: Ecwid vs Shopify

• Ecwid Payments

Ecwid allows you to integrate a wide variety of payment options, including Stripe, PayPal, and other third-party gateways, with no extra fees beyond what the payment processor charges.

• Shopify Payments

Shopify supports over 100 payment providers but adds additional transaction fees (2%) unless you use Shopify Payments. 

This can add up for larger businesses, but Shopify Payments can save on costs.

6. SEO and Marketing Tools: Ecwid vs Shopify

• Ecwid SEO and Marketing

Ecwid provides basic SEO options like meta tags, URL customization, and basic analytics. However, you may need third-party integrations or apps for more advanced features.

• Shopify SEO and Marketing

Shopify is known for its strong SEO capabilities, offering tools for optimizing product pages, URLs, and meta descriptions. 

It also provides built-in marketing tools, including email campaigns and social media integrations.

7. Third-Party App Markets: Ecwid vs Shopify

• Ecwid App Market

Ecwid offers a curated selection of over 200 apps in its marketplace. These apps cover essential functions like shipping, accounting, marketing, and social media integrations. 

Popular integrations include platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and accounting tools like Xero. 

However, the smaller size of the app market means fewer niche tools or deep customization options, which may limit businesses with more complex needs.

POWR currently has six apps available for free (with six more planned) on the app marketplace:

1. Form Builder
2. Popup
3. Image Slider
4. Countdown Timer
5. Photo Gallery
6. Product Tabs

• Shopify App Market

Shopify’s app marketplace is significantly larger, with over 8,000 apps available. Whether you need advanced marketing tools, analytics, customer service plugins, or specialized eCommerce apps, Shopify offers a broad range of third-party integrations. 

Popular apps include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, and Klaviyo for email marketing, among many others. 

Shopify’s vast app market allows for extensive customization and scalability, making it a more versatile option for businesses with diverse needs.

The list of POWR apps on Shopify totals 32, including Form Builder, Popup, Instagram Feed, and YouTube Gallery, among many others.

Third-Party App Customization: Ecwid vs. Shopify

• Ecwid Customization

Ecwid’s app market allows basic customization through integrations with key services. 

Still, the platform is designed to be simple and user-friendly, meaning customization options may be limited for larger businesses or those with specific requirements. 

If you need advanced features, you may need to rely more heavily on external developers or third-party tools.

• Shopify Customization

Shopify is highly customizable, with many apps offering deep integrations and the ability to extend your store’s functionality. 

Shopify’s app market caters to small businesses and enterprises, from advanced marketing automation to customer service enhancements. 

For businesses with unique needs, Shopify’s app ecosystem and open API make it possible to create tailored solutions without extensive development knowledge.

8. Drawbacks and Limitations: Ecwid vs Shopify

While both Ecwid and Shopify offer robust eCommerce solutions, they each have their own set of limitations that potential users should consider:

Ecwid Drawbacks:

• Limited Design Flexibility: Ecwid's design options are more restricted than Shopify's, which may be a drawback for businesses wanting a highly customized store appearance.
• Less Scalable: For rapidly growing businesses, Ecwid may not offer the same level of scalability as Shopify, particularly in terms of advanced features and integrations.
• Dependent on Existing Website: Ecwid is primarily designed to integrate with existing websites, which might be a limitation for businesses starting from scratch.
• Limited Built-in Marketing Tools: Unlike Shopify, Ecwid has fewer built-in marketing and SEO tools, potentially requiring more third-party integrations.

Shopify Drawbacks:

• Higher Costs: Shopify's plans are generally more expensive than Ecwid's, which could be a barrier for small businesses or startups.
• Transaction Fees: Unless using Shopify Payments, users face additional transaction fees, which can add up for high-volume sellers.
• Steeper Learning Curve: While user-friendly, Shopify's extensive feature set can be overwhelming for beginners compared to Ecwid's simpler interface.
• Theme Customization Limitations: While Shopify offers many themes, extensive customization often requires knowledge of Shopify's proprietary Liquid coding language.
• Content Management Limitations: Shopify's blogging and content management capabilities are less robust than those of dedicated CMS platforms, which might be a drawback for content-heavy stores.

Understanding these limitations can help you make more informed decisions based on their needs and long-term goals.

9. Customer Support: Ecwid vs Shopify

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Ecwid vs Shopify

1. How do Ecwid and Shopify compare for website integration?

Ecwid is designed to integrate easily with existing websites, including WordPress and custom HTML sites. 

Shopify, while primarily a standalone platform, offers integration options through its "Buy Button" feature or as a headless commerce solution. 

For adding e-commerce to an existing site, Ecwid often has the edge, while Shopify excels as an all-in-one solution.

2. Which is easier to use: Ecwid or Shopify?

Both Ecwid and Shopify are user-friendly, but Ecwid tends to be simpler for beginners, especially when adding to an existing site. 

Shopify offers more features that are ‘out of the box,’ providing more room for growth but with a steeper learning curve.

3. How do Ecwid and Shopify compare in terms of transaction fees?

Ecwid doesn't charge additional transaction fees beyond payment processor fees. Shopify charges extra transaction fees (0.5% to 2%, depending on your plan) unless you use Shopify Payments. For businesses sensitive to transaction costs, Ecwid may have an advantage.

4. Can I sell on social media with both Ecwid and Shopify?

Yes, both Ecwid and Shopify support selling on platforms like Facebook and Instagram and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. Their multi-channel selling capabilities are comparable, but implementation may differ.

5. Which platform offers better SEO: Ecwid or Shopify?

Shopify generally offers more robust built-in SEO features and customization options. Ecwid provides essential SEO tools and can leverage your existing website's SEO if used as an add-on. For comprehensive SEO capabilities, Shopify often has the advantage.

6. Is it possible to migrate between Ecwid and Shopify?

Yes, you can migrate from Ecwid to Shopify or vice versa. Both platforms offer migration tools and guides, but the complexity depends on your store's size and customizations. Always carefully consider the pros and cons before switching platforms.

7. How does customer support compare between Ecwid and Shopify?

Both offer 24/7 customer support on paid plans. Shopify provides email, live chat, and phone support for all paid plans. Ecwid offers email and live chat support on all paid plans, with phone support on higher-tier plans. Shopify's support is generally more comprehensive across all plan levels.

8. Can I use my own domain name with both Ecwid and Shopify?

Yes, Ecwid and Shopify allow you to use your custom domain name for your online store. The process is straightforward on both platforms but may require different steps.

9. How do Ecwid and Shopify handle inventory management?

Both platforms offer inventory management features. Shopify's inventory management is more robust, while Ecwid's capabilities can be extended through app integrations. For complex inventory needs, Shopify often has the edge.

10. Was Ecwid acquired by Lightspeed?

Yes, in 2021, Ecwid was acquired by Lightspeed, a leading global provider of cloud-based commerce solutions. With Lightspeed’s backing, Ecwid users now have access to a unified commerce experience that integrates in-store and online sales. 

11. Which platform, Ecwid or Shopify, integrates better with POWR's software?

Our software integrates seamlessly with both Ecwid and Shopify. The specific benefits may vary depending on your unique needs, but both platforms offer excellent compatibility with our complete suite of e-commerce tools.

Final Recommendation: Ecwid or Shopify

When comparing Ecwid vs. Shopify, the decision ultimately will depend on your unique business needs. Consider the following before making a final decision:

• Business Size and Growth Plans: Ecwid is excellent for small to medium-sized businesses that don't need extensive customization. While excellent for scalability, Shopify can be overkill for small operations or hobbyists.
• Technical Expertise: Ecwid is generally easier to set up and manage for those with limited technical skills, especially if you add it to your existing site. Shopify, while user-friendly, has a steeper learning curve and might require more technical knowledge to fully utilize all its features.
• Budget Considerations: Ecwid's free plan and lower-priced tiers could be a deciding factor if you’re on a tight budget.
• Existing Web Presence: Shopify's all-in-one solution might be more advantageous for businesses without an existing web presence.
• Customization Needs: If you require extensive customization and unique features, you would likely benefit more from Shopify's larger app ecosystem and more flexible design options.
• Industry-Specific Needs: Some industries might find Shopify more suitable than Ecwid based on available integrations or features.

Ecwid is ideal for small businesses with websites that want to add eCommerce functionality quickly. It’s affordable, easy to use, and works well for businesses with fewer products.

Shopify is the better choice for businesses starting from scratch or with more complex eCommerce needs. With its extensive features, multi-channel selling capabilities, extensive app market, and scalability, Shopify is a powerful option for growing businesses.

In my opinion, if you’re a small business looking for an affordable and simple way to add online selling to an existing site, Ecwid is the way to go. 

If you need a full-fledged online store with room to grow, Shopify is worth the investment.

About the Author

Mick Essex is the Head of Growth + Partnerships at POWR for just over 2 years. POWR makes no-code apps and plugins for e-commerce shop owners globally. They have provided marketing and conversion tools on Shopify for 10 years, and 5 years on Ecwid.

Mick's career spans two decades, primarily in growth marketing in healthcare, with stints in broadcast television, advertising, and copy editing.

Mick attended the College of Journalism at the University of Louisiana - Monroe. His wife Elizabeth, son Gavin, and pup Jolene call Lafayette, Louisiana, their home.