shopify vs shopware
. 6 minutes
January 21, 2025

Shopify Plus vs Shopware: Advanced Features Compared for High-Growth Brands

Quick Summary 

Shopware offers customizable security measures, while Shopify Plus has fixed and managed security.

Shopware offers unlimited customization, while Shopify Plus has limited flexibility.

Shopware supports complex, enterprise-grade setups, while Shopify Plus may need third-party apps for advanced scalability.

The right platform can fuel your online store’s success. Shopify Plus and Shopware offer powerful features, each serving different business needs.

We’ll compare the key differences between Shopify Plus and Shopware. From ease of use to pricing, and scalability to customization, we’ll help you choose the platform that best fits your growth.

Platform Overview

Before you dive in, take a moment to grasp the key differences between Shopify Plus and Shopware.

FeatureShopware (Open-Source)Shopify (SaaS)
CustomizationFull control, advanced customization, and open-source flexibilityLimited customization within the SaaS model, primarily app-based
CostLower initial costs, no transaction fees, but requires more technical investmentHigher subscription and transaction fees (third-party gateways)
ScalabilityFully scalable with custom tools for enterprise needsScalable but can require third-party apps for advanced features
B2B FeaturesAdvanced B2B capabilities(custom pricing, bulk ordering)Basic B2B features, less customizable
SupportCommunity-driven support, no official support for the Community Edition24/7 dedicated support and account management

Feature Comparison: Shopify Plus vs. Shopware

Explore the key differences between Shopify Plus and Shopware to find the best fit for your business. 

1. Security

Shopware offers complete control over hosting and security, letting businesses meet unique compliance needs. This flexibility ensures optimal protection tailored to industry standards.

security and hosting control in shopware

Security feature of Shopware and Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus includes robust security, but businesses must rely on its fixed hosting environment. Limited control can be a drawback for those needing advanced security measures. 

2. Customization

Shopware is an open-source platform that provides businesses with unlimited customization opportunities. 

customisation benefits of shopware

Key benefits of Shopware

You can customize every aspect of your store, from design to backend functionality, without limitations. Additionally, you have full control over your tech stack, allowing you to choose hosting environments, integrations, and build custom modules tailored to your business needs.

However, implementing these customizations requires technical expertise or a skilled development team.

Shopify Plus is a SaaS solution, which limits customization to the platform’s existing infrastructure.

Key benefits of shopify

Shopify is user-friendly with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for non-technical users to manage, and offers a vast app ecosystem with pre-built tools to enhance its capabilities.

3. Costs

Shopware offers a free Community Edition that requires self-hosting and maintenance. For advanced features, the Rise Edition (€199/month) and Enterprise Edition (custom pricing) include cloud hosting, updates, support, and advanced features.

While there are no transaction fees from Shopware, third-party payment gateways charge their standard fees. Additional costs may include hosting, themes, plugins, and development.

Pro Tip: Start with Shopware’s affordable options and upgrade as your business grows

Shopify Plus has a premium subscription starting at $2,000 per month, which can increase based on sales volume. 

Shopify’s predictable subscription fees simplify budgeting, with transaction fees applying only to third-party gateways, (eliminated when using Shopify Payments) and most essential features included. Though additional app costs may be required.

4. Scalability

Shopware excels in scalability, offering a platform designed to grow with your business. Whether you’re managing single-store or multi-store setups, Shopware’s tools are perfect for large enterprises

  • Multi-store management: Perfect for managing multiple stores in different regions, languages, or currencies.
  • Enterprise-grade features: Tools to handle large product catalogs, complex pricing models, and international expansion.
  • Flexible integrations: Easily integrates with ERPs, CRMs, and other systems, making it a great option for businesses with complex needs.

Ready to grow?

Shopify Plus provides scalable infrastructure for handling increasing traffic and orders, but its scalability comes with a trade-off of limited custom features. While the platform offers enterprise apps to extend functionality, businesses with complex inventory, multi-region operations, or intricate pricing models may need to rely on third-party integrations to meet their specific requirements.

5. Performance and Speed

Shopware’s performance is highly customizable, and businesses can optimize it according to their specific needs. Shopware allows stores to optimize code, improve caching strategies, and improve overall speed.

shopware perfomance optimisation

Advantages and disadvantages of Shopware

Shopify Plus is a fully managed solution, so performance is consistent out of the box. Shopify also ensures excellent uptime and reliability.

shopify plus perfomance optimisation

Advantages and disadvantages of Shopify Plus

6. Integration Capabilities

Shopware is designed with open-source flexibility. Its open nature allows customization and tailored integrations to streamline operations and improve workflows. Shopware offers:

  • Multiple integration options: Integrates with popular ERP, CRM, and third-party systems for a seamless experience.
  • Full control over integrations: Businesses can control how and when integrations are implemented.

Shopify Plus offers a robust app marketplace that integrates with many third-party applications.

  • API integrations: Access to Shopify Plus APIs for deeper integrations with third-party systems.
  • Limitations: While apps are abundant, some integrations may not be as seamless as those with an open-source solution..

7. Support and Resources

Shopware: Shopware primarily relies on community-driven support, with forums and resources available for troubleshooting.

Community Edition: No official support is provided. Businesses need internal technical teams or external developers to manage issues.

Pro Tip: Shopware’s built-in features allow you to avoid hidden app fees.

Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus offers 24/7 support and account management for general inquiries. However, it struggles with highly customized or complex business requirements.

8. Localization

Shopware’s native support for languages and currencies ensures effortless global store expansion. It delivers unmatched flexibility for localization without relying on third-party tools.

Shopify Plus supports multiple languages, but full localization often requires apps. This limits control and adds complexity for global businesses.

Want effortless localization? Let’s make it happen!

Conclusion

Both Shopware and Shopify Plus are powerful platforms for e-commerce growth. Shopify Plus shines with its simplicity, user-friendly interface, and dedicated support. On the other hand, Shopware stands out with its unmatched customization, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

For businesses with strong technical resources and a need for customization, Shopware is the ultimate choice. However, if ease of use and reliable support are your top priorities, Shopify Plus is the better fit.

Choose the platform that aligns with your ambitions and technical capabilities to take your e-commerce store to the next level.

FAQ

Is Shopware suitable for large-scale businesses and global operations?

Absolutely! Shopware’s multi-store management, native multilingual and multi-currency support, and flexible integrations make it ideal for international businesses.

Does Shopware support enterprise-grade security features?

Yes, Shopware offers robust security features with greater control over hosting environments, ensuring data protection and compliance.

Is it cost-effective to switch to Shopware from Shopify Plus?

Yes! Shopware eliminates recurring subscription costs and transaction fees, providing a more budget-friendly solution for high-growth businesses.

Why should I choose Shopware over Shopify Plus for future growth?

Shopware’s flexibility, scalability, and open-source nature allow you to evolve your store as your business grows, making it the ideal long-term solution.

blog
Greetings! I'm Aneesh Sreedharan, CEO of 2Hats Logic Solutions. At 2Hats Logic Solutions, we are dedicated to providing technical expertise and resolving your concerns in the world of technology. Our blog page serves as a resource where we share insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on your queries.
Aneesh ceo
Aneesh Sreedharan
Founder & CEO, 2Hats Logic Solutions
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Aneesh ceo

    Stay In The Loop!

    Subscribe to our newsletter and learn about the latest digital trends.