Comparison
Shopify vs Magento (Adobe Commerce): An Honest Comparison
Hosted SaaS versus self-managed open source: cost of ownership, flexibility, B2B, performance and the team you need.
The verdict
Choose Shopify or Shopify Plus if you want a hosted platform with lower maintenance, fast changes and a large app ecosystem. Choose Magento Open Source or Adobe Commerce if you need deep code-level customisation, complex catalogue logic and have an experienced development team and budget to run it.
| Shopify / Shopify Plus | Magento / Adobe Commerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hosted SaaS | Open source (self-hosted) or Adobe Commerce |
| Hosting, security, upgrades | Managed by Shopify | Managed by you or your partner |
| Customisation | Themes, apps, Functions and extensions | Full code-level control |
| B2B | B2B on Shopify (Plus) | Extensive native B2B in Adobe Commerce |
| Speed of change | Marketers can edit most pages | Often needs developers and deployments |
| Team needed | Smaller; agency or in-house generalists | Specialist Magento developers |
Choose Shopify if…
- Maintenance and upgrade costs are eating your budget
- You want marketers to move faster
- Your requirements can be met with apps, Functions and integrations
Choose Magento if…
- You need code-level control over complex catalogue or pricing logic
- You have an in-house Magento team
- Hosting your own platform is a requirement
Check each platform’s official documentation for current features and pricing.
Questions that decide it
What does it cost to run, not just to build?
Compare the full cost over several years. For Magento, include hosting, security patches, upgrades, extension licences and developer time. For Shopify, include the plan, app subscriptions, transaction fees and any custom work. The cheaper licence does not always produce the cheaper total.
Which Magento features do you actually use?
Many stores use only part of what Magento offers. List the extensions and custom modules you rely on, then map each one: native Shopify feature, app, custom build or retire. That list usually settles the debate better than a feature comparison.
| Magento feature | Where it often goes on Shopify |
|---|---|
| Layered navigation | Shopify filters, or the Search & Discovery app |
| Store views | Shopify Markets, or expansion stores on Plus |
| Customer groups | Customer segments and tags, or B2B catalogs on supported plans |
| Custom attributes | Metafields and metaobjects |
| Custom checkout logic | Shopify Functions and checkout extensions, with availability depending on plan |
Who will maintain it?
If you already employ an experienced Magento team and depend on deep customisation, moving may remove capability you value. If you struggle to find or afford specialists, a hosted platform can reduce that risk, but it also means working within Shopify’s limits.
FAQ
Is Shopify Plus a good alternative to Magento?
For many mid-market and enterprise brands, yes: lower maintenance, faster changes and strong B2B and checkout features. Very complex catalogues may still suit Magento.
What happened to Magento 1?
Magento 1 reached end of life in June 2020 and no longer receives official security patches. Stores still on it should plan a migration.
Is Shopify or Magento better for SEO?
Both can rank well. Magento offers more technical control; Shopify handles hosting, speed basics and sitemaps for you. Content, structure and page speed usually matter more than the platform.
Weighing a move from Magento?
We’ll map your extensions and integrations to Shopify and give you an honest recommendation.