In brief
The main difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus is scale: Shopify Plus is built for large and fast-growing businesses, with capacity for over 10,000 transactions per minute, deeper customization through scripts and custom APIs, an account manager with 24/7 support, and tools such as Shopify Flow and Launchpad. Standard Shopify starts at $29 per month, Shopify Plus at $2,000 per month, with lower transaction fees.
- Shopify Plus handles over 10,000 transactions per minute and adds dedicated scripts, custom APIs, Shopify Flow and Launchpad
- Standard Shopify starts at $29 per month with fees from 2.9% + 30¢ down to 2.4% + 30¢ depending on the plan
- Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month, can rise above a sales threshold, and transaction fees start at 1.6% + 30¢
The Scenario
Over the past few years, Shopify has established itself as a major player in the e-commerce landscape, offering an intuitive and feature-rich platform for anyone looking to start an online store. But as the market has expanded, a need has arisen: large companies are demanding more sophisticated and customized solutions. That’s where Shopify Plus comes in.
Why Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus is designed for large and fast-growing businesses that need advanced features. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider upgrading:
- Advanced Scalability: Shopify Plus can handle over 10,000 transactions per minute, making it ideal for businesses that expect a high sales volume.
- Customization: Shopify Plus offers more customization opportunities, both in terms of design and functionality, with access to dedicated scripts and custom APIs.
- Priority Support: With Shopify Plus, you’ll have access to an account manager and 24/7 dedicated customer support.
- Seamless Product Launches: Features like “Shopify Flow” and “Launchpad” allow for seamless product launches and promotions.
Payment Plans and Transaction Fees
One of the main factors that influence the decision between Shopify and Shopify Plus is cost.
Shopify Standard: Shopify’s basic pricing starts at $29 per month, with transaction fees ranging from 2.9% + 30¢ to 2.4% + 30¢ depending on the plan you choose.
Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month. However, for businesses that exceed a certain sales threshold, the price may increase. Transaction fees are generally lower, starting at 1.6% + 30¢.
Is it worth upgrading to Shopify Plus?
The decision to upgrade to Shopify Plus depends on a number of factors:
- Sales volume: If your store is handling enough sales to justify the additional costs, Shopify Plus can provide a significant ROI with its advanced features.
- Need for customization: For businesses looking for deep customization, Shopify Plus offers solutions that the standard version cannot provide.
- Additional support and services: Priority access to customer support and account managers can be crucial for businesses that cannot afford downtime or technical issues.
Conclusion
Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus depends on the specific needs of your business. While Shopify Plus certainly offers a number of benefits for larger businesses, the standard version may be more than enough for mid-sized or startup stores. Carefully consider your needs, projected sales volume, and budget before making a decision.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
Shopify is the standard platform for anyone who wants to open an online store, while Shopify Plus is aimed at large and fast-growing companies that need advanced features. The differences concern scalability, the depth of customization available, the level of support, which includes an account manager, and the price, which moves from a monthly plan starting at $29 to one starting at $2,000.
How much does Shopify Plus cost per month?
Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month. For businesses that exceed a certain sales threshold the price may increase. In exchange, transaction fees are generally lower than on standard plans, starting at 1.6% + 30¢ per transaction. By comparison, standard Shopify pricing starts at $29 per month with transaction fees between 2.9% + 30¢ and 2.4% + 30¢ depending on the plan.
Is Shopify Plus worth it?
Shopify Plus is worth it when sales volume is high enough to justify the additional cost, when the business needs deep customization that the standard version cannot provide, and when priority support and an account manager matter because downtime or technical issues are not acceptable. For mid-sized or startup stores, the standard version is often more than enough, so projected sales and budget should guide the decision.
What features does Shopify Plus have that Shopify does not?
Shopify Plus offers advanced scalability, handling over 10,000 transactions per minute, and more customization of design and functionality through dedicated scripts and custom APIs. It includes priority support with an account manager and 24/7 dedicated customer service. It also provides Shopify Flow and Launchpad, two tools that make product launches and promotions run smoothly, presented as reasons to consider upgrading.
Who should use standard Shopify instead of Shopify Plus?
Standard Shopify is suitable for mid-sized stores and startups, and for anyone opening an online store who does not yet need advanced features. It offers an intuitive, feature-rich platform at a lower cost, starting at $29 per month. Upgrading makes sense only when sales volume, customization needs or the need for priority support grow enough to justify the higher monthly fee.
Last substantive revision: April 22, 2025.
