Sep 02, 2026 - 0
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Shopify Pricing Explained: Plans, Costs & Which One Is Right for You
Confused by Shopify pricing?
Plans, Costs & Which One Is Right for You
Shopify offers five main plans: Starter Basic ($22/month), Shopify/Grow ($58/month), Advanced ($359/month), and Plus (from $2,300/month). Your best choice depends on your sales volume, team size, and features you need. Most new stores start with Basic and upgrade as they grow.
Choosing an ecommerce platform is stressful enough without wondering if hidden fees will eat into your profits. Shopify's pricing can feel confusing at first glance, and picking the wrong plan could mean paying for features you don't need—or missing ones you do. That worry is completely normal, especially when you're just starting out.
The good news? Shopify's pricing is more straightforward than it looks once you break it down. In this guide, you'll learn exactly what each plan costs, what's included, and which one fits your business best. No surprises, no guesswork—just clear information to help you spend your money wisely.
How Does Shopify Pricing Work?
Shopify uses a subscription model, which means you pay a recurring monthly fee to keep your online store running. Each plan comes with a core set of features, and the price climbs as you unlock more advanced tools, lower transaction fees, and better reporting.
You can pay monthly or commit to an annual plan. Choosing yearly billing typically saves you up to 25%, so it's worth considering if you're confident about sticking with Shopify long term.
Beyond the base subscription, two other factors affect your total cost: payment processing fees and optional add-ons. Every plan charges a small percentage on each sale, and the rate drops as you move to higher tiers. Apps, themes, and custom domains can add to your bill too—but more on those later.
The key takeaway is simple. Your monthly plan fee is just the starting point. Understanding the full picture helps you budget accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Shopify Pricing Plans Explained (Basic, Grow, Advanced & Plus)
Shopify offers five plans designed for different stages of business growth. Here's a breakdown of each one.
Shopify Basic — $22/month
Basic is the most popular entry point for new businesses. It includes a full online store, unlimited products, two staff accounts, and 24/7 support.
You'll pay 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction when using Shopify Payments. For most small businesses and startups, Basic offers everything needed to launch and grow.
Shopify (Grow) — $58/month
The standard Shopify plan, sometimes called Grow, is aimed at growing businesses that need more reporting and lower fees. It includes five staff accounts and professional reports to track performance.
Transaction rates drop to 2.7% + 30¢ per online sale. Choose this plan if your store is gaining traction and you want deeper insight into your numbers.
Shopify Advanced — $359/month
Advanced is designed for scaling businesses with higher order volumes. It offers 15 staff accounts, custom reporting, and the lowest standard transaction fees at 2.5% + 30¢.
It also includes advanced features like third-party calculated shipping rates. Pick Advanced if you're processing significant sales and need granular control over your data.
Shopify Plus — from $2,300/month
Plus is Shopify's enterprise-level plan, built for large brands and high-volume merchants. It includes dedicated support, advanced automation, and the ability to manage multiple stores from one account.
This plan is a serious investment, but it delivers the scalability and customization that established businesses require.
What Extra Costs Should You Expect With Shopify?
Your monthly plan is only part of the equation. Several additional costs can affect your total spend, so it's smart to plan for them upfront.
Transaction fees. If you use a third-party payment gateway instead of Shopify Payments, you'll pay an extra fee ranging from 0.5% to 2%, depending on your plan. Using Shopify Payments avoids this charge entirely.
Apps. Shopify's App Store offers thousands of tools for marketing, inventory, and customer service. Many are free, but premium apps often charge monthly subscriptions that can add up quickly.
Themes. Shopify provides free themes, but premium designs cost between $100 and $400 as a one-time purchase. A polished theme can make your store look more professional and trustworthy.
Domain name. A custom domain costs around $10 to $20 per year if you buy it through Shopify. You can also connect a domain purchased elsewhere.
Add-ons. Extra features like Shopify Shipping, POS Pro, and email marketing tools may carry their own costs depending on how you use them.
A helpful tip: start lean. Add apps and premium features only when your business genuinely needs them. This keeps your overhead low while you're finding your feet.
Which Shopify Plan Is Best for Your Business?
The right plan depends on where your business stands today and where it's headed. Here's a quick guide to matching plans with common situations.
- Choose Starter if you sell mainly through social media or messaging and don't need a full website.
- Choose Basic if you're launching your first online store or running a small business with modest sales.
- Choose Shopify (Grow) if your store is growing steadily and you want better reporting plus lower fees.
- Choose Advanced if you're processing high order volumes and need custom reports and larger staff access.
- Choose Plus if you run an established, high-revenue brand that needs enterprise-grade features and support.
If you're unsure, start with Basic. It covers the essentials, and you can upgrade anytime as your sales climb. There's no penalty for moving up, so you're never locked into a plan that outgrows you.
Making the Right Choice for Your Store
Shopify pricing rewards businesses that match their plan to their actual needs. Rather than reaching for the most expensive tier, start with the plan that fits your current sales and upgrade as you grow. This approach protects your budget and keeps your store running smoothly.
Take a moment to estimate your monthly sales and list the features you truly need. Compare that against the plans above, and you'll have a clear answer. When you're ready, sign up for Shopify's free trial to test the platform before committing—it's the safest way to see if it's the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shopify cost per month?
Shopify costs between $5 and $2,300+ per month, depending on the plan you choose. The Starter plan is $5, Basic is $39, Shopify (Grow) is $105, and Advanced is $399. Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 for enterprise users. Paying annually can save you up to 25% on most plans, so consider yearly billing if you're committed for the long term.
Which Shopify plan is best for beginners?
The Basic plan at $39/month is best for most beginners. It includes a complete online store, unlimited products, and 24/7 support—everything you need to launch. If you only want to sell through social media, the $5 Starter plan is a cheaper way to test the waters before upgrading.
Does Shopify charge transaction fees?
Yes, Shopify charges transaction fees on every sale, but the amount depends on your setup. When you use Shopify Payments, you pay a processing fee between 2.5% and 2.9% plus 30¢ per online transaction, based on your plan. If you use a third-party gateway, Shopify adds an extra fee of 0.5% to 2%. Sticking with Shopify Payments is the easiest way to keep costs down.
Can I use Shopify for free?
Shopify does not offer a permanently free plan, but you can start with a free trial. The trial lets you build and explore your store before paying anything. After it ends, you'll need to choose a paid plan to keep selling, with the cheapest option being the $5 Starter plan.
Can I change my Shopify plan later?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your Shopify plan at any time. Simply head to your account settings and select a new plan—your store data stays intact during the switch. This flexibility means you can start small and move up as your business grows, without any risk of losing your progress.
