Ecommerce · 3-way · 2026
Medusa · Shopify · WooCommerce
Three credible picks in ecommerce. Here's the trade-off that actually decides it.
Reviewed by Switchpoint Editors ·
Medusa
Composable, open-source commerce engine.
- Engineering-led brands wanting headless commerce.
- Free, open source.
- Headless
- Requires devs
Best for
Pricing
Top strength
Biggest trade-off
Shopify
Hosted ecommerce platform powering millions of stores.
- DTC brands who want a hosted, app-rich storefront.
- Basic $39/mo + transaction fees.
- Massive app ecosystem
- App fees compound
Best for
Pricing
Top strength
Biggest trade-off
WooCommerce
Open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress.
- Stores already on WordPress.
- Free plugin. Pay for hosting + extensions.
- Open source
- You manage the stack
Best for
Pricing
Top strength
Biggest trade-off
The matrix
Side-by-side-by-side
| Medusa | Shopify | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Engineering-led brands wanting headless commerce. | DTC brands who want a hosted, app-rich storefront. | Stores already on WordPress. |
| Pricing | Free, open source. | Basic $39/mo + transaction fees. | Free plugin. Pay for hosting + extensions. |
| Top strength | Headless | Massive app ecosystem | Open source |
| Biggest trade-off | Requires devs | App fees compound | You manage the stack |
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