Shopify vs Ecwid
Ecwid lets you add a shop to an existing website, which suits businesses that already have a site they're happy with. Shopify is a complete ecommerce platform, better for businesses where the store is the main focus and needs to grow.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Side-by-side comparison
| Shopify | Ecwid | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Full hosted store | Shop added to an existing site |
| Free plan | Free trial only | Limited free plan |
| Apps | Very large app store | Smaller app market |
| Checkout | Shopify checkout with Shop Pay | Ecwid checkout |
| Best for | Store-first businesses | Adding a shop to a site |
Costs in the UK
Ecwid offers a limited free plan and low-cost paid plans. Shopify starts at £25 a month (or £19 yearly). Check Ecwid's current pricing.
Prices change. Check each provider's current UK pricing page before deciding.
Which should you choose?
Choose Shopify if…
- Your store is the main business
- You want more apps and channels
- You plan to grow
Choose Ecwid if…
- You want to keep your current website
- You sell a few products
- You want a free or very low-cost start
Frequently asked questions
Can I add Shopify to my existing website?
Yes, using Shopify's Buy Button, though a full store is usually better for growth.
Can I move from Ecwid to Shopify?
Yes. See migration services.
Which is better for SEO?
A full Shopify store gives more control over product page SEO.
Keep exploring
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