Webflow or Shopify, which eCommerce website builder is better in 2022?
Our experts have put together this comprehensive, data-driven Webflow vs Shopify comparison to help you make a smart choice for your online store.
There is no denying the fact that selling your products and services online can prove to be more beneficial in contrast to the traditional marketplaces. The recent pandemic Covid-19 proved this point. Therefore, if you are thinking of establishing an e-commerce store, then you are on the right track.
With that being said, selling online requires more efficiency and advanced features. All of these are provided by the top-notch e-commerce platforms out there. Webflow and Shopify are no exception. Customers in today’s time demand more and better, and you could only satisfy their needs if you have a remarkable e-commerce provider in your possession.
Well, we understand it can be challenging for an individual to decide which platform is better. Taking into account this factor, we have provided you with a circumstantial and ultimately convincing article so that you can make the right decision.
However, for any reason, if you are not able to hunt through the entire article, make sure to check the summary of the comparison below.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get started!
Comparison At a Glance
Webflow Overview
Webflow basically is an all-in-one tool used for the purpose of creating content management software, server, and designing websites. Launched on August 5th, 2013, this top-rated platform enables its users to build, design, and launch their websites utilizing its online visual editor. Don’t know how to code? No problem, as Webflow got you covered.
Shopify Overview
Unquestionably, Shopify is a renowned e-commerce provider out there. It was in 2004 when this premier eCommerce platform was established by three of its founders. This platform is known for its brilliant features and the amount of user-friendliness it offers to its users. Want to operate a top-class easy to manage e-commerce store? Shopify should be your go-to option.
1. eCommerce Features
Winner: Shopify. In terms of advanced features, Shopify has got an edge over Webflow. It has to offer better and more futuristic features.
2. Templates Library
Winner: Webflow. If you seriously want to get creative with regards to your online store, Webflow has tons of free as well as paid fascinating templates for you.
3. Ease of Use
Winner: Shopify. It has to be Shopify. In fact, if you are a newbie or an individual not familiar with how to operate an online store, Shopify provides you with all the tools that you can easily use without any prior knowledge. It is the most user-friendly platform out there.
4. Pricing
Winner: Shopify. With regards to pricing, both of the providers are highly competent. However, Shopify tends to offer more features and better pricing plans in comparison to Webflow. You avail yourself of various pricing options if you opt for Shopify.
5. Integrations
Winner: Shopify. Again, Shopify gets an edge over Webflow when concerned with integrations. It has to offer a massive range of integrations that you can utilize in order to enhance the operations of your online store.
6. Customer Support
Winner: Shopify. Both of the eCommerce platforms offer top-notch customer support. Their customer support staff is extremely supportive and helps the customer in the best manner possible. However, Shopify is one step ahead by providing 24/7 customer support which Webflow doesn’t.
Webflow Vs Shopify: Short Verdict
Shopify emerges as the clear winner by winning in 5 out of 6 categories. Shopify has proved that it is still deemed as one of the best eCommerce platforms out there. It not only offers you remarkable and futuristic features at reasonable pricing packages but also provides you with an easy-to-use interface and prompt customer services so that you can efficiently and effortlessly operate your website.
With that being said, despite these benefits of using Shopify, we can still not discard Webflow. In fact, in the forthcoming time, it is expected to become more advanced, improving itself in various other categories. However, if you want an all-in-one solution, Shopify should be your go-to option.
1. Webflow Vs Shopify: eCommerce Features
Both Shopify, as well as Webflow, offer outstanding and highly advanced features. But, let’s find out who has got the upper hand in this category.
Webflow’s Features
Webflow is considered to be providing most of the advanced features that Shopify and other various eCommerce platforms out there are offering. Having said that, as Webflow incorporated the eCommerce features recently, in just 2018, it is particularly developed in such a manner that it can provide specific features related to the Content Management Software (CMS).
One of the eCommerce features of WebFlow is to enable the user to sell services as well as digital and physical products. It allows you to upload your products as a group in different categories or individually as well.
Not just that, but you can also incorporate custom fields to product pages in order to show the information of your choice. Along with that, you can also display various product types and customize the checkout flow so that it can match different product types.
In addition to this, Webflow also provides you with the feature to modify your delivery options. You can avail and make full use of this feature to offer premier services to your customer. It is beyond your imagination how proper utilization of this feature can benefit you and help you grow your online store.
On top of that, you can also streamline your checkout system in order to make your customer have a better and plain sailing experience. This feature is ideal for only those specific products that do not need shipping.
Let’s say there are certain products on your site that do not require shipping. Now, this feature of Webflow will allow you to add an option whereby the customers will be able to skip the stage of entering the shipping address. All they would need to do will be to purchase the product and get straight to the payment page. As easy as rolling off a log.
Along with that, another interesting thing about Webflow is its variety of payment gateways. Not only can you accept payments through Paypal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, but you can also allow the inflow through various credit cards.
This amazing feature also gives you an opportunity to get customers from throughout the globe. Around 200 countries can visit your online shop, and you can receive payments from them without any hurdle. Isn’t that amazing? In fact, if there is any refund to make, you can easily manage it by means of these major payment gateways.
Moreover, in order to make your online business run more successfully, you can analyze various insights made available on the dashboard of Webflow. From tracking orders and monitoring the customer history to inventory management, you can access everything available on Webflow’s dashboard.
Following are a few additional features of Webflow that may fascinate you:
- Customizable Templates
- The visual editor that allows you to access CSS, HTML, and JavaScript
- Zapier store extensions
- Blog software
- Customizable shopping cart
- SEO Management
- Drag & Drop
Now let’s see what Shopify brings to the table
Shopify’s Features
When it comes to the best eCommerce features, the first name that strikes is Shopify. Undeniably, it is considered as one of the most amazing eCommerce platforms out there, providing premier-level eCommerce features.
Similar to Webflow, Shopify also enables you to list services and physical as well as digital goods without any kind of restriction or limit. In fact, if you are a dropshipping enthusiast, with the help of Shopify, you can pursue it in a better manner.
For instance, there are several dropshipping apps, like Oberlo, made available by Shopify. Using these apps, you can conveniently stock dropshipping products in your inventory and manage the operations of dropshipping effectively.
Along with that, you can also make different categories of your products and add details about that product. This would allow you to cater to the needs of different customers, ultimately helping you grow your business online.
Moreover, after creating these different product pages, Shopify also allows you to share your pages on various social media platforms and sales channels. These may include Instagram, Facebook, and several other mediums.
If we talk about the payment gateways, in comparison to Webflow, Shopify gives you more than 100 methods to receive payments! Not just that, but you can also charge your customers in different currencies. Here, if you use Shopify, you are getting an added benefit. This is because this feature is not provided by Webflow.
Not only that, but Webflow also does not give you the option to translate languages into several other languages. Shopify does, though. With Shopify, you can not just choose your one preferred language depending upon your region but can also opt for over 50 other languages.
As far as the performance analysis is concerned, Shopify offers you the feature to track your customers’ profiles and evaluate their habits regarding shopping. This will, as a result, enable you to devise strategies that can further enhance your eCommerce store’s operations.
Another brilliant thing that Shopify offers is its smartphone app. With the help of it, you can easily operate your online shop and manage your orders without any hurdle. You can also solve your customer’s issues promptly with the help of its app. Undoubtedly, this is a game-changer!
Following are some of the best features of Shopify:
- Social media integration
- Direct selling with Facebook
- Automated shipping and tax rate calculation
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Ability to edit code
- Allows modifying the code
- A free built-in payment gateway
Considering all of the above-mentioned points concerning the features, we would certainly say that Shopify has got an upper edge over Webflow. So, our clear winner in terms of features is Shopify. Let’s now talk about the template library and understand which one stands out in this category.
2. Webflow Vs Shopify: Templates Library
When it comes to the templates library, we all think about creativity and originality. Which platform offers more of this? Let’s find out.
Webflow certainly offers its users a whole new level of creativity. With the help of its inbuilt visual editor, you can easily alter or modify the design of your website in whatever way you like. If you have a particular type of product, you can apply that theme to your store and make your customers feel more exclusive to that specific product.
In addition to this, Webflow offers you several different and attractive-looking templates. In fact, there are more than 1000 blog, business, and portfolio templates made available by this platform. You can customize it by utilizing the amazing code-free design tools of Webflow and further improve the design of your online store.
Moreover, with such a massive range of templates, you can easily change the design layout of your online stores on a regular basis. It will allow you to bring variety to your site and would not make it look tedious and monotonous.
All those newbies out there can benefit from these excellent templates provided by Webflow. Using these would enable them to create their site easily and effortlessly. There won’t be any need for creating the site from scratch.
One best thing about Webflow is that it offers its users both free as well as premium templates to choose from. So, if you are someone with a low budget or are just starting out, availing yourself of free templates would be a great option for you.
Let’s take a look at Shopify’s Template Library.
When discussing beautifying your online store, there are a number of amazing and attractive templates offered by Shopify. Similar to Webflow, you can avail yourself of different templates from a huge library of templates.
You have the option to choose from more than 80 themes, which I reckon is a massive number. Not just that, but Shopify also tends to update its theme and add the latest themes to its collection on a regular basis.
All of this variety will help you attract and capture the attention of a lot of potential customers out there. Remember, the more you improve the design of your website, the higher the chances of winning your prospective customers.
In addition to this, if you are a new buyer and do not possess much budget, you can utilize the free-of-cost templates made available by Shopify. Also, similar to Webflow, Shopify also offers premium templates that you can use once you have a reasonable budget.
Overall, in terms of variety and creativity, both of the platforms are equal. However, Webflow gets an edge over here due to its remarkable inbuilt visual editor feature. So, Webflow stands as the winner of this category. Back to square one!
3. Webflow Vs Shopify: Ease of Use
When comparing different eCommerce platforms, it is imperative to consider the ease of use and user-friendliness of that provider. It helps beginners to get started and learn how to operate their online stores. Which platform, Webflow or Shopify, suits newbies? It is time to check that out.
If you were interested in opting for Webflow after reading the templates library category, you need to reassess. We will tell you why, in this category.
If you are a newbie, you will certainly face some issues while operating Webflow. It would not be very challenging but not that easy as well, especially if we compare it with the user-friendliness of other eCommerce providers.
To start off, you may require some technical knowledge. You may need a little bit of information regarding CSS and HTML because while during the process of building your website, you will be required to access these.
With that being said, there are still various ways through which you can tackle this issue. Firstly, Webflow itself provides you with an ample amount of assistance. There are a number of interactive tutorials offered by them. You can choose your level of proficiency and start learning.
In addition to this, Webflow also has its own Webflow University online. You can access several lectures, videos, and other informative content from there. All of this would allow you to learn how to operate Webflow.
Not only that but when you are making alterations and developing your site, there is an option within your editor through which you can access how-to-videos. These are basically simple tutorials assisting you in completing different tasks.
Undoubtedly, it is not very easy to use Webflow. But, with such amazing and informative resources, you can learn to operate Webflow without any difficulty and in no time.
Let’s see how Shopify fares in this category
In contrast to Webflow, Shopify guarantees you the ease of use you are looking for. For all beginners and newbies, the best way to start an eCommerce store without any hurdle would be to opt for Shopify. In order to set up your shop, you do not need to be extremely proficient in it or be an expert.
Shopify provides you with an already functional online store structure. For this reason, you do not need to develop everything from scratch. All you need to do is to make certain adjustments according to your needs, and you are good to go. You just need a few minutes to establish your own eCommerce store. Isn’t it fascinating?
In addition to this, another issue that most of the users experience is that the templates of most of the platforms are not responsive or well optimized.
This is not the case if you opt for Shopify. This ultimately makes it easier for the new users to choose the templates that are already optimized for all kinds of devices.
Along with that, another major problem faced by most of the users, especially the newbies, is regarding the handling of their product catalog.
Well, Shopify has made things easier for you now. It provides an easy-to-grasp module that seamlessly handles the product catalog. This means that there is nothing to get worried about from your side.
So, our winner in this round stands Shopify, taking a 2-1 lead. Let’s jump right into our fourth main category and assess who does better in it.
4. Webflow Vs Shopify: Pricing
Pricing is one of the main categories and factors that is taken into account by most of the users out there. No matter if you are a newbie or an experienced user in this field, pricing plays a significant role in determining which eCommerce platform to opt for. Which platform is worth the money you spend? Want to find out? Keep on reading for a detailed comparison in this regard!
With Webflow, you can expect to get an approach of variable pricing. You can compare the pricing plan of Webflow with other major eCommerce platforms out there, and you will notice that Webflow provides better features at more reasonable prices.
If we talk about paid plans, Webflow offers two major groups of plans. These are the Account and Site plans, both of which are then further split into four groups of subscriptions, namely, (eCommerce, Website, Team, and Individual Plan).
In this comparison, our main concern would be to discuss the eCommerce plan so that you can make a well-informed decision in this regard.
- Standard- $29: All of the features that are provided in the CMS plan. These may include custom domain, 100 pages, 100,000 monthly visits, 2000 collection items, CDN, 3 content editors, and much more.
Along with that, you also get email customization, custom checkout and shopping cart, integrated CMS for blogs, and a 2% transaction fee. This plan is certainly ideal for new enterprises and businesses.
- Plus – $74: Covers all of the features of Business Plan, provides 10 staff accounts, offers unbranded emails, and has zero transaction fee.
If you are a larger business and want to scale and grow your enterprise, this plan may help you cater to your needs.
- Advanced – $212: Provides all of the Business Plan features along with 15 staff accounts and unlimited yearly sales volumes.
If you own a web-based business and want to grow it to a whole new level, this advanced paid plan of Webflow can be perfect for you.
Here’s how Shopify prices its services.
There are around four main paid subscription plans offered by Shopify. These are based upon the complexity and size of the web store required by you. These plans are referred to as Shopify Lite, Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify.
One of the best things about these plans is that they offer a number of different features required by different levels of needs. For instance, if you are an expert, you may need more complex and advanced features, whereas if you are a newbie, you would just require basic features.
Shopify takes this thing into consideration, and therefore they have offered various plans that can help fulfill every users’ needs.
- Shopify Lite- $9 per month: Unlimited products, more than 70 payment gateways, sales tracking, global tax and currency support, and much more.
Ideal for users who want to link their existing website to Shopify.
- Basic Shopify- $29 per month: Offers blog and website integrations and provides a free SSL Certificate connection, along with various other top-level features.
Perfect for those who have a simple and unadorned store.
- Shopify- $79 per month: Includes gift card, professional reporting feature, and much more.
Best for scaling a web-based business.
- Advanced Shopify- $299 per month: Provides real-time carrier shipping, premier report builder, and different tools to grow your online business.
It is tough to declare any one of these platforms as a winner in this category. However, as Shopify tends to provide more top-notch features in various paid plans, it gets another point. At this stage, Shopify is winning with a 3-1 lead.
5. Webflow Vs Shopify: Integrations
Integrations are vital if you want your online store to operate efficiently and in a better manner. Therefore, when choosing an eCommerce platform, make sure to carefully identify which providers offer more integrations and features.
Unquestionably, Webflow has a remarkable integrated functionality, and you can utilize it for various phenomenal options of website creation. In fact, if compared with other alternatives, Webflow performs quite well in this regard.
You can leverage its premier integration options, top-notch customization tools, an effective blogging feature, and HTML/CSS editor. This ultimately makes it easier for you to integrate custom HTML codes into the footer and header of a particular website you are working on.
In addition to this, the Webflow integration system also integrates with different services such as Lottie, After Effects, and Zapier. All of these help you enhance the performance of your website.
Let’s see what Shopify offers in this regard.
If you really want to boost and improve your online store’s performance, you need to utilize Shopify’s option of integration with third-party services. Not only does it allow you to integrate with various services, but you can also integrate with renowned accounting software such as Quickbooks and Xero.
In addition to this, with the help of Shopify, you can easily integrate top-class reporting features, various trading solutions, blogs, and different external widgets.
You can also access the app store of Shopify, whereby you can opt for various third-party widgets or add ons and integrate them. These can be free as well as paid.
Moreover, if you want to offer 3D product visualization so that your customers can have a better understanding of your product, you can make use of the augmented reality tool provided by Shopify. It will not only enhance the performance of your store but will also improve the customer experience.
Taking into consideration the points mentioned above, we think that Shopify does better in this category. With that being said, Webflow is also proving to be a tough competitor. So, it is 4-1 at this stage, and Shopify is well ahead of Webflow.
6. Webflow Vs Shopify: Customer Support
There is no denying the fact that customer support is a very vital component of an eCommerce store and online business in general. It has to be prompt because if you are facing any issue with the store, it should be solved immediately.
In case if it does not, then chances are that you might lose sales and potential customers. Let’s find out which platforms provide an up-to-the-mark customer support service.
You can access the customer service page of Webflow by clicking on their “Help” function. There you will be able to solve your query through various options. These may include:
- Live chat with the support team
- FAQs
- Asking a question in Webflow University
- Complete different courses where you think you need improvement
- Search resources by various topics
You can also ask for help through Webflow’s community forum. There, other users will assist you in solving your query.
In addition to this, there is an email support option as well. You will most probably get a response to your email within 24 to 48 business hours. The support team is available from Monday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm PST.
Let’s take a look at the support options provided by Shopify.
The Shopify customer support is a bit different and better in comparison to other alternatives. It is divided into three major areas.
- Help Center: You can read and get help from a number of self-help resources related to various topics.
- Community Forums: You can get help from other Shopify users concerning your issue.
- Theme & API documentation: This basically covered all of those areas that are linked to the Shopify development
In addition to this, you can also get in touch with the Support Service 24/7. This is something to consider when comparing with Webflow as Webflow only offers customer support 5 days a week and at particular times.
You can contact the support service through live chat, phone, or email. Also, there are different guides, blogs, and podcasts that deal with various eCommerce issues. So, you can look at those as well.
In this round, our clear winner is Shopify. It is because of its 24/7 customer support service that Webflow does not provide. So, in the end, the final score is Shopy 5 and Webflow 1.
Final Thoughts
After comparing both the eCommerce platforms in detail, we can certainly assert that Shopify is a better option than Webflow. No matter if you are a beginner or an expert, Shopify is going to prove to be a viable eCommerce platform for you.
Having said that, we can still not ignore the brilliance of Webflow. It is a remarkable eCommerce platform out there that can offer your amazing features at reasonable price packages. In fact, if compared with other alternatives in the market, Webflow is way ahead of them.
Finally, if you want an all-in-one solution, there can not be a better option than Shopify. However, if you are only concerned with templates, then your go-to option should be Webflow.
