Shopify vs. Magento - Which is the Best CMS?

Shopify and Magento host many top retailers across the world. And this prompts us to want to help our readers to learn how to choose the best eCommerce solution. If you are wondering whether you need to use Shopify or Magento, read on for these content management systems’ main similarities and differences.

Popularity

Since the creation of Magento in 2004, it has been the most popular platform for eCommerce stores. But Shopify has witnessed a significant increase in use over recent years, and it currently supports about 21% of eCommerce stores. The platform has made a name as an easy to use CMS. On the other hand, Magento is popularly known as a flexible platform that offers tailor-made services to its users. It currently powers 12% of eCommerce stores and 1.2% of the internet.

Online Store Functionality

These two content management systems provide basic store functionalities that retailers can use. Both of them feature checkout modules, shopping carts, product pages, and collection. However, Magento has far more intermediate and advanced in-built online store features. Due to these, retailers often find it easier to set up Shopify than Magento. But you can only extend Shopify functionality by getting an app.

Coding

Shopify and PHP use different coding languages, and the amount of coding knowledge they require varies significantly. Shopify uses Liquid, but Magento utilizes PHP. Moreover, Shopify is propriety, while Magento is open-source software. When making your decision, know the coding language, as it determines what you can do with your store.

Hosting

The company hosts Shopify, while Magento is self-hosted. As such, you have to pay a third-party hosting service to use it. Since hosting can affect the site speed, the number of products your site can handle, and the storage, Magento can be an excellent solution for people looking for a platform that allows them to choose a hosting service that fits their unique business needs.

Shipping Charges

Both Shopify and Magento have advanced features that calculate shipping charges. If you want a platform that also features some dropshipping tools and highly accurate shipping calculators, Shopify can be the most ideal.

Payment Gateway Options

Shopify supports more than 70 payment gateways. Magento, on the other hand, has a significantly lower number of gateway options. But you can add more gateways to this store via third-party add-ons, which you can see as an advantage. With Magento, you have the freedom to add gateways of your choice. Shopify has several built-in gateway options, but that can be a disadvantage to individuals who want the freedom to add their preferred payment gateway options.

Final Thoughts

Magento and Shopify are the most popular eCommerce platforms. So, you can choose one of them if you want a service that users approve. But before opting for the ideal option, consider that the option that works best depends on your expertise, budget, and goals. As such, when choosing between Magento and Shopify, you need to weigh what is essential to your business.

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