Shopify vs WooCommerce for Singapore stores
Comparison · 7 min read · Updated 5 Oct 2026
Shopify or WooCommerce for your Singapore store? Compare costs, control, PayNow and card payments, and which platform suits your business and skills.Shopify and WooCommerce are two common ways to sell online. Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on your products, your team and how much control or convenience you want. Platform features and fees change, so confirm current details on each platform’s own site before deciding.
The short version
- Shopify is a hosted platform: one monthly subscription covers hosting, security and updates, and you add features through apps and themes. It tends to suit people who want to start quickly and avoid server management.
- WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress that you host yourself or through a host. It gives more control and flexibility, with more responsibility for hosting, updates and security.
Side by side
| Topic | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Included | You arrange it (managed WordPress hosting is common) |
| Setup effort | Lower; themes and apps do much of the work | Higher; WordPress, theme and plugins to configure |
| Control and customisation | Strong within the platform’s rules; deeper changes use theme code or apps | Very flexible; you control the code and database |
| Maintenance | Platform handles core updates and security | You or your provider manage updates, backups and security |
| Ongoing costs | Plan subscription, paid apps, transaction fees depending on setup | Hosting, premium plugins, maintenance |
| Content / blogging | Adequate | Strong, since it runs on WordPress |
| Scaling traffic | Handled by the platform | Depends on your hosting setup |
Where the effort lands
Themes and apps do much of the work.
WordPress, theme and plugins to configure.
Platform handles core updates and security.
You or your provider manage upkeep.
Payments in Singapore
Both platforms can accept card payments through major gateways, and Singapore merchants commonly look at options such as Stripe and HitPay, including local methods like PayNow. Availability, supported methods and fees differ by platform, payment provider and your plan or setup. Shopify’s own checkout and third-party gateways can carry different fee arrangements, so check the current pricing and supported payment methods with each provider before committing.
Who each tends to suit
Shopify may fit if you…
- want to launch quickly and not manage servers
- sell physical products with a standard checkout
- prefer predictable maintenance and a managed experience
WooCommerce may fit if you…
- already run a WordPress site and want to add a shop
- need unusual product rules, custom checkout logic or deep control
- have a developer or partner who will maintain it
Who each tends to suit
| Shopify | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Fits if you | Want a fast start, no servers | Already run WordPress |
| Also suits | Standard checkout, physical products | Custom rules or deep control |
| Needs | Plan, apps and fees | A developer or partner |
Questions to ask before choosing
- How many products and variants do I have now, and in a year?
- Which payment methods do my customers expect (cards, PayNow, others)?
- Who will maintain the store day to day?
- Do I need subscriptions, memberships, B2B pricing or custom features?
- What is the total monthly cost once apps or plugins and hosting are included?
- How easily can I export my products, customers and orders if I move later?
Get it set up
Either platform needs good product photos, clear copy, shipping rules and tracking at launch. Prefer not to manage this yourself? See what Website.sg includes or talk to us. See also the website cost guide.
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