Adobe Commerce, Shopify, or Shopware: Which E-commerce platform is better?
Webshops are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to present your products in different regions or even worldwide. Well-known brands have experience with different software (Ford, Volkswagen – Adobe Commerce; AIDA Cruises, ARMEDANGELS – Shopware; Gymshark, Kylie Cosmetics – Shopify).
You need to choose a specific shop system before you create your shop. This is an important step on which your future success depends. You should not only consider how you offer products or services and process orders, but also easy navigation, fast loading times, and a positive shopping experience. The selected platform should grow with your business and adapt quickly to new processes. In our article, we describe the most popular e-commerce systems on the English and German markets.
Which software is popular on the global market?
If we compare the number of users in the global e-commerce market five years ago and today, we see a rapid increase (from 1,500 to 2,500 million). According to Statista, this figure will exceed 3,500 million by 2029. This underscores the fact that people are increasingly buying goods online. That is why e-commerce business is trending. Companies just need to develop a strategy and choose the right software for their shop.
A Google Trends study for 2020 shows how often Shopify, Adobe Commerce (Magento), and Shopware are used in the English-speaking market (in the US). Here we see that Shopify always dominates.
When we compare the data shown above with the survey for the last 12 months, we notice some differences. Although Adobe Commerce (Magento) and Shopware have remained almost unchanged, the use of Shopify in the US is slightly higher than it was five years ago. It is stable and remains at almost the same level.
When comparing e-commerce platforms in Germany (as of 2020), Shopify stands out as the leader. Shopware is a strong competitor. At the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020, it dominated Shopify. In mid-2020, Shopify is becoming increasingly popular.
If we look at the comparison for the last 12 months, we see almost the same situation. Magento (Adobe Commerce) is being used less and less. Although Shopware remains in second place, it is losing popularity. Shopify is the most popular in both English- and German-speaking countries. This may be due to its simplicity and ease of use for beginners. The shop system is easy to get started with. That is why online retailers are increasingly turning to this option.
All shop systems have their own strengths. Shopify stands out for its smooth start-up. Adobe Commerce guarantees great business performance. Shopware can be seen as the perfect balance of cost-efficiency, scalability, and flexibility. If you analyze all the pros and cons of these shop systems, you are sure to make the right decision. It should definitely be the best solution for your online shop.
Comparison of E-Commerce-Software
We have compiled the strengths and weaknesses of three shop systems to help you make your decision. Take a look at the table showing the most important features of each platform. Here you will also find information on which business goals they are particularly well suited to.
| E-Commerce Platform | Advantages | Disadvantages | Who is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopware | Open-Source-Software Free Community Edition Easy setup and management of online shops Wide range of functions, especially for B2B customers Large Shopware community, comprehensive documentation Simple, intuitive backend Possibility of integrating third-party systems |
High costs for themes and plugins | B2B and B2C customers, for growing companies |
| Shopify | 3-month trial period for €1 per month No hosting costs Simple, user-friendly backend Sales and management features on Facebook, Instagram |
Restrictions on the URL structure Transaction fees when using external payment providers Phone and email support only for Shopify Plus users |
For small to medium-sized businesses |
| Adobe Commerce (Magento) | Free Magento open source solution Improved security through two-factor authentication (2FA) Extensive SEO features Responsives Frontend Strong, active community |
Complex setup Slow loading times High setup and maintenance costs |
For B2B and B2C sectors, for scalable companies |
Shopware vs Shopify: The most important differences
A comparison of the two platforms shows that Shopify is more often used by beginners and smaller companies. Creating and customizing web shops is very easy thanks to the drag-and-drop interface. However, it does not offer as extensive B2B functions as Shopware. Customer support for Shopify is mainly limited to live chat. Comprehensive support is only provided to users who use an expensive plan (Shopify Plus). Shopware offers professional support for Beyond and Evolve plans. Users of the free solution can rely on a strong community and informative documentation. Shopify does not offer a free plan, but you can use Shopware for free as a Community Edition. Shopify plans are not that expensive, but you always have to pay additional transaction fees. With Shopware, you pay for the plan and nothing more.
Shopify vs Adobe Commerce (Magento)
From a technical perspective, Shopify is much simpler and easier to understand. Although Adobe Commerce can be better adapted to customer requirements, it requires specialist knowledge. With Shopify, the customization options are limited. You have to purchase plugins and themes for this. Magento Open Source can be used free of charge, but there are costs for hosting and additional extensions. Shopify does not offer any free plans. A comparison of the e-commerce software shows that Adobe Commerce offers advanced features and is better suited for growing businesses. Shopify is a better solution for a quick start.
Shopware vs Adobe Commerce (Magento)
Both e-commerce systems offer free versions, allowing beginners to familiarize themselves with the platform without any problems. Shopware is easier to understand for customers without technical knowledge. Managing Magento shops is more difficult. Both shop systems are adaptable. Magento is very popular among developers. Customers can only make simple adjustments themselves. Shopware offers the Experience Worlds feature, which allows users to create their own landing pages with customizable elements. This gives Shopware the advantage.
Extensions in cost comparison
If we compare the most frequently used plugins for Shopware, Magento, and Shopify online stores, we can recommend the cheapest e-commerce platform. For example, if you operate a Shopware store with Community Edition, you should spend $616 on plugins. With the Evolve Plan, the costs amount to at least €2,618 per month, excluding transaction fees. This includes the costs for the plan itself and extensions. For online shops based on Adobe Commerce (Magento), the cheapest plugins cost around $575 per month, excluding transaction fees. If you add the price of the desired plan and transaction fees, you get the total amount you have to pay for your online shop.
| Extensions | Prices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopware | Shopify | Adobe Commerce | |
| B2B functions | B2B Suite - available in Evolve and Beyond plans (€2,400 - €6,500/month per plan) B2B Sellers Suite (€399 - €699/month) |
SparkLayer B2B & Wholesale ($49 - $299/month) | Amasty B2B E-commerce Premium Solution ($2,529 - $3,129/year) |
| Amazon Integration | Amazon Pay (free) | CS Amazon Product Sync ($14 - $89/month) | CedCommerce Amazon Magento 2 Integration ($1,399/year) |
| Stripe Integration | Stripe Payments (free) + transaction fees from €0.35 to 3.5% + €0.30 (depending on the payment method and country) |
Shopify Payments powered by Stripe (Already integrated into the platform – free) EasyPie Strapi Checkout & Subscriptions ($450–$1,950) + transaction fees 0.5%–2% + from $0.35 to 3.5% + $0.30 (depending on the payment method and country) |
Stripe Payments (free) + transaction fees from €0.35 to 3.5% + €0.30 (depending on the payment method and country) |
| Merchandising functions | Pickware ERP (€99 - €299/month) | Pickware ERP (€89) | SAP Business One (from €70/month) |
| PayPal | Free + transaction fees 2.99% + €0.39 |
Free + transaction fees 0.5%–2% + 2.99% + $0.39 PayFlow fees $30/month + $0.10 per transaction Domestic transaction fees +1.29%–1.99% (depending on region) |
Free + transaction fees 2.99% + €0.39 |
| Mailchimp | Mailchimp Sync (€5/month) | Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing (Free – $350/month) | From €49 |
| Google Shopping Feed | From €14.90 | From $4.99 - $17.99/month | Free – $229 |
| Elasticsearch | €99/month | Free | $929/year |
To make the right choice, you need to compare the costs with the expected revenue. Shopify is a good fit for SMEs with annual revenue of up to €1–2 million. With revenue of €500,000, Shopify is definitely the best option. Shopware is suitable for companies with slightly higher revenues (from €1 million to €50 million). Magento (Adobe Commerce) is more suitable for companies with annual revenues of €2-5 million. Some online retailers with revenues over €5 million also use Shopware Beyond and Evolve plans and are satisfied.
Which e-commerce software should you choose?
When choosing a shop system, you need to consider many factors (company size, budget, business requirements, customer needs). Shopify positions itself as a simple, understandable solution for beginners. Adobe Commerce (Magento) guarantees high business performance. Shopware combines cost efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. If you choose it, you will never encounter the limitations of Shopify or the complexity and incomprehensibility of Magento.
To choose the right solution, you must familiarize yourself with the included features. If these are sufficient for your business and the shop system can grow with your business, then it is the best option for you. It is important to consider whether the support is adequate and what language is spoken. Take these points into account before making a decision.
Since the success of your business depends on the choice of e-commerce platform, you cannot afford to make a mistake. You need to analyze all the pros and cons in advance. If you are unable to deal with this information on your own and have questions, contact Kenner Soft. We will be happy to advise you and help you choose the right solution.
FAQ
- What limitations can arise when using Shopify?
Shopify offers limited customization options. You have to pay extra for advanced features and higher transaction fees for non-Shopify Payments users.
- For which companies is Shopware best suited?
Shopware is the best solution for medium-sized and larger companies with a turnover of up to €50 million. .
