E-commerce platform comparison: Magento vs Shopify
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a strategic decision: it shapes your costs, your growth and your ability to connect to your systems (ERP, CRM, PIM). Here is our comparison of Magento 2 (Adobe Commerce) and Shopify.
Our conclusion, after 25 years of experience: Shopify lets you launch a small store quickly, but Magento is the platform for ambitious online stores that want full control, custom features, multi-store and B2B, without being limited by a closed platform.
Comparison chart
Magento
Built to grow with your business
- Total control of code, data and hosting
- Customization without platform-imposed limits
- Multi-store, multi-language and multi-currency
- Advanced B2B features with Adobe Commerce
- Scalability for large catalogs and traffic peaks
- Rich APIs (REST, GraphQL) and headless/PWA approach
- Proven ERP, CRM and PIM integrations
- Large marketplace of certified extensions
Shopify
Hosted solution: simple to get started
- Quick setup, hosting included
- Simple interface for small stores
- Wide choice of themes and apps
- Monthly subscription and transaction fees depending on the plan
- Customization framed by the platform (Liquid language, limited checkout)
- Paid apps often needed for advanced requirements
- Less suited to complex catalogs, custom B2B and deep integrations
Main differences between Magento and Shopify
Control and customization
With Magento, you control the code, the data and the hosting, and you adapt every feature to your business. Shopify sets its own framework: customization goes through its themes, apps and Liquid language, with limits on the checkout process.
Scalability and catalogs
Magento is built for large catalogs and heavy traffic variations. Shopify works well for simple stores, but becomes restrictive as needs grow more complex.
Multi-store, international and B2B
Magento manages several stores, languages, currencies and taxes from a single admin, and Adobe Commerce adds B2B features: company accounts, negotiated catalogs and prices, quote requests.
Integrations
Magento’s APIs and open architecture make it easy to connect to your ERP, CRM and PIM to automate inventory, orders and product data.
Costs
Shopify runs on a subscription, with transaction fees and paid apps depending on your needs. Magento requires a higher initial investment and specialized expertise, but you stay in control of your solution and avoid the limits of a closed platform.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Both platforms allow SEO optimization. Magento offers fine control over URLs, tags and structured data, which matters when the catalog is large.
Already using Shopify and ready for Magento?
PWM helps you migrate smoothly from Shopify to Magento 2: products, customers and orders, preserved SEO, integration with your systems. Discover our Magento expertise or request a free audit.
Discover our other comparisons: Magento vs PrestaShop | Magento vs WooCommerce
This comparison was updated on November 7, 2026. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please do not hesitate to contact us. Magento™ and Adobe Commerce™ are trademarks of Adobe Inc. Shopify™ is a trademark of Shopify Inc.
See also: if Shopify fits your project, discover our Shopify agency service.
