Operations and responsibility
Shopify takes care of a large part of the platform infrastructure as SaaS. WooCommerce provides more technical control, but requires a deliberate hosting, update and maintenance model. That operational responsibility should be part of the decision.
Customization
WooCommerce can be deeply integrated into WordPress and custom PHP/API logic. Shopify provides a strong ecosystem and APIs, while deliberately enforcing platform boundaries. Depending on the project, those boundaries can simplify development or constrain it.
Content and editorial workflows
When extensive editorial content and commerce need to be tightly connected, WordPress and WooCommerce are often very flexible. Shopify can also manage content, but follows a more commerce-centered platform model.
Integrations
Both platforms provide APIs and integration options. The relevant question is which ERP, PIM, CRM or fulfillment processes must connect and how much custom logic lives outside the shop.
Cost structure
Shopify creates ongoing platform and potentially app fees. WooCommerce shifts more cost into hosting, maintenance and custom development. A fair comparison therefore looks beyond launch cost to several years of operation.
When WooCommerce is more likely to fit
WooCommerce is often strong when content, custom logic, technical control and bespoke data flows are central — provided the project has a disciplined operating model.
When Shopify is more likely to fit
Shopify can be more economical when managed SaaS operations, clear platform standards and a large app ecosystem matter more than maximum infrastructure freedom.
The decision
Feature count is not the deciding factor. What matters is which requirements remain important over time and who will own operations, development and integrations.