Magento vs Shopify: Which Platform is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your online business. Two of the biggest players in the game are Magento and Shopify.
At Envisage Digital, we’ve worked extensively with both platforms and know first-hand how each can empower your growth, depending on your goals.
To make your decision easier, we’ve had eCommerce pro,
Brandon Jones, take a look at the pros and cons of Magento vs Shopify, drawing on over a decade of experience delivering high-performing eCommerce solutions.
“We’ve helped businesses scale from kitchen-table startups to multi-million-pound operations on both platforms,” says Brandon Jones, Director at Envisage Digital. “But which one we recommend always comes down to the business’s unique needs, budget and growth ambitions.”
Magento (Magento Open Source & Adobe Commerce)
Magento is an open-source platform (with an enterprise-grade paid version under Adobe Commerce) that offers unmatched flexibility. It’s perfect for businesses that need a fully custom solution and are ready to invest in long-term scalability.
Pros:
Full Customisation:
You can customise every aspect of your store, from the checkout process to backend workflows.
Scalability:
Magento is built for growth. It’s used by global brands handling high volumes of traffic and complex product catalogues.
Powerful Integrations:
Whether it’s a bespoke ERP, custom PIM, or advanced shipping logic, Magento handles complex integrations with ease.
Open-Source Freedom:
You own your code and can host your site wherever you want — giving you more control over security, performance, and data.
“Magento is the developer’s playground. If you can imagine it, you can build it — but be prepared to invest in that vision,” says Brandon Jones, Director at Envisage Digital.
Cons:
Higher Development Costs:
With great power comes greater complexity. You’ll need an experienced development team, from an experienced Magento agency, which adds to the cost.
Longer Time to Market:
Custom builds and configurations can take longer to launch compared to plug-and-play platforms.
Ongoing Maintenance:
Magento requires ongoing updates, patches, and server maintenance — this isn't a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Shopify
Shopify
Shopify is a hosted SaaS platform designed for ease of use. It’s ideal for startups, small businesses, or anyone looking to launch quickly without technical overhead.
Pros:
Ease of Use:
Shopify is user-friendly, even for beginners. You can get a store live in hours, not weeks.
All-in-One Hosting
With hosting, security, and updates all handled by Shopify, you can focus purely on running your business.
App Ecosystem
Thousands of apps let you add features quickly — from subscriptions to loyalty programmes.
24/7 Support
Shopify’s round-the-clock support is a safety net for less technical store owners.
“Shopify is perfect if you want to launch fast and focus on sales, not servers,” says Brandon Jones, Director at Envisage Digital. “But it’s not without its limitations.”
Limited Customisation:
While you can do a lot with themes and apps, you won’t have the same deep flexibility as Magento.
Transaction Fees:
Unless you use Shopify Payments, you’ll pay extra transaction fees on top of your monthly plan.
App Dependence:
Many features require third-party apps — which can add up quickly in terms of cost and performance impact.
Not Ideal for Complex Stores:
Multi-storefront, internationalisation, and bespoke integrations can be more challenging (or impossible) without workarounds.
Final Verdict: Magento vs Shopify
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Shopify is fantastic for lean, fast-moving businesses that need simplicity and speed. Magento, on the other hand, is built for ambitious, complex businesses that want complete control and are ready to invest in long-term growth.
"It’s not about which platform is better: it’s about which one fits your business," Brandon concludes. "Shopify and Magento both have their strengths, but the right choice depends on how complex your needs are and where you’re trying to take your business."
At Envisage Digital, we don’t push platforms; we provide tailored guidance based on your business goals, budget, and future roadmap. Whether you need help migrating, building from scratch, or scaling your current store, we’re here to help you choose - and implement - the right solution.
Ready to talk Magento vs Shopify for your business? Contact our expert team today.
Brandon Jones (LinkedIn)
is a technically skilled and highly motivated eCommerce specialist with a strong track record in developing scalable, conversion-focused online stores. His expertise spans both backend platform engineering and frontend optimisation, particularly in speeding up stores through Hyvä Themes and robust SEO practices. Coupled with his thought leadership—evident in numerous blog posts and case studies—he stands out as a trusted voice in the eCommerce development space.
View blogs by Brandon.
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