Joomla Vs Shopify: Which Is A Better E-commerce Solution? [One-side answer]

When comparing Joomla vs Shopify as eCommerce platforms, Shopify undoubtedly comes out on top. Why? Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform, designed specifically for online sellers. Every feature is optimized for eCommerce. Joomla, on the other hand, is a versatile CMS that caters to a broader audience, not just online sellers. While it includes eCommerce capabilities, its primary focus is not solely on online selling. Therefore, in terms of eCommerce functionality, Shopify excels over Joomla.

However, both platforms have their unique strengths. Depending on your needs, Joomla might offer features that are crucial for you. For a detailed comparison between Shopify vs Joomla, read on to find out which platform best suits your requirements.

Table of Contents

• Joomla Vs Shopify: Quick Assessment
• Key Differences Between Joomla Vs Shopify
• Ease of Use
• Website Templates
• Extensions and Apps
• Pricing
• Mobile Optimization
• Payment Gateways and Transaction Fees
• SEO Features
• Security
• Joomla Vs Shopify: When To Choose For Your Business?
• Conclusion

Joomla Vs Shopify: Quick Assessment

Both Joomla and Shopify can build and oversee websites. Even so, their main goals and intended audience vary:

• Joomla: Joomla functions as an open-source content management system. Users can construct and oversee websites and online applications through its functionality. The content is stored using a MySQL or PostgreSQL database and is coded in PHP. Joomla is renowned for its versatility. Many websites use it, ranging from tiny personal blogs to extensive corporate and government websites.
• Shopify: Shopify is a platform for conducting business transactions online. It allows people and companies to establish internet-based shops for selling goods. It is a solution that is hosted. This indicates that Shopify takes care of the website hosting, security, and all technical elements. This enables users to concentrate on overseeing their store and products.

To understand more about these 2 e-commerce solutions, let’s compare them:

Key Differences Between Joomla Vs Shopify

Now, we will arrange, next to each other, Shopify vs Joomla. We will compare them extensively in the following direct comparison.

Ease of Use

• Shopify: Shopify simplifies the process of developing and controlling a website. Technical skills are not necessary. Simply create a Shopify account, choose a subscription, and you’re ready to start. The Shopify dashboard is easy to use, providing simple guidance to help you begin. This feature results in the platform being extremely easy to use.
• Joomla: Joomla makes it easier to create and distribute blog posts and web pages. Simply select the category, compose your text, and then press a button to post it online. Besides, technical expertise is necessary when utilizing intricate functions in Joomla. If you lack these skills, you have the option to use plugins. It is crucial to select plugins cautiously as some may contain glitches or function poorly. Through proper investigation, it is possible to discover outstanding Joomla add-ons that can improve your website.

Verdict: Shopify is more user-friendly for novices in comparison to Joomla. It provides easy-to-use website creation features that are simple for anyone to use.

Website Templates

• Shopify: Shopify provides many customizable themes for your website. There are a total of 80 themes available for download, with 10 being free and 70 requiring payment. All designs are optimized for mobile devices and feature tidy coding. To achieve further customization, you can familiarize yourself with the Liquid programming language.
• Joomla: Joomla lacks its own collection of templates. Yet, third-party templates are also an option for you to use. Many Joomla themes can be found on the internet. Some are free, some need a single payment, and some operate on a subscription model. Adding these templates to your Joomla site is straightforward.

Verdict: Shopify wins because it provides a wide variety of templates on its theme store.

Extensions and Apps

• Shopify: Shopify users have access to a variety of apps. There are more than 2,000 in total, aiming to boost sales on their website. Indeed, more than 80% of Shopify merchants use these apps on the eCommerce platform. The Shopify App Store is the top choice for finding third-party developers.
• Joomla: Joomla, similar to Shopify, offers a diverse range of plugins. There are currently 10,000 extensions available in the Extensions Directory. Installing all extensions in Joomla is extremely simple, and there is no restriction on the number of them you can include.

Verdict: Joomla barely edges out Shopify because of its larger selection of extensions.

Pricing

• Shopify: Shopify provides three primary packages:
• Basic Shopify: $29/month, good for new stores.
• Standard Shopify: $79/month, suitable for growing businesses.
• Advanced Shopify: $299/month, for larger companies that need detailed reporting.
• Joomla: Joomla is free to download and use. However, you still need to cover costs for a domain name and web hosting.

Verdict: Joomla wins on pricing since it is free, though you must still pay for hosting and domain.

Mobile Optimization

• Shopify: Shopify functions effectively on all devices. Templates adapt automatically.
• Joomla: Joomla works on mobile devices too, but performs better with optimization extensions.

Verdict: Shopify wins with built-in mobile optimization.

Payment Gateways and Transaction Fees

• Shopify: Shopify vendors can access Shopify Payments, which removes the need for third-party gateways. However, it is not available in all countries.
• Joomla: To handle payments, Joomla requires extensions like PayPal or Digistore Connect. Transaction fees usually start around $0.30 per transaction.

Verdict: Joomla is better here since PayPal is widely known and trusted.

SEO Features

• Shopify: Shopify provides essential SEO tools, plus more via apps. It allows easy meta tag editing, generates sitemaps, and integrates with social media.
• Joomla: Joomla is excellent for SEO but requires more manual setup. With effort, it can rank well. Extensions like Easy Frontend SEO make it easier.

Verdict: Shopify is better due to easier SEO tools.

Security

• Shopify: Meets PCI level 1 compliance, provides SSL, fraud prevention, and a Whitehat program for bug reporting.
• Joomla: Security depends largely on third-party extensions. SSL and security extensions are available, but frequent updates are essential.

Verdict: Shopify provides stronger built-in security measures.

Joomla Vs Shopify: When To Choose For Your Business?

Considering the pros and cons of each e-commerce solution will help you decide better. Here is a pros and cons table we have made:

Below, we have broken down 2 cases to choose between Joomla vs Shopify. Take note to choose the more suitable for your business:

Select Joomla if:

• Flexibility and customization are essential. Joomla offers the ability to personalize your site with a variety of features.
• You have technical expertise or have developers on hand. Joomla is a superior choice for those with web development skills.
• You are looking to create intricate websites. Joomla is ideal for large websites that contain extensive content.
• Multilingual Support is Essential. Joomla makes it easy to support many languages.
• You lean towards open-source options. Joomla is free. The expenses are primarily for hosting, domain, and premium extensions or templates. This could save money if you handle it properly.
• SEO is essential. Joomla offers powerful SEO tools to improve search engine placement.

Select Shopify if:

• You desire a user-friendly platform. Shopify is easy to start with and use. It requires no technical skills.
• You’re concentrating on e-commerce. Shopify is designed for Internet shops. It provides all essential e-commerce capabilities.
• Quick setup is required. Shopify allows a speedy launch of your online store.
• You are looking for included features. Shopify has mobile optimization, SSL, and PCI compliance.
• You are seeking scalability. Shopify can expand alongside your company. It provides a range of options.
• You need dependable assistance. Shopify offers round-the-clock customer support and many resources.

Conclusion

Overall, Joomla and Shopify provide distinct benefits for online businesses. Joomla is excellent for its flexibility and ability to be customized. In the meantime, Shopify stands out for its simplicity and included features.

Two elements determine your decision between Joomla vs Shopify:

1. Your level of technical expertise.
2. The objectives of your business.