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Shopify vs Custom code
Shopify for a store that runs on its own. Custom code, often on top of Shopify, when the shopping experience has to do something a theme cannot.
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So, which one?
Each is the better pick for a different team. Here’s which.
Shopify is usually better if
- A standard store is enough
- You want it live quickly
- You’d rather not maintain code
Custom code is usually better if
- Shopping needs custom logic
- The site shares parts with your product
- You have developers to own it
Which way each one leans
The middle means it’s even.
ShopifyCustom codeStandard stores, quickly
Best forEvenUnusual or product-linked shopping
Fast with a theme
Speed to launchLeans ShopifySlower to start, no ceiling after
Within the theme
Design freedomLeans Custom codeTotal
Everything built in
CommerceEvenUsually Shopify’s engine, headless
Handled by Shopify
UpkeepLeans ShopifyYour code to maintain
More comparisons
- Framer vs WebflowFramer if a design-led team wants to launch fast and keep shipping pages. Webflow if a marketing team will run a large, structured site.
- Webflow vs WordPressWebflow if a marketing team wants a fast, tidy site without plugins. WordPress if an editorial team already lives in it, or needs its ecosystem.
- Webflow vs Custom codeWebflow if marketing needs to change the site without a developer. Custom code if the site has to share parts or logins with your product, or do what no builder can.
Want a second opinion on your stack?
Tell us who will run the site and what it has to do. We’ll say which we’d pick, and why.
Most teams start with a call. Some start with a fixed-price sprint.
The people you’d work with, from the first call to launch