Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus are the two platforms most enterprise brands shortlist, but they solve the same problem in very different ways: one gives you full control of the code and infrastructure, the other gives you a fully managed SaaS. Below, we compare them on pricing and total cost of ownership, features, customization, SEO, security, and support, with the latest pricing and feature data.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus (Adobe Commerce was formerly known as Magento), following these key points:
- Pricing & total cost of ownership
- Apps & integrations
- eCommerce features
- Customization & flexibility
- SEO functionality
- Security
- Community & support
- Migrating between the two platforms
Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus: An Overview
If you are weighing Shopify Plus against other top-tier Magento alternatives, it helps to start with how each platform works. Before diving into the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus differences, let’s look at what each one is and who it is built for.
What Is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus operates as a fully hosted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. It handles all the technical responsibilities, such as server management, security updates, and software maintenance. Thanks to this, business owners can concentrate entirely on running and growing their online stores without having to deal with complicated backend tasks.

Many fast-growing brands and enterprises, such as Allbirds, Glossier, Mattel, and Staples, choose Shopify Plus because it combines simplicity, stability, and strong enterprise-level capabilities all in one package. Below is a quick overview of Shopify Plus pros and cons for your consideration. For a deeper look, check out our full Shopify Plus review.
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Pros
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Cons
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– Handle massive traffic and high order volumes without compromising site performance. – Customize your storefront and checkout flexibly through themes, apps, and Shopify Functions. – Get 24/7 priority support from a team that specializes in high-volume businesses, plus guided onboarding. – Access Plus-only tools like Launchpad for scheduled flash sales, along with advanced Shopify Flow automations. – Integrate seamlessly with 21,000+ apps and leading ERP, CRM, and marketing systems. |
– Pay higher monthly fees than standard Shopify plans, which is a significant investment for smaller businesses. – Rely on developers familiar with Shopify Functions and APIs for deeper customizations, such as checkout logic and backend workflows. – Accept platform guardrails: you can’t modify Shopify’s core code or fully control your hosting environment. – Set aside time and resources for training and onboarding. |
What Is Adobe Commerce (Magento)?
On the other hand, Magento, which is now officially known as Adobe Commerce, gives businesses a much greater level of control over their online store’s design, functionality, and infrastructure. Because Adobe Commerce is built on the open-source Magento codebase, companies can customize and modify the platform’s code to fit even the most complex business needs.

This level of flexibility makes it an attractive choice for companies that require very specific customizations or operate in industries with non-standard workflows. Businesses that select Adobe Commerce typically have advanced customization requirements, complex product catalogs, or unique operational processes that may not be as easily supported by more out-of-the-box solutions like Shopify Plus.
Here are the Adobe Commerce pros and cons for your reference:
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Pros
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Cons
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– Customize every part of your store, from layouts to core business logic. – Fine-tune technical SEO with granular control over URLs, metadata, and site architecture. – Run complex B2B operations with a mature, built-in B2B suite. – Manage many websites, brands, and store views from a single installation. – Choose your deployment model: fully managed SaaS, PaaS, or on-premises. |
– Expect a steeper learning curve, especially for non-technical teams. – Plan for longer, more expensive implementations and customizations. – Provide dedicated hosting and DevOps resources on on-premises and PaaS editions. – Budget for license, hosting, extension, and development costs that add up quickly. – Apply regular patches and upgrades on on-premises and PaaS editions. |
Adobe Commerce Editions Explained: SaaS, PaaS, On-Premises & Optimizer
Adobe Commerce is no longer a single product. Today, it comes in several deployment options, and the one you pick changes how much of the platform you have to run yourself:
- Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service (SaaS): A fully managed, multi-tenant SaaS, generally available since June 2025. Adobe handles hosting, scaling, and upgrades, and extensions run as App Builder apps rather than PHP modules in the core.
- Adobe Commerce on Cloud (PaaS): Adobe manages the cloud infrastructure, while you own the codebase and decide when to apply patches and upgrades.
- Adobe Commerce on-premises: You host and manage everything, from servers to security and compliance.
- Adobe Commerce Optimizer: An add-on that brings Adobe’s Edge Delivery Services storefront and merchandising tools to an existing Adobe Commerce backend, without a full re-platform.
Magento Open Source remains the free, self-hosted edition. It shares the same core codebase but lacks Adobe Commerce’s B2B suite, cloud services, and official support. In this article, “Magento” refers to the paid Adobe Commerce platform unless stated otherwise.
Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus: Which Platform Is Right for You?
Both Shopify Plus and Adobe Commerce (previously Magento) are strong contenders for high-growth businesses. However, when we delve deeper into this Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus comparison, it becomes clear that each caters to a distinct audience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and requirements.
To help you quickly grasp the key differences, we’ve created a side-by-side comparison table that evaluates Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus across the most important criteria.
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Criteria
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Shopify Plus
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Adobe Commerce (Magento)
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The Winner
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Pricing & TCO
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From $2,300/month (3-year term) or $2,500/month (1-year term), hosting included
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Quote-based license plus hosting (on PaaS/on-premises), development, and maintenance
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Shopify Plus
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Apps & Integrations
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21,000+ apps with easy plug-and-play setup
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Robust extensions, but more technical to integrate
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Shopify Plus
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eCommerce Features
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Built-in omnichannel, B2B, subscriptions, and Markets
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Advanced capabilities and customizable workflows
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A Tie
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Customization & Flexibility
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Limited backend control
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Full code access on PaaS and on-premises, highly flexible for complex needs
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Adobe Commerce
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SEO Features
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SEO-friendly but some structural limitations
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Advanced SEO features and fine control
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Adobe Commerce
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Security
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Level 1 PCI DSS certified, built-in SSL, fully managed infrastructure
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Managed on SaaS; merchants handle patches and compliance on PaaS/on-premises
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Shopify Plus
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Community & Support
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24/7 priority support, guided onboarding, rich docs
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Strong developer community, ticket-based support
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Shopify Plus
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If you are still sitting on the fence about which platform to go for, the criteria below may help you decide.
Choose Shopify Plus if:
- You want a platform that’s easy to set up and use without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
- Your customization needs can be covered by apps, Shopify Functions, and APIs.
- You’re comfortable using apps and integrations to extend the functionality of your store.
Choose Adobe Commerce (Magento) if:
- You prioritize customization and scalability, and you need a platform that can grow and adapt to your business.
- You have an extensive product catalog or complex inventory management needs.
- You run complex B2B workflows or already use Adobe Experience Cloud products.
- You have the technical expertise to manage and maintain an Adobe Commerce store.
Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership (Shopify Plus wins)
In any enterprise Adobe Commerce vs Shopify evaluation, calculating licensing and hosting overhead reveals significant structural differences.
Shopify Plus Pricing
Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 per month on a three-year term or $2,500 per month on a one-year term. This fee already covers many core services, such as hosting, scaling, security, and upgrades, which would otherwise incur additional costs. It also includes your main store plus up to 9 expansion stores. To see what you get on top of standard plans, read our Shopify vs Shopify Plus comparison.

For larger or more complex businesses, Shopify may replace the flat fee with a variable platform fee based on revenue and business model, with different rates for direct-to-consumer and B2B orders. Shopify doesn’t publish these rates, so you’ll need a quote from its sales team.
Based on our experience, total first-year costs for a Shopify Plus store, including the license, apps, and agency work, often fall between $60,000 and $200,000, depending on project scope and website complexity.
Adobe Commerce Pricing
On the other hand, Adobe Commerce pricing is quote-based. The annual license fee typically depends on your gross merchandise value (GMV), average order value (AOV), the edition you choose, and any optional services. To visualize how much Adobe Commerce costs, please take a look at the following table:
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Types of costs
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Estimated price
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Annual cost
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Mandatory license fees
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$22,000 – $125,000+ per year (based on GMV/AOV)
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Hosting infrastructure
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Included in SaaS & PaaS (external for on-premises)
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Development & maintenance
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$10 – $200/hour, or up to $120,000/year (agency/in-house)
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SEO & marketing tools
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$25 – $1,200+ per year (plugins, integrations)
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Optional/One-time costs
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Domain name
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$10 – $20/year
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Themes
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$0 – $499 (depending on design needs)
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Extensions (modules)
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$0 – $100,000 (based on functionality required)
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Adobe doesn’t publish list prices; figures are current industry estimates.
From our experience, an Adobe Commerce build typically ranges from $122,000 to $450,000. The exact cost can vary significantly depending on the agencies or partners involved and the level of complexity regarding features, integrations, and customizations.
Costs also differ by edition (see Adobe Commerce editions above). Adobe Commerce on Cloud (PaaS) typically runs from $40,000 to $200,000 per year, including cloud hosting, while Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service and Optimizer are also priced by quote.
Total Cost of Ownership Over 3 Years
License fees are only part of the picture. Over three years, what you spend on implementation, maintenance, and the team needed to run the platform usually matters more. Here’s how the main cost areas compare in Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus:
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Cost area
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Shopify Plus
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Adobe Commerce
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Platform license
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Fixed monthly fee, or a variable fee for larger businesses
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Annual license based on GMV/AOV
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Hosting & infrastructure
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Included
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Included on SaaS and PaaS; paid separately on-premises
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Implementation
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Faster builds using themes and apps
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Longer builds with more custom development
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Apps & extensions
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Monthly app subscriptions
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One-time or annual extension licenses, plus integration work
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Upgrades & patches
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Automatic, at no extra cost
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Automatic on SaaS; manual developer work on PaaS and on-premises
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Team
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Smaller in-house team or agency
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Dedicated developers or a long-term agency partner
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A study commissioned by Shopify found that its total cost of ownership is, on average, 29% better than Adobe Commerce’s, driven by lower implementation, platform, and operating costs. Since the study comes from Shopify, treat it as a reference point rather than a guarantee. Still, real-world results point the same way: Shopify reports that Bombas saved $108,000 a year in platform costs after moving from Adobe Commerce.
The verdict
In the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus pricing battle, Shopify Plus takes the lead, regardless of which Adobe edition you choose. Beyond the lower entry price, Shopify Plus usually delivers a lower total cost of ownership because hosting, security, and upgrades are bundled in, while Adobe Commerce demands greater investment in development and platform upkeep.
Apps & Integrations (Shopify Plus wins)
When it comes to apps & integrations between Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, Shopify has already shone with its massive app store, which is available for merchants on all pricing plans. It offers 21,000+ apps that can significantly enhance a brand’s tech stack. Features like wishlists, loyalty programs, tracking, and personalization are readily available from numerous top-tier vendors, making implementation much quicker than Adobe Commerce.
While Shopify’s extensive app marketplace is a significant advantage, enterprise businesses often have specialized or unique needs that pre-built apps cannot address. This is where Shopify Plus’s robust APIs excel, offering features such as:
- ERP integration allows you to connect your Shopify store seamlessly with your Enterprise Resource Planning system, synchronizing inventory, orders, customer data, and financial information.
- Shopify Flow enables the automation of complex business processes, such as tiered pricing logic or bulk order fulfillment.
- Shopify Functions let developers customize backend logic, such as discounts, shipping, payments, and checkout validation, to meet unique enterprise requirements.

Next, let’s talk about Adobe Commerce. You can extend your store’s functionality by installing extensions from the Adobe Commerce Marketplace. There are a variety of selections for you to choose from, including payment gateways, shipping, marketing, fulfillment, etc. On Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service, extensions run as App Builder apps from Adobe Exchange rather than PHP modules installed in the core.

Integrating with Adobe Experience Cloud products can also enhance the capabilities of your online stores. This is a powerful ecosystem of marketing, analytics, and personalization tools.

The Verdict
When putting Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus together, Shopify Plus wins this round with its wide range of pre-built solutions. Even if you want customized apps for your own business, Shopify Plus can easily fulfill your requirements, too.
eCommerce Features (A tie)
You can’t skip out on the eCommerce features to get your business running smoothly (we’ve also covered the full list of Shopify Plus features separately). So, in the competitive race between Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, which platform wins in this aspect?
Before going into the details, let’s take a quick overview of all the eCommerce features offered by both Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus:
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Features
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Verdict
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Inventory & products
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Shopify Plus is the go-to option for ease of use and a streamlined approach. For businesses that require extensive product customization, Adobe Commerce offers more power but potentially more complexity to manage.
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Multistore management
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Shopify Plus is generally easier to manage, while Adobe Commerce caters to very large and complex operations.
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Internationalization
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Adobe Commerce offers deep customization but demands technical expertise. Shopify Markets prioritizes user-friendliness and scales well, with less granular control.
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Headless commerce
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Shopify Plus offers a more modern approach with Hydrogen and Oxygen, while Adobe is shifting from PWA Studio to Edge Delivery Services.
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AI & agentic commerce
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Shopify ships AI tools natively across the admin and storefront; Adobe Commerce leans on Adobe Sensei and the wider Adobe Experience Cloud.
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Reports & analytics
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Shopify Plus stands out with a user-friendly interface and out-of-the-box core metrics, making it ideal for those prioritizing simplicity.
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Payment gateways
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Shopify Plus takes the lead thanks to competitive rates and the convenience of Shopify Payments.
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Checkout
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Shopify Plus offers a fast, upgrade-safe checkout; Adobe Commerce gives you full control over every step.
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B2B & wholesale
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Shopify Plus now has native B2B features, but Adobe Commerce still provides a more mature solution for complex B2B needs.
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Inventory & products
Shopify Plus uses a single product model with variants. Bundles, digital, and subscription products are handled through native features or apps, so you can still sell configurable or downloadable items without a separate product type.
Shopify now supports up to 2,048 variants per product on all plans, up from the previous limit of 100.

We must say that Shopify Plus’s native features, like easy CSV import/export, make adding and updating products a breeze. Hence, extending product functionality becomes much easier despite its simpler product model.
On the flip side, Adobe Commerce offers a more robust solution for businesses with complex product structures and data requirements. It offers 7 native product types, including configurable, bundle, grouped, and gift card products (gift cards are exclusive to Adobe Commerce). This allows for more extensive control over how products are presented and sold.
Additionally, Adobe Commerce offers greater customization capabilities, catering to businesses that need to store and manage a wider variety of product data points. However, this flexibility can come at a cost, as setting up and managing a complex product catalog in Adobe Commerce might require more technical expertise.

Multistore management
Using this eCommerce solution, businesses can own multiple Shopify stores on Shopify Plus. The plan includes up to 9 expansion stores alongside your main store at no extra cost. Beyond that, each additional store costs $300 per month, or you can opt for a revenue share across all stores.
You can manage users, automations, and reporting across all stores from Shopify’s organization admin, while each store keeps its own catalog and settings. This simplifies operations and helps keep your brand consistent across storefronts.

On the other hand, in the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus multistore matchup, Adobe Commerce excels at managing a vast network of stores. This is the platform’s core strength: a single installation can run multiple websites, stores, and store views, each with its own catalog, pricing, and language. For example, Alshaya Group launched 30 eCommerce sites and 2 mobile apps within a year on Adobe Commerce.
To manage many stores at once, Adobe Commerce merchants can choose a centralized approach, similar to Shopify Plus, for streamlined operations and a consistent brand experience. But where it truly shines is the ability to manage each store individually, which lets multi-brand companies cater to regional preferences or run separate storefronts for each brand under their umbrella.

Internationalization
For Shopify Plus businesses seeking to expand their reach beyond borders, Shopify Markets is a game-changer. It lets you create and manage an unlimited number of country or region markets, offering incredible flexibility to cater to a truly global audience.
Imagine seamlessly managing localized experiences for customers in France, Japan, and Brazil, all within a unified platform. Shopify Markets allows you to translate content, configure local currencies, and tailor product offerings for each market.

Plus merchants can also assign separate business entities to different markets for more complex financial setups. That said, Markets still offers less granular control than Adobe Commerce’s multi-website structure.
So what about Adobe Commerce? It is no exaggeration to say that Adobe Commerce is a top platform for internationalization. You can delve into the nitty-gritty of language translation, currency formatting, and regional tax regulations for each target market. This level of customization allows you to create unique experiences for each region, potentially boosting customer engagement.
However, this level of control comes with a price. Adobe Commerce requires a higher degree of technical expertise to configure and manage effectively. Moreover, the development and maintenance effort for each localized storefront can quickly add up for businesses managing an extensive network of sites.
Headless commerce
Both platforms, Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, are viable for established brands with large technical teams.
Shopify Plus has emerged as a strong contender in the headless commerce space. Its Hydrogen framework, paired with free Oxygen hosting, has fueled a surge in headless store development, attracting major brands like SKIMS and Gymshark.

Beyond its own framework, Shopify Plus also works with third-party headless platforms like Pack, allowing for further customization.
Adobe Commerce was an early mover in headless with PWA Studio, which is still maintained but no longer Adobe’s focus. Today, Adobe recommends its Commerce Storefront powered by Edge Delivery Services for new headless builds. While successful custom headless Adobe Commerce stores exist, they often require a high degree of maintenance expertise, potentially becoming a burden for businesses.

AI & agentic commerce
AI is quickly changing how shoppers find products and how teams run their stores, and both platforms are investing heavily here.
Shopify builds AI directly into the platform. Sidekick, its AI assistant, can answer questions about your store data and make changes in the admin for you. On the storefront side, Shopify Catalog shares your product data with AI shopping channels, so tools like ChatGPT can find and recommend your products, and the Agentic Storefronts area in the admin lets you manage and track these AI sales channels.

Adobe Commerce relies on Adobe Sensei, Adobe’s AI engine, to power features like Live Search and Product Recommendations. Brands that also use Adobe Experience Cloud can extend this with Adobe’s AI tools for personalization, content creation, and customer journeys, though that usually means additional licenses.
In short, when it comes to AI in Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, Shopify Plus gives you more features out of the box, while Adobe Commerce makes the most sense for brands already invested in the Adobe Experience Cloud ecosystem.
Reports & analytics
While native reporting has not been Adobe Commerce’s strongest suit, the platform offers a powerful add-on that significantly enhances its reporting potential: Adobe Commerce Intelligence (formerly Magento BI). It acts as a data warehouse, centralizing data from various sources within your business ecosystem.

With Commerce Intelligence Pro, you get customizable reports and dashboards, a data warehouse manager, and third-party data integrations. Furthermore, you can create personalized reports with custom metrics using the platform’s report builders.
Shopify Plus takes a different approach, prioritizing user-friendliness and core metrics. Its clean interface makes navigating and understanding critical data points a breeze.
Out-of-the-box reports cover all the essential metrics you need to track your store performance, including sales performance, customer behavior, and inventory levels. Not to mention, you can filter and edit data to create your own custom-built reports.

Payment gateways
When talking about Shopify Plus, its key advantage lies in its in-house gateway, Shopify Payments, which offers competitive card rates negotiated by region and waives the extra 0.20% fee charged when you use a third-party payment provider.

While it offers many benefits, it has some limitations, including the requirement for a registered business and a local bank account in each country of use. Shopify Payments is available in 41 countries and regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of the EU, but merchants elsewhere still need a third-party provider.
If Shopify Payments is not what you wish for, feel free to choose from 100+ other payment providers.

Meanwhile, Adobe Commerce comes with Adobe Payment Services, PayPal, and Braintree built in, and you can add Adyen, Stripe, and most other major gateways through Marketplace extensions.
Regardless of the Adobe edition chosen, you must cover transaction fees for online payments, typically ranging from 2% to 4% of the transaction value. These fees cover credit card processing and payment platform costs. Popular solutions like Stripe (2.9% + 30¢ per US card transaction) and PayPal (from 2.99% + 49¢) are easy to integrate and have no setup fees.
Checkout customization
Checkout is one of the biggest philosophical differences in Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus.
On Shopify Plus, the checkout is hosted and maintained by Shopify, so it stays fast, secure, and up to date automatically. You customize it through Checkout Extensibility: the Checkout Branding API controls the look, checkout UI extensions add custom content and fields, and Shopify Functions handle custom logic for discounts, shipping, and payment methods. Shopify Scripts, the older way to customize checkout logic, stopped working on June 30, 2026, so any remaining customizations now need to run on Shopify Functions.

Adobe Commerce, in contrast, lets you change every step of the checkout, from the number of steps to custom fields and complex validation rules. This is ideal for businesses with unusual ordering flows, but your team has to build, test, and maintain every change, and keep it compatible with each platform upgrade.
B2B & wholesale capabilities
Shopify Plus now offers native B2B features, including company profiles, unlimited customer-specific catalogs, payment terms, volume pricing, and deposits, all from the same store as your DTC business. Since April 2026, basic B2B features are also available on lower Shopify plans, but advanced pricing and workflow rules still require Shopify Functions or apps.

Shopify keeps expanding these features with each release, which is steadily narrowing the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus B2B gap.
Still, Adobe Commerce establishes itself as a clear leader in B2B functionalities and remains one of the best B2B eCommerce platforms. It provides a powerful B2B suite packed with features specifically designed for B2B businesses, such as company accounts, shared catalogs, quick order, requisition lists, quotes, and purchase approvals. On Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service, the core B2B features come preinstalled.

Even without the B2B suite, Adobe Commerce offers core functionalities that are B2B-friendly from the start. Features like customer groups, tiered pricing, and customer-specific promotions allow you to effectively manage different B2B customer segments. This comprehensive approach makes Adobe Commerce a compelling choice for established B2B businesses requiring advanced functionalities.
The Verdict
In the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus feature race, both platforms offer a powerful and comprehensive set of eCommerce features designed to help businesses grow, manage, and scale their online operations. While their feature sets are delivered in different ways, fully managed vs self-controlled, app-based vs customizable, neither platform clearly outshines the other across the board. Each excels in specific areas, and the better choice depends on a business’s priorities.
Customization & Flexibility (Adobe Commerce wins)
Shopify Plus offers a degree of customization, but it is far more limited in scope compared to Adobe Commerce. Shopify uses its own templating language called Liquid, which restricts how much you can alter certain backend logic or core features. While merchants can customize the storefront, checkout, and theme, many deeper changes require workarounds or reliance on apps.

Besides, Shopify does provide API access and supports custom apps, but the flexibility is designed with guardrails to ensure stability and performance. Today, Shopify Functions and checkout and admin UI extensions are the main ways to customize business logic without touching Shopify’s core. For many businesses, especially those with standard eCommerce needs, Shopify Plus offers enough customization to get the job done without needing deep technical expertise. However, for companies that require full control over how their store functions and behaves, Shopify’s limitations can become a bottleneck.
In contrast, Adobe Commerce is highly praised for its developer-friendly architecture and extensive customization capabilities. On Adobe Commerce on Cloud and on-premises, businesses have full access to the platform’s source code, which allows them to:
- Build unique store layouts and customer experiences
- Create custom workflows and extensions
- Modify core functionalities
- Integrate deeply with third-party systems (like ERPs, CRMs, POS)
On Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service, you don’t modify the core code. Instead, you extend the platform through APIs, API Mesh, and App Builder apps, which trades some flexibility for automatic upgrades.
This modular codebase makes it easier for developers to add new features or customize existing ones without disrupting other parts of the system. Businesses that have unique operational requirements, such as complex product catalogs, B2B workflows, or region-specific functions, often find Adobe Commerce to be the most flexible solution available.
The Verdict
In this round of Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, the prize goes to Adobe Commerce. It offers unmatched flexibility through deep code access and developer tools, ideal for those seeking complete control over their online store. While Shopify Plus does not provide the same depth of customization, it requires less technical expertise, making it accessible to a broader range of businesses.
SEO Functionalities (Adobe Commerce wins)
Both platforms regularly appear on lists of the best eCommerce platforms for SEO, but they take very different approaches. Shopify Plus offers a strong foundation for SEO, especially for users who want results without diving into technical details. Some of its key strengths include:
- Auto-generated sitemaps and robots.txt files
- Editable meta titles and descriptions

- Built-in SSL certificate
- Mobile-optimized themes for better user experience and speed
However, Shopify does have some SEO limitations that are important to consider. One of the most commonly cited drawbacks is the platform’s rigid URL structure. For example, you cannot remove or customize paths like /collections/ or /products/, which can be less ideal for SEO-conscious businesses. While this restriction can be worked around using third-party apps, those solutions often come with added costs and technical complexity.
Meanwhile, Adobe Commerce offers an exceptional level of control over SEO elements, making it a strong choice for businesses with complex SEO strategies. Some of its standout SEO features include:
- Custom URL structures: Merchants can easily create clean, keyword-rich URLs for product and category pages.
- Advanced metadata management: Titles, descriptions, and meta tags can be manually configured at a granular level.
- Canonical tags: Help prevent duplicate content issues by indicating preferred pages to search engines.
- Schema markup: Developers can add rich data snippets (e.g., product ratings, pricing) to improve visibility in search results.
- Image optimization and alt tag editing: Ensures every image is crawlable and enhances on-page SEO.

Adobe Commerce also supports server-side rendering and gives merchants full access to their website’s architecture, which allows for in-depth customization of technical SEO settings.
The Verdict
When comparing SEO in Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, Adobe Commerce is better if you need advanced SEO control and customization, provided you have the technical resources. Shopify Plus is ideal for those who prioritize ease of use and are okay with some SEO limitations, but opting for a headless setup can mitigate these restrictions.
Security (Shopify Plus wins)
When it comes to security in Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, the gap starts with hosting. Shopify Plus is a hosted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, which means all security responsibilities are handled by Shopify itself. This includes server maintenance, data protection, vulnerability monitoring, and compliance with international standards. Shopify is Level 1 PCI DSS certified and provides SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 reports, so merchants don’t need to manage their own compliance measures. This level of certification is essential for securely processing credit card transactions.
Additionally, Shopify Plus provides SSL encryption on every store, ensuring all customer data is securely transmitted across the web. Shopify also performs regular platform-wide security updates and penetration testing to proactively address any vulnerabilities. For large enterprises, this level of security assurance significantly reduces risk while simplifying operations.

Because Shopify controls the entire tech stack, merchants don’t need to invest in dedicated security teams or worry about server misconfigurations, outdated plugins, or data breaches caused by third-party code, issues that can be common on self-hosted platforms. This makes Shopify Plus a trusted choice for businesses that want reliable, hands-off security with minimal overhead.
So what about Adobe Commerce? Security responsibility depends on the edition. On Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service, Adobe manages the infrastructure, patches, and upgrades. On Adobe Commerce on Cloud, Adobe secures the infrastructure, while your team is responsible for applying patches and securing custom code and extensions. On on-premises installations and Magento Open Source, everything from hosting to PCI compliance is on you.
Adobe Commerce does provide flexibility for implementing advanced security protocols, but on PaaS and on-premises, businesses without a dedicated team or managed service may face increased risk from outdated software, misconfigured servers, or unpatched extensions. Even on Adobe’s cloud editions, custom code and extensions still need more hands-on attention than on Shopify Plus.
The Verdict:
Between Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, Shopify Plus wins the security category because it provides a fully managed, secure environment right out of the box. For enterprise businesses looking for peace of mind, compliance assurance, and minimal manual effort, Shopify Plus delivers a reliable and scalable security foundation.
Community & Support (Shopify Plus wins)
Adobe Commerce offers application-level support, meaning a team with technical expertise is available to assist with complex issues. However, support is handled mainly through tickets, with a phone hotline reserved for critical (P1) incidents. This approach suits developers more than business users who prefer phone or live chat.
You can find more support from the platform community. Historically, Adobe Commerce boasted a vibrant community of skilled developers who offered valuable support and expertise. This community is still present, but its size has declined as some developers moved to other platforms like Shopify Plus.

Shopify Plus merchants get 24/7 Priority Support via phone, chat, or email from a team that specializes in high-volume businesses, along with a guided onboarding program. They can help with technical issues, platform questions, and best practices for growth.

Adding to that, Shopify’s developer community is growing rapidly and is fueled by initiatives like Hydrogen (an open-source project). Shopify continues to open up its platform with new APIs, further solidifying its developer ecosystem.
The Verdict
In this comparison between Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, it is evident that Shopify Plus excels in customer support, which is one of its key selling points.
How to Choose Between Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus
Choosing between Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus isn’t just about comparing features. It’s about aligning the platform with your business goals, team capabilities, technical needs, and long-term growth strategy. Each platform serves a different type of merchant, so understanding where your business fits will help you make the right choice.
Our advice is that before deciding on the solution for your business, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is my budget for development and ongoing maintenance?
- Do I need deep customization or complex workflows?
- Do I have in-house technical resources or a development partner?
- How much engineering responsibility do we want to own after launch?
- How important is speed to launch and ease of use?
- Is SEO a core part of my growth strategy?
- Am I planning for international expansion or advanced B2B selling?
- Are we migrating from an existing store?
By answering these questions, you can narrow down the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus decision and identify which platform better suits your operational style and customer experience goals.
Migrating Between Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus
Whichever side of the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus decision you land on, many enterprise brands reach this point while already running a store on the other one. Re-platforming is a big project, but with the right plan, you can move without losing data, rankings, or sales. For a full walkthrough, see our Magento to Shopify Plus migration guide.
What data can be migrated
Most of your store data can move between Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus, including:
- Products, variants, categories/collections, and product images
- Customers and their order history
- Orders, coupons, and reviews
- CMS pages and blog posts
- SEO URLs, with 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones to protect your rankings
What needs to be rebuilt
Some parts of your store don’t transfer directly and need to be rebuilt on the new platform:
- Theme and design: Adobe Commerce themes don’t work on Shopify, and vice versa, so you’ll need a new theme or a custom build.
- Extensions and apps: Adobe Commerce extensions are replaced by Shopify apps (or the other way around), so map each feature you rely on to its equivalent.
- Custom code and integrations: Custom checkout logic moves to Shopify Functions and checkout extensions, while ERP, CRM, and other integrations need to be reconnected.
How LitExtension can help
As the #1 eCommerce Migration Tool, LitExtension has helped businesses complete over 300,000 migrations, including many Magento to Shopify migrations. Our team transfers your products, customers, orders, and SEO URLs accurately and securely, with no downtime for your current store, so you can focus on launching your new one.
Need Help to Migrate Your Store from Magento to Shopify Plus?
LitExtension Automated Migration Tool transfers products, customers, and orders from Adobe Commerce (Magento) to Shopify Plus – fast, accurate, and hassle-free.

Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus: FAQs
Is Adobe Commerce Cloud better than Shopify Plus?
In the Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus debate, each platform has strengths depending on your business needs. Adobe Commerce Cloud excels in advanced customization, B2B functionalities, and scalability for large enterprises. Shopify Plus offers ease of use, extensive app integrations, and a lower total cost of ownership tailored for rapid growth and flexibility.
How much does Adobe Commerce cost compared to Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 per month on a three-year term or $2,500 per month on a one-year term, with hosting included. Adobe Commerce pricing is quote-based, with license fees estimated from around $22,000 to $125,000+ per year depending on your GMV, plus development and, on some editions, hosting costs. In most Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus cost comparisons, Shopify Plus comes out with the lower total cost of ownership.
What are the limitations of Shopify Plus?
Comparing Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus, the latter platform may have limitations in advanced B2B functionalities, complex customization, and fine-grained control over multiple international storefronts. It also requires additional apps for some features that are native to Adobe Commerce.
Can Shopify Plus handle B2B like Adobe Commerce?
Yes, for most B2B businesses, B2B is no longer a dealbreaker in Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus. Shopify Plus includes native B2B features such as company profiles, customer-specific catalogs and price lists, payment terms, and volume pricing. However, Adobe Commerce still offers more advanced B2B workflows, such as quotes, requisition lists, and multi-level purchase approvals.
What replaces Magento extensions on Shopify Plus?
On Shopify Plus, apps from the Shopify App Store replace most Magento extensions. For custom business logic, developers use Shopify Functions, checkout UI extensions, and custom apps built on Shopify’s APIs.
Why choose Adobe Commerce?
You can choose Adobe Commerce for robust B2B capabilities, advanced customization options, and scalability suitable for large enterprises. It provides comprehensive tools for managing complex business needs, including extensive integrations and a strong ecosystem of support.
What is Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service?
Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service is the fully managed SaaS edition of Adobe Commerce, generally available since June 2025. Adobe handles hosting, scaling, and upgrades, and merchants extend the platform through APIs and App Builder apps instead of modifying the core code.
Can I migrate from Adobe Commerce (Magento) to Shopify Plus?
Yes. You can migrate your products, customers, orders, and SEO URLs from Adobe Commerce to Shopify Plus, then rebuild your theme and replace extensions with Shopify apps. There’s no minimum revenue requirement to join Shopify Plus, but brands typically upgrade to Shopify Plus when online sales reach around $80,000 per month, or when they need B2B, expansion stores, or advanced checkout customization.
For a seamless migration to Shopify Plus, you can consider working with the experts at LitExtension – #1 eCommerce Migration Tool. With over 15 years of experience and 300,000+ successful migrations, we have a deep understanding of Shopify Plus’s data structure.
Does Adobe Commerce support multi-language and multi-currency features?
Yes, Adobe Commerce (Magento) fully supports both multi-language and multi-currency features. You can create multiple store views within a single installation, allowing you to serve different regions with localized content, currencies, and pricing. This makes Adobe Commerce an excellent choice for international businesses that want to provide tailored shopping experiences for customers in different countries.
Is Shopify Plus worth it?
Yes, Shopify Plus is worth it for businesses that want a fully hosted, enterprise-grade solution with minimal technical overhead. It is ideal for fast-growing brands that prioritize speed to launch, ease of management, and reliable 24/7 support. Shopify Plus includes advanced automation tools, priority support, and access to Plus-only features like Launchpad, B2B on Shopify, and Shopify Functions for custom apps, which help streamline operations at scale.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the choice between Adobe Commerce vs Shopify Plus boils down to your specific business needs. If you’re still unsure, we hope our analysis of all aspects of both platforms has helped you make the decision.
No matter which platform you choose, LitExtension – the #1 eCommerce Migration Tool is here to provide a seamless migration service. With over 15 years of experience and a deep understanding of both Adobe Commerce and Shopify Plus data structures, we guarantee you get the best experience. Contact us today for more information!
Let Our Experts Handle Your Adobe Commerce to Shopify Plus Migration!
With the All-in-One Migration Service, our experts take care of everything, ensuring a seamless and stress-free migration.

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