Magento vs WordPress are both popular choices for creating websites and online stores. If you're thinking about starting an eCommerce store, you might be wondering which one to pick – Magento or WordPress?
If you're caught between the two, don't worry! LitExtension can help you by comparing their key features and outlining why you might prefer Magento over WordPress, or the other way around. Let's figure out which one is the better fit for you!
Here’s the agenda:
- We will provide a quick overview of Magento and WordPress
- Followed by a detailed features comparison between these two platforms
- And conclude with our recommendation for your business needs.
Magento and WordPress: Quick Overview
When it comes to eCommerce, Magento (Adobe Commerce) is a great choice for tech-savvy users, while WordPress is a fantastic CMS option that suits users with different levels of technical skills.
Currently, this platform offers two eCommerce solutions: Magento Open Source and Magento Commerce. The two versions share the same core features of the Magento platform, but the latter has several outstanding features over the former.
- Magento Open Source: This edition is an open-source solution, which means it can be downloaded for free and mostly targets advanced users.
- Magento Commerce (Adobe Commerce): The paid version provides an all-in-one cloud solution for enterprise-level businesses to accelerate sales.
Among Magento alternatives, WordPress is considered the crown jewel among other website builders. There are two WordPress versions: WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.
- WordPress.com: It's totally free. You can use it without spending a penny on either hosting or domain name.
- WordPress.org: The platform itself doesn’t cost you anything. But you will need a hosting account and maybe some efficiency-enhancing, sometimes pricey features.
In this Magento vs WordPress shootout, we'll delve into the open-source variants of Magento and WordPress: Magento Open Source and WordPress.org. That way, you can better understand each self-hosted platform before making up your mind.
Before we dive into the details, let's weigh the pros and cons of Magento versus WordPress.
Magento and WordPress: Pros & Cons
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WordPress |
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Magento vs WordPress: Similarities
Let's discuss the similarities between Magento and WordPress and the advantages they both offer for your online store!
Let's discuss the similarities between Magento and WordPress and the advantages they both offer for your online store!
1. Open-source power
Both platforms are open-source, which means you can customize and tinker to your heart's content. It's like having a toolbox full of possibilities!
2. Endless customization possibility
With countless themes (designs) and extensions/plugins (add-on features), you can make your store look and function exactly how you want.
3. Free to download but not to use
While both platforms are free to download and install, you'll still need to budget for hosting, a domain name, and potentially some premium themes or extensions.
4. Extensive community support
Both platforms have large and active communities where you can find help, support, and inspiration from fellow users and developers.
👉 Here’s a sneak peek:
In my experience, Magento is a powerhouse for serious eCommerce players. It's the go-to for big brands like Nike and Samsung. But if you're starting out or running a smaller shop, WordPress with WooCommerce (a plugin that adds the shopping cart stuff) might be a friendlier option.
#1 Ease Of Use
Due to their open-source nature, I must say this right from the beginning: both Magento vs WordPress require technical expertise to set up a new website, but at a different level of difficulty.
Quick verdict: WordPress is easier to use than Magento.
Magento will be harder to set up than WordPress. The reason is that Magento's installation process is more involved. Many hosting providers offer one-click installations for WordPress, while Magento's installation requires more manual steps.
Magento Ease of Use
Magento is mostly tailored for advanced levels of web development. Thus, if you are a layman, it's likely that you will have difficulties setting up and customizing your Magento site.
Here's the setup process of Magento for your reference:
I will say that setting up may seem tricky at first, but once it's done, you'll be all set and ready to go. When your site goes live, managing day-to-day operations is easier than expected. Everything you need to handle, from products and customers to inventory and marketing, is all conveniently listed on the sidebar for smooth navigation.
WordPress Ease of Use
You may still need some technical know-how to install WordPress, but don't worry; some hosting services make it super easy to install with just one click! This makes the process much simpler than the manual setup required for Magento.
You can see the WordPress installation process in our detailed video below.
Moreover, the WordPress post-installation process is quite linear. Its straightforward, clean-cut interface provides a user-friendly dashboard, quick blog creation options, and drag-and-drop functionality through third-party page builder plugins.
💡 Having used both platforms extensively, here's what I think:
While I really like Magento's power and flexibility, I always find myself wishing for WordPress's simplicity. The WordPress dashboard is like a breath of fresh air compared to Magento's. It's simple and uncluttered, with clear menus and icons.
Plus, WordPress keeps me informed about updates and security patches right on the dashboard, making it super easy to keep the site safe and up-to-date.
#2 Pricing
Quick verdict: WordPress is generally more budget-friendly as compared to Magento (but just slightly).
Both platforms are free to download and install, but Magento's premium themes or plugins will cost more than WooCommerce.
Magento Pricing
As Magento is an open-source solution, you can download and install it without spending a penny. However, you will still need to pay for extras like hosting and a domain, as well as some efficiency-enhancing features.
Therefore, it’s quite hard to predict the final Magento pricing. Nevertheless, this estimated cost breakdown below will give you a good idea of your own expenditure for your business.
Magento Open Source | Commerce Pro | Managed Services | |
Magento license cost | 0 | $22,000–125,000/year | $40,000–190,000/year |
Domain name | $10–400/year | $10–400/year | $10–400/year |
Hosting | From $100/year | From $500/year | 0 |
SSL Certificate | $50–300/year | $5–300/year | $50–300/year |
Theme | $0–10,000 | $0–10,000 | $0–10,000 |
Extensions | $60–600/extension | $60–600/extension | $60–600/extension |
SEO & Marketing | $10,000–40,000/year | $10,000–40,000/year | $10,000–40,000/year |
Payment Integration | 2.9%+ $0.30 | 2.9%+ $0.30 | 2.9%+ $0.30 |
Development | From $1,800 | From $10,000 | From $10,000 |
Maintenance | $50–100/hour | $70–$140+/hour | $70–$140+/hour |
It’s true that Magento pricing is not competitive at all. Instead of offering a reasonable price for all users, Magento focuses on system improvements and extended functionalities. Hence, if your business is medium to large scale and has a certain cash flow, go for Magento, as it’s truly a powerful platform.
WordPress Pricing
Similarly, WordPress is free to download and use. However, just because WordPress software is free to download doesn’t mean you can run your website completely for free with this platform. You must still purchase the domain name, WordPress hosting fee, security measures, or developer fees.
In the table below, I craft the estimated cost for WordPress so you can have a broad view of what to pay:
WORDPRESS MANDATORY COSTS | |
Hosting | ✧ below $10/month for starters, up to $40/month for bigger plans |
Domain | ✧ $0 included in hosting plans ✧ $9-$20/year for separate purchases |
Themes | ✧ $0 for free themes ✧ $200+ for one-time payments |
Shipping | ✧ $0-$108/year on average |
Payment Integration | ✧ WooPayments: no monthly fees, 2.9% +$0.3 per transaction ✧ Other & monthly fees from $0-$30 per month on average |
Communication Costs | ✧ $0-$348 per year with customer communication ✧ $0-$79 per year with SEO plugins |
Security | ✧ $0- $300 per year with tools ✧ $0-$65 per year with SSL Certificates |
WORDPRESS OPTIONAL COSTS | |
Customer Experience | ✧ $0-$200/extension per year |
Plugins Costs | ✧ $0-$200/plugin per year |
Developers Hirings | ✧ $10-$100 per hour ✧ Up to thousands of dollars per project |
Remember that these are just estimates, and the actual costs can vary significantly depending on your specific needs and choices.
When deciding between Magento and WordPress for your online store, it's crucial to factor in your budget, technical expertise, and desired features and functionalities.
#3 Themes & Templates
Quick verdict: In terms of themes and templates, Magento has a relatively smaller selection and functionality than WordPress.
Magento Themes
Default Magento comes with two design themes: Luma, a demonstration theme, and Blank, which can be used as a basis for custom theme creation.
Let's say, I have mixed feelings about Luma. On one hand, it's undeniably attractive and modern, showcasing the potential of a well-designed Magento store. Its responsive design ensures a good user experience across different devices, and the overall layout is clean and user-friendly.
However, Luma does have its drawbacks. Firstly, it can be quite heavy and resource-intensive, negatively impacting page load times if not properly optimized. Secondly, while it offers a good starting point, its complexity can make customization a daunting task for those without extensive development experience.
You can find an appealing array of templates on the Magento marketplace (with only 9 themes) or explore more premium options on Themeforest. The premium Magento themes can range from $50 to several hundred dollars and are all customizable but often require more technical knowledge (HTML, CSS, XML, Less/Sass) and an understanding of Magento's structure.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options available, let’s take a look at our suggested list of the top 10 best Magento themes.
WordPress Templates
WordPress significantly outweighs its competitor, Magento, in terms of its number of themes. In fact, WordPress users can access the theme library, which stores 12,000+ themes.
Most WordPress templates are available for free; premium themes typically range from $30 to $200+. They are also highly customizable through page builders (like Elementor and Beaver Builder) and code (HTML, CSS, PHP).
Those themes are generally elegant and eye-catching yet feature-rich and mobile-responsive. In addition to those prefabricated themes, you can always create your own to make your website unique.
Are you selling on WooCommerce but have difficulties determining the proper theme? Let’s look closer at our suggested list of the 10+ best themes for WooCommerce.
#4 Plugins & Extensions
Quick verdict: Needless to say, WordPress clearly outshines Magento for the number of add-ons with over 59,000 free plugins.
Magento Extensions
Magento marketplace has many free and paid extensions across all aspects, from accounting & finance, content & customizations, customer support, marketing, payment gateways & security, site optimization, etc.
Did you know the Magento marketplace has over 4,400 extensions for the Magento Open Source edition? These extensions are mostly premium and priced from just a few dollars to several thousand dollars. Some are a bit more complex and may require manual installation or command-line knowledge.
WordPress Plugins
The core popularity of WordPress lies within its humongous plugin repository, which has over 59,000 free and paid plugins. In essence, you can find any WordPress plugins that meet all your logistical, technical, and marketing needs.
Typically, all WordPress plugins are straightforward and installed directly from the WordPress admin dashboard.
The wonderful thing about both WordPress vs Magento is their great degree of customizability. And when it comes to plugins and extensions, there’s no exception. The two platforms allow you to create your own plugin to meet your specific needs regardless of your technical expertise.
#5 Security
Quick verdict: Magento has a slight edge when it comes to security.
Magento Security
From my experience, security becomes your responsibility if you run an open-source Magento store. You must handle things like getting an SSL certificate, setting up security plugins, enabling two-factor authentication, and ensuring your store is PCI-compliant.
Magento releases patches and security updates regularly, but the update process is manual and can be a bit tricky if you're not tech-savvy. So, if you don't enjoy adjustment with code or don't have the time for it, you need to be aware that your store could be vulnerable to malicious attacks.
Now, don't get me wrong. Magento does have some great security features that are essential for eCommerce. Magento has built-in security features like strong password requirements, CAPTCHA for spam protection, and measures to prevent common attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). This gives you a solid foundation upon which to build.
Furthermore, Magento adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which is crucial for handling sensitive credit card information. This compliance adds another layer of trust and security for both you and your customers.
WordPress Security
To me, WordPress security is a bit of a mixed bag. While it has some inherent strengths, it also presents its own set of challenges.
On the plus side, I've found that WordPress security can be quite robust and accessible, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. The availability of free SSL certificates, user-friendly 2FA plugins, and a wide range of security plugins make it easier than ever to protect your site.
However, WordPress's popularity is also a double-edged sword. It's a popular target for hackers, and its open-source nature means that vulnerabilities can be more easily exploited. Additionally, the vast number of plugins available can be a bit overwhelming, and it's not always easy to know which ones are reputable and well-maintained.
You can create a reasonably secure WordPress site if you're willing to stay on top of updates, choose plugins carefully, and implement basic security measures.
Remember, security is an ongoing process. It's not enough to just set it and forget it. You must proactively monitor your site, update software, and stay informed about potential threats.
#6 Ecommerce Features
Quick verdict: When it comes to WordPress vs Magento for eCommerce, both have their strengths, making it a tough choice!
Magento eCommerce Features
One of the main reasons Magento is remembered by online merchants is its powerful built-in features, including eCommerce-supporting ones.
Magento reduces users' work by combining all the necessary functions into the core system. Under the hood, this platform comes packed with full-fledged eCommerce attributes, ranging from inventory management to sales and ads, shipping and tax, reports and analysis, and payment gateways.
Besides, Magento's built-in CMS also offers excellent features, including effective SEO, high performance, many themes and extensions, and mobile responsiveness.
WordPress eCommerce Features
Originally built as a blogging platform, WordPress lacks eCommerce functionality out of the box. This means that to start selling online, you will have to install an eCommerce-specific plugin that might cost tons of money and time worrying about compatibility, support, and updates.
Standing out among the pack is WooCommerce, the most highly-rated WordPress plugin for eCommerce. By this time, WooCommerce is the most widely used eCommerce solution, with more than 3 million live websites.
WooCommerce also opens the door for merchants to sell in marketplaces. This is a fertile ground for store owners to increase sales and maximize their profit. However, you'll need another tool to integrate WooCommerce with Etsy, eBay, or Amazon to sell on other platforms.
You can find more information about other eCommerce platforms:
#7 SEO Features
Quick verdict: WordPress is more powerful than Magento in terms of SEO.
SEO Features of Magento
Magento is excellent for SEO and provides many helpful guides to get you started. It's packed with features like meta tags, canonical tags, XML sitemaps, URL rewrites, and layered navigation that give you a solid base to optimize your site for search engines.
And if you need a little guidance, tons of SEO guides and prompts are built into the platform to help you get started.
One thing I love about Magento is the level of control it gives you. You can easily edit meta keywords, descriptions, image alt-tags, product descriptions, and snippets to your core content. Plus, it offers handy features like Google sitemaps, no-follow links, and redirects, making it easy for search engines to crawl your site.
SEO Features of WordPress
WordPress provides a flexible and user-friendly approach to SEO. It produces clean, semantic code that search engines such as Google can easily understand. Additionally, it allows customization of titles, meta descriptions, and headings, which are crucial for on-page optimization.
Like Magento, WordPress enables the creation of post tags, optimization of permalink structures, and setting all the necessary metadata for pages and posts.
Moreover, WordPress truly shines in its vast ecosystem of SEO plugins for everything from keyword research and content optimization to technical SEO and analytics. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Yoast SEO helps you optimize your content with real-time feedback, create XML sitemaps, manage redirects, and more.
- Rank Math offers features similar to Yoast but with a more streamlined interface and unique features, like built-in schema markup.
- Broken Link Checker scans your site for broken links, which can negatively impact your SEO.
Of course, WordPress SEO isn't without its challenges. With so many plugins available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones.
#8 Customer Support
Quick verdict: It's a tie between Magento and WordPress in terms of customer support since both are open-source.
Magento Support
Due to its open-source nature, Magento offers virtually no customer service. Magento Open Source users have no live chat, phone, or email support.
Nevertheless, Magento provides plenty of resources for merchants who want to take control of their support strategy. This platform has an informative blog, a knowledge base, and a forum where you can seek guidance from other users.
WordPress Support
Just like Magento, WordPress doesn’t support live chat, phone, or email. However, with its enormous user base, WordPress users can seek help from an active community of peers and developers. These people are quite knowledgeable about the platform and capable of giving insightful responses to almost every question.
You can also find loads of multiple texts, video tutorials, and guidelines compiled by other system users.
Apart from that, you can always hire WordPress experts for more dedicated support. These experts will provide you with WordPress-related services, including installation, design, hosting, module development, and site-building.
Bonus reading:
Magento vs WordPress: Which is The Best for Your Business?
Overall, when comparing Magento vs WordPress, it’s quite hard to determine the winner between the two precisely. As analyzed above, there are also criteria where it's impossible to pick out the upper hand between WordPress vs Magento, like pricing, eCommerce features, and customer support.
However, WordPress seems slightly better than Magento in this comparison. Apparently, neither Magento nor WordPress is perfect. Most of the time, Magento vs. WordPress has a set of distinctive features and a set of downsides. The important thing is to make sure the platform you opt for can provide you with everything you need.
✅ Let's summarize to make an informed decision!
Magento (Adobe Commerce) is ideal for fast-growing and large-scale businesses. If you're an online merchant looking for an eCommerce-focused and highly secure platform, we highly recommend you choose Magento.
WordPress is the way to go if you're new to website building, and a user-friendly experience is important to you. If you later decide to start selling online, you can install an eCommerce-supporting plugin (like WooCommerce) to get started.
Magento vs WordPress: FAQs
Which is better Magento or WordPress?
It's difficult to determine a clear winner between Magento and WordPress. Some criteria, like pricing, eCommerce features, and customer support, make it impossible to choose one over the other.
Can I use Magento in WordPress?
No, you cannot use Magento and WordPress since they are separate platforms. You can use WooCommerce within WordPress to add eCommerce features.
Why Magento is better?
Magento is a great choice for big eCommerce businesses because it offers advanced features and customizable options and can easily handle high traffic and complex product catalogs.
Final Words
Hopefully, by the time you reach these final lines of this ultimate Magento vs WordPress comparison, you've already determined which of the two represents the best platform for your specific requirements.
If you’re currently using Magento and would like to migrate to WordPress or vice versa, LitExtension is always available to help. LitExtension – #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert provides top-quality migration services.
Besides Magento vs WordPress, we currently support data migration for over 200 most popular platforms. Finally, if you have any questions regarding our service, please don’t hesitate to contact the LitExtension team.
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