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.

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 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 proper 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. This assists in producing high-quality content. 
• 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 without charge, some need a single payment, and some operate on a subscription model. Adding these templates to your Joomla site is a straightforward process. 

=> Verdict: Shopify is successful because it provides a wide variety of templates on its theme store. There are choices available, some at no cost and others requiring payment. This simplifies the process of discovering a preferred style without the need to buy.

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 for this purpose. The Shopify App Store is the top choice for finding third-party developers. Particularly the applications that will seamlessly work with all Shopify plans. 
• 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. Moreover, there is no restriction on the number of them you can include on your website. A lot of these applications can assist users in managing and expanding their websites. 

=> Verdict: Because of many choices, Joomla barely edges out Shopify. It has a wide selection of apps and extensions. If you need to complete a task on your Joomla website, there is likely a third-party developer application with an extension available for it.

Pricing

• Shopify: Shopify provides three primary packages, each with a unique cost. 

• Basic Shopify: The starting price for the Basic Shopify plan is only $29 per month. This is perfect for establishing a new eCommerce site.
• Standard Shopify: This is typically the preferred choice for merchants looking to start growing their business. The usual price for the plan is $79 monthly.
• Advanced Shopify: This option is for bigger companies that need detailed reporting to oversee operations at a larger scale. Their professional Reporting Functionality tool is included in this package. Hence, it comes as no surprise that it is the priciest option available. The cost is approximately $299 monthly.
• Joomla: Joomla, unlike Shopify, is available for free download and use. Still, this doesn’t imply that customers won’t need to invest some funds in developing a new website. They will still need to cover the costs of both a domain name and web hosting. These two are not consistently inexpensive.

=> Verdict: There is no competition in determining the winner of the pricing game. Even though Shopify requires payment for all its plans, Joomla is completely free of charge.

Mobile Optimization

• Shopify: Shopify functions effectively on mobile devices, iPads, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The templates adapt to different devices automatically. They cater to the needs of both merchants and customers.
• Joomla: Joomla functions on mobile devices as well.  Yet, it performs more effectively when paired with a mobile optimization extension. Add-ons such as Mobile can identify gadgets, provide improved layouts, condense pictures, and cut excess code.

=> Verdict: Shopify is successful due to its integrated mobile optimization feature.

Payment Gateways and Transaction Fees

• Shopify: Shopify vendors can access the company’s Shopify Payments feature. It is a dedicated payment gateway that eliminates the necessity for merchants to find a third-party payment provider. There is currently no fee for using the service, which is a fantastic aspect. Besides, Shopify Payments are not accessible in all countries, which is a drawback. 
• Joomla: To handle online payments with Joomla, users will need to install an extension. Moreover, there are many reliable and reputable options available. PayPal, Payage, and Digistore Connect are some of the options available. PayPal is the most widely used. Besides, there will be charges for transactions. The charges begin at approximately $0.30 per transaction, but it may change. 

=> Verdict: Joomla is better. Despite having its own payment gateway, the majority of Joomla users choose to use PayPal. Customers love this product because it is well-known and has a good reputation.

SEO Features

• Shopify: Shopify provides essential SEO tools required for a prosperous website. To enhance SEO further, you can discover more features in Shopify’s app marketplace. Yet, be prepared for possible extra expenses. Using Shopify allows for simple modification of Meta names and tags. Customers have the ability to provide reviews for products. Shopify generates a sitemap.xml file. This file aids in improving the ranking of your website on search engines. Shopify websites can connect with various social media platforms. They are Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Customers can browse and make purchases directly through these platforms.
• Joomla: Joomla is excellent for search engine optimization. Yet, it demands more configuration and administration. Putting in the effort can result in achieving high rankings. Joomla enables the use of search engine-friendly URLs. It can eliminate index.php from URLs. Users can include titles and metadata for their content. SEO extensions such as Easy Frontend SEO exist to make the SEO process easier for those unfamiliar with it.

=> Verdict: Shopify is better. Joomla is a good option for creating a website with quality content. Yet, it is difficult to find better SEO features than Shopify’s for a successful, top-ranked store.

Security

• Shopify: Shopify’s eCommerce platform meets PCI level 1 compliance. This is the top standard for processing credit cards. Login attempts are restricted and a privilege system is implemented. This is to avoid data leaks. Shopify provides robust fraud prevention measures and SSL for every website. Shopify operates a program called the Whitehat Reward Programme. This is where it compensates security researchers for discovering weaknesses. This contributes to maintaining the safety of merchant websites.
• Joomla: Third-party extensions and plugins pose the primary security threat for Joomla. Nonetheless, Joomla provides security extensions and plugins, including a Force SSL option for simple SSL certificate activation. Frequent updates are essential to ensure Joomla remains secure and free of bugs.

=> Verdict: No CMS is entirely without flaws. Security risks should always be considered. Shopify’s merchants and their websites are secured with robust security measures, which has led to its success.

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. Your level of technical expertise and the objectives of your business.