For most Singapore retailers, WooCommerce is the better long-term choice: no monthly platform fees, better SEO, full data ownership, and native PayNow support. Shopify is easier to start but costs SGD 55-530/month in ongoing fees and has weaker SEO. The exception: choose Shopify if you have zero technical support and need to be live within 48 hours.
This is the question every Singapore retailer asks when starting an online store. Both platforms have genuine strengths — the right answer depends on your budget, technical comfort level, and long-term business goals.
WooCommerce vs Shopify: Total Cost Over 3 Years in Singapore
WooCommerce: SGD 2,000-4,500 to build (one-time) + SGD 200-400/year hosting = approximately SGD 2,600-5,700 over 3 years. Shopify: SGD 0 to start + SGD 55-285/month subscription = SGD 2,000-10,200 over 3 years, not including transaction fees. For stores doing more than SGD 5,000/month in sales, WooCommerce almost always works out cheaper.
Which Platform Is Better for SEO in Singapore?
WooCommerce wins on SEO. You have full control over URL structure, meta tags, schema markup, page speed optimisation, and internal linking. Shopify has improved its SEO significantly but still has limitations — URL structures you cannot fully control, forced JavaScript that slows pages, and restricted schema options.
Which Platform Supports PayNow and Singapore Payment Gateways?
Both platforms support PayNow via Stripe. WooCommerce also integrates with HitPay (local Singapore gateway with lower fees), eNETS, and major Singapore bank payment gateways. Shopify Payments is not available in Singapore, so you must use a third-party gateway with additional transaction fees.