Shopify is a subscription-based e-commerce platform that allows businesses to build their brand and online storefront. Users can build websites through easy-to-use and mobile-friendly themes. There are also features related to marketing, store management, analytics and third-party integrations to boost the site’s functionality.
Amazon is an online marketplace with more than 197 million consumers. Unlike Shopify, you must compete alongside other online merchants in the same marketplace. The Amazon FBA [Fulfillment by Amazon] program lets merchants send goods to Amazon fulfillment centers where products are stored, packed and shipped.
Because Shopify requires building a website, it’s ideal for e-commerce entrepreneurs looking to develop their own brand. On the other hand, Amazon is suitable for those who want to take advantage of the thriving Amazon marketplace.
Shopify
Starting price
$39
per month
E-commerce capabilities
Yes
On Shopify's Website
$39
per month
Yes
Yes
Editor's Take
Shopify is an e-commerce platform with 1.75 million merchants across 175 countries. Even without coding or design expertise, you can build a clean and gorgeous website with ready-made templates and various styling options. It also has powerful e-commerce features such as abandoned checkout recovery, inventory management, logo maker and multiple payment getaways. Since it’s a website builder and not an online marketplace like Amazon, it’s best for those who are launching a new brand or selling unique products.
Pros & Cons
- Online store builder for direct sales
- Powerful e-commerce functionality
- Many drop shipping integrations
- Free three-day trial
- Transaction fee of up to 2%
- Does not offer fulfillment like Amazon
- Requires marketing and promoting your store
Amazon
Starting price
$39.99
per month
E-commerce capabilities
Yes
Multiple payment options
Yes
$39.99
per month
Yes
Yes
Editor's Take
Amazon is the largest marketplace in the U.S., with around 112 million U.S. Amazon Prime subscribers. It’s free to make an individual Amazon seller account, create product listings—and start selling. With the Amazon FBA, merchants can let the e-commerce giant handle inventory management and order fulfillment. Since it’s an online marketplace, it’s best for those who are selling generic products, as opposed to those working on building a new brand.
Pros & Cons
- Access to Amazon Marketplace
- Fulfillment by Amazon service
- Low barrier to entry
- Ability to sponsor products (paid ads)
- More competition
- Difficult to stand out
- Must learn Amazon SEO
 (2024))
