Shopify vs Adobe Commerce: Which Platform Is Right for my Business?

So, you're at a crossroads—do you go with Shopify or Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) to power your online store? This decision is crucial, and we’re here to break it down for you. Let's explore the details that matter most and help you make the best choice for your business, whether you're a B2C or B2B merchant.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, Shopify is a fantastic choice for businesses looking to launch quickly. Think of Shopify as a fully furnished apartment—you can move in right away. It's a user-friendly platform, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need to get online without hassle.

However, if you're a large business, the "cookie-cutter" approach may not meet your needs. That’s where Shopify Plus steps in, but even then, you’ll likely need a skilled development team to implement customizations and scale the platform to fit your business. While Shopify simplifies eCommerce for B2C and B2B merchants alike, bigger companies often require custom integrations, unique workflows, and advanced features to stand out.

On the other hand, Adobe Commerce is like receiving the blueprints for your dream home. It’s perfect for businesses that want full control and deep customization. Unlike Shopify, Adobe Commerce (also known as Magento) allows you to build your store from the ground up, but it requires a skilled agency to bring your vision to life. If you’re looking for a platform where every detail can be customized, Adobe Commerce gives you the flexibility to do just that. It’s an ideal solution for B2B merchants or B2C businesses that require complex workflows and global scalability.

Customization & Flexibility

Adobe Commerce is a powerhouse when it comes to customization. From multi-storefronts and advanced product configurations to B2B pricing and complex workflows, it gives you total control over every aspect of your store. This platform is built for businesses with unique requirements, such as B2B operations, international setups, and custom product options. Adobe Commerce is essentially your custom dream home—every detail is designed to your specifications.

For merchants needing flexibility but with a simpler approach, Shopify Plus offers a robust app ecosystem that allows you to add new features quickly. However, for deeper customizations—such as integrating multiple backend systems, automating advanced workflows, or creating a personalized checkout experience—you'll still need a skilled team to push the platform beyond its out-of-the-box capabilities. Whether you're a B2B or B2C merchant, Shopify Plus can be expanded to suit your business's growing needs.

B2B Features

If you’re managing B2B and B2C operations, both platforms offer solutions.

Shopify Plus provides custom catalogs, pricing tiers, and automated invoicing to simplify your B2B needs. It’s like a dual-purpose machine—handling both B2B and B2C seamlessly in one unified platform. This makes Shopify an ideal solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations across different customer types.

For more advanced B2B functionality, Adobe Commerce is the better choice. It offers role-based access, multi-level account management, and complex purchase workflows, making it the go-to platform for businesses needing detailed control over the entire buying process. Adobe Commerce is especially valuable for enterprise-level businesses that require advanced B2B solutions with full control and customization over the customer journey.

Performance & Scalability

Performance is crucial for any growing business, and both platforms excel in this area.

Shopify handles the heavy lifting with 99.99% uptime, effortlessly supporting high-traffic events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Shopify’s infrastructure is built to grow with your business, making it a great option for B2C and B2B companies that need scalability without worrying about the technical complexities.

Adobe Commerce, on the other hand, offers unmatched scalability—if you have the right development team. With Adobe Commerce, you control your hosting, performance optimizations, and security measures, allowing you to tailor the platform to handle complex, high-traffic environments. For B2B companies dealing with complex pricing, global inventory, and multi-storefronts, Adobe Commerce's scalability is unmatched, but it requires an expert team to manage and optimize the backend.

Cost

Cost is a critical consideration when choosing your platform.

Shopify Plus starts at around $2,000 per month, with pricing depending on transaction volume and your specific business needs. Shopify’s pricing is straightforward, making it ideal for businesses that want simple, upfront costs. However, additional features or third-party apps can increase the total investment, especially for larger companies that need customized workflows and advanced features.

Adobe Commerce pricing, meanwhile, is based on the volume and complexity of your operations. While it may seem more expensive due to development and hosting costs, its customization capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for businesses requiring full control. The cost of Adobe Commerce is often balanced by the potential for a fully tailored solution, making it perfect for enterprise businesses looking for long-term scalability and custom development.

Expert Opinions

Leading analysts like Forrester, Gartner, and IDC have all rated both platforms highly, but each for different reasons.

• Forrester praises Shopify for its speed of implementation, scalability, and comprehensive app ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for B2C merchants and businesses that need to adapt quickly to market changes.
• Gartner recognizes Adobe Commerce for its deep B2B capabilities and extensive customization potential, making it a top choice for businesses that manage multiple storefronts, complex B2B operations, or need international capabilities.
• IDC highlights Adobe Commerce’s ability to handle midmarket and enterprise-level businesses with intricate requirements, making it the platform of choice for large businesses with long-term growth in mind.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and scalable solution with room for customization, Shopify is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for B2C merchants and B2B businesses that want to grow without technical complexities but still have the option to customize and fine-tune as needed.

If your business demands full control, deep customization, and advanced B2B capabilities, Adobe Commerce is the way to go. It’s designed for enterprises that need a tailored solution and are ready to invest in a platform that can handle complexity at scale.

Getting Started with Shopify or Adobe Commerce

At IWD Agency, we’ve spent over 15 years helping top-tier brands like PayPal, Yeti, and Marucci create tailored eCommerce solutions.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek Shopify B2C setup that perfectly reflects your brand’s unique needs or a Shopify B2B solution to streamline and grow your wholesale operations, our team has the expertise to deliver. Similarly, if your business requires a B2C-focused Adobe Commerce site with advanced customizations, or an Adobe Commerce B2B platform to manage complex, multi-layered operations, we’re here to make it happen.

We specialize in enterprise B2B Shopify development, B2B Adobe Commerce development, ensuring your B2B eCommerce experience is smooth, scalable, and built for long-term success.

Ready to take your online store to the next level? Let’s make your eCommerce vision a reality!