When it comes to building eCommerce websites, most people can say that Shopify is the best choice. Shopify has built a reputation for being easy-to-use, offering many features over the years. It helps in making businesses more accessible to customers, bridging high-quality products to the people who need them.
However, Shopify offers different pricing plans, including Shopify Lite and Shopify Basic. How do you know which plan will be the best pick for your digital business? If you go with Shopify, should you choose a Lite plan or a Basic plan? Read on to know how we break this down for you below.
Shopify Lite is Shopify’s cheapest plan, being pitched as a way to “start your dream business for less than the price of a movie”. This plan is designed to be the most affordable option for anyone who wants to get into eCommerce.
In contrast, Shopify Basic takes you to the next level. It is an eCommerce website builder that can help you generate higher conversions and kickstart your eCommerce empire. It is, ultimately, a starting ground for people committed to establishing an eCommerce store.
Shopify Lite is the most affordable way to launch an eCommerce store. However, it’s important to note that you will only get basic eCommerce functionalities.
| Lite - $9 per month | Basic - $29 per month |
| 14-day free trialNo online storePost unlimited productsAdd one staff account24/7 email and live chat supportManual order creationAbandoned cart recoveryShopify paymentsShopify POS and Buy Button | 14-day free trialOnline storePost unlimited productsAdd two staff accounts24/7 phone, email, and live chat supportManual order creationAbandoned cart recoveryShopify paymentsShopify POS and Buy Button |
If you really want a website of your own that has its own online store, Shopify Basic can offer that for $29 per month. It comes with the functionalities from the Lite plan and some unique extra features. In particular, you will be able to sell as many products as you want online and even on social media.
Lite
| PROS | CONS |
| Checkout with buy buttonsOffer discount codes and automatic discountsAccess Facebook selling channels | No access to full online storeNo online store shopping cartNo option to add custom fields |
Basic
| PROS | CONS |
| Access the trusted Shopify Checkout optionAbandoned cart recoveryUsers can create personal accounts to make future transactions smoother | No option to change checkout page layoutNo option to add elements in checkout header and content areasNo automated third-party shipping rates |
Seamless check out is a must for a reliable eCommerce website and with Shopify Lite, buyers will find it convenient to return to their cart in case they accidentally close the tab thanks to the abandoned cart recovery feature. On the other hand, Shopify Basic boasts automatic application of discount codes and other promos.
Lite
| PROS | CONS |
| Manual order creationSends out invoices for wholesale, phone, or custom orders | Invoicing software is not that different from other tools |
Basic
| PROS | CONS |
| Manual order creationUse custom items to represent additional costsTake pre-orders | Limited functionalityRequires add-ons for better customization |
Both Shopify Lite and Basic offer manual order creation, which can make the shopping process easier for customers who have specific requirements like pre-orders or wholesale purchases. However, customization is limited, especially if you want to add new fields for customers to fill in.
Lite
| PROS | CONS |
| Enjoy a fully integrated Facebook storeMerge your Facebook Business page to your Shopify dashboardNo need to upload or update products multiple times | The features don’t apply to Instagram except for using the Buy Button |
Basic
| PROS | CONS |
| Sell on Instagram, Tiktok, Amazon, Facebook, and Amazon through Buy ButtonsSell through Messenger | Doesn’t have Facebook integration like Shopify Lite |
If you have a good following on Facebook and you want to start selling on your business page, Shopify Lite makes it easier for you with easily accessible tools. You can chat with customers via Messenger and give them valuable updates on their orders.
Shopify Basic doesn’t offer the same extent of tools, as it is more into directing customers to order from your online store. However, you can utilize Shopify’s Buy Button for multi-channel selling.
Lite
| PROS | CONS |
| Use Shopify’s Chip & Swipe or Tap & Chip ReaderAccept payments through Shopify PaymentsReasonable processing charges on current industry standard | Shopify Payments can sometimes be unstable |
Basic
| PROS | CONS |
| 100 payment gatewaysIn-house payment processing via Shopify PaymentsFraud Protection | Country availability for payment options is limited |
Shopify plan holders have access to Shopify Payments, with its in-house payment processing store. Both Shopify Lite and Basic users can utilize payment integrations, fraud analysis, and POS systems. The main difference is that Basic users can improve the processes through plug-ins and add-on apps.
Lite
| PROS | CONS |
| 24/7 email and live chat supportAccess to community forumAccess to social media support team | No phone supportVarying customer satisfaction on support team’s performance |
Basic
| PROS | CONS |
| 24/7 email support in 20 languages24/7 phone and live chat support in EnglishFree training courses in Shopify Academy | Need patience in accessing live chat during peak periodsSome users note that responses seem scripted |
Shopify is famous for exemplary customer support across all of their plans. Both Lite and Basic plans offer 24/7 email and live chat support, but only Basic offers phone support. Aside from these things, you can also explore resources like guides, a community forum, an encyclopedia, and many more.
Shopify Lite is a good option for anyone who wants to start selling products but is not yet ready to start a full eCommerce store, especially if:
On the other hand, Shopify Basic is the best option if you’re just starting and you are looking for a plan that allows you to create a website yourself. The Shopify Basic plan is a better choice for you if:
Both Shopify Lite and Shopify Basic offer payment integrations and quick checkout options.
All plans of Shopify offer solutions to different types of business owners. It's more important to go through each feature and see how they compare to your needs and budget.
If you want to sell on Instagram, you have to upgrade to Shopify Basic.
Shopify is a good pick for a website builder for small business owners who want to enter the world of eCommerce. If you think you can only generate sales through your blog and social media, Shopify Lite would be the best pick. The Shopify Basic plan is a better option if you need additional features like the capability to create an online store.
Learn more about Shopify and other eCommerce website builders from the our blogs at Page Kits.
