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You develop online shops and are faced with the decision: Shopware 6 or Shopify? Both systems are powerful – but technically very different. Here you'll learn what's important for you as a developer.
1. Hosting and system architecture
- Shopify: Fully hosted (SaaS). No server configuration required. Ideal for quick setups.
- Shopware 6: Self-hosted or in the cloud. You have full control over infrastructure, PHP version, database, and performance tuning.
And finally ... Shopify takes a lot of work off your hands, but Shopware 6 gives you complete freedom – crucial for complex requirements.
2. Template engine and development logic
- Shopify: Uses LiquidNo PHP, no classic backend logic. Only limited manipulation is possible.
- Shopware 6: Works with Twig, Symfony components and a clear MVC structure. You develop entirely in PHP and Symfony.
And finally ... If you are proficient in PHP, you will be able to work much more flexibly with Shopware 6.
3. API and Headless Capability
- Shopify: Has one powerful REST and GraphQL APIHeadless commerce is possible – but you are bound to Shopify's structure.
- Shopware 6: It was developed as an API-first system, featuring a REST API, an admin API, and a store API. Headless projects are easily supported.
And finally ... Both systems are headless-capable. Shopware 6 is natively designed for API architecture.
4. Extensibility and plugins
- Shopify: Extensions via apps in Shopify App StoreMany features are paid. JavaScript/frontend access only via App-Bridge/API.
- Shopware 6: Extensions via Composer, Symfony Bundles and plugins. Full backend control, including events, services and database access.
And finally ... Shopware offers you, as a developer, deeper intervention options and a true backend architecture.
5. Data model and individualization
- Shopify: Rigid data model. Product options and variants are limited. Adjustments via metafields are possible – but cumbersome.
- Shopware 6: Flexible entity system with dynamic custom fields, relations and custom entities via the DAL (Data Abstraction Layer).
And finally ... Shopware 6 is significantly better suited for individual data structures.
6. Developer Experience
- Shopify: Local development via Shopify CLI, Theme Kit, and GitHub integration. Deployment is only possible via the API or UI.
- Shopware 6: Full development environment with CLI, Composer, Symfony tools, Vue.js in the admin and Git-enabled code workflow.
And finally ... Shopware 6 feels like classic, modern web development to developers.
7. Pricing structure
- Shopify: Monthly fees plus revenue sharing with payment providers. Limited plans available.
- Shopware 6: The Community Edition is free. Costs arise from hosting, plugins, and possibly Professional/Enterprise licenses.
And finally ... For small projects with fixed budgets, Shopify can be a more affordable starting option. For scalable systems, Shopware is often more economical.
8. Community and Support
- Shopify: Large community, many tutorials, but limited technical resources. Support for developers.
- Shopware 6: Active developer community, official forum, Slack, extensive Developer Documentation and German support.
And finally ... If you're looking for direct interaction with core developers, Shopware is the right place for you.
Conclusion: Which system is suitable for whom?
| Aspect | Shopify | Shopware 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Technical complexity | Low | High |
| Backend access | Limited | Completely |
| Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Headless capability | Ja | Yes (API-First) |
| Cost control | Difficult | Transparent |
FAQ: What you should consider beforehand regarding Shopware 6 or Shopify:
What do you think?
Which system do you prefer as a developer – and why? Do you have any specific experience with Shopify or Shopware 6? Share your opinion or ask your questions in the comments section below.
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