Shopify Starter vs Basic (2025): Which Plan is The Best?

Starting an online business is exciting, but choosing the right e-commerce platform can make all differences. Shopify offers separate plans to meet different requirements, and two popular options for beginners are Shopify Starter and Basic Plans.

The Shopify Starter Plan is a simple and budget-friendly option at just $ 5 per month. This is very good if you want to start small, especially by selling devices such as linkpops through your social media channels. This makes it easy to share product links with your followers and sell directly without the need for the entire website.

On the other hand, the original plan gives you a complete online store with more features, allowing you a proper website and more control over your sales.

In this article, we will break the major features, pricing, and who is the best for each plan – so you can decide which Shopify scheme is in line with your business goals and the best budget.

Shopify Starter vs Basic: In A Nutshell

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick comparison of the Shopify Starter and Basic plans:

Note: Shopify’s Starter plan doesn’t offer an annual subscription. 

What Is The Shopify Starter Plan?

The Shopify Starter plan is an entry-level option designed for entrepreneurs who want to start selling online without the complexity of a full-fledged e-commerce website. It’s ideal for those looking to sell products through social media platforms, messaging apps, or by sharing product links.

Key features of the Shopify Starter plan include:

• Ability to sell unlimited products
• Integration with popular social media platforms
• Simple product link-sharing option
• Basic inventory management
• Mobile-friendly checkout experience
• Access to Shopify’s Linkpop tool for bio links

The Starter plan is perfect for side hustlers, social media influencers, or small businesses testing the waters of e-commerce. It provides a low-risk entry point into online selling without the need for a full website.

What Is The Shopify Basic Plan?

The Shopify Basic plan is a more comprehensive e-commerce solution for businesses ready to launch a full online store. It offers a wider range of features and tools to help you create, manage, and grow your online business.

Key features of the Shopify Basic plan include:

• Full-featured online store with customizable themes
• Custom domain name
• Unlimited product listings
• Access to Shopify’s app store
• Abandoned cart recovery
• Discount code creation
• 24/7 customer support
• Basic reports and analytics
• Multiple sales channels (online store, social media, marketplaces)
• Two staff accounts

The Basic plan is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish a strong online presence and grow their customer base. It provides more advanced tools and features to support business growth and expansion.

Shopify Starter vs Basic: Pricing And Transaction Fees

One of the most significant factors in choosing between Shopify Starter and Basic is the cost. Let’s break down the pricing and transaction fees for each plan.

Shopify Starter Pricing And Transaction Fees

The Shopify Starter plan is priced at $5 per month, making it an affordable option for new entrepreneurs or those on a tight budget. This low monthly fee gives you access to essential selling tools and features.

Shopify’s Starter plan charges a fixed 5% transaction fee per sale whether you sell online or in-person through Shopify POS. 

These higher transaction fees for external payment gateways can add up quickly if you’re processing a large volume of sales. It’s worth considering this when evaluating the true cost of the Starter plan for your business.

Shopify Basic Pricing And Transaction Fees

The Shopify Basic plan is priced at $39 per month ($29/month if paid annually), which is a significant jump from the Starter plan. However, this higher Shopify pricing plan comes with a more comprehensive set of features and lower transaction fees.

Here’s a breakdown of the transaction fees for the Basic plan:

When using Shopify Payments:

• 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions
• 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions

When using external payment gateways:

• 2% transaction fee on top of the payment processor’s fees

The lower transaction fee for external payment gateways (2% vs. 5% on the Starter plan) can result in significant savings for businesses with higher sales volumes. This reduction in fees can often offset the higher monthly cost of the Basic plan.

Additionally, the Basic plan includes features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes, which can help increase sales and potentially justify the higher monthly investment.

Either you choose Shopify Starter or Basic, you will get a 3-day free trial, then $1/month for 3 months.

Shopify Starter v Basic: Which One To Choose?

Deciding between Shopify Starter and Basic depends on your business needs, goals, and budget. Let’s explore when each plan might be the right choice for your online business.

Choose Shopify Starter If:

1. You’re just starting out: If you’re new to e-commerce and want to test the waters without a significant financial commitment, Shopify Starter is an excellent entry point.
2. You primarily sell through social media: For businesses that mainly rely on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook for sales, the Starter plan provides the necessary tools without the added cost of a full online store.
3. You have a limited product range: If you only sell a few products or services, the Starter plan’s features may be sufficient for your needs.
4. You’re on a tight budget: With its low monthly fee, Shopify Starter is ideal for entrepreneurs with limited funds who want to start selling online quickly.
5. You don’t need a full website: If you’re comfortable selling through product links and social media integrations, the Starter plan offers a cost-effective solution.
6. You’re a content creator or influencer: For those looking to monetize their audience through product sales, Starter provides an easy way to get started without the complexity of a full e-commerce site.
7. You’re running a side hustle: For part-time entrepreneurs or those with a small side business, Starter offers the essential tools without unnecessary features.

Choose Shopify Basic If:

1. You want a professional online store: If having a full-fledged e-commerce website is important for your brand, Shopify Basic provides the tools to create and customize your online store.
2. You’re planning to scale your business: The Basic plan offers more room for growth with features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes that can help boost sales.
3. You have a diverse product catalog: For businesses with a wide range of products, Basic’s unlimited product listings and better inventory management tools are beneficial.
4. You need multiple sales channels: Basic offers more integrated sales channel options if you want to sell through your website, social media, and online marketplaces.
5. You want to build brand recognition. Basic helps establish a stronger brand presence online with a custom domain and fully customizable online store.
6. You need detailed analytics: Basic offers more comprehensive reporting tools to help you understand your business performance and make data-driven decisions.
7. You process a high volume of sales: If you’re processing numerous transactions, the lower transaction fees on Basic can lead to significant savings compared to Starter.
8. You require multiple staff accounts: Basic allows for two staff accounts, making it easier to manage your store with a small team.
9. You want to offer gift cards: Basic allows you to create and sell gift cards, which can be a valuable addition to your product offerings.
10. You need more payment options: Basic supports a wider range of payment gateways, giving you and your customers more flexibility in payment methods.

Shopify Starter Plan vs Shopify Basic Plan 

Quickly compare Shopify Starter and Basic plans to find the right fit for your business.

Conclusion: Shopify Starter and Basic Plans Serve Different Business Goals

Both Shopify Starter and Basic Plan bring significant features to launch entrepreneurs or help to increase their online store, but they meet different needs. 

If you are new to e-commerce and want to start selling easily through social media or with a small product range, then the Shopify starter is perfect. 

When you are ready to create a full online store with more adaptation and professional features, Shopify Basic is a better fit. 

Both plans come with a risk-free test-3 days free, then just $1/month for 3 months-so you can test them and choose the best plan for your goals.