Lightspeed vs Shopify: which platform suits you? 2026

Lightspeed vs Shopify: the complete comparison

Choosing between Lightspeed and Shopify? Both are popular e-commerce platforms, but they have important differences. In this comparison, we analyze both platforms specifically for Dutch entrepreneurs.

Quick overview

Pricing comparison

Lightspeed pricing

Shopify pricing

Transaction fees

Lightspeed:

• Lightspeed Payments: iDEAL €0.29, cards 1.4%+
• External providers: 1-2% extra fee depending on plan

Shopify:

• Shopify Payments: iDEAL €0.29, cards 1.5%+
• External providers: 0.5-2% extra fee depending on plan

Feature comparison

Product management

Lightspeed advantages:

• Intuitive product interface
• Built-in B2B pricing
• Better for large catalogs

Shopify advantages:

• Unlimited products on all plans
• Better variant management
• More flexible product types

Dutch payment methods

Lightspeed:

• iDEAL native via Lightspeed Payments
• All Dutch methods supported
• Belgian methods (Bancontact) included

Shopify:

• iDEAL via Shopify Payments (recently added)
• Alternative: Mollie app
• All major methods available

Point of Sale (POS)

Lightspeed:

• Strong POS heritage (started as POS)
• Fully integrated omnichannel
• Hardware packages available
• Single inventory management

Shopify:

• Shopify POS available
• Good but less integrated
• Works with various hardware

Winner for omnichannel: Lightspeed

Apps and integrations

Lightspeed:

• 500+ apps in marketplace
• Dutch apps well represented
• Quality generally good
• Some essential features need apps

Shopify:

• 8,000+ apps available
• More variety and options
• Variable quality
• More free options

Winner: Shopify (volume), Lightspeed (Dutch relevance)

Design and themes

Lightspeed:

• Good selection of themes
• Professional Dutch designs
• Limited customization without code

Shopify:

• 100+ themes (12 free)
• Better customization options
• Online Store 2.0 flexibility
• More premium choices

Winner: Shopify

Support and service

Lightspeed

• Dutch-speaking support team
• Phone, email, chat
• Office hours (extended for higher plans)
• Training and onboarding available
• Personal account manager (higher plans)

Shopify

• 24/7 support (English)
• Limited Dutch support
• Extensive self-service resources
• Large community
• Shopify Experts marketplace

Winner for Dutch market: Lightspeed

Who should choose Lightspeed?

• Dutch/Belgian focused businesses
• Retailers with physical stores (POS)
• Those who value Dutch support
• B2B webshops
• Omnichannel retailers

Who should choose Shopify?

• International sellers
• Pure online shops (no physical)
• Those who want maximum app choice
• Dropshippers
• Fast-growing D2C brands

Migration considerations

Switching platforms is always complex. Consider:

• Product data export/import
• Customer data migration
• SEO (URL structure, redirects)
• Design rebuilding
• Payment provider setup

Our recommendation

Choose Lightspeed if:

• You have or plan physical retail
• Dutch support is important to you
• You focus on Benelux market
• You need B2B functionality

Choose Shopify if:

• You sell internationally
• You want maximum flexibility
• App ecosystem is important
• You prefer 24/7 support (English)

Summary

Both Lightspeed and Shopify are excellent e-commerce platforms. Lightspeed excels for Dutch businesses with omnichannel needs and those who value local support. Shopify is better for international expansion and offers more design and app flexibility. Your choice depends on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and growth plans.