Shopify vs Lightspeed: which hosted solution do you choose?

Shopify and Lightspeed are both hosted e-commerce platforms (SaaS). You don't need technical knowledge and can start immediately. But which one suits you better?

Overview

Shopify advantages

Huge ecosystem:

• 6,000+ apps
• Hundreds of themes
• Large developer community

International focus:

• Multi-currency
• Multi-language
• Worldwide payment providers

Marketing features:

• Built-in SEO tools
• Email marketing
• Social selling

Scalability:

• From startup to enterprise
• Shopify Plus for large brands

Shopify disadvantages

• Less local focus
• Transaction fees with external payments
• Prices in dollars
• Limited local support

Lightspeed advantages

Local focus:

• Local payment methods standard
• Local support
• Tax integration
• Marketplace connections

POS integration:

• Excellent cash register system
• Omnichannel retail
• Inventory synchronization

Local integrations:

• Shipping providers
• Accounting packages
• Marketplaces

Lightspeed disadvantages

• Smaller app ecosystem
• Fewer themes
• More limited international options
• Fewer marketing tools

Price comparison

Shopify prices

*When using external payment provider

Lightspeed prices

Feature comparison

When to choose Shopify?

• You sell internationally
• You want many apps and integrations
• Design and branding are important
• You plan to scale to enterprise
• Marketing automation needed

When to choose Lightspeed?

• Focus on local market
• You have physical store(s)
• Local support important
• POS/omnichannel is priority
• Marketplace integration desired

Verdict

Choose Shopify if you want to sell internationally, need many apps, or want to scale quickly.

Choose Lightspeed if you primarily sell locally, have a physical store, or value local support.

Both platforms are excellent. The choice depends on your specific needs and market strategy.