Shopify Basic Pricing Plans 2026: How Much Does Shopify Cost
- Sachin Dhanotiya
- Last updated on April 3, 2026
- eCommerce, Shopify, Shopify Plus
- 9 minutes read
Key highlights: The Shopify Basic plan costs $39/month ($29/month with annual billing) and is perfect for beginners and small businesses. It offers essential tools like an online store builder, secure checkout, inventory management, multi-channel selling, and marketing features. Flexible pricing options and 24/7 support make it easy to start selling quickly. Note that extras like custom domains, premium themes, and third-party apps may add to your costs.
As more businesses shift online, selecting the right ecommerce platform and pricing plan is essential. The Shopify Basic plan is priced at $39 per month, or around $29 per month with yearly billing in 2026.
According to shopify reports, global online sales are projected to grow from $6.42 trillion in 2025 to $7.89 trillion by 2028, increasing the demand for beginner-friendly platforms like Shopify that make launching an online shopify store easier than ever.
However, before launching a shopify store, most beginners want clarity on one important question: Which pricing plan to choose?
If you have been searching for the Shopify Basic plan cost, wondering how much does Shopify cost in 2026, or trying to compare Shopify subscription plans before committing, this guide covers everything you need.
What is the shopify basic plan?
The Shopify Basic plan is designed for individuals and small teams that want a simple way to start selling online without technical complexity. It brings together all the essential e-commerce tools in one place, allowing merchants to create an online store, manage products and inventory, process orders, and accept payments through a secure checkout system. The plan also supports selling across multiple channels and managing business operations from a single dashboard, making it a practical starting point for entrepreneurs launching their first online store.
It is ideal for:
- First-time online sellers
- Small product-based businesses
- Dropshipping stores
- Creators launching merchandise
- Side-hustle entrepreneurs
If you want to start your store but aren’t sure where to begin, the Shopify Basic plan provides all the essential tools to set up your online store, manage products, and process orders. For a complete walkthrough on building your store, check out our build a Shopify store with step‑by‑step guide.
.
Shopify basic plan pricing in 2026
For many new business owners in 2026, the Shopify Basic plan is the go-to starting point when choosing an e-commerce platform. Shopify operates on a subscription-based model, where businesses pay a recurring fee to access its platform and selling tools. Positioned as the most affordable full-featured plan, Shopify Basic offers a complete set of features for new entrepreneurs and small businesses, making it a popular choice for those launching their online stores.
Shopify merchants can choose between flexible monthly billing or a discounted annual subscription, depending on their long-term plans and budget. Shopify offers a 3-day free trial, and after that, you can try it for just $1 per month for the first 3 months. This is perfect if you want to test Shopify before fully committing.
| Pricing option | Cost (USD) | Who it’s for |
| Free trial | 3 days free, then $1 for 3 months | New users who want to try Shopify risk-free |
| Monthly billing | $39/month | Businesses that want flexibility |
| Annual billing | $29/month (billed yearly) | Store owners who want to save money long-term |
Shopify Basic plan at $39 dollars per month on monthly billing is one of the most searched price points among new merchants. It unlocks all core selling features without a large upfront investment. Choosing the Shopify annual discount plan brings that down to approximately $29 per month, offering around 25% savings for store owners who are ready to commit long term.
Shopify basic plan: full fee breakdown
Understanding the Shopify monthly pricing and the total cost means looking beyond just the subscription price. Shopify transaction fees in 2026 are one of the most important factors to consider, especially if you plan to use a third-party payment gateway. Here is every fee relevant to the Basic plan, sourced directly from Shopify’s official 2026 plan comparison.
| Fee type | Basic plan rate | Notes |
| Monthly subscription | $39/month | $29/month on annual billing (25% savings) |
| Online standard card rate | 2.9% + 30¢ | Via Shopify Payments. No Shopify transaction fee on top. |
| Online premium card rate | 3.5% + 30¢ | Applied to premium cards (Amex, corporate cards) via Shopify Payments |
| Online international rate | +1% added | Added on top of base rate for international cards via Shopify Payments |
| In-person card rate | 2.6% + 10¢ | Via Shopify POS + Shopify Payments |
| Paypal wallet rate | Starting at 3.49% + 49¢ | Applies when customers pay with PayPal at checkout |
| Third-party transaction fee | 2% per transaction | Only applies if you use Stripe, PayPal, or other external payment gateways instead of Shopify Payments |
| Shopify balance earnings | 2.29% earnings rate | Earn interest on your Shopify Balance business account balance |
| Shopify credit cashback | Up to 3% | Via Shopify Credit Visa card, pay-in-full each cycle |
| Marketplace order sync (50+) | 1% up to $99/mo | First 50 synced marketplace orders per month are free |
Key features included in the shopify basic plan
Understanding Shopify Basic plan features is essential before deciding if it is the right fit. The plan includes all essential ecommerce tools required to launch and manage an online shopify store, along with several standout features designed for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses.
| Feature category | Features included in shopify basic |
| Online shopify store builder | Create and customize a full ecommerce website using themes and a visual editor |
| Checkout system | Shopify’s optimized, secure checkout designed to improve conversions |
| Sell anywhere | Sell online, through mobile devices, social media, marketplaces, and in person using POS |
| Product & inventory management | Manage products, orders, and stock across up to 10 inventory locations |
| Payments & transactions | Accept payments through Shopify Payments or third-party gateways |
| Shipping tools | Integrated shipping management with up to 87% shipping discounts |
| Marketing & promotions | Create discounts, run campaigns, and manage customer communication |
| Analytics & insights | Access shopify store performance tracking and business reports |
| Security | SSL encryption and secure hosting included for safe transactions |
| Customer support | 24/7 chat support for technical and shopify store assistance |
| In-person selling | Sell using phone or POS device with synced inventory and orders |
| App integrations | Access shopify app store to extend store functionality |
Shopify basic vs shopify grow vs advance: Expert comparison
Here is a quick Shopify pricing comparison for 2026 to show how the Basic plan sits relative to other tiers:
| Plan | Monthly price | Annual price | Transaction fee (3rd Party) |
| Starter | $5/month | $5/month | 5% |
| Basic | $39/month | ~$29/month | 2% |
| Grow | $105/month | ~$79/month | 1% |
| Advanced | $399/month | ~$299/month | 0.6% |
| Plus | Starting at $2,300/month | Custom | 0.3% |
The Basic plan works well for beginners, but as your shopify store grows, upgrading may unlock better transaction rates, deeper analytics, and enhanced team collaboration features.
Learn more about the Shopify Grow plan and Shopify Advanced plan to understand which option best supports scaling businesses.
Hidden shopify fees : What your plan doesn’t cover
While Shopify plans cover essential features, running an online shopify store may involve additional expenses depending on your business needs.
1. Custom domain
Shopify does not include a personalized domain name. Buying a custom domain improves brand credibility and makes your shopify store easier to find. Domains typically cost around $14–$20 per year and can be purchased from providers like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Hostinger.
2. Shipping expenses
Shipping costs depend on product size, packaging, and delivery locations. Shopify supports real-time shipping calculations and discounted rates with certain carriers.
3. Theme and shopify store design
Shopify offers free shopify themes for your shopify stores, but premium themes with advanced design and customization features usually cost between $150 and $400 as a one-time purchase.
4. Custom development and integrations
Advanced business needs, such as integrating accounting or inventory tools, may require custom development. Costs vary based on complexity and technical requirements.
5. Third-party apps
Apps add extra functionality such as email marketing, reviews, subscriptions, or upselling shopify apps. While some apps are free, paid options can range from $10 to $300+ per month, so choosing only necessary apps helps control costs.
You must find out the best Shopify apps options in categories such as email marketing apps, review apps, subscription apps, and upselling apps to find the best fit for your store.
Founder’s note
“When I started my first online store, I realized that choosing the right plan wasn’t just about cost, it was about setting up a foundation for growth. The Shopify Basic plan gives you the essential tools to start selling confidently, focus on your customers, and scale at your own pace. It’s simple, practical, and built for creators who want results without the overwhelm.”
–Anurag Pandey, Founder of ControlF5
How we optimize shopify costs for clients (ControlF5 approach)
At ControlF5, we focus on helping businesses get the most out of shopify without unnecessary expenses. We start by recommending the plan that best fits your needs and reviewing your apps to remove redundancies while suggesting affordable alternatives. We also improve store performance, from faster loading times to smoother checkout and smarter inventory management, so your operations run efficiently.
This approach helps reduce hidden costs, enhances customer experience, and boosts overall returns, allowing clients to grow their Shopify stores smarter and more cost-effectively.
Conclusion
For new entrepreneurs starting their e-commerce journey, the Shopify Basic plan provides a strong foundation to launch and manage an online shopify store efficiently. While it includes essential tools like a fully functional store, inventory management, and secure checkout, actual results depend on how well the shopify store is set up and promoted.
If you want better results from your Shopify store, you can hire Shopify experts to optimize performance and growth, and book a free consultation call for personalized guidance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Question: What does the Shopify Basic plan include?
Answer: It includes a fully functional online store with customizable themes, secure checkout, product and inventory management, payment processing, basic analytics, and 24/7 support.
Question: Is the Shopify Basic plan good?
Answer: Yes, it’s ideal for beginners, small businesses, and side hustlers who want an easy way to start selling online with all core tools included.
Question: What is the basic price of a Shopify website?
Answer: The Basic plan costs $39/month on monthly billing, or about $29/month with annual billing, offering around 25% savings for long-term commitment.
Question: What is the difference between Shopify Basic and Grow?
Answer: Basic suits solo sellers with essential features, while Grow offers lower transaction fees, more staff accounts, and advanced analytics for growing teams.
Question: Are there any hidden costs with Shopify Basic?
Answer: Some extras like custom domains, premium themes, third-party apps, or advanced integrations may cost extra, depending on your store’s needs.
Sachin Dhanotiya
CEO at AiTrillion
I help Shopify sellers and eCommerce brands accelerate growth, increase customer retention, and optimize workflows by leveraging cutting-edge AI marketing automation and data-driven design strategies.
Recent Posts
Categories
Artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, Awards, Case Studies, CSS, eCommerce, Events, Go High Level, How To Guide, HTML, IT Augmentation Service, MERN Developer, Mobile Apps, Android, iOS, MVP, React Js, Remote Developers, SaaS, Shopify, Shopify Apps, Shopify Plus, Uncategorised, Website Design, Woocommerce, WordPress
Hire Developers
About us
ControlF5 has become a leading Web Design and Mobile app Development company in India since 2012, and has a renowned name in the industry.
Popular Posts
Related Articles
How to Start a Wholesale Shopify e-commerce Business in 2026 (Step-by-step)
Anurag Pandey
17th March 2026
Over the last few years, I’ve personally helped multiple brands shift from manual bulk orders to fully automated B2B systems.
19+ Top Shopify Agencies in the UK (2026)
Anurag Pandey
10th February 2026
From my experience working with eCommerce founders and scaling Shopify stores, one thing is clear: choosing the right Shopify agencies UK brands partner with can directly impact growth, conversions, and long-term success.
10+ Best Shopify agencies in Milton Keynes
Anurag Pandey
6th February 2026
Every successful Shopify Plus store I’ve worked with in Milton Keynes has one thing in common: the right Shopify partner behind the scenes.