eCommerce has now become the most widely used method through which enterprises generate revenue. Running an online store is challenging, involving numerous processes, from handling products to accepting payments and developing websites. You will find it easier to run your daily operations since an eCommerce platform contains all the elements you need to create and run your online business, and Odoo vs Shopify is among the top choices in this field. Also, it's relatively cheap compared with developing software from scratch. Today, eCommerce platforms like Odoo and Shopify present many possibilities to help you build your business, whether you are an online seller or in your physical store.
In this article, we are going to put a comparison between these platforms., Odoo vs Shopify, and which one should you choose for your company?
Odoo vs Shopify: Complete Understanding
Odoo
Odoo (OpenERP) was founded in 2005 and was primarily established as an ERP Solution. Later, it diverted its attention to business applications through varied eCommerce tools, including corporate resource planning, customer relationship management, and point-of-sale systems. The Odoo system allows businesses to automate and streamline their processes.
Fabien Pinckaers started the company to fill a gap in the market for open-source integrated business management solutions. Odoo launched to make ERP available to everyone." In and of itself, Odoo is a business application package comprising sales, customer relationship management (CRM), project management, Inventory management solutions, warehouse management, manufacturing, financial management, eCommerce scalability and human resources. With over a thousand cloud and on-premises modules, it supports businesses of all sizes.
Odoo is one of the world's most used open-source business management software, with thousands of downloads/installations every day. Due to its vibrant community, it continues to get fixes and new features. Furthermore, it is ideal for businesses that start small and continue to grow as the modular architecture of Odoo can support specific business needs, and scale without any issue.
Shopify
Shopify is a hosted eCommerce shop that provides all sorts of tools to enable you to sell things both online and in person. No more sluggish hosting during peak hours. With Shopify, expect reliable hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
Shopify also allows merchants to obtain an online store without the need for technical and design skills. In addition, this platform allows Shopify to make it easy to start your business. This is because you will have all the instruments available on the platform, from where you will start to create your website and sell your items and services in electronic and tangible ways. After this, everything about running and marketing your business on your site depends on you.
Odoo vs. Shopify Comparison 2025
Odoo and Shopify are two of the most sought-after eCommerce platforms, catering to distinct business needs. The comparison is based on several parameters, such as price, customization, functionality, and user experience.
1 - Odoo vs Shopify pricing 2025
Shopify pricing models
Shopify uses a subscription model with tiered plans, and their price increases based on the number of transactions, increasing as your online store grows. The predictable monthly fees certainly don't compound as fast as the transaction fees or paid apps for big-ticket businesses.
Shopify's pricing is tiered based on the size of transactions. It is best suited for those businesses that sell mainly online and have simple needs.
Shopify Transaction Fees:
- Basic Plan: 2% + 1% up to $99/mo on more than 50 synced orders
- Shopify Plan: 1% + 1% up to $99/mo on more than 50 synced orders
- Advanced Plan: 0.6% + 1% up to $99/mo on more than 50 synced orders
Shopify charges an additional fee (up to 2%/transaction) if you use third-party payment gateways.
Odoo's Open-Source Costing Benefits
Pricing for Odoo is flexible and scales with the number of users. The community edition is free, but there are also enterprise editions available that provide additional features and support from Odoo. There is a single free application for one user, with a license required for multiple applications or additional users, license pricing can vary based on the selection of a country and whether you choose monthly or annual billing. Also, Odoo provides an option to host on their servers odoo.sh, and also companies can self-host it which can be an important factor for large companies that need compliance and maintain control over their data.
Odoo Transaction Fees:
Odoo does not have a built-in transaction fee structure like Shopify, as it is more of an ERP system. However, if you use Odoo's eCommerce module, the fees depend on the payment processors you integrate (like PayPal, Stripe, etc.). Fees vary by provider but are generally similar to Shopify's rates.
Summary Odoo vs. Shopify Prices
It is quite misleading to state that Odoo costs $20 a month because, Odoo Community edition is essentially free, while Odoo Enterprise standard starts from $7.25/user/month. The statement that Shopify charges 14% fees for the transaction is incorrect; it varies with both the processor and plan selected. The flexibility of the platforms when considering pricing depends on the type and need of the business.
2 - Customization and Flexibility
Customization capabilities on Shopify
Shopify offers various customizable themes and several readymade apps from its app store. Its customizations on the backend are minimal compared to Odoo.
Customization Ability of Odoo
Odoo offers two versions: Odoo Community (Open Source) is free and comes with a rather basic degree of customization options, while Odoo Enterprise is more advanced and offers various paid modules with support. Customization possibilities are offered by both versions; however, the Enterprise version can provide much more functionality.
Comparison of Flexibility Odoo vs. Shopify
While Odoo can offer more flexibility for companies that need customized solutions, Shopify is easier and more convenient since the platform offers several pre-built templates and apps that can be chosen from to set up the online storefront.
3 - eCommerce Functionality
Core Features of Shopify
Shopify is known for its robust eCommerce functionalities, including:
- Advanced inventory management
- Integrated payment processing
- Marketing tools like email campaigns
Core Features of Odoo
Odoo has eCommerce features as part of its broader suite:
- Product catalogue management
- Integrated CRM and accounting tools
- Customizable checkout processes
Odoo vs. Shopify in eCommerce Functionality
Shopify excels in providing a streamlined eCommerce experience but may lack some advanced business management features found in Odoo.
4 - Inventory Management
Shopify's Inventory Management Features
Shopify has a very easy-to-use inventory management system that helps users to track easily their stock level, manage returns, and handle product variants.
Odoo's Inventory Management Capabilities
Odoo provides advanced inventory features suitable for complex operations, including multi-channel management and detailed reporting.
Inventory Control Odoo vs. Shopify
Shopify is user-friendly for small businesses, but Odoo's capabilities will be much better suited for large enterprises with complex inventory needs.
5 - Customer Management Features
Customer Relationship Management in Shopify
Shopify includes built-in CRM tools that assist businesses in managing customer data, tracking interactions, and analyzing buying behavior.
Customer Management in Odoo
Odoo integrates customer management with other business functions, such as sales and marketing, offering a holistic view of customer relationships.
Comparing Customer Support Tools
It is concluded that both aspects do have all the basic customer management, but with Odoo's more integrative approach to other applications, its catalog advantage for more complete customer insights stands a good chance.
6 - SEO Features
SEO Capabilities in Shopify
Shopify has strong built-in SEO features that allow users to customize title tags, meta descriptions, and URL structures easily.
SEO eCommerce Odoo
Odoo does support SEO through its content management capabilities and custom URLs, but it would take a more technical knowledge set to exploit this capability fully.
Importance of SEO for eCommerce Success
Effective SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic to your online store. Both of the platforms have tools to optimize your site for search engines but may differ in ease of use.
7 - User Experience and Support
Ease of Use: Shopify vs. Odoo
Shopify is generally appreciated by many as easy to implement, thereby having a "no technical skills needed" efficiency for setting up. In contrast, Odoo can have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features.
Customer Support Options for Both Platforms
Shopify offers excellent customer support through many channels (chat, email, phone), while Odoo’s support options may vary depending on the hosting solution chosen.
8 - Hosting and Security Aspects
Hosting Options for Shopify
Shopify is a fully hosted solution that includes built-in security measures like SSL certification to protect customer data.
Hosting Options for Odoo
Odoo is capable of either self-hosting or cloud-hosting based on user preference as well as the technical capacities of the user.
Security Features Comparison Shopify vs. Odoo
Both value security, but the difference in how it differs from one platform to another is that Shopify's fully hosted solution enabled easier management of security in comparison to Odoo's self-hosting, where security management requires more vigilance on the side of users.
9 - Scalability and Growth Potential
Scalability of Shopify for Growing Businesses
Shopify accommodates growth through its various plans that cater to small businesses up to large enterprises without significant changes in infrastructure.
Scalability of Odoo for Complex Operations
Odoo’s modular approach allows businesses to scale by adding new functionalities as needed without starting from scratch.
10 - Integration with Other Tools
Third-party integrations Available on Shopify
Shopify would also support third-party integrations, such as email marketing software such as Mailchimp or an accounting tool like QuickBooks.
Integration Capabilities: Odoo
Odoo integrates with other types of applications across every business function, thus creating a complete operational ecosystem.
Ending Words
In summary, both “Odoo vs. Shopify” platforms have their strengths: Shopify excels in ease of use and dedicated eCommerce functionality, while Odoo offers extensive customization options within a broader business suite. Choose Shopify if you prioritize simplicity and quick setup; opt for Odoo if you require extensive customization or integrated business management solutions.
Choosing the right eCommerce platform can impact your business's success. Assess your specific needs—whether it's ease of use or customization—and make an informed decision between Odoo and Shopify today!
