The way you host your online store shapes your entire business. Maybe you started on Shopify, but now you want to switch things up. Or maybe you just want the freedom to build the kind of eCommerce experience your brand really needs. Whichever situation you’re in, you’re not alone! Tons of growing Canadian businesses are wondering, Is there a more flexible, wallet-friendly way to sell online…without sacrificing reliability or support?
That’s where EasyHosting steps in, offering a user-friendly approach that allows users to easily purchase, renew, or manage domains and services without restrictions or complications. This is our in-depth comparison between Shopify and EasyHosting to give you more insights about their flexibility, costs, and features!
Understanding Business Needs
Before diving into any eCommerce platform, businesses need to take a step back and assess their unique business needs. This means identifying your target audience, clarifying your brand identity, and setting clear sales goals for your online store. Are you aiming to reach local customers or expand globally? Would you like a simple storefront, or are you looking for advanced features and integrations?
Consider how your user interface will impact the customer experience; an intuitive, easy-to-navigate site can make all the difference in converting visitors into buyers. Domain registration is another key step; choosing a domain that matches your brand and is easy to remember helps build trust and recognition. Remember to evaluate hosting services, as reliable hosting ensures your website stays online and performs well even during peak sales periods.
If you’re new to all of this and want to get deeper into how to create an actual online store from scratch, we recommend our full guide on the matter: 10 Tips to Create a Successful Online Store
The Platforms
Now, let’s get deeper into each one of these two most popular solutions:
Shopify eCommerce Platform
Shopify is the big name in Canadian eCommerce, and for good reason! It’s an all-in-one platform, so you don’t have to worry about finding a separate host, managing security, or handling most technical stuff. Some of the best-loved perks include:
- Built-in eCommerce tools that handle everything from product listings to payments to shipping
- A massive app marketplace for powerful add-ons
- Sleek store templates that are mobile-ready
- 24/7 support and loads of documentation
The catch? Convenience comes with trade-offs. Shopify’s approach is perfect if you:
- Want to launch ultra-fast with minimal setup time
- Don’t mind outsourcing most technical control
- Are you OK with paying steady monthly platform fees and transaction charges
But if your business starts to outgrow Shopify’s templates or you want to avoid high recurring costs, Shopify can become expensive as your business grows, and you might feel boxed in.
EasyHosting eCommerce Solutions
EasyHosting isn’t your average do-it-for-you website builder. As a company, we’re providing online infrastructure and support for businesses and individuals establishing a web presence. Our business-first hosting is designed for Canadians who want more control and a lower bill! Here’s what sets EasyHosting apart:
- A flexible platform: Mix and match your favourite website builder (including eCommerce options), grab a custom domain, and enjoy full control.
- Professional website builder: No coding skills needed! Use drag-and-drop tools to launch a beautiful, mobile-ready shop in minutes.
- Transparent pricing: Pay for what you actually need, with no hidden monthly platform fees.
- Canadian servers and support: Enjoy lightning-fast speeds and responsive help,no massive time-zone gaps when you need answers.
- Scalability for growth: Easily upgrade storage, traffic, or security as your store booms.
EasyHosting gives you the framework, but leaves creative decisions in your hands. It’s a dream for entrepreneurs, developers, and cost-conscious shoppers ready to break the “big platform” mould.
eCommerce Feature Comparison
When creating your online store, think about how your user interface can be optimized for all devices, from desktops to smartphones and even voice assistants. A seamless, responsive design ensures that customers enjoy a smooth shopping experience no matter how they access your site. This attention to detail can boost sales and help your store stand out in a crowded online marketplace.
The interface is not the only feature you should be paying attention to; check all the feature comparisons we listed between Shopify and EasyHosting, so you can make the decision that works best for your business.
| Shopify | EasyHosting | |
| Store setup and management | Sign up, pick a template, and customize your branding, and you’re live within minutes.Inventory, shipping, and basic store logic are all managed smoothly behind the scenes.There are plenty of plug-and-play apps for advanced needs, but complex customizations may require hiring a developer. | Get your own domain, and use the beginner-friendly website builder.More freedom to arrange your store however you want. Add unlimited products, tweak layouts, and control your SEO settings.Enjoy features like professional email, SSL included, and daily automated backups. |
| Payment processing | Direct integration with Shopify Payments, credit cards, Apple Pay, and a huge number of alternatives.Be aware of extra transaction fees if you use third-party gateways.PCI compliance and fraud monitoring are handled by Shopify, so you don’t need to lose sleep over security updates. | Connect Stripe, PayPal, Square, or whatever’s best for you (with your chosen platform or plugins).You manage your own payment security (tools provided), giving you a little more setup flexibility but extra responsibility.No forced transaction fees, your earnings are your earnings. |
| Inventory and order management | Integrated inventory tracking, automated order systems, and shipping labels.Easily handle returns, customer communication, and basic analytics in one dashboard. | Use the builder’s inventory tools to track and manage your inventory..Manage inventory and orders the way you want, no forced structure, just real options to fit your product range and process. |
| Performance and scalability | Built for high traffic, with unlimited bandwidth and top-end server securityAutomatic backups, fraud protection, and PCI DSS compliance out-of-the-boxHandles traffic spikes (think Black Friday) for big-name brands with ease | Servers on Canadian soil for speedy local access (helpful for SEO and privacy)Easily scale resources as you grow. Need more bandwidth or storage? Upgrade as you go.Automated daily backups, SSL included, and responsive support mean your store is protected, but you decide how “hands-on” to be. |
| Customization and control | Great for cookie-cutter convenience, templates are beautiful, but real customization needs specialized apps or a developer.You’re locked into Shopify’s system, with certain restrictions on the checkout process, design structure, and integrations. | Total freedom to build, tweak, and extend your site as you see fit.. |
Cost Analysis
But what about pricing? Costs also play a part when making the tough decision of which platform to choose. If you’re looking for a monthly or annual fee, or if you’re just looking for specific features that come with certain packages, everything comes down to how the pricing structure of each platform is. Let’s break it all down so you can make your decision wisely.
Shopify Pricing Structure
It’s easy to sign up for Shopify, but as your store grows, so do the fees. Here’s how it shakes out in Canada:
| Plan Name | Yearly Fee (USD) | Monthly Fee (USD) | Extra Transaction Fees (Yearly) |
| Basic | $14 | $19 | 3.5% |
| Grow | $39 | $52 | 3.4% |
| Advanced | $299 | $399 | 3.3% |
| Plus | $2,300 | $2,300 | Competitive rates for high-volume merchants |
Many users have found that after signing up, there are additional costs for themes, apps, and services, which can increase the total cost of ownership.
Plus, keep in mind the following :
- Extra costs for themes (around $200-$500 each)
- Paid apps for additional functions (starting at $6/month, but premium ones can run much higher)
- Domain names, shipping fees, etc.
EasyHosting eCommerce Costs
EasyHosting skips the “platform tax” and gives you a clearer bill:
- Basic monthly plans start at $14.99!
- No transaction or commission fees, your sales revenue is yours to keep
- Website builder included, and pro features (like email accounts, backups, SSL, and security) are often bundled
- Add extra tools or upgrades as you scale, no need to change platforms to “unlock” more features
For most Canadian small businesses and entrepreneurs, you’ll save big by going the EasyHosting route, especially as your sales go up. If you like avoiding surprise charges and control over your spending, this is the path for you.
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary. Always check the latest on both Shopify and EasyHosting sites. Some features are only available on specific plans and may come at an extra cost.
Final Words
Selling online is now more important than ever, and both Shopify and EasyHosting support different selling strategies to help you reach your goals. One of the biggest challenges for businesses is choosing the right platform that balances flexibility, cost, and scalability. While there are clear differences between Shopify and EasyHosting, there are also similarities in their core eCommerce features, such as product management, payment integration, and website customization.
Before making a decision, take the time to identify your specific needs and priorities. This will help ensure you select the platform that best supports your business growth.
Choosing between Shopify and EasyHosting isn’t about “right or wrong”; it’s about what fits your business goals today and tomorrow. If you crave plug-and-play simplicity and don’t mind extra fees for the all-in-one solution, Shopify’s a Canadian favourite. But if you’re growth-focused, want to control every aspect, or just love the idea of keeping more of your own money, EasyHosting is the cost-savvy, flexible rival ready to power your business your way.
It’s time to ask: How much freedom, savings, and creative power do you want for your online store?
But if you’re ready to make your switch to EasyHosting, check out our website builder plans. Reach out to our team for expert advice and support if you need assistance!
support@easyhosting.com
Call us: 1-888-390-1210
Want more tips? Check out the EasyHosting blog for the latest trends, strategies, and insider secrets to grow your online business!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is EasyHosting a good option if I’m not tech-savvy?
Absolutely. Our website builder is drag-and-drop and super user-friendly, with helpful support for getting started. EasyHosting is designed to be accessible for users of all experience levels, ensuring a smooth onboarding process. If you’d rather go advanced, you can, but you don’t have to be a tech wizard to launch a store.
Does EasyHosting charge transaction fees on my sales?
Nope! All your sales revenue stays with you. You pay only for your domain, and any extra tools you select, with no forced commission.
Can I use my own custom domain?
Totally! In fact, you can register a new Canadian domain or transfer your existing one to EasyHosting with no hassle.
Is EasyHosting secure?
Yes, security is baked in from the start. All plans come with SSL certificates, daily backups, and anti-malware tools. For high-risk eCommerce, add advanced firewalls and PCI tools if needed.
Do I get email hosting?
You get branded, pro-level email accounts tied to your domain. This helps you look legit to your customers and keep business communications organized.
