Comparison
Add Your Shop vs WooCommerce: the free plugin, or a shop set up for you
WooCommerce is WordPress's free e-commerce plugin, and it's everywhere. If your site runs on WordPress and you like tinkering, it's a solid option. If not, here's what to know.
Prices checked October 2026
The short answer
Add Your Shop is the better fit if…
- Your site isn't on WordPress, or you don't want to touch it
- You don't want to manage plugins, updates and security
- You want a shop ready quickly without paying a developer
- You want one person to email
WooCommerce is the better fit if…
- Your site runs on WordPress and you (or your developer) can maintain it
- You want full control of the code and data
- You sell a lot and want the lowest possible fees
- You need very specific extensions
Side by side
| Add Your Shop | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your current website | Yes, whatever it's built with | Only if your site runs on WordPress |
| Setup | Done for you, products included | Do it yourself or hire someone |
| Software price | £0 | Free plugin |
| Hosting | Included | Your cost; WooCommerce puts it at $25–$350 a month for most stores |
| Platform commission | 5% per sale | 0% |
| Standard card rate | 1.5% + 20p (Stripe) | 1.5% + £0.25 (WooPayments, UK cards) |
| Updates and security | Handled for you | Your responsibility |
Competitor prices are those shown publicly on their official pages on the date given. They can change, so please check the links below before you decide.
What WooCommerce does really well
WooCommerce is free, open and extremely flexible. You own your code and data, and thousands of extensions cover almost any need. For a well-maintained WordPress site, it's a natural choice.
What each option really costs
With WooCommerce, per-sale fees are lower: no commission, and payment fees similar to Stripe's. In return, you need suitable hosting, time to set up the shop, any extensions, and regular updates.
With Add Your Shop, you pay 5% per sale and nothing else to us. Hosting, updates, security and setup are included.
What changes with Add Your Shop
- Works with any website: WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Jimdo or custom-built
- Nothing to install or update on your site
- The shop is ready without eating your evenings
- No developer to pay for setup
Questions
Is WooCommerce really free?
The plugin is. You still need a WordPress site, hosting and often a few extensions; WooCommerce estimates hosting at $25–$350 a month for most stores.
My site is on WordPress. Should I choose WooCommerce?
Not necessarily. If you don't want to run the shop yourself, Add Your Shop joins your WordPress site through a simple menu link, with no plugin to install.
Which costs less in fees?
WooCommerce, if you don't count your time or hosting: no commission, and payment fees of 1.5% + £0.25 for UK cards with WooPayments.
Other comparisons
Add Your Shop vs Shopify
Shopify Basic and the Buy Button, next to a shop added for you.
Add Your Shop vs Ecwid
A store widget you install yourself, or a shop set up for you.
Add Your Shop vs Wix and Squarespace
Built-in stores on website builders, and what if your site lives elsewhere.
Add Your Shop vs Square Online
Square's free online store, ideal with Square tills.
Add Your Shop vs Snipcart
The developer's cart, and the no-code option.
Sources · Prices checked October 2026
Ready to sell online from your own website?
Send us your website address and what you'd like to sell. You'll get a clear, no-obligation proposal, and your shop can be live within days.