Platform Overview

Etsy

Etsy charges 6.5% (Source: Etsy, 2026) transaction fee plus $0.20 listing and 3%+$0.25 payment. Monthly fees are $0 for standard sellers. Built-in traffic from Etsy's 96M active buyers.

Shopify

Shopify charges $29-$299/month plus 2.9%+$0.30 (Source: Stripe, 2026) payment processing. You own the customer relationship and store design but must drive your own traffic.

Fee Comparison Table

Fee Type Etsy Shopify Notes
Transaction/Sale Fee 6.5% (Source: Etsy, 2026) 0% with Shopify Payments Shopify has zero platform transaction fees
Payment Processing 3% + $0.25 2.9% + $0.30 (Source: Stripe, 2026) Shopify is 0.1% cheaper
Monthly Costs $0 $29-$299/mo Shopify has significant fixed costs
Listing Fees $0.20 per listing Unlimited listings Etsy charges per listing
Traffic Built-in Etsy traffic Must drive own traffic Etsy provides immediate buyers

Key Takeaways

What to Consider

  • Platform fees are only part of the equation — factor in fulfillment, shipping, and your time.
  • Consider your product type and target audience when choosing the right platform.
  • Use our Profit Calculator to estimate exact costs.

🏆 Overall Winner

Etsy wins for getting started fast — no monthly fee, built-in traffic. Shopify wins for brand building and long-term margin control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Etsy cheaper than Shopify?

At low volumes, Etsy is cheaper with no monthly fees. At $10,000+/month in sales, Shopify's fixed cost becomes competitive.

Do I need marketing for Etsy vs Shopify?

Etsy provides built-in traffic. Shopify requires marketing investment for every sale.

Can I sell the same items on both Etsy and Shopify?

Yes, many sellers use both: Etsy for marketplace discovery, Shopify for brand control and direct sales.

Bottom Line

Etsy is cheaper for beginners and low-volume sellers; Shopify is better for high-volume branded stores.