rigami.
All comparisons
/// Compare

Shopify vs a custom e-commerce build.

A senior-engineering POV on Shopify vs Custom commerce — what changes in 2026, where each wins, and which we'd default to for greenfield builds.

DimensionShopifyCustom commerce
Category leaderShopifyCustom commerce
Adoption in 2026WidespreadStrong niche
Hiring marketBroadFocused
Learning curveModerateModerate
/// Origami's take

Shopify wins for 90% of merchants. Build custom when the product experience is the differentiator.