LaunchMyStore vs Shopify
LaunchMyStore and Shopify both let you run an online store, but they take different approaches. LaunchMyStore is a newer, full-feature platform built with global commerce, transparent pricing, and built-in extensibility in mind — most of what Shopify charges extra for through apps ships in the core LaunchMyStore product. Here's a clear-eyed comparison.
Core philosophy
LaunchMyStore | Shopify | |
|---|---|---|
Approach | Modern, batteries-included e-commerce platform | Mature platform with a strong ecosystem; many add-ons are paid |
Theme language | Aqua (Liquid-compatible) — themes built for Shopify run on LaunchMyStore | Liquid |
App ecosystem | App Store + Developer Portal + MCP server for AI agents | Shopify App Store |
Headless / API | REST + GraphQL API, App Bridge, webhooks, custom functions | REST + GraphQL Storefront API, Hydrogen |
POS | Built-in POS for in-person sales | Shopify POS (separate Lite/Pro tiers) |
What's included out of the box
Feature | LaunchMyStore | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
Product reviews | Included via App Store | Paid app (Shop reviews limited) |
Wishlist | Included via App Store | Paid app |
Returns and RMA | Built-in | Basic returns built-in; advanced needs paid app |
Loyalty and rewards | Plugin / app | Paid app (Smile, Yotpo, etc.) |
Bundles | Built-in | Shopify Bundles + paid apps |
Subscriptions | Built-in selling plans | Shopify Subscriptions or paid app |
Multi-currency | Built-in | Built-in (Shopify Markets) |
Custom checkout fields | Native admin UI | Checkout Extensibility (Plus tier preferred) |
MCP / AI integration | Built-in MCP server | Not native |
Pricing model
Both platforms charge a monthly subscription plus per-transaction fees that depend on the payment gateway. Pricing changes over time, so always check the live plans page on each site before committing.
LaunchMyStore: Free tier to start. Paid plans scale with order volume and feature needs. See launchmystore.io for current pricing.
Shopify: No free tier; Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus plans. Advanced features (B2B, checkout extensibility) are largely Plus-only.
When LaunchMyStore is the right pick
You want most features bundled in core rather than paying for many apps
You sell globally and need multi-currency, multi-country, and multi-gateway out of the box
You want a real built-in POS and integrated returns
You want to plug your store into AI agents via a native MCP server
You're starting and want to validate without subscription cost
When Shopify might be the right pick
You depend on a specific Shopify-only third-party app or plugin
You need Shopify Plus-specific features like Launchpad campaigns or Shopify Flow today
Your team is deeply trained on Shopify's admin and you don't want to re-learn
Migrating from Shopify
Because LaunchMyStore themes use Aqua (a Liquid-compatible language), your Shopify theme files generally render on LaunchMyStore with small adjustments. We can migrate:
Products, variants, images, and metafields
Customers and order history
Collections and tags
Theme files (with compatibility tweaks)
Discount codes and gift cards
Reach out to [email protected] to plan a migration.
FAQ
Will my Shopify theme work on LaunchMyStore?
Most Shopify Online Store 2.0 themes run with minor changes thanks to Aqua's Liquid compatibility. Section schemas, blocks, and standard Liquid filters are supported. Custom apps embedded into the theme may need to be replaced with LaunchMyStore equivalents.
Can I export my data if I leave?
Yes. You can export products, customers, and orders to CSV at any time. There is no lock-in: you own your data.
Does LaunchMyStore charge transaction fees on top of payment-gateway fees?
Pricing details (including any platform transaction fee) are listed on launchmystore.io. Most plans rely on the payment gateway's own fees and add little or no platform fee.
Does LaunchMyStore support B2B?
Yes. Customer-specific price lists, segmented catalogs, quote-to-order, MOQ, and net terms are available, plus B2B-focused apps in the App Store.
How do I migrate from Shopify Plus?
Enterprise migrations are handled by our solutions team. Expect a 4–8 week project covering theme rebuild, data migration, app rewiring, and zero-downtime DNS cutover. Book a discovery call at launchmystore.io/enterprises.