Shopify Pricing UK 2026: Complete Cost Breakdown
17 August 2026
Discover Shopify costs in the UK for 2026. Compare plans, transaction fees, VAT and hidden charges to budget your online store.
How Shopify Pricing Works in the UK
Shopify's pricing in the UK is charged in pounds sterling (GBP), but there are important nuances to understand. Unlike some SaaS products, Shopify's advertised prices exclude VAT, which is currently set at 20% in the UK. That means a £19 monthly plan will actually cost you £22.80 including VAT. Prices also vary depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to a 1-year or 2-year plan, with annual plans offering up to 25% off. This guide breaks down every cost you need to consider—from subscription fees to payment processing and third-party apps—so you can accurately budget for your UK-based online store.
Shopify UK Plan Prices (Monthly vs Annual)
As of 2026, Shopify's core plans for UK merchants start at £19 per month for Basic, £49 for Shopify, and £129 for Advanced (monthly billing). If you pay annually, you save roughly 10%: Basic drops to around £17.10/month, Shopify to £44.10, and Advanced to £116.10 (exclusive of VAT). Shopify Plus, for enterprise, is custom-priced but usually starts around £2,000 per month. Note that these are the standard published rates—Shopify occasionally runs promotions for first-time users, so it's worth checking the official website for any current discounts or free trial offers before signing up.
Transaction Fees & Payment Processing in the UK
The biggest hidden cost for UK merchants is transaction fees. If you use Shopify Payments (the integrated gateway), you'll pay online card rates of 1.6% + 20p per transaction on Basic, 1.3% + 20p on Shopify, and 1.1% + 20p on Advanced. If you choose a third-party gateway like PayPal or Stripe, Shopify adds a separate transaction fee: 2% on Basic, 1% on Shopify, and 0.5% on Advanced, excluding VAT. For low-ticket items, these fees can take a significant bite out of margins, so it's essential to factor them into your pricing strategy.
Additional Costs: Themes, Apps, Domain & VAT
Beyond your plan, you'll need a domain name (around £10–£15 per year) and a theme. Shopify's free themes are entirely no-cost, but premium themes range from £150–£300 one-time. Apps are another recurring expense—many popular apps charge £5–£50 per month, and you may need several. Also, if you sell to UK customers, remember that your subscription and fees are subject to VAT at 20%, which is added to every Shopify invoice. For a complete budget, add 20% VAT to all stated prices. Finally, consider email hosting costs if you buy a domain through a third party—Shopify doesn't include email hosting with its plans.
Tips to Save Money on Shopify for UK Merchants
To reduce Shopify costs, start by choosing the right plan—many new stores can manage with Basic, and you can upgrade later. Use Shopify Payments to avoid the extra third-party transaction fee. Take advantage of free themes and free apps where possible, and review your app subscriptions regularly to cancel unused ones. If you're willing to commit, annual billing saves around 10% instantly. Also, look for student discounts if you're in education, and always check whether any current promotions are live in the UK. Finally, remember that you can buy your domain elsewhere for a lower price, though keeping it in Shopify is more convenient.
FAQ
No, Shopify's advertised prices exclude UK VAT. A 20% VAT is added to your subscription, transaction fees, and app purchases. For example, a £19/month Basic plan costs £22.80 including VAT. You may be able to claim this back if your business is VAT-registered.