WooCommerce vs. Drupal Commerce

Both WooCommerce and Drupal Commerce are based on existing web platforms, so they are attractive to web users familiar with these setups. If you are looking for an ecommerce platform, read on to learn more about each option, and which might be best for your needs.

Ease of Installation

WooCommerce: WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, so it is powered by the platform many people use already for web pages and blogs. If WordPress is not already installed, users will have to set it up or use a host with a one-click option. With an installation wizard doing most of the work for users, it is easy to get started with WooCommerce setup and can be completed in as little as five minutes. Drupal Commerce: For Drupal, users will have to install Drupal CMS itself, then enable Commerce. Alternatively, they can use an installation profile that enables and configures Commerce on its own. Again, users can choose to host with a company that offers a one-click configuration and install, saving time and effort but this will cost some money.

Ease of Use

WooCommerce: If you already use or understand WordPress, WooCommerce should prove to be an easy platform for you. Even if you do not have the familiarity of having used WordPress, it is highly intuitive with many automatic features, including coupon and discount functionality and geo-location support. One of its key advantages over other platforms is that it is simple to use but also offers a high degree of customization for more advanced users. Drupal Commerce: If you know Drupal well, Commerce is fairly easy to use. Expect a steep learning curve, however, if you are a beginner.

Search Engine Friendly

WooCommerce: SEO plugins and extensions add to the basic functionality of the WooCommerce platform, offering a high degree of control and customization. Users can easily change things like URLs, descriptions, and meta tags for SEO purposes, using plugins like Yoast, as well as enabling Google Analytics and other SEO features. Drupal Commerce: Similarly, Drupal Commerce enables SEO through modules. Users can install Google analytics, meta-tag systems, URL management, a robots.txt generator, a site map generator, and more.

Integration Ecosystem

WooCommerce: WooCommerce works with web-based devices, and iPhone/iPad with popular integrations including FreshBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Payments, FedEx, USPS, and UPS. WooCommerce integrates with nearly any service provider you can think of. Drupal Commerce: Drupal works with Windows, Android, iPhone/iPad, Mac, and web-based devices. It integrates with a variety of systems and applications including Xero, SagePay, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Cost to Maintain

WooCommerce: The WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is free. Commercial plugins and extensions come at an annual cost and they may be required to give your site more functionality as your business grows. Users may incur additional costs by buying a paid design or theme, though there is a vast number of free options. Paying for design, however, means more accurate branding and the ability to differentiate your look from competitors. Similarly, there is a fee for hosting a WooCommerce site, but the paid hosting provides users with more flexibility, including more options for customization. Drupal Commerce: Like WooCommerce, Drupal Commerce is an open-source project that is free to use. Whereas help for WooCommerce is readily available and very easy to find online, one of Drupal’s additional costs is support for the Drupal Commerce e-commerce platform through Commerce Guys. This offers various levels of support for different price points.

Customizability

WooCommerce: With countless plugins and extensions, WooCommerce is highly customizable both in appearance and in function. Whatever you want your site to do, WooCommerce can make it happen with a simple installation. This allows beginner users to get the most out of their site, while simultaneously allowing more advanced users – or businesses who pay for developers – to flex their customization muscles. Drupal Commerce: Drupal Commerce is highly customizable with modules, similar to WooCommerce’s plugin system. Like WooCommerce, it integrates well with the CMS itself. It can be a seamless extension of an existing web page.

Hosted vs. Self-Hosted

Both e-commerce platforms require hosting. By choosing a host that is in line with the company’s needs, users can benefit from the security and reliability of self-hosting.

Target Market

WooCommerce: This ecommerce platform is ideal for small to medium sized businesses, and can target any customer base because it is so customizable. Social integration comes easily with plugins and extensions. Drupal Commerce: Drupal Commerce is ideal for both businesses and individuals who need e-commerce, integrating well with various major social networks and allowing customers to share their purchases and reviews across their own networks. The main difference between the two platforms may boil down to a user’s comfort and familiarity with the CMS. WordPress users will likely prefer WooCommerce, while those already using Drupal would prefer its dedicated Commerce platform.

	WooCommerce	Drupal Commerce
Easy of Installation	Practically installs itself, with a setup wizard handling most of the work. 5/5	If Drupal is already installed it can be simple; otherwise it requires a more complex installation or a one-click install with a host. 4/5
Ease of Use	Very easy to use for beginners, without holding advanced users back. 5/5	Powerful, but not as easy unless users are already experienced with Drupal. 4/5
Search Engine Friendly	Extremely SEO-friendly! 5/5	Extremely SEO-friendly! 5/5
Integration Ecosystem	Easy integration with a vast variety of service providers, including several mailing systems. 4/5	Integrates with many options but the app store is curated by Drupal Commerce so may not have all the apps you’d like. 4/5
Cost to Maintain	Cost varies depending on what users want to spend; initial plugin is free. 3/5	Free, aside from hosting fees. 5/5
Customizability	Highly customizable, limited only by a users’ skills and budget. 5/5	Very customizable, especially when looking for a system that extends beyond e-commerce thanks to the Drupal CMS. 5/5
Hosted vs. Self-Hosted	Self-hosted — more work, but more freedom.	Hosted through Drupal Commerce; less work but less freedom.
Target Market	Subscription services, social media targeting, and other custom plugins work to target customers.	Social media targeting is an easy way to bring in new customers; platform works well for both individuals and corporations.

Tags: Ecommerce • WooCommerce