SureCart vs WooCommerce: why I switched and you might too
Tired of downloading 200 plugins to add functionality to your WooCommerce store? One of the reasons why you should migrate to SureCart. Here is my experience on a service that represents the future for creating ecommerce and its strengths.
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* Please note: the prices and packages SureCart listed in this article may change after this article is written. Such changes are not dependent on this website. I remind you that the content of this article is always updated.
Alright, let’s be real for a second. If you’ve ever built an online store with WooCommerce, you’ve probably had one of those pull-your-hair-out-while-crying-into-your-coffee moments. I’ve been there. Don’t get me wrong—WooCommerce is great… until it’s not. Then I found SureCart, and let me tell you, it was like discovering guac doesn’t cost extra. Game changer.
first, what is surecart?
SureCart is a modern, user-friendly eCommerce platform designed to simplify online selling for WordPress users. Launched by Adam Preiser, the creator of CartFlows and a well-known name in the WordPress space, SureCart is built to be lightweight, intuitive, and packed with features—everything you need to create a seamless shopping experience without the typical tech frustrations. Since its launch, SureCart has quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach, robust features, and its ability to eliminate the need for endless plugins. It’s not just another eCommerce tool; it’s a game-changer that’s redefining how online stores are built and managed. SureCart presents itself to the public as a valid alternative to WooCommerce and in this article I will try to highlight the strengths of this plugin and my experience with it.
SureCart vs WooCommerce?
If you’re sitting on the fence wondering “Should I stick with WooCommerce or give SureCart a try?”, this post is for you. I’m not going to drown you in technical jargon (you can find all the nitty-gritty details on the official SureCart website), but here’s a friendly article about why SureCart might just be your new bestie for running an online store. But first here is a summary table of the service:
A great easy-to-use platform
“So easy, even my goldfish could use It” (okay, maybe not, but close!). This description of the ease of use that a user gave on social media made me laugh. I have to admit that he is absolutely right. Here’s the deal: WooCommerce is powerful, but it comes with a learning curve. Setting it up sometimes feels like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. SureCart? It’s plug-and-play.
Here’s the deal: WooCommerce is powerful, but it comes with a learning curve. Setting it up sometimes feels like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. SureCart? It’s plug-and-play.
SureCart is built with simplicity in mind. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned WordPress user, it just makes sense. There’s no need to install a zillion extra plugins to get basic functionality, which is honestly a breath of fresh air.
Why switch? Less headache, more time to focus on selling.
Pricing that doesn’t make you cry
Now, let’s talk money because running an online store isn’t cheap. WooCommerce itself is free, but if you want essential features like subscriptions, payment gateways, or extra integrations, be prepared to shell out some serious cash on extensions.
With SureCart, the pricing is refreshingly straightforward. They have a very complete and exceptional free plan (yes, it’s true—“Is SureCart free?”Absolutely!), and their paid plans offer a lot more bang for your buck compared to the endless add-ons WooCommerce often requires.
I give a practical example of the basic management of an online shop with WooCommerce.
The plugin itself is free. To add the option of selling subscriptions on WooCommerce, you need to purchase an additional plugin (“WooCommerce Subscriptions”) at a cost of about $279 per year.
In addition to this, you also need “AutomateWoo” to create effective automations to increase the sales of your shop at a cost of another $159 per year. If you then want to add the option of Gift Cards and Bundles, then the price increases further. WooCommerce offers numerous extensions for the management of an online shop. Moral of the story: you need to spend about $1000 per year to manage the entire shop.
The Pro version of SureCart, for example, is available with an annual subscription of $99. With this amount, you don’t have to worry about adding other extensions because with a single plugin you have all the essential features you need: selling subscriptions, creating donations, licenses, sending automations in the case of abandoned carts and much more. The lifetime plan at $399, then, is ideal for having all the features you want without having to worry about renewing the annual subscription every year. Of course, you will have a great team at your disposal ready to support you in any situation. As you can see, you already have a huge saving of money compared to WooCommerce – and this is not an aspect to be underestimated nowadays.
Why switch? Because saving money without sacrificing quality feels like winning at adulting.
No more plugin overload
I confirm what was written in the previous point – the biggest ouch for WooCommerce users: plugins. WooCommerce itself is just the tip of the iceberg. Want payment gateways? Plugin. Subscriptions? Plugin. Fancy checkout pages? Yup, another plugin. Before you know it, your site is a Jenga tower of add-ons, just waiting to crash.
SureCart is like that friend who’s already packed the essentials for a weekend trip. It has everything built-in: subscriptions, payment gateways, advanced checkout options, and more. No extra downloads, no compatibility nightmares.
And let’s face it—fewer plugins mean headaches and faster site speed. You’re welcome.
Modern and lightweight
Here’s a fun fact: WooCommerce was launched in 2011. Yup, that’s over a decade of updates and patches piled on top of each other. It’s like running a marathon in a pair of 10-year-old sneakers—clunky and a little worn out.
SureCart, on the other hand, is fresh, modern, and built for WordPress pros like us who don’t want to spend hours figuring out why our store is slower than dial-up. It’s lightweight, which means faster load times and a smoother experience for your customers.
Your customers won’t know why your store feels snappy, but they’ll love you for it.
SureCart has a great free version (yes, really)
Spoiler: yes, WooCommerce, we still love you.
One of the features of SureCart that I loved right away was the free version of this platform.
Obviously I recommend you to buy one of the Pro plans of SureCart, but not because I am part of the affiliate program of this platform, but because I truly believe that for a professional project the Pro plans of SureCart offer a greater number of features than you could have with the free version.
But I truly believe that a special mention should also be made for the free version.
SureCart offers a lifetime free plan that is very complete and versatile in itself and is ideal for those who want to start a small or medium business. With the free version of SureCart and with just one plugin, you can:
Personal tip: If you are still not convinced to buy a Pro plan to launch your business, you can start with the free version and then upgrade in the future if you like the platform. Keep in mind that SureCart’s free plan will have 1.9% transaction fee on your store. You can find all the information about it by clicking here.
Payments made easy
WooCommerce payment gateways… oh boy, where do I even start? Setting them up feels like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. You’ll need plugins for Stripe, PayPal, and who knows what else. Still numerous additional plugins.
SureCart payment gateways, though? Effortless. It comes pre-integrated with popular options like Stripe, PayPal, Mollie and others, so you’re not stuck Googling “why won’t my payment gateway work at checkout” at 3 a.m.
And bonus: everything works seamlessly out of the box. No extra configurations, no weird fees popping up. Just smooth transactions every time.
Integrations galore
First of all, SureCart is compatible with builders like Elementor, Kadence Blocks, Bricks, and Gutenberg… so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Personally, I find SureCart perfect with Kadence Blocks and more generally Gutenberg because the combination gives you incredible design flexibility and a smooth, modern workflow. But that’s just personal taste.
SureCart plays nice with others, and that’s a big deal. SureCart integrations include all your favorite tools, from email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Mailerlite to CRMs and automation tools.
Translation? Your store doesn’t live in a silo. You can easily connect it to the rest of your business ecosystem, making life a whole lot easier. Used together with SureTriggers, you can integrate third-party applications such as Mailerlite or Mailchimp newsletter services or instant messaging apps such as Whatsapp. It’s the pearl of a diamond of an excellent service!
Affiliate program
Hold on tight: always using a single plugin, thanks to SureCart you will have the possibility to create your own personal affiliate program for the shop within your website. Without additional plugins, nice, right?
Obviously this is only an optional step and you are free not to create anything if you don’t want, but the free version of SureCart already allows the creation of an affiliate program with a maximum of 200 affiliates.
Having your own affiliate program could prove to be a winning choice to increase the fame of your shop and SureCart knows this well.
Invitation: Join my Her creative details affiliate program, find all the details here.
Sell your services directly from your website with an add-on
SurelyWP is like that friend who always knows how to make things better—especially when it comes to SureCart! With amazing extensions like Product Wishlists, Catalog Mode, and a super-handy Support Portal, it takes your online store to the next level. But here’s the kicker: with the Services for SureCart add-on, you can transform your site into a sleek portal website where you can sell your services effortlessly. It’s your business, your rules—no middlemen, no limits. So if you’re dreaming of running your service empire online, SurelyWP has your back. Please note: These tools are not included in the official SureCart packages, but you can purchase them separately here.
Why I switched from WooCommerce
Let me be clear: WooCommerce is still a fantastic plugin. It’s been around forever, has a massive community, and is endlessly customizable. For many businesses, it’s still a solid choice. But for me—and maybe for you—SureCart is the future of WordPress e-commerce. It’s modern, fast, and designed to make your life easier, not harder. So, if you’re tired of juggling plugins and feeling like your store is held together with duct tape, it might be time to take SureCart for a spin.
My choice was dictated by some personal needs: I needed a platform that would also allow me to sell subscriptions, I didn’t want to add other plugins to my website and above all I didn’t want to break the bank.
SureCart allowed me all this, but I have to be honest… I didn’t expect so many features in its free version. SureCart, on this, pleasantly surprised me.
Below are all my favorite combinations to use with SureCart, just click on the theme or builder name to start creating your site with one click:
SureCart is faster, simpler, and just… better. From the streamlined setup to the integrated features, it’s built to make your life easier and your store more profitable. I believe SureCart is the future of WordPress e-commerce because of its versatility and ease of use. So, what are you waiting for? Give SureCart a try. Your future self—and your customers—will thank you.
