Orbit vs Shopify
Shopify is great. Its themes aren't.
Shopify's backend is best-in-class. But most stores run on default themes that are slow, bloated, and look like every other Shopify store. Here's the honest breakdown.
TL;DR
Shopify's checkout, inventory, and payment infrastructure is world-class. For most brands, the right move is to keep Shopify as the backend and replace the storefront with a custom Next.js frontend (Shopify Hydrogen or a headless approach). That's what Orbit does for serious D2C brands.
When Shopify is the right call
Pick Shopify if:
- You're launching a new store and validating demand — start with a Shopify theme
- Your catalog is under 50 products and changes rarely
- You're fine with the default theme aesthetic
- Speed-to-launch is the #1 priority
When Orbit wins
Pick Orbit if:
- You're doing $100k+ annual revenue and ready to invest in differentiation
- Page speed is hurting conversion (most Shopify themes score 40–60 on Lighthouse)
- Your brand should feel distinctive, not like a clone of Dawn or Sense
- You need advanced merchandising, content, or storytelling sections
- Custom checkout flows that Shopify's default doesn't support
Head to head
The detailed comparison.
| Shopify | Orbit | |
|---|---|---|
| Backend / inventory | Shopify (best-in-class) | Shopify as headless |
| Storefront performance | 40–60 Lighthouse | 90+✓ |
| Brand distinctiveness | Theme-bounded | Fully custom✓ |
| Custom merch sections | Limited by theme | Unlimited✓ |
| Monthly cost | $29–$299 + apps | Shopify + $20 hosting✓ |
| Content / editorial | Blog only | Full CMS✓ |
| Upfront cost | $300–$500 theme | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Time to launch | 1–2 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Conversion impact | Theme-bounded | Unbounded (faster + brand-first design)✓ |
| SEO ceiling | Theme-bounded | Unlimited✓ |
Our honest take
The verdict.
For brands under $100k/year in revenue: stay on Shopify with a solid theme. The ROI on a custom frontend doesn't make sense yet. For brands doing serious volume, or brands where differentiation matters: a custom Next.js storefront with Shopify as the backend outperforms every time. Page speed alone typically pays for the custom build within 6–12 months.
Best fit for Orbit
Established D2C brands, premium niches where brand distinction matters, and stores where page speed is hurting conversion.
Not sure which is right for you?
30-minute discovery call. If Shopify is honestly the better fit, we'll tell you. We'd rather lose a prospect than sell someone the wrong thing.