Introducing
Running an online store isn't just about listing products; it's about choosing the right platform that aligns with your business goals. For years, Shopify has been the go-to choice for entrepreneurs seeking a simple, centralised platform. According to Statista, Shopify powers approximately 30% of eCommerce websites in the United States, making it a dominant player in the market.
However, with the global eCommerce market projected to reach $4.8 trillion in 2025, businesses (small, medium and large) are exploring innovative platforms that offer more control, reduced transaction fees, and decentralisation. This is where Astal comes in: a blockchain-powered alternative that challenges the traditional eCommerce model by providing enhanced security and transparency.
This article explores the key differences between Astal and Shopify, helping business owners determine which platform best suits their needs.
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, enabling businesses to set up and manage their online stores with ease. It offers various features such as customisable templates, integrated payments, and marketing tools, but it also comes with transaction fees and platform-dependent policies.
Astal is a blockchain marketplace that allows people to buy and sell goods directly without any middleman. It ensures privacy, low fees, and no interference from third parties. Unlike Shopify —and other eCommerce platform or marketplace— Astal leverages blockchain technology to provide greater transparency, security, and absolutely full control over transactions. It completely eliminates intermediaries, allowing merchants to create a store on the platform, and connect directly with their customers while completely reducing transaction costs.
Understanding the key differences between these platforms can help you make an informed decision based on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and long-term goals.
When deciding which platform to use for your online business, all online sellers but especially small business owners, should consider several key factors that directly impact operational efficiency and profitability.
The customer (online shoppers) experience differs significantly between these platforms too, affecting everything from payment options to privacy considerations.
Online shopping is changing, and new platforms like Astal use blockchain technology to offer better benefits for businesses and their customers. Here's why Astal is a great choice over traditional eCommerce platforms.
Astal gives sellers full control, lower fees, and a secure, transparent marketplace free from platform restrictions and middleman.
Astal offers shoppers better privacy, fair pricing, and secure, transparent transactions without hidden fees or data tracking.
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In July 2025, Shopify announced they are partnering with Coinbase and Stripe, to enable merchants to accept USDC on Base, right at checkout.
This means that while shoppers can pay in crypto (and only on Base network), sellers still deal with platform fees, setup steps, and third-party dependencies. You’ll need to activate features, manage wallets, and may still face conversion costs.
For Shopify this is definitely a step forward. And on a global scale this is one more step forward global crypto utility.
But there's a huge difference here between Astal and Shopify here👇
Shopify’s adding crypto. We’re building Astal with it.
Astal is different. There are no platform fees, no extra setup, no wallets navigation, and payouts go straight to sellers wallet — in crypto or fiat. Built from the ground up for Web3 commerce.
Shopify is a well-known option for online sellers, but Astal is a new and better alternative. It has lower fees, stronger security, and works worldwide.
Astal is built on blockchain, and it utilizes that blockchain technology to create a fair and open marketplace where sellers and buyers have more transparency, and control. As a shopper you can choose any currency you want to pay your order with (FIAT or crypto), and as a seller you will receive your payment in just a few minutes, in stablecoins, directly to your crypto wallet with no any extra fees charged.
All other eCommerce platforms and marketplaces the best they can do is just implement crypto payment option by integrating third-party payment systems (e.g. PayPal crypto payments) that support this type of payment…
And even then, both shoppers and sellers are limited to few currency options, and will have to pay extra fees for using a payment system.
So, if you want a platform that gives you more freedom and privacy, and saves you money, Astal is the way forward.
See why more people are choosing Astal Marketplace for their online selling & shopping needs!
Be among the first to experience a new way to sell online! No hidden fees, no restrictions - just full control over your store and earnings.
Secure your spot today!
