HOD vs WooCommerce: which is easier for an Indian seller?
WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress. It is flexible, but you set up and look after hosting, security, updates, payment, courier and GST plugins. HOD is a ready store builder made for India.
Quick Answer
HOD is a ready-to-use store builder for Indian sellers. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that gives you flexibility, while you arrange hosting, security, updates, payment, courier and GST plugins. If you have a developer or like tinkering, WooCommerce is a fair choice. If you want to sell this week from your phone, HOD includes the pieces below in one plan.
Quick comparison
| Feature | HOD | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Software cost | Included in the plan | Plugin is free |
| Hosting | Included | You arrange and pay for it |
| Monthly price | Free for 3 months, then ₹299/month | Hosting + paid plugins (varies) |
| Platform commission | 0% | None from WooCommerce (gateway fee applies) |
| Setup | Store live the same day on a free subdomain | Install WordPress, theme, WooCommerce and plugins |
| COD | Built in | Set up and test yourself |
| GST invoices | Built in once you add a GSTIN | Plugin or manual setup |
| Couriers | About 20, including Shiprocket, Delhivery One, Shadowfax, Shipmozo and Ekart | Plugins per courier |
| WhatsApp order updates and cart reminders | In the ₹299 plan | Third-party plugin or service |
| Themes | 88, mobile-first | Thousands; quality varies |
| Security and updates | Handled by HOD | Your responsibility |
| Language help | HOD-AI works by voice in Hindi, English and Hinglish | Not included |
| Support | Humans on WhatsApp in Hindi, English and Gujarati | Forums and plugin vendors |
| Developer needed | No | Often yes |
Swipe to compare all columns
Pricing compared August 2026; verify current rates on each provider's site. USD prices shown as approximate ₹ equivalent at time of verification.
Who should pick which?
Pick HOD if you want a store without a developer, with COD, GST and couriers ready, and a flat price. Pick WooCommerce if you need custom code, a large plugin ecosystem, or full control of your own server. HOD has no large app marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WooCommerce really free?
The plugin is. Hosting, a domain, security and most Indian add-ons for couriers, GST and COD rules usually are not.
Does HOD charge commission?
No. HOD charges 0% commission, no per-order fee and no setup fee. Your payment gateway charges its own fee on prepaid orders. COD costs only the courier charge.
Can I keep my domain?
Yes. HOD supports custom domains with free SSL.
Can I cancel?
Yes, any time. Your data can be exported.
Moving from WooCommerce to HOD
Export your WooCommerce products as a CSV file, then upload it through HOD’s product import. The importer supports simple and variable products, including prices, stock, weight, photos and categories. Your data stays exportable, and you can test the new store free for 3 months before switching your domain.
Move from WooCommerceStart free for 3 months. No card.
Then ₹299/month. Cancel any time.
Also compare: HOD vs Shopify · HOD vs Dukaan · Move your store