Platform vs App
Firmhouse provides an independent platform layer that integrates with Shopify. Subora is built directly into Shopify's database and admin dashboard using native APIs.
Product Comparison
Firmhouse vs Subora: Subscription app or recurring commerce platform?
Choosing between Firmhouse and Subora comes down to scope. Firmhouse is a broad platform designed to power rentals, B2B financing, and custom checkout flows. Subora is a focused Shopify app built to make subscription products, native checkouts, and Mollie-backed renewals run flawlessly.
Select the subscription tool that aligns with your specific product models and operational footprint.
Core Differences
How Firmhouse and Subora differ structurally
Both platforms serve European merchants, but they approach recurring billing with different levels of technical and pricing complexity.
Local Payments focus
Subora optimizes specifically for Mollie integrations (iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA). Firmhouse supports broader custom payment gateways and direct bank connections.
Setup & Maintenance
Subora installs in minutes, mapping directly to your existing theme. Firmhouse requires configuration of their platform dashboard and checkout portal.
Feature Comparison
Firmhouse vs Subora side-by-side
Compare the key capabilities, pricing, and integrations to find the right fit for your e-commerce operations.
| Features | Subora | Firmhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Shopify Native App (uses standard Shopify product configurations, shipping profiles, and customer data). | Standalone platform integrated with Shopify (replaces or syncs checkout and cart data via platform APIs). |
| Supported Models | Standard product subscriptions, box/curated subscriptions, recurring memberships. | Product subscriptions, product rental, try-and-buy, pre-paid billing, B2B pay-on-account. |
| Mollie Integration | Direct, native integration designed specifically for Mollie's recurring mandates and SEPA direct debit. | Supported, alongside flexible connections to other global and local payment service providers. |
| Pricing Structure | Free tier to launch, then growth tiers that adjust based on active recurring revenue (no base fee). | Flat base monthly fee (starting at €99/mo) plus transaction-based commissions. |
Evaluation
Which system is best for your Shopify store?
Use this simple guide to choose the system that aligns with your operational complexity.
Choose Subora if
- You sell standard subscription products (replenishments, boxes) and want a low-cost, easy-to-use solution.
- You want standard Shopify admin tools, tags, and flows to manage fulfillment without learning a separate platform.
- You want direct, native support for iDEAL and Bancontact via Mollie without paying high baseline monthly fees.
Choose Firmhouse if
- You need complex billing logic, such as pay-as-you-go, prepaid periods, rentals, or deposit-based shipping.
- You want to sell subscriptions off-Shopify or need custom developer APIs to build headless recurring storefronts.
- Your business is large enough that a €99/mo baseline fee is minor compared to the utility of custom rental workflows.
Migration Checklist
Migrating between Firmhouse and Subora
Keep subscriber data aligned during migration. Our support team helps map payment tokens and active schedules.
01
Audit active contracts
Export all active subscription schedules, customer details, and associated payment provider IDs.
02
Set up payment gateway
Ensure Mollie or Stripe is configured in the destination app to match the active customer mandates.
03
Review migration scope
Import customer profiles, preserving billing schedules and discount rules.
04
Switch checkout routes
Deactivate the old checkout rules and publish the native Shopify subscription widgets.
FAQ
Common questions about Firmhouse vs Subora
Answers to help you decide which billing engine is best for your shop.
Can I switch from Firmhouse to Subora?+
Yes, but migration needs a data and mandate review first. Subora can map eligible Shopify customer records, subscription schedules, and supported payment mandates into the native setup while planning the cutover to minimize billing interruption.
Does Subora support rentals like Firmhouse?+
No. Subora is focused on classic product subscriptions and recurring billing. If you need rental workflows, deposit management, or complex B2B pay-on-account setups, Firmhouse remains the recommended choice.
Which app is easier to set up?+
Subora is significantly easier because it operates directly inside the Shopify admin panel and uses your native theme. Firmhouse is a standalone platform that requires connecting external dashboards and configuring extra sync paths.
Compare Subora and Firmhouse for your store
Not sure whether you need a subscription app or a complete recurring commerce platform? Speak to our team for a transparent recommendation.
Honest Advice
No sales spin
If your business model requires rentals or headless commerce, we'll advise you to use Firmhouse. If you need simple, reliable product subscriptions with local payments, we'll show you how to launch with Subora.