If you’re looking for an eCommerce platform, Shopify is probably one of the first names you’ve come across. In fact, as of January 2025, Shopify powers over 5.23 million online stores worldwide, and its merchants have collectively generated over $543 billion in sales. That’s a massive chunk of the online business world!
But Shopify isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Maybe you want more customization, lower fees, or just a platform that aligns better with your business goals.
That’s where Shopify alternatives come in. In this guide we’ll talk about the best Shopify alternatives, breaking down what makes each one unique, without all the trial and error.
What Is Shopify and How Does it Work?
Shopify is one of the most well-known eCommerce platforms in the world. It’s a website builder designed specifically for selling products online. It comes with everything you need to run an online store without requiring advanced technical skills.
How Shopify Works
Shopify is a one-stop shop for eCommerce. Instead of piecing together different tools for your website, payments, and inventory, Shopify combines everything into one platform. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
- Sign up & choose a plan: Shopify offers different pricing plans depending on your business needs. You start with a free trial and pick a plan once you’re ready.
- Pick a theme & customize your store: Shopify has pre-built templates that you can customize to match your brand. You don’t need to know how to code, just drag and drop.
- Add your products: Upload images, descriptions, and prices for the products you want to sell. Shopify makes it easy to organize your eCommerce store.
- Set up payments: Shopify supports various payment options, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, credit cards, and even Buy Now, Pay Later services.
- Launch & start selling: Once everything is set up, you can publish your store and start selling. Shopify takes care of the hosting, security, and backend maintenance for you.
Why Is Shopify so Popular?
Shopify has become the go-to platform for eCommerce because it makes selling online simple. Here’s why so many businesses choose it:
- User-friendly: You don’t need coding or web design experience.
- All-in-one solution: Hosting, security, payments, and inventory management are built-in.
- Scalability: Whether you’re selling a few handmade items or running a multi-million-dollar brand, Shopify can handle it.
- Multi-channel selling: You can sell on your website, social media, Amazon, and even in-person with Shopify POS.
However, Shopify isn’t for everyone. Some business owners find it limiting when it comes to customization, transaction fees, or scalability beyond a certain point. That’s why many people look for an alternative to Shopify.
Best Shopify Alternatives
Before getting into the details, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of other eCommerce platforms. This table lists important factors like pricing, ease of use, customization options, and best use cases so you can find the right fit quickly.
| Platform | Best For | Pricing | Ease of Use | Customization |
| Web.com | Small businesses & beginners | $9.99/month | Very easy | Moderate |
| WooCommerce | WordPress users | Free (requires hosting) | Moderate | High |
| BigCommerce | Growing businesses | $29/month | Easy | High |
| Wix eCommerce | Small businesses & designers | $29/month | Very easy | Moderate |
| Squarespace | Visual & small shops | $14/month | Easy | Moderate |
| PrestaShop | Full customization | Free (requires hosting) | Technical knowledge needed | Very High |
| Ecwid | Adding eCommerce to existing sites | Free | Very easy | Low |
| CS-Cart | Multi-vendor marketplaces | $55/month | Advanced | Very High |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Please check with each provider for the most up-to-date pricing.
Not every business needs Shopify. Depending on your goals, you might find a different platform that suits you better. Below, we break down the most popular eCommerce platforms, covering their key features so you can make an informed decision.
Web.com – Best for Small Businesses and Beginners
Web.com makes it easy and affordable for small businesses and entrepreneurs to launch an online store. With its AI-powered website builder and customizable templates, you don’t need any coding skills to get started. Plus, it’s an all-in-one solution that includes hosting, domain registration, and customer support, so everything you need to get online is in one place.
How Web.com Compares to Shopify
- Web.com is designed for beginners and small businesses, whereas Shopify caters to businesses of all sizes, including large enterprises.
- Web.com’s plans encompass domain registration and hosting, while Shopify requires separate domain purchases.
- Shopify offers a more extensive range of advanced eCommerce tools and app integrations; Web.com focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
- Shopify boasts a larger ecosystem of third-party apps, whereas Web.com provides built-in features covering essential eCommerce needs.
- Web.com generally presents a more budget-friendly option for new businesses, with lower initial costs compared to Shopify.
Pros
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
- Affordable pricing with inclusive hosting and domain services.
- AI-driven tools streamline the store creation process.
- Incorporates SEO and marketing functionalities.
- Dependable customer support available around the clock.
Cons
- Offers less advanced customization options compared to platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Provides fewer third-party integrations relative to larger eCommerce platforms.
- May not be ideal for large-scale eCommerce operations requiring extensive features.
Pricing
- Designed for online stores, starting at $9.99 per month for the first year when billed annually.
WooCommerce – Best for WordPress Users
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns any WordPress website into a fully functional online store. It’s one of the most flexible and customizable eCommerce platforms available, making it a great Shopify alternative for those already using WordPress.
How WooCommerce Compares to Shopify
- WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin for WordPress, whereas Shopify is a fully hosted platform.
- Offers more customization and control over SEO but requires self-hosting and maintenance.
- No transaction fees, except those from payment gateways, while Shopify charges fees unless using Shopify Payments.
- More flexibility with themes and plugins but can require more technical knowledge.
Pros
- Free to use (only pay for hosting and extensions)
- Highly customizable with plugins and themes
- Great for SEO (leverages WordPress SEO tools)
- Scales well with the right hosting setup
Cons
- Requires WordPress knowledge
- No built-in customer support (community-driven)
- Hosting, security, and maintenance are your responsibility
Pricing
- Free, but requires a WordPress hosting plan with another provider
- Paid themes and plugins may add additional costs
BigCommerce – Ideal for Growing Businesses
BigCommerce is a fully hosted eCommerce platform designed for businesses looking to scale. It provides built-in tools for SEO, multi-channel selling, and advanced analytics, making it a strong alternative for Shopify users who want more flexibility without transaction fees.
How BigCommerce Compares to Shopify
- No transaction fees on any plan, unlike Shopify, which charges unless using Shopify Payments.
- More built-in features, reducing reliance on third-party apps compared to Shopify.
- Supports multi-channel selling like Shopify but offers more scalability for enterprise businesses.
- Higher starting price than Shopify’s basic plan, but fewer limitations as businesses grow.
Pros
- Handles high-volume sales without performance issues
- No transaction fees on any plan
- More built-in features than Shopify, reducing the need for third-party apps
- Supports both B2C and B2B businesses
Cons
- Higher starting cost compared to some alternatives
- Limited free themes
- Learning curve for advanced features
Pricing
- Starts at $29/month
- Advanced plans with more features available at higher pricing tiers
Wix eCommerce – Best for Small Businesses and Designers
Wix eCommerce is a simple yet powerful website builder with built-in online store capabilities. It’s a pretty good choice for small business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want an easy-to-use platform with visually appealing templates.
How Wix eCommerce Compares to Shopify
- Easier drag-and-drop design tools, making it more beginner-friendly than Shopify.
- Lower pricing but fewer advanced eCommerce features than Shopify.
- Limited scalability compared to Shopify’s ability to handle large product catalogs.
- Offers built-in marketing tools but lacks the deep third-party app ecosystem Shopify has.
Pros
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- No coding skills required
- Affordable pricing with no high upfront costs
- Good selection of templates for branding and design
Cons
- Limited scalability for large businesses
- Fewer third-party integrations than Shopify
- Basic eCommerce features compared to dedicated eCommerce platforms
Pricing
- Starts at $29/month for basic eCommerce features
- Advanced features available in higher-tier plans
Squarespace – Best for Visual Appeal and Small Shops
Squarespace is known for its stunning and creative templates, making it a great choice for businesses in creative industries. While it offers eCommerce functionality, it’s best suited for small online stores that prioritize aesthetics over advanced selling features.
How Squarespace Compares to Shopify
- Focuses on design and aesthetics, whereas Shopify is more feature-driven for eCommerce.
- More affordable for small businesses but lacks advanced eCommerce capabilities.
- Fewer payment gateway options than Shopify.
- Strong blogging and content management tools, making it a good choice for creative businesses.
Pros
- Best-in-class design and aesthetics
- Easy-to-use website builder with no coding required
- Good built-in marketing tools
- Secure and reliable hosting included
- Extensive customization options
Cons
- Fewer advanced eCommerce features than Shopify
- No multi-vendor marketplace support
- Limited payment gateway options compared to other platforms
Pricing
- Starts at $16/month for eCommerce features
- Higher-tier plans available for more functionality
PrestaShop – Open-Source for Full Customization
PrestaShop is a free and open-source eCommerce platform that gives full control over customization. Unlike Shopify, it does not charge monthly fees, but it requires hosting, security setup, and some development knowledge.
How PrestaShop Compares to Shopify
- Fully open-source and free, unlike Shopify, which has monthly fees.
- Offers complete customization but requires hosting and technical expertise.
- No built-in customer support, while Shopify provides dedicated support.
- More flexibility in payment gateways and no transaction fees.
Pros
- Completely free to use (except for hosting and add-ons)
- Unlimited customization and flexibility
- No restrictions on payment gateways
- Strong community support and developer resources
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance
- Hosting and security are the user’s responsibility
- Some advanced features require paid modules
Pricing
- Free, but associated costs such as hosting, domain name, etc. are not included.
- Paid modules and themes available for additional features
Ecwid – Best for Adding eCommerce to an Existing Website
Ecwid is a lightweight eCommerce solution that allows businesses to add an online store to an existing website (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or even social media). It’s a great Shopify alternative for those who don’t want to migrate to a new platform but still need eCommerce functionality.
How Ecwid Compares to Shopify
- Designed to add eCommerce to existing websites, while Shopify is a standalone store builder.
- Free plan available, while Shopify only offers a limited free trial.
- Fewer customization options than Shopify.
- Works well for small stores but lacks Shopify’s scalability for large businesses.
Pros
- Quick and simple setup
- Free plan available for small stores
- Works with most website builders
- No need to start from scratch with a new platform
Cons
- Limited features compared to full eCommerce platforms
- Fewer customization options than Shopify or WooCommerce
- Advanced features require a paid plan
Pricing
- Paid plans start at $21/month for additional functionality
CS-Cart – Best for Multi-Vendor Marketplaces
CS-Cart is designed for businesses that want to create a multi-vendor marketplace, like Amazon or eBay. Unlike Shopify, which requires third-party apps for marketplace functionality, CS-Cart has these features built-in.
How CS-Cart Compares to Shopify
- Designed for multi-vendor marketplaces, whereas Shopify requires third-party apps for this.
- More customization options, but requires more technical knowledge.
- Higher starting price compared to Shopify.
- More advanced SEO and marketing tools, but with a steeper learning curve.
Pros
- Ideal for businesses looking to run a marketplace
- Scalable and customizable
- No need for third-party marketplace plugins
- Advanced SEO tools and marketing features
Cons
- Higher starting price than most Shopify alternatives
- Requires some technical knowledge for setup
- Can be complex to manage a multi-vendor environment
Pricing
- Starts at $55/month
- Higher-tier plans available for additional vendor support
What To Consider When Choosing the Best Shopify Alternative
The right eCommerce platform must fit your business needs. It should align with your budget, level of technical expertise, and long-term goals. Some key factors to take in before making your decision.
Define Your Business Needs
Before committing to a platform, see what you need from it.
- What are you selling? Some platforms are better for physical products, while others cater to digital goods, services, or multi-vendor marketplaces.
- How large is your store? A small business may only need basic eCommerce tools, while larger operations might require advanced inventory management, automation, and analytics.
- Do you want control over customization? Some platforms offer drag-and-drop simplicity, while others allow full code-level customization or have advanced content marketing features for a more tailored experience.
Plan for Scalability
Think about where your business will be in the next few years.
- If you plan to expand rapidly, choose a platform that can handle high traffic, growing product catalogs, and multi-channel selling.
- For smaller operations, a simpler solution with lower costs may be a better fit, especially if growth isn’t the primary focus.
- Consider whether you’ll need features like multi-currency support, bulk product uploads, or automated tax and shipping calculations as you scale.
Evaluate Multi-Channel Selling Options
Selling on your website is just one piece of the puzzle, logistics is important too.
- If you want to expand beyond your store, check whether the platform supports integrations with third-party marketplaces, POS systems, or social media shops.
- Some eCommerce solutions offer direct integrations, while others may require third-party apps or plugins to connect your store to external platforms.
- See whether you need real-time inventory syncing across multiple channels to avoid overselling or stock mismatches.
Look at Customization and Design Options
Every business has its own branding needs so plan accordingly.
- Drag-and-drop builders are great for ease of use but may have design limitations.
- More flexible platforms allow for custom code and advanced design tweaks but may require technical skills or a developer’s help.
- Judge how much control you need over page layouts, product displays, and checkout processes.
Check SEO & Marketing Features
A great online store needs great marketing and SEO to attract customers.
- Strong SEO tools help your store rank higher in search results. Look for options to customize URLs, meta descriptions, and image alt text.
- Built-in marketing features like email campaigns, discount codes, and abandoned cart recovery can help drive sales.
- If you plan to sell on social media or marketplaces, make sure the platform integrates easily with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon.
Consider Ease of Use vs. Technical Flexibility
Different platforms cater to different skill levels. Pick one that feels right for you.
- If you prefer a straightforward setup, choose a platform with pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality.
- If you want complete control, look for an open-source or customizable solution that allows you to modify the code, add custom integrations, or use advanced plugins.
- See if you’re comfortable handling things like domain setup, web hosting, security updates, and payment gateway configurations on your own.
Assess to Customer Support and Resources
No matter how intuitive a platform is, you’ll eventually run into a problem or need help optimizing your store.
- Look for platforms with responsive customer support, through live chat, email, or phone.
- A strong knowledge base, tutorials, and user community can also make a big difference in solving issues without waiting for support.
- If your store operates internationally, check whether the platform provides multilingual support and regional assistance.
Compare Pricing and Transaction Fees
Cost is a major factor as well as the monthly subscription. See if the platform fits your budget.
- Take in additional expenses like hosting, premium themes, plugins, and third-party integrations.
- Some platforms charge transaction fees on every sale, while others only require a monthly fee with no extra commissions.
- Payment processing fees vary depending on the provider you choose, so check whether the platform allows you to use external payment gateways without added costs.
Find the Right eCommerce Platform for You
There are plenty of great Shopify alternatives out there, each with their own unique strengths. From the flexibility of WooCommerce, the scalability of BigCommerce, the beginner-friendly design of Wix, or the open-source customization of PrestaShop, check out what matters the most to find the perfect fit.
The right eCommerce platform should support your growth and simplify how you manage your store. Picking the right one really is the key to long-term success.
Ready to create your online store? Web.com offers an easy-to-use AI Website Builder, custom design services, and expert support to help you bring your business to life. Start building your eCommerce presence today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are free options, but they often come with limitations. WooCommerce and PrestaShop are free to use, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and other add-ons. Ecwid offers a free plan for small stores, but advanced features require a paid subscription.
Migration difficulty depends on the platform you’re switching to. Some platforms, like BigCommerce and WooCommerce, offer tools to help transfer products, customer data, and order history. However, you may need manual adjustments, especially for store design and custom features.
Some platforms do, while others don’t. Shopify charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. BigCommerce and PrestaShop have no transaction fees but may charge for additional services. Always check the pricing details before committing.
