6 Alternatives to Shopify

Shopify has become a household name in the world of eCommerce, powering over a million online stores worldwide. Its simplicity, wide range of features, and ability to scale have made it the go-to platform for countless entrepreneurs. But let’s be honest—no platform is perfect, and Shopify has its limitations.

Maybe the rising costs, transaction fees, or dependency on apps are squeezing your budget. Or perhaps you are looking for a platform that offers more control, better customization, or caters to specific needs like B2B sales. Whatever the reason, the good news is that there’s no shortage of alternatives out there.

From platforms designed for beginners to solutions that cater to large enterprises, this blog dives into eight of the best Shopify alternatives. Whether you are seeking affordability, advanced features, or flexibility, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore your options and help you find the perfect platform to grow your online business.

Criteria for Choosing a Shopify Alternative

Picking the right eCommerce platform is a lot like finding the perfect pair of shoes—it has to fit your business needs comfortably and support your growth without causing unnecessary headaches. Before diving into the alternatives, let’s take a moment to outline what to look for when choosing a platform.
Here are the key factors that matter most:

1. Ease of Use: Not everyone is a tech wizard, and your eCommerce platform shouldn’t require a computer science degree. Look for an intuitive interface that allows you to build and manage your store without constant developer help.
2. Scalability: As your business grows, so will your demands. Whether it’s handling more traffic, adding new products, or entering new markets, your platform should scale effortlessly to support that growth.
3. Customization: Every business is unique, and cookie-cutter templates may not always cut it. Platforms that offer flexibility with themes, layouts, and custom integrations give you the creative control to make your store stand out.
4. Pricing: Costs can quickly add up—monthly fees, transaction charges, and extra app subscriptions. Consider platforms that align with your budget while offering value for money.
5. SEO and Marketing Features: Visibility is everything in eCommerce. Platforms with robust SEO tools, email marketing integrations, and social media connectivity make it easier to attract and retain customers.
6. Payment Options and Fees: Not all CMS platforms support diverse payment gateways. Look for one that gives your customers multiple ways to pay while keeping transaction fees manageable.
7. Support and Resources: When problems arise (and they will), responsive customer support can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s live chat, phone support, or a robust help center, choose a platform that’s got your back.
8. Niche Requirements: Some businesses have specific needs like B2B sales, multi-store setups, or regional compliance. If your store has unique requirements, ensure the platform caters to those without costly workarounds.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the best Shopify alternatives, each offering its own set of strengths to match different business needs.

Top 6 Alternatives to Shopify

Here’s a closer look at 6 powerful eCommerce platforms that can serve as alternatives to Shopify. Each has its strengths, and the right choice will depend on your business’s unique needs.

1. WooCommerce: The Open-Source Powerhouse

Acquired by Automattic, WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that can transform a simple website into a fully functional online store. Its open-source nature allows you to customize every aspect of your eCommerce site, offering unmatched flexibility and control.

Key Features:

• Full Design Control: Modify layouts and features to match your brand’s unique identity.
• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: Thousands of plugins to add advanced functionality.
• Global Support Community: Large user base and developer community for troubleshooting and ideas.

Best For:

• WordPress users who want complete customization.
• Businesses avoiding fixed subscription costs.

Pros:

• Free to start with no platform restrictions.
• Seamless WordPress integration.
• Scalable and versatile for diverse business models.

Cons:

• Requires self-hosting and maintenance.
• Needs some technical skills for optimal setup.

Pricing:

WooCommerce doesn’t charge setup or monthly fees, making it a cost-effective choice. However, there are transaction fees involved. For payments made using U.S.-issued credit or debit cards, WooCommerce charges 2.9% of the transaction amount, plus an additional $0.30 per transaction.

2. BigCommerce: A Scalable Powerhouse

BigCommerce stands out as one of Shopify’s strongest competitors, offering a feature-rich platform designed to handle everything from small businesses to enterprise-level eCommerce operations. What sets it apart is its extensive suite of built-in tools, minimizing the need for additional apps, and its focus on scalability.

Key Features:

• Advanced SEO Tools: BigCommerce provides excellent SEO capabilities, including customizable URLs, robust site structure, and the ability to edit robots.txt files. These features help improve your store’s visibility on search engines.
• Scalable Architecture: Handles large catalogs effortlessly with up to 600 SKUs per product, making it ideal for growing businesses​.
• Multi-Storefront Management: Manage multiple stores from a single account, perfect for brands expanding into different markets or niches.
• WordPress Integration: Combine the flexibility of WordPress with BigCommerce’s eCommerce functionality through prebuilt integrations.

Best For:

• Businesses with large product catalogs.
• Companies planning to scale rapidly.
• B2B and B2C merchants looking for advanced features.

Pros:

• Reduced Dependency on Apps: Many features that Shopify requires through third-party apps (e.g., faceted search, multi-currency support) come built into BigCommerce.
• Flexibility for Both B2B and B2C Models: BigCommerce caters well to both individual customers and business clients, offering tailored solutions.

Cons:

• Steeper Learning Curve: For those new to eCommerce, the array of features can feel overwhelming initially.

Pricing:

• Standard Plan ($29/month): Suitable for individuals and small brands with revenue up to $50K annually.
• Plus Plan ($79/month): Designed for growing businesses generating up to $180K annually.
• Pro Plan ($299/month): Best for fast-growing brands with up to $400K annual sales, plus $150/month for each additional $200K.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for large businesses with $1M+ in revenue.

3. Magento (Adobe Commerce): The Enterprise Solution

Magento, now Adobe Commerce, is renowned for its robust capabilities tailored to enterprise-level businesses. Its flexibility and customization options make it a go-to for companies with complex e-commerce needs.

Key Features:

• Advanced B2B Tools: Includes features like custom pricing, quotes, and bulk ordering, all designed to enhance the B2B shopping experience and streamline operations.
• Multi-Store Management: Allows businesses to manage multiple storefronts across various regions, languages, and currencies, all from a single platform, ensuring seamless global operations.
• In-Depth Analytics: Offers powerful data analytics tools, giving businesses the ability to track customer behavior, sales trends, and product performance to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Best For:

• Large businesses with dedicated development teams.

Pros:

• Fully customizable to suit unique business models.
• Scales effectively for high traffic and extensive catalogs.

Cons:

• Expensive setup and licensing fees.
• Requires significant technical expertise to implement and maintain.

Pricing:

Magento (Adobe Commerce) does not have fixed pricing. Instead, its costs are customized based on your business’s specific needs and requirements. It provides personalized pricing plans tailored to the scale, features, and services needed by enterprise-level businesses. You can get more detailed pricing by reaching out directly to Adobe for a consultation.

4. Wix eCommerce: Simple, Affordable, and Beginner-Friendly

Wix offers a user-friendly platform ideal for entrepreneurs launching their first online store. With its drag-and-drop editor and a variety of templates, Wix makes it easy to build a site quickly without coding skills.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-Drop Editor: Simplifies the web design process, allowing users to easily customize their site by simply dragging and dropping elements into place.
• Variety of Templates: Offers a broad selection of modern, pre-designed templates tailored to different industries, enabling users to find a design that fits their brand effortlessly.
• Marketing Integrations for Social Media and Email: Seamlessly integrates with social media platforms and email marketing tools, helping users promote their store and engage with customers directly.

Best For:

• Entrepreneurs just starting with online selling.

Pros:

• Cost-effective solutions that cater to various budgets.
• User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
• Simple setup and functionality, even for beginners.

Cons:

• Not ideal for large-scale stores.

Pricing:
Wix offers several pricing plans for eCommerce based on the features you need. These range from basic options for small businesses to more advanced solutions for growing stores. The pricing tiers include:

• Business Basic ($27/month)
• Business Unlimited ($32/month)
• Business VIP ($59/month)

5. Shift4Shop: Affordable with Powerful Features

Shift4Shop, formerly known as 3dcart, provides a cost-effective solution for U.S.-based merchants, particularly by offering a payment processor with no monthly fees. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize ongoing costs while maintaining a feature-rich eCommerce platform.

Key Features:

• Built-in SEO Tools: Includes integrated SEO features to help improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.
• Customizable Themes: Offers a wide range of fully customizable themes to create a unique storefront that matches your brand.
• Advanced Product Management: Provides powerful tools for managing a large inventory, tracking product details, and handling complex catalog structures.

Best For:

• Cost-conscious small businesses.

Pros:

• No monthly fees if using Shift4’s payment processor.
• Strong built-in features.

Cons:

• Limited options for global payments.

Pricing:

Shift4Shop offers a free End-to-End eCommerce plan for U.S.-based merchants using its payment processor. For international merchants, or those not using Shift4 Payments, paid plans are available with varying features. The free plan is limited to U.S. users for now.

6. Squarespace

Squarespace is an all-in-one platform that seamlessly blends website design with eCommerce functionality, offering a powerful solution for those looking to create a stylish, user-friendly online store without needing advanced technical skills. It’s particularly popular among creatives, small business owners, and personal brands who prioritize design and simplicity.

Key Features of Squarespace:

• Drag-and-Drop Builder: A user-friendly, intuitive interface that allows users to easily design and customize websites without needing any coding skills.
• Mobile-Optimized Designs: All templates are fully responsive, ensuring a seamless experience on mobile devices and tablets.
• eCommerce Integration: Provides tools for managing products, processing payments, and setting up an online store, making it easy for users to sell online.

Best For:

• Small businesses, creatives, and personal brands looking for a visually appealing and simple-to-manage online store.

Pros

• Intuitive interface that simplifies website creation for beginners.
• Offers visually appealing, professionally designed templates.
• Competitive pricing plans that offer value for money.

Cons

• Lacks some of the more complex tools and functionalities found on other eCommerce platforms.
• May not offer the same level of customization for advanced users or large businesses.
• May not be ideal for rapidly growing or high-volume eCommerce stores.

Pricing:

• Squarespace offers four pricing plans:
  • Personal: $16/month (billed annually) for basic website features.
  • Business: $23/month (billed annually) with advanced features like marketing and eCommerce tools (3% transaction fee).
  • Commerce Basic: $28/month (billed annually) for businesses selling online, no transaction fees.
  • Commerce Advanced: $52/month (billed annually) with additional eCommerce capabilities like advanced shipping and discount options.

Features to Consider in Your Next E-commerce Platform

If Shopify hasn’t been the perfect fit for your business, your next eCommerce platform should address those pain points while enhancing your online store’s potential. Every business has unique needs, but there are universal features that make running and growing an eCommerce business smoother. Here’s what to consider:

1. Ease of Use: A platform should offer an intuitive interface, enabling store owners to quickly set up and manage their online shop. Drag-and-drop builders, pre-designed templates, and minimal coding requirements are particularly useful for beginners.
2. Customization and Flexibility: The platform should allow personalized store designs and support growth. Look for customizable templates, scalable storage, and adaptability for adding advanced features as your business expands.
3. E-commerce Functionality: Essential tools include product catalogs, inventory management, secure checkout, tax settings, and shipping options. Advanced features like abandoned cart recovery can enhance conversions.
4. Payment Options and Fees: Ensure the platform supports multiple payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.) and evaluate transaction fees. Transparent fee structures help avoid unexpected costs.
5. SEO and Marketing Tools: Built-in SEO features, marketing integrations, and tools for promotions (e.g., discounts, email campaigns) are vital to attract and retain customers.
6. Integrations: Compatibility with third-party software such as accounting tools, shipping carriers, or CRM systems can streamline operations and provide a seamless workflow.
7. Support and Community: Reliable 24/7 customer support (live chat, phone, or email) and a strong community of users and developers ensure help is readily available when needed.
8. Pricing: Review subscription fees, transaction costs, and expenses for add-ons or integrations. Choose a platform with pricing aligned with your budget and anticipated growth.

Common Mistakes When Switching Platforms

Switching eCommerce platforms can be a complex process, and businesses often face several challenges that can lead to costly mistakes. To help ensure a smooth transition, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Losing Customer Data

Migrating important customer data like personal information, order history, and payment details is crucial. Failing to securely and accurately transfer this data can lead to trust issues and missed opportunities for repeat business.

Tip: Always double-check the data migration process, running tests to ensure no information is lost or corrupted.

2. SEO Ranking Drops

One of the most common concerns during a platform switch is a drop in search engine rankings. Changes in URLs or site structure can break existing links, negatively impacting your SEO performance.

Tip: Set up proper 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones to preserve SEO equity. Ensure the new platform allows for SEO-friendly features like meta tags, clean URLs, and fast load times.

3. Neglecting to Test the New Platform

Rushing to launch your new site without comprehensive testing can result in poor user experience, broken links, and even loss of sales.

Tip: Run extensive tests, including cross-browser and mobile compatibility checks, to identify issues before going live.

4. Not Accounting for Platform-Specific Features

Different platforms offer unique features and integrations, so be sure your new platform can meet your needs. Moving from Shopify to an alternative may mean losing access to certain apps or tools that were crucial to your store’s functionality.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the new platform’s native features and integrations to ensure it supports all the tools you rely on.

5. Overlooking Design and UX Consistency

A sudden design overhaul during migration can confuse returning customers and hurt your conversion rates. Your customers should experience continuity in their shopping journey, even if the platform is changing behind the scenes.

Tip: Keep the design and branding consistent across the new platform, and prioritize a user-friendly interface.

6. Underestimating the Complexity of Migrating Product Listings

Product data migration can be tricky, especially when dealing with large inventories. Missing or incorrect product information, such as descriptions or images, can create confusion and harm your reputation.

Tip: Use migration tools or work with experts to ensure your product listings are accurately moved to the new platform without errors.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you navigate the complexities of switching eCommerce platforms and ensure a smooth transition for both your team and customers.

Conclusion

Making the switch from Shopify to another eCommerce platform is a big decision—and it’s not one to be taken lightly. There’s a lot to think about, from ensuring the platform suits your business needs to avoiding the common mistakes that can trip you up along the way. But here’s the good news: with the right research and a bit of planning, you can find a solution that makes the transition feel seamless, and even exciting.

The key takeaway here is that no two eCommerce businesses are the same. What works for one might not work for another, which is why exploring your options—whether it’s Squarespace, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or another alternative—is crucial. And, once you’ve made the decision, remember that careful planning during the migration process is essential to protect your data, SEO rankings, and customer experience.

At the end of the day, switching platforms isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about positioning your business for future growth. So take your time, weigh your options, and move forward with confidence knowing that the right platform can help you build something amazing. Your online store deserves it!