Thinking about starting an online store but not sure if Shopify is it? We get it. It’s everywhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you. Maybe the fees are annoying, maybe you want more creative freedom, or maybe you just want to try something different. The good news? There are so many Shopify alternatives that might actually work better for your biz. Some are cheaper, some have more features, and some just make sense.
In this blog, we’re spilling the tea on the best Shopify alternatives so you can find the one. Let’s get into it!
What is Shopify?
Imagine building your dream store, not with bricks, but with clicks!
Shopify is the magical platform that turns your innovative business ideas into online stores with a click of a button!
Whether you’re selling socks, candles, or vintage records, Shopify helps you create a stunning store without needing to be a tech expert.
It’s like the DIY kit for your business dreams. You get everything from customizable designs, and secure checkout, to tracking your sales like a pro.
With over 1.75 million businesses using Shopify worldwide, it’s the go-to tool for entrepreneurs.
7 Reasons Why You Should Look for a Shopify Alternative
Shopify is one of the biggest names in eCommerce, and for good reason. It’s user-friendly, packed with integrations, and easy to set up.
But as your business grows, you might start feeling its limitations. If you’re wondering whether there’s a better Shopify alternative that fits your needs and budget, here’s why many store owners eventually move on.
1. High Transaction Fees – Eating Into Profits
Shopify charges extra fees if you use third-party payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe.
For example, on the Basic plan ($39/month), there’s a 2% transaction fee—meaning $200 lost on $10,000 in sales. For larger businesses, these fees add up fast.
Best Shopify Alternatives: BigCommerce and WooCommerce let you use any payment processor without extra fees.
2. Limited Customization – Stuck in a Template Box
Shopify’s themes are sleek but restrictive. If you want custom checkout pages, unique product layouts, or interactive designs, you’ll likely need a developer familiar with Shopify’s Liquid coding language.
Best Shopify Alternatives: WooCommerce and Magento provide full design control with open-source flexibility.
3. Scaling Costs – The More You Grow, The More You Pay
Higher-tier plans get expensive ($105/month for Shopify, $399/month for Advanced). Many must-have features require paid apps, and transaction fees can pile up.
Best Shopify Alternatives: BigCommerce includes many advanced features at no extra cost, while WooCommerce lets you pay only for what you need.
4. Dependency on Apps – A Plugin Overload
Shopify’s app store is great, but many essential functions require third-party apps like subscriptions, detailed analytics, and product bundles.
These add extra costs and slow your site.
Best Shopify Alternatives: BigCommerce offers more built-in features, reducing reliance on apps.
5. SEO and Blogging Limitations – Not Ideal for Content Marketing
Shopify’s SEO is decent but has some drawbacks:
- URL structures aren’t fully customizable.
- Limited blogging tools compared to WordPress.
- Inconsistent site speed can hurt rankings.
If you rely on organic traffic, Shopify’s blog isn’t as powerful as WordPress.
Best Shopify Alternative: WooCommerce (built on WordPress) is a better fit for content-driven businesses.
6. Checkout and Payment Restrictions – Lack of Control
Shopify locks down checkout customization unless you’re on Shopify Plus ($2,000+/month).
If you want to modify the checkout experience or avoid Shopify Payments’ extra fees, you’re out of luck.
Best Shopify Alternatives: WooCommerce and Magento allow full checkout customization without restrictions.
7. Platform Lock-in – Hard to Leave
Migrating away from Shopify is a hassle. Your product pages, customer data, and blog posts don’t transfer easily, meaning a costly and time-consuming switch.
Best Shopify Alternatives: WooCommerce and Magento let you fully own and migrate your store whenever needed.
Conclusion – Finding the Right Shopify Alternative
If Shopify’s costs or limitations are holding you back, consider these alternatives:
- BigCommerce – Best for scaling without too many apps.
- WooCommerce – Perfect for flexibility and SEO.
- Magento – Ideal for enterprises needing full control.
- Shift4Shop – A budget-friendly option with built-in features.
Your ideal platform depends on your business goals, budget, and tech needs. The key is finding a solution that grows with you without excessive fees or frustrating limitations.
Features you should consider when selecting the best Shopify Alternatives
These are some of the features you must take into consideration;
1. User-Friendly Interface
- Intuitive navigation
- Mobile responsiveness
- Easy checkout process
2. Customization & Scalability
- Flexible themes and templates
- Ability to scale with business growth
- Custom coding options
3. Payment & Checkout Options
- Multiple payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
- One-click checkout
- Guest checkout option
4. Security Features
- SSL certification
- Data encryption
- PCI compliance
5. SEO & Marketing Tools
- Built-in SEO optimization
- Social media integration
- Email marketing automation
6. Inventory & Order Management
- Real-time stock tracking
- Automated order processing
- Multi-channel selling support
6 Great Shopify Alternatives You Should Try
Shopify is a major player in eCommerce, but it isn’t the sole option available.
If you seek reduced fees, increased personalization, or simply a unique option, there are numerous reliable alternatives available.
Here are 6 excellent Shopify alternatives along with their Pros and Cons, plus examples of successful businesses utilizing them along with the price
1. Wix eCommerce (small businesses and creatives)
Wix is best known for its drag-and-drop website builder, but its eCommerce features have come a long way.
Pros:
- Super easy to use – great for beginners
- Affordable pricing with no huge transaction fees
- Tons of design flexibility with beautiful templates
Cons:
- Not as powerful for scaling a big business
- Limited advanced eCommerce features compared to Shopify
- Third-party apps are not as extensive
Example:
An independent artist selling custom prints can build a stunning storefront on Wix with minimal effort.
Pricing:
- Core Plan: $29/month
- Business Plan: $36/month
- Business Elite Plan: $159/month
2. BigCommerce (for large-volume sellers)
BigCommerce is a strong Shopify competitor with robust built-in features.
Pros:
- No need for extra paid apps – tons of features included
- No transaction fees, even on external payment gateways
- Great for large and growing businesses
Cons:
- Easy learning curve for beginners
- Pricing plans scale up as your sales increase
- Limited design customization compared to Shopify
Example:
A fast-growing fashion brand looking for enterprise-level features without relying too much on third-party apps.
Pricing:
- Basic Package: $29/ PM
- Plus: $79/ PM
- Pro:$299/PM
- Enterprise: Custom Pricing
3. WooCommerce (WordPress)
If you love WordPress, WooCommerce is a no-brainer. It’s a free plugin that turns your site into a powerful eCommerce store.
Pros:
- Completely free to install (though hosting costs apply)
- Fully customizable with thousands of plugins
- SEO-friendly and great for content-driven businesses
Cons:
- Requires some technical knowledge
- Hosting and plugins can add up in cost
- Security and updates are your responsibility
Example:
A blogger who wants to sell digital products directly from their content-rich WordPress site.
Pricing
Wix eCommerce Plans:
- Light Plan: $17 per month
- Core Plan: $29 per month
- Business Plan: $36 per month
- Business Elite Plan: $159 per month
4. Squarespace Commerce (general-purpose website builder)
Squarespace is known for its sleek and modern website designs, making it a great choice for creatives.
Pros:
- Gorgeous, high-end templates with built-in eCommerce tools
- User-friendly interface
- No need to install extra plugins – it’s all built-in
Cons:
- Not as many integrations as Shopify
- Limited payment gateway options
- Less flexible for large-scale stores
Example:
A boutique jewelry brand that prioritizes aesthetics and brand storytelling.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: $16/PM
- Business: $23/PM
- Basic Commerce: $28/PM
- Advance Commerce: $52/PM
5. Ecwid ( free eCommerce platform)
Ecwid is great if you already have a website and want to add eCommerce functionality.
Pros:
- Can integrate with existing websites (WordPress, Wix, etc.)
- Free plan available for small stores
- No transaction fees
Cons:
- Not ideal for large, standalone eCommerce stores
- Fewer customization options compared to Shopify
- Limited marketing tools
Example:
A local bakery that wants to add an online ordering system to their existing website.
Pricing
- Free – $0/month (Basic store, up to 5 products)
- Venture – $25/month ($21 if billed annually) (100 products, social selling)
- Business – $45/month ($39 if billed annually) (2,500 products, abandoned cart recovery)
- Unlimited – $105/month ($89 if billed annually) (Unlimited products, advanced features)
6. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Magento is a powerhouse for enterprise-level eCommerce but comes with a steeper learning curve.
Pros:
- Highly customizable for complex eCommerce needs
- Scales extremely well for large businesses
- Strong SEO and multi-store capabilities
Cons:
- Requires advanced technical knowledge
- Hosting and development costs can be high
- Not beginner-friendly
Example:
A large electronics retailer looking for an advanced, highly scalable eCommerce solution.
Pricing:
- Magneto Opensource: $12000 to 57000/Yearly
- Magneto Commerce: $43000 to 189000/Yearly
- Magneto Commerce Cloud: $60000 to 247000/Yearly
Shopify is great, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re just starting, Wix or Squarespace might be perfect. Need more flexibility?
WooCommerce or BigCommerce could be a better fit. Running a massive online store? Magento might be your best bet.
Choosing the right eCommerce platform depends on your business needs, budget, and technical skills.
3 Examples of Shopify Merchants Who Have Migrated to Other Platforms
Let’s dive into three famous merchants who’ve decided to move away from Shopify and migrate to other platforms. There are a few big names who decided Shopify wasn’t quite the right fit for their business in the long run. Here are a few examples:
1. Allbirds
Allbirds, the eco-friendly shoe brand known for its minimalist style, originally started with Shopify.
But as they scaled, they switched to a custom-built solution with a focus on performance and advanced integration options.
They moved away from Shopify mainly because they needed more control over their site’s speed, performance, and overall customer experience as their global reach grew.
2. Gymshark
Gymshark, the fitness apparel giant that exploded in popularity, started with Shopify too. However, they eventually leaped to Salesforce Commerce Cloud (formerly Demandware).
Gymshark needed something that could handle its massive traffic and growing international presence.
With Salesforce, they gained a more scalable and customizable platform that suited their need for advanced features and global expansion.
3. MVMT Watches
MVMT, the fashionable watch and accessories brand, was yet another Shopify merchant that ultimately made a change. They first utilized Shopify for their online store management but later switched to BigCommerce.
Their choice was influenced by the necessity for improved integration capabilities, adaptability, and sophisticated eCommerce functionalities that would accommodate their expanding business and manage intricate back-end processes.
These brands transitioned for different motives, whether it was the desire for increased control, scalability, or particular features that Shopify couldn’t fully offer as they grew. This serves as a helpful reminder that although Shopify is a robust platform for numerous businesses, some bigger merchants discover that they ultimately require a more customized solution.
Find the Right Fit & Start Selling
Shopify works for a lot of people, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you. Maybe you need something simpler, more customizable, or just a platform that doesn’t eat into your profits with extra fees. Whether it’s Wix for easy setup, BigCommerce for built-in tools, or WooCommerce for full control, there’s an option that actually fits your business.
At the end of the day, the best eCommerce platform is the one that helps you grow your way. So explore, choose wisely, and start building something great. You got this!
FAQS
1. What are some good Shopify alternatives?
Wix, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Squarespace are excellent options, providing various customization features for your e-commerce website.
2. Is WooCommerce a better alternative to Shopify?
If you know WordPress, WooCommerce offers an affordable option with greater flexibility, though it demands more active management.
3. Which Shopify competitors offer the most flexibility for small businesses?
WooCommerce and BigCommerce are well-known for their scalability and adaptability, providing customizable options for small enterprises.
4. Is Wix a good option for beginners?
Indeed, Wix is very user-friendly for beginners, providing drag-and-drop features and adjustable templates for newcomers in e-commerce.
5. Can I use Squarespace for an online store?
Definitely! Squarespace is excellent for attractive stores and is user-friendly, although it may be missing some of the advanced functionalities that Shopify offers.
6. Are there any Shopify competitors with lower fees?
Platforms such as Wix and Squarespace typically charge lower transaction fees than Shopify, making them financially beneficial for small enterprises.
