Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Many businesses look for Shopify alternatives due to high transaction fees, limited customization options, and scalability concerns. Whether you’re a small business owner looking for an affordable solution or a large enterprise in need of advanced features, there are plenty of great Shopify alternatives available.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Shopify alternatives that suit different business sizes and needs.
If you’re already using Shopify but considering a switch, you may also want to learn how to delete your Shopify account permanently before migrating to a new platform.
Why Look for Shopify Alternatives?
Before diving into the best options, let’s understand why businesses search for Shopify alternatives:
- High Transaction Fees – Unless you use Shopify Payments, additional transaction fees apply.
- Limited Design Flexibility – Customization is restricted unless you have coding skills.
- Scalability Issues – Some businesses outgrow Shopify’s pricing and features.
- Pricing Concerns – Shopify’s monthly plans can be expensive for startups.
If any of these concerns apply to you, consider the following Shopify alternatives that offer flexibility, lower costs, and better scalability.
Best Shopify Alternatives for Small Businesses
1. WooCommerce (Best for WordPress Users)
- Free and open-source
- Fully customizable with plugins
- No transaction fees
WooCommerce is a great Shopify alternative if you already use WordPress. It provides complete control over your store, with thousands of plugins to extend its functionality. However, it requires hosting and setup, which may be challenging for beginners.
2. Wix eCommerce (Best for Beginners)
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Affordable pricing
- Good for small stores
Wix eCommerce is perfect for small businesses that want an easy-to-use platform without technical skills. It offers beautiful templates, built-in SEO tools, and simple payment integrations.
3. Squarespace eCommerce (Best for Creative Businesses)
- Stylish templates for artists and designers
- Built-in marketing tools
- Simple, user-friendly setup
If your business focuses on visuals, Squarespace offers one of the best Shopify alternatives. It’s ideal for creative entrepreneurs, photographers, and designers looking for a sleek online store.
4. Sellfy (Best for Selling Digital Products)
- Quick setup for digital downloads
- No design or coding skills required
- Subscription-based pricing
Sellfy is an excellent Shopify alternative for businesses that sell digital products like eBooks, courses, and print-on-demand items. It offers a simple, beginner-friendly interface.
5. Ecwid (Best for Adding eCommerce to an Existing Website)
- Works with any website builder
- Free plan available
- Seamless social media integration
If you already have a website and just need to add an online store, Ecwid is a great Shopify alternative. It integrates with platforms like WordPress, Wix, and even Facebook and Instagram.
Best Shopify Alternatives for Large Enterprises
1. BigCommerce (Best for Scalability)
- No transaction fees
- Advanced SEO and marketing tools
- Built-in sales features
BigCommerce is one of the best Shopify alternatives for large businesses that need a scalable solution. It offers extensive features, including multi-channel selling, making it perfect for high-volume stores.
2. Magento (Adobe Commerce) (Best for Customization)
- Open-source and highly flexible
- Requires development expertise
- Ideal for large-scale eCommerce businesses
Magento is a powerful Shopify alternative for enterprises needing full control over their online stores. However, it requires coding knowledge or a development team to manage.
3. Shift4Shop (Best for High-Volume Stores)
- No monthly fee (if using Shift4 Payments)
- SEO-friendly platform
- Supports unlimited products
Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart) is an excellent Shopify alternative for businesses that process high sales volumes. It offers built-in SEO features and advanced payment options.
4. Salesforce Commerce Cloud (Best for Global Enterprises)
- AI-powered eCommerce solutions
- Enterprise-level security and support
- High scalability and omnichannel capabilities
For large businesses looking for a powerful Shopify alternative, Salesforce Commerce Cloud provides an enterprise-level eCommerce platform with AI-driven insights and cloud-based flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Shopify Alternative?
Selecting the right Shopify alternative depends on your business needs. Consider these factors:
- Budget – Compare pricing, transaction fees, and hidden costs.
- Features – Look for SEO tools, payment gateways, and integrations.
- Ease of Use – If you’re a beginner, choose a platform with a simple interface.
- Scalability – Ensure the platform can grow with your business.
- Customer Support – Reliable support is crucial for running an online store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best free Shopify alternative?
WooCommerce is the best free Shopify alternative, as it offers complete customization and no transaction fees, but it requires WordPress hosting.
2. Which Shopify alternative is best for beginners?
Wix eCommerce is great for beginners due to its drag-and-drop builder, user-friendly interface, and affordable pricing.
3. What is the best Shopify alternative for digital products?
Sellfy is a great choice for selling digital products like eBooks, courses, and subscriptions due to its simple setup and built-in payment options.
4. What is the best Shopify alternative for large businesses?
BigCommerce and Magento are the top choices for large businesses needing scalability, customization, and advanced features.
5. Can I migrate my store from Shopify to another platform?
Yes, most Shopify alternatives provide migration tools or services to help transfer your store, including products, customer data, and order history.
Conclusion
While Shopify is a great eCommerce platform, it’s not the only option. The best Shopify alternative depends on your business type, budget, and technical skills.
- Small businesses should consider WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, Sellfy, or Ecwid.
- Large enterprises may benefit from BigCommerce, Magento, Shift4Shop, or Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Explore these platforms and find the best Shopify alternative that meets your needs!