The 10 Best Alternatives to Shopify for Your Online Store
If you are looking for a powerful Shopify competitor to fulfill the role of ecommerce platform in your life, here are our top 10 picks.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
While Shopify seems to rule the roost (as everybody still definitely says) in the world of ecommerce platforms, it is far from your only choice. There are Shopify alternatives galore, all of which stand up well against the features of the reigning champion of ecomm platforms (in North America, at least).
There are quite a lot of Shopify competitors, in fact, as you can see from the number we cover here today.
We won't ask why you are specifically looking to an alternative to the Canada-born ecommerce platform phenom (who hurt you?), but we'll give you several options that deliver on all the things people seem to like Shopify for.
That would be stuff like intuitive website building, easy onboarding, a wide range of payment gateways, customizable templates, robust SEO tools, strong customer support, scalability options for growing businesses, and seamless integration with third-party apps.
With our vast reserves of ecommerce expertise, we picked all the best ecommerce platforms that are not Shopify, just for you.
What is Shopify?
While I'm sure you already know, since you are looking specifically for ecommerce platforms that are not called Shopify, here goes anyway.
Shopify is an uber-popular ecommerce platform that makes it easy for brands to create online stores and start selling products fast. It’s especially popular with small businesses and first-time sellers because of its user-friendly interface and built-in tools for managing everything from payments to shipping.
The platform also offers an app store with a range of tools for marketing, customer support, and other ecommerce needs. Plus, it supports multichannel selling, so you can easily connect your store with social media platforms and marketplaces.
While Shopify is a strong contender, some users (read: you) look for alternatives due to its pricing structure or customization limits. That’s why we’re diving into the best Shopify alternatives.
Why Trust Our Shopify Alternatives Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021. As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
Comparing the Best Shopify Alternatives, Feature-by-Feature
While we’re not comparing these competitors to Shopify, you can see how they stack up against each other on pricing, trials, and use cases.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best Shopify alternative for omnichannel ecommerce | Free plan available | From $14.08/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best Shopify alternative for advanced customization | 14-day free trial | From $22,000/year (billed annually) | Website | |
3 | Best Shopify alternative for free site templates | 14-day free trial | From $16/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best Shopify alternative for an open source platform | 14-day free trial | From $26/month | Website | |
5 | Best Shopify alternative for a built-in inventory management system | 15-day free trial | From $29.95/month | Website | |
6 | Best Shopify alternative for ticketed online events | Free plan available | From $27/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best Shopify alternative for small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $22/month (billed annually) | Website | |
8 | Best Shopify alternative for enterprise ecommerce needs | Free demo | $999/month + $99/month/user | Website | |
9 | Best Shopify alternative for WordPress users | Free plan available | From $10/month | Website | |
10 | Best Shopify alternative for | Free plan available + transaction fees | From $35/month and 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | Website |
The 10 Top Shopify Alternatives for Your Brand, Reviewed
Now on to the consequential part—the reviews. The theme here is “not Shopify” and all these platforms are doing that well.
For each, we include why we think it’s a good alternative to Shopify, it’s best features and integrations, it’s pros and cons, plus a screenshot so you can see the thing.
Best Shopify alternative for omnichannel ecommerce
Ecwid is an all-in-one ecommerce solution that enables you to promote and sell your products on your customers’ favorite platforms, whether that’s Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, a website, Amazon, or eBay.
Why Ecwid is a great Shopify alternative
Ecwid offers seamless integration with existing websites and social media platforms, allowing businesses to effortlessly add an online store without the need for a separate website. This flexibility enables a more personalized and cohesive customer experience. Ecwid supports multichannel selling, allowing merchants to sell across various online platforms simultaneously. Ecwid also provides a range of pricing plans, including a free option, making it more accessible for small businesses or those with limited budgets. Lastly, Ecwid offers extensive language and currency support, including 53 language options and 130 currencies—Shopify has 21 languages, 13 currencies.
Ecwid standout features & integrations
Standout features include seamless omnichannel selling across platforms like Facebook, Google, Amazon, and ShopApp, making it easy to reach customers wherever they shop. Ecwid also provides 50+ marketing and sales app integrations, including tools like Google Tag Manager, Intercom, and HelpfulCrowd, to optimize store performance. While some integrations come with additional costs, Ecwid helps offset expenses with group Discount Shipping Labels for USPS, which can lower shipping costs for merchants.
Integrations include Intercom, Pinterest, Printful, SUP Dropshipping, Google Shopping, Affiliately, EasyAds, Outfy, Popconverts, and TaxJar. Many additional integrations are available via Zapier, though a paid account is required for access.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multichannel selling support
- Supports 130 currencies
- Free plan for up to 10 products
Cons:
- Lean SEO and marketing features
- Limited analytics tools
Adobe Commerce is a comprehensive and scalable ecommerce platform that combines the power of Magento with Adobe's suite of digital experience tools to provide a robust solution for businesses looking to create personalized and engaging B2B and B2C online shopping experiences.
Why Adobe Commerce is a great Shopify alternative
Adobe Commerce offers a highly customizable and flexible platform, allowing businesses to create unique and personalized online shopping experiences tailored to their specific needs. With its extensive range of features and integrations, Adobe Commerce is well-suited for businesses with complex product catalogs, advanced customization requirements, and a need for robust backend functionality. Additionally, Adobe Commerce provides a seamless integration with Adobe's suite of digital experience tools, enabling businesses to create cohesive and engaging omnichannel experiences across various touchpoints.
Adobe Commerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include its ability to support multi-brand businesses with complex product catalogs, making it a great fit for companies managing both B2B and B2C sales under one roof. The platform’s flexibility allows for advanced customization and personalization, ensuring businesses can tailor their storefronts to different audiences. Another key feature is the built-in PWA Studio, which helps businesses create and launch progressive web apps (PWAs) for faster, more responsive online shopping experiences.
Integrations include over 3,700 paid and free options, including EasyShip, eDesk, Facebook Business, Google Shopping, LiveHelp, Stripe, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, SendCloud, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with Adobe's DXP tools
- Extensive customization options
- Can handle extensive catalogs
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Higher cost than many
Squarespace is an all-in-one website building and ecommerce platform that offers beautifully designed templates, intuitive customization options, and essential ecommerce features for businesses to create and manage their online stores.
Why Squarespace is a great Shopify alternative
Squarespace offers a simpler and more intuitive interface, making it easier for beginners to set up and manage their online stores without extensive technical knowledge. In line with this, Squarespace offers a more visually focused approach with its easily accessible stunning and modern templates, making it an ideal choice for businesses that prioritize aesthetics and design. Squarespace also offers a larger variety of free templates (not including any obtained through external integrations or plugins—Squarespace has over 90, Shopify has 17.
Squarespace standout features & integrations
Standout features include an extensive collection of 90+ free, professionally designed templates, making it a top choice for businesses that prioritize aesthetics. Squarespace also offers built-in SEO tools, blogging capabilities, and advanced analytics, giving users an all-in-one platform for both ecommerce and content-driven marketing. For those who need quick branding assets, the logo maker and mobile editing tools allow for on-the-go adjustments to maintain a cohesive online presence.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Zendesk Suite, Salesforce, Trello, Xero, ActiveCampaign, Basecamp, Constant Contact, Google Analytics 360, AWeber, ShipStation, Stripe, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable and responsive customer support
- User-friendly to learn and use
- Aesthetic, no-code site templates
Cons:
- No full access to site code
- Fewer integrations than others
PrestaShop is a feature-rich and user-friendly open source ecommerce platform that enables businesses to create and manage their online stores with flexibility and customization options.
Why PrestaShop is a great Shopify alternative
As an open source platform, PrestaShop offers more freedom and flexibility in terms of customization, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to their specific needs and preferences. PrestaShop is a free-to-download ecommerce platform, but it requires self-installation, finding and paying for web hosting services, as well as performing regular maintenance and updates to ensure its smooth operation. With PrestaShop, you'll have greater flexibility and cheaper costs but at the price of needing to handle site building and maintenance on your own, no hand-holding. PrestaShop is a great option for advanced users with experience in website design and coding.
PrestaShop standout features & integrations
Standout features include a powerful multi-store management system, allowing businesses to run multiple online stores from a single backend—ideal for companies with diverse product lines or international operations. As an open-source platform, PrestaShop also benefits from an active developer community that continually expands its marketplace with modules and themes, offering extensive customization options. However, since PrestaShop requires self-hosting and manual maintenance, it’s best suited for advanced users comfortable with web development.
Integrations include HubSpot, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, Xero, and many more. Additional integrations are available via Zapier, though a paid account may be required.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of modules and themes
- Free to download
- Open source platform
Cons:
- Lean official documentation
- Technical expertise required
Best Shopify alternative for a built-in inventory management system
BigCommerce is a robust and scalable ecommerce platform that empowers businesses to create and manage their online stores with advanced features and flexibility.
Why BigCommerce is a great Shopify alternative
BigCommerce offers tons of advanced built-in features and functionalities, including comprehensive inventory management, advanced shipping options, and flexible pricing rules, making it suitable for businesses with complex needs. BigCommerce also provides excellent scalability and performance, with higher thresholds for product listings, bandwidth, and sales volume, making it a preferred choice for businesses with rapid growth or larger catalogs. BigCommerce has a transparent pricing structure with no transaction fees, making it a cost-effective option for businesses looking for a reliable monthly price.
BigCommerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include native integrations with major marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping, enabling businesses to sell across multiple channels without additional third-party apps. BigCommerce also provides advanced built-in SEO tools, including customizable URLs, meta tags, and canonical tags, helping businesses improve their search engine rankings. Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce has no transaction fees, making it a cost-effective choice for scaling businesses that want predictable pricing.
Integrations include Amazon, Easyship, eBay, Etsy, Lightspeed, Marketo, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Salesforce, ShipWorks, Shopify, Square, WooCommerce, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust inventory management tools
- Integrated payment processing, 25+ currencies
- Flexible product pricing rules
Cons:
- Muddy API documentation
- Steep learning curve
Wix is a versatile website builder that also offers an integrated ecommerce platform, allowing businesses to easily create and manage their online stores with a user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and a range of ecommerce features.
Why Wix is a great Shopify alternative
Wix is a super intuitive and user-friendly website builder, making it easier for beginners or those without technical expertise to create and customize their online stores. Wix also offers more diverse features beyond typical ecommerce, such as blogging, event management, and membership sites, allowing businesses to have a more versatile online presence. The Wix Events & Tickets module is free to add to your site and allows you to host and showcase your events online, sell tickets and collect RSVPs, check in guests with the Wix mobile app, and empower guests to connect and network. Wix allows you to have a free plan with a wixsite.com domain, Wix ads on every page, and bandwidth limitations.
Wix eCommerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include an AI-powered website generator that helps you build a functional store in minutes with minimal effort—perfect for beginners. You also get access to 500+ designer-made templates, some free and some premium, so you can quickly create a polished storefront without design skills. For businesses that need more than just ecommerce, Wix supports event ticketing, bookings, and memberships, making it an all-in-one solution for online business models beyond retail.
Integrations include 123FormBuilder, AdScale, AfterShip, Cart2Cart, Dropbox, EasyShip, Eventbrite, Google Drive, Importify, JivoChat, Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Meta for Business, Privy, SoundCloud, and more. Wix also supports custom integrations via APIs, giving advanced users the flexibility to connect third-party tools for abandoned cart recovery, omnichannel marketing, or custom automation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive app marketplace
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Sell and host online events
Cons:
- Free plan has Wix ads
- Convoluted pricing ($27/month for ecomm)
Zoho Commerce is a comprehensive ecommerce platform that combines website building, inventory management, marketing tools, and CRM capabilities, enabling businesses to create and grow their online stores efficiently.
Why Zoho Commerce is a great Shopify alternative
Zoho Commerce offers seamless integration with the broader suite of Zoho applications, allowing businesses to streamline their operations by integrating ecommerce with CRM, inventory management, and marketing tools in a single ecosystem. This integration enhances efficiency and data synchronization across various aspects of the business. Zoho Commerce provides more affordable pricing plans, making it an attractive option for small businesses or those with budget constraints. SMBs will also appreciate that Zoho Commerce provides robust customer support and documentation, ensuring that users can easily access assistance and resources when needed.
Zoho Commerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include seamless integration with Zoho's suite of business applications, such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, and Zoho Inventory, allowing businesses to manage customer data, finances, and inventory from a single platform. This interconnected ecosystem improves workflow efficiency and ensures smooth data synchronization across departments. Zoho Commerce is also highly scalable, making it a strong choice for businesses planning to grow without switching platforms.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Zendesk, and ServiceNow. Integrations via Zapier and Zoho Flow are also supported. As part of the Zoho ecosystem, users can connect to Zoho’s services for sales, marketing, CRM, and customer service.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multi-channel selling
- Competitive pricing plans
- Integrates with other Zoho applications
Cons:
- Limited site template options
- Smaller ecosystem of third-party integrations
NetSuite SuiteCommerce is a unified commerce platform that seamlessly integrates ecommerce, inventory management, CRM, and order management, providing businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing their online sales and operations.
Why NetSuite SuiteCommerce is a great Shopify alternative
SuiteCommerce is a fully integrated solution that combines ecommerce functionality with robust inventory management, CRM, and order management capabilities, providing businesses with a unified platform to streamline their operations and data flow. SuiteCommerce offers advanced customization options, allowing businesses to create unique and tailored online experiences for their customers. The platform is highly scalable and suitable for businesses with complex requirements or those seeking enterprise-level capabilities. NetSuite SuiteCommerce provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, empowering businesses to gain deep insights into their online performance and make data-driven decisions.
NetSuite SuiteCommerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include seamless integration with NetSuite's ERP system, giving businesses a unified platform for managing ecommerce, inventory, and back-office operations in real time. This deep integration streamlines order management, inventory tracking, and financial reporting, reducing the need for manual data entry. SuiteCommerce also offers extensive customization capabilities, allowing businesses to design tailored shopping experiences, implement dynamic pricing and promotions, and build fully responsive, mobile-friendly storefronts.
Integrations include LiveChat, ShipStation, Georgias, Mailchimp, QuickBooks Online, Yotpo Product Reviews, Justuno, Brightpearl, Acumatica, ActiveCampaign, HubSpot, Klaviyo, Shopgate, Printify, and many more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fully integrated solution (inventory, CRM, orders)
- Advanced customization options
- Robust reporting and analytics
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Higher cost than others
WooCommerce is a popular and powerful ecommerce plugin for WordPress that enables businesses to transform their websites into fully functional online stores.
Why WooCommerce is a great Shopify alternative
WooCommerce offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options since it is built on WordPress, allowing businesses to have complete control over their online store's design, functionality, and hosting. WooCommerce is open source, which means users have access to a vast community of developers and a wide range of plugins and themes to extend the platform's capabilities. This makes it suitable for businesses with unique requirements or those seeking more advanced customization. If you are already working from a WordPress site, WooCommerce is a no briainer to transform your site into an online store. WooCommerce is free to install but may incur transaction fees, feature expansion costs, and plugin/add-on costs.
WooCommerce standout features & integrations
Standout features include event-based marketing tools, such as automatic abandoned cart recovery notifications and personalized messages for birthdays, holidays, or membership anniversaries. WooCommerce also offers built-in rewards and incentive programs, allowing businesses to create VIP lists or affiliate marketing opportunities to boost customer loyalty. As an open-source platform, WooCommerce benefits from a large community of developers, meaning there are countless plugins, themes, and resources available to customize and extend its functionality.
Integrations include Affirm Payments, Amazon Pay, Facebook, GoCardless, Google Analytics, PayPal, ShipStation, Stamps.com, Stripe, and other widely used ecommerce tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open source and extensibility
- Integrates with existing WordPress
- Vast extension, plug-in library
Cons:
- Ecomm costs extra ($25/month)
- Requires WordPress site
Square Online is a user-friendly and all-in-one ecommerce platform that enables businesses to easily create and manage their online stores, accept payments, and synchronize inventory with any brick-and-mortar operations.
Why Square Online is a great Shopify alternative
Everyone has an online store these days, including traditional brick-and-mortar operations. Square Online is a unique ecommerce solution in that you can merge the operations of your physical store with a digital commerce storefront. Using Square Online, you can set up and ecommerce website while their backend system controls inventory and point-of-sale across both physical and digital storefront. Additionally, Square Online offers seamless integration with the broader suite of Square tools, including payment processing, inventory management, and point-of-sale systems, providing a cohesive and efficient solution for businesses.
Square Online standout features & integrations
Standout features include built-in marketing and analytics tools, such as email campaign management and detailed sales reports, helping businesses drive traffic and increase conversions. Square Online also provides flexible shipping and fulfillment options, including real-time shipping rates and direct integrations with major carriers like USPS and FedEx. For brick-and-mortar businesses, its seamless inventory and point-of-sale synchronization make it easy to manage both in-store and online sales from one platform.
Integrations include Acuity Scheduling, Craftable, Deliverect, Endear, GoDaddy, LinkTree, Mailchimp, Prizeout, Thrive Inventory, Wix, WooCommerce, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive customer suppor
- Omnichannel sales capabilities
- Integrates with other Square tools
Cons:
- Transaction fees per sale
- Limited design customization
Other Shopify Alternatives
Here are a few more options to consider:
- Weebly
Alternative for simplified order management
- Sellfy
Alternative for creators to sell merchandise or digital products
- Volusion
Alternative for its scalable features
- Shift4Shop
For its free end-to-end ecommerce plan
- Big Cartel
Alternative for artists and makers
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
Our Selection Criteria for Shopify Alternatives
Selecting the right Shopify alternative involves evaluating functionality, usability, and long-term value. After extensive trials and research, we’ve developed a weighted scoring system to help you find the best fit for your business.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
These things are the backbone of any platform. The essentials need to work seamlessly to keep your store running smoothly:
- Product inventory management. Supports tracking, categorization, and stock alerts.
- Payment processing options. Includes a wide range of gateways and currency support.
- Customizable storefront designs. Allows flexibility in creating a unique look for your brand.
- Shipping and logistics solutions. Integrates with carriers and provides real-time shipping rates.
- Analytics and reporting. Offers insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and more.
Standout features (25% of total weighting score)
These extras give a platform that extra edge, helping you stand out from the crowd:
- Advanced marketing tools. Includes features like SEO optimization or AI-driven recommendations.
- Customer engagement tools. Supports loyalty programs, reviews, or chatbots to enhance customer interactions.
- AI-powered analytics. Helps predict trends, manage stock, and make data-driven decisions.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
Ease of use is essential because no matter how powerful a platform is, it needs to be user-friendly:
- Intuitive interface. Balances functionality with ease of navigation.
- Visual customization tools. Allows design tweaks without needing coding skills.
- Onboarding (10% of total weighting score) ensures you can hit the ground running:
- Comprehensive guides and tutorials. Offers step-by-step support right from the start.
- Setup wizards. Simplifies initial setup and configuration.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
This here is your safety net when things don’t go as planned:
- Responsive support. Available through live chat, phone, or email.
- Community resources. Provides access to forums where users share solutions and tips.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
You gotta make sure you're getting your money’s worth:
- Transparent pricing. Clearly outlines what’s included in each plan.
- Long-term scalability. Ensures pricing tiers and features scale with your business growth.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
These gems provide real-world feedback from brands like yours:
- High satisfaction rates. Shows that users are generally happy with the platform’s performance.
- Positive feedback on customer support. Indicates responsive and helpful service.
By weighing these criteria, you can confidently choose a platform that fits your current needs and grows with your business.
How to Choose the Right Shopify Alternative
When picking an alternative to Shopify, it's important to have a game plan.
You want software that fits your business like a glove (or comfy mitten)—not one that feels like it’s holding you back. Here’s a quick checklist to help you make the right choice:
- Compatibility and integration. Make sure it plays nice with your current tools and platforms.
- Ease of use. Look for something that’s intuitive and doesn’t need a PhD to operate.
- Customization. Your brand is unique, and your software should reflect that. Look for flexibility to tweak things to your liking.
- Scalability. Choose something that can keep up with you as you grow—whether that means more products, more traffic, or more sales.
- Security. Don’t skimp on this. Prioritize platforms that offer top-notch security to protect both your data and your customers.
- Customer support. Check what kind of support you’ll get. Is it 24/7? Is it helpful? You’ll want a solid team to back you up.
- Pricing structure. Look at the cost, but also weigh what you’re getting for that price. Is it a good value? Will it give you a solid return on investment?
- Performance and reliability. Avoid software with a track record of crashes or slow loading times—it’ll frustrate your customers and hurt your bottom line.
- User reviews and feedback. Don’t just take the platform’s word for it. See what other businesses are saying about their experience.
This checklist will help you make a smart decision, balancing your specific ecommerce needs with solid business fundamentals.
Reasons You Might Need a Shopify Alternative
Shopify is a powerful ecommerce platform—but it’s not a perfect fit for everyone.
Maybe you're tired of the transaction fees. Or maybe you’ve hit a wall with design flexibility, or you're wrestling with a checkout flow that’s tough to customize.
Whatever your reason, you're not alone—many brands start with Shopify but outgrow it as their needs evolve.
Here’s when it might be time to consider a Shopify alternative:
- You want more control over payments. Shopify Payments isn’t available everywhere, and using third-party gateways often comes with added fees. Some platforms (like BigCommerce) offer native support for dozens of gateways with zero extra transaction costs—huge if you're selling internationally or want to optimize your payment stack.
- You’re scaling fast—and hitting performance ceilings. Shopify works well for small to mid-sized stores, but if you're pushing into enterprise territory or running high-volume flash sales, you might want a platform with more flexible infrastructure. Think cloud-based scaling, modular architecture, and fewer bottlenecks under load.
- You live and breathe SEO. Shopify has decent SEO out of the box, but power users know its URL structures and limited meta field control can be a hassle. Platforms like WooCommerce or Webflow give you full SEO control—down to schema markup and canonical tags.
- You’re prioritizing long-term customization. If you want granular control over checkout, product data, or headless commerce setups, other platforms can offer more open frameworks without third-party workarounds.
Bottom line: Shopify is great—until it isn’t. The right alternative depends on your goals, tech stack, and how much control (or freedom) you really want.
Trends for Shopify Alternatives in 2025
Shopify may be setting the bar, but the rest of the ecommerce world is catching up—and in some areas, pulling ahead. Whether you're scaling fast or just getting started, here are the platform trends that actually matter right now:
- Scalability through cloud-native architecture. Platforms like BigCommerce and Adobe Commerce are built for scale, offering multi-storefront setups, flexible APIs, and infrastructure that won’t blink during Black Friday.
- SEO built into the core, not bolted on. Alternatives like Webflow and WooCommerce are leaning into advanced SEO controls: customizable URLs, auto-generated schema, meta tags, and full page-level markup—without relying on plugins to do the heavy lifting.
- AI-driven personalization and automation. Shopify Magic made waves, but competitors like Wix and Adobe Commerce are catching up with AI product recommendations, automated image tagging, and generative copywriting. Next up? AI-powered A/B testing and predictive merchandising—already emerging on platforms like Shopline.
- Rise of headless and composable commerce. Headless builds—like Commerce Layer, Swell, and Shopify Hydrogen—give brands speed and flexibility by decoupling the frontend from the backend. That means faster load times, better UX, and freedom to integrate best-in-class tools.
- No-code/low-code store design. Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow make it simple for non-devs to launch slick storefronts fast. For more advanced use cases, integrations with Builder.io and Shogun let marketers move without waiting on engineering.
- Global-ready and omnichannel by design. Platforms like Shopline, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce offer native support for multi-currency, tax compliance, localization, and seamless marketplace or POS integrations.
Takeaway: Ecommerce platforms aren’t just playing catch-up—they’re differentiating through scalability, AI, and flexibility.
If Shopify’s roadmap doesn’t align with yours, there’s a platform out there already doing what you need.
Key Features for a Top Shopify Alternatives
Not every ecommerce platform is built the same. If you’re considering a switch, don’t just compare pricing—focus on what actually impacts your ability to grow, scale, and convert.
Here’s what to look for:
- Flexible payment processing options. Look for platforms that support a wide range of payment gateways—especially if you're selling internationally or want to avoid extra transaction fees. BigCommerce, for example, integrates with 65+ gateways and doesn’t penalize you for using third-party processors.
- Scalable infrastructure that grows with you. As your traffic and product catalog expand, so should your platform. Cloud-native options like Adobe Commerce or BigCommerce offer elastic scaling, high performance under load, and built-in tools for managing multiple storefronts or regions.
- Built-in SEO tools and control. Don’t leave your search visibility up to chance. Platforms like Webflow and WooCommerce provide deep SEO customization—from clean URL structures to meta fields and schema markup—giving you full control over how your site ranks.
- Headless commerce readiness. If you want full control over the frontend experience (and blazing-fast site speed), choose a platform that supports API-first or headless builds. Tools like Commerce Layer or Swell make it easier to future-proof your stack.
- Omnichannel and marketplace integrations. Whether you're selling on Amazon, TikTok, or in-store, look for platforms that support native integrations across all your sales channels—without duct-taping together third-party apps.
- Robust customization without heavy dev lift. Platforms like Webflow and Wix offer drag-and-drop freedom, while more advanced platforms support no-code builders like Shogun or Builder.io—ideal for teams who want agility without engineering bottlenecks.
- Native AI tools to streamline growth. Shopify isn't the only one automating workflows. Wix and Adobe Commerce are baking in AI-powered product recommendations, image enhancements, and content generation to speed up workflows and optimize performance.
Cost & Pricing for Alternatives to Shopify
When choosing a Shopify alternative, it’s important to understand the typical pricing tiers, what features they include, and what type of businesses they’re best suited for.
Below is a breakdown of common pricing tiers:
Pricing Tier | Price Range (Monthly) | Common Features | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Basic | $10 - $30 | Basic store setup, limited customization, basic inventory management, simple payment options | Small businesses or startups just getting started |
Mid-Tier | $30 - $100 | Expanded customization, advanced inventory features, integrations with popular tools, marketing features | Growing businesses needing more features and scalability |
Advanced | $100 - $500 | Full customization, advanced reporting, multi-channel selling, loyalty programs, advanced SEO tools | Established businesses looking to scale operations |
Enterprise | $500+ | Highly customizable, dedicated account support, advanced analytics, scalability for large enterprises | Large enterprises with complex needs and large catalogs |
Additional costs to consider
Beyond the basic pricing tiers, you’ll want to factor in these potential extra costs:
- Transaction fees. Some platforms charge per transaction if you don’t use their preferred payment gateway.
- Add-ons and plugins. You might need to purchase extra apps or plugins for features like advanced SEO, marketing tools, or loyalty programs.
- Custom development. Hiring developers for custom features or designs can add to your expenses.
- Hosting fees. Platforms like WooCommerce require you to manage and pay for your own hosting separately.
- Premium customer support. Basic support is often included, but 24/7 or priority support typically comes at an additional cost.
Shopify Alternatives FAQs
You’re looking for alternatives to Shopify, and we’re answering all your questions to find the right platform. So, here we go.
Who is Shopify biggest competitor?
Shopify’s biggest competitor is WooCommerce, an open-source plugin for WordPress. WooCommerce powers over 6.5 million websites, compared to Shopify’s 1.75 million sellers. WooCommerce is popular because:
- WordPress is free to use, and WooCommerce is free to install.
- It offers greater flexibility and customization than Shopify.
- You can scale WooCommerce as your business grows with add-ons and plugins.
What is a free alternative to Shopify?
Several free Shopify alternatives are available, though you may still need to pay for hosting and other features. Popular free options include:
- PrestaShop – Completely free to download and use
- OpenCart – Completely free and open-source
- Adobe Commerce Open-Source – Free version of Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento)
- WooCommerce – Completely free and open-source
You can read more about these free ecommerce platforms and more on my review article: Free Ecommerce Platforms.
Which Shopify alternative is easiest to use?
Wix is widely regarded as the easiest to use because of its:
- Drag-and-drop builder – No coding required.
- Pre-designed templates – Easy to customize for various industries.
- Step-by-step setup – Guided process with built-in tips for building an online store. Wix is ideal for beginners and small businesses looking for simplicity.
Can I migrate my Shopify store to another platform easily?
Yes, most Shopify alternatives provide migration tools for a smooth transfer of product data, customer information, and orders. However, manual adjustments may be required for customizations, such as themes or plugins. Many platforms also offer third-party migration services for more complex setups.
When should I consider switching from Shopify to another platform?
You might want to replatform when Shopify no longer supports the way your business is growing. Common triggers include:
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Scalability issues. If you’re experiencing traffic surges or need to manage multiple stores, you might need a platform with more flexible infrastructure.
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Customization limits. You need deeper control over your site’s design, checkout flow, or backend logic than Shopify allows.
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Transaction fees. Shopify charges additional fees if you’re not using Shopify Payments, which can cut into margins—especially for international sellers.
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Integration limitations. You’re adding tools to your stack that don’t play well with Shopify, or you want native features without a dozen paid plugins.
If any of those pain points sound familiar, it might be time to explore other options that are more aligned with your growth strategy.
What are some common complaints about Shopify?
Common complaints about Shopify include its transaction fees (unless you use Shopify Payments), limits on design customization (which may require a developer for more complex tweaks), and the need for third-party apps to access certain features, which can increase monthly costs.
Other Ecommerce Platform Reviews
Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform but it's not the only ecommerce platform. If you have a specific idea of what kind of ecommerce paltform you're looking for (cheap, easy ot use, enterprise-grade) then you might want to check out these other similar reviews.
- Enterprise Ecommerce Platforms
- Headless Ecommerce Platforms
- Easiest Ecommerce Platforms
- Omnichannel Commerce Platforms
- Open Source Ecommerce Platforms
- B2B Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Marketplace Platforms
- Social Commerce Platforms
- Cheap Ecommerce Platforms
Find Your Bizarro Shopify to Start Selling
Not everybody needs to be on Shopify. It's far from the only ecommerce platform out there, as you can clearly see in this post.
Given that you are excited about the prospect of being Shopify-free, this post should set you on the right track. You'll get all the lovely features you need without the Shopify of it all.
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