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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
Wix

Wix enables you to translate your store into 150+ languages and optimize it for SEO.

Best Shopify alternative for ticketed online events

14-day money-back guarantee

From $16/month (billed annually) Website
2
Ecwid by Lightspeed

Ecwid enables you to edit everything about a product page, including the related products and the “buy now” button that show up on the page.

Best Shopify alternative for omnichannel ecommerce

Free plan available

From $19/month Website
3
Adobe Commerce

Adobe Commerce helps you customize your online store’s appearance with a variety of tools.

Best Shopify alternative for advanced customization

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
4
Squarespace

Squarespace Commerce makes it easy to sell goods or services on a recurring basis.

Best Shopify alternative for free site templates

14-day free trial

From $15/month (billed annually) Website
5
PrestaShop

PrestaShop lets you design online stores that work with many different languages and currencies.

Best Shopify alternative for an open source platform

14-day free trial

From $26/month Website
6
BigCommerce

BigCommerce’s setup wizard offers a step-by-step guide that helps you build a fully functional online store.

Best Shopify alternative for a built-in inventory management system

15-day free trial

From $29/month (billed annually) Website
7
Zoho Commerce

Zoho Commerce helps you stay compliant by automating your tax calculations.

Best Shopify alternative for small businesses

30-day free trial

From $22/month (billed annually) Website
8
WooCommerce

WooCommerce makes it easy to add products and customize your product pages.

Best Shopify alternative for WordPress users

Free to download

Pricing upon request Website
9
NetSuite SuiteCommerce

NetSuite SuiteCommerce creates a unified view of your customer’s interactions, transactions, and preferences, allowing you to deliver personalized shopping experiences.

Best Shopify alternative for enterprise ecommerce needs

Free demo

$999/month + $99/month/user Website
10
Square Online

Square Online’s store builder has an intuitive layout and is easy to use.

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 ticketed online events

  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • From $16/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

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)

Best Shopify alternative for omnichannel ecommerce

  • Free plan available
  • From $19/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

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

Best Shopify alternative for advanced customization

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

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

Best Shopify alternative for free site templates

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $15/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

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

Best Shopify alternative for an open source platform

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $26/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

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

  • 15-day free trial
  • From $29/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

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

Best Shopify alternative for small businesses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $22/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

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

Best Shopify alternative for WordPress users

  • Free to download
  • Pricing upon request

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

Best Shopify alternative for enterprise ecommerce needs

  • Free demo
  • $999/month + $99/month/user

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

Best Shopify alternative for

  • Free plan available + transaction fees
  • From $35/month and 2.9% + $0.30/transaction
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

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:

  1. Weebly

    Alternative for simplified order management

  2. Sellfy

    Alternative for creators to sell merchandise or digital products

  3. Volusion

    Alternative for its scalable features

  4. Big Cartel

    Alternative for artists and makers

  5. Shift4Shop

    For its free end-to-end ecommerce plan

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.

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

While Shopify is a great platform, it’s not the perfect fit for every business. From customization limits to customer service frustrations, here are some common reasons why you might want to look for a Shopify alternative:

  • You need a more user-friendly payout system. Shopify Payments is fine for new businesses, but if you’re migrating an existing shop, it might require extra documentation for payouts, which can be frustrating if it’s not flagged during the conversion process. For some, a more transparent and streamlined payout system would be a better fit.
  • You want more customization options. Shopify websites look polished, but there’s limited flexibility in design, meaning your store could end up looking like many others. If your brand needs a unique look to stand out, a platform with more design freedom could be the way to go.
  • You’re looking for faster, more responsive customer service. Shopify’s support team is knowledgeable, but with millions of stores on the platform, wait times can be long. If you need quick answers to keep your business running smoothly, faster, more dedicated support from a competitor could save you headaches.
  • You need a cleaner, SEO-friendly URL structure. Shopify uses subdirectories like “/pages/” or “/blog/news/” in its URLs, which can hurt your SEO efforts. For businesses that rely heavily on organic search traffic, an alternative platform with cleaner URL options could offer a valuable SEO boost.
  • You require better multilingual support. Shopify is improving in this area, but if you’re running a store for global audiences, it’s still limited in terms of admin language options and multilingual customer support. If you need a stronger setup for international customers, an alternative platform may better meet your needs.
  • You’re looking for more affordable pricing. Shopify’s fees—between monthly costs, transaction fees, and paid apps—can add up quickly. If you're working with a smaller budget, there are alternatives that provide similar features for less money.
  • You want stronger control over site performance and hosting. Shopify manages hosting and site performance, which is convenient, but if you prefer more control over your hosting environment and server configurations, platforms like WooCommerce or Magento might offer the flexibility you're after.

If you're considering switching to a Shopify alternative, it's important to stay on top of the latest trends that could shape the tools and features you'll need. Here are some key trends for 2025:

  • Headless ecommerce solutions. More businesses are looking to decouple their front-end and back-end operations, giving them more flexibility in creating highly customized, fast-loading websites. Platforms like BigCommerce and Magento are leading the charge in offering headless capabilities.
  • AI-powered personalization. From product recommendations to personalized email marketing, AI is making it easier for businesses to offer tailored shopping experiences. Platforms with built-in AI tools or integrations are becoming increasingly popular as businesses look for ways to improve customer engagement and conversions.
  • Omnichannel selling. As consumers expect seamless shopping experiences across multiple channels (social media, marketplaces, in-store, etc.), platforms that offer robust omnichannel support are in high demand. Look for alternatives that integrate easily with Instagram, Amazon, and physical point-of-sale (POS) systems.
  • Sustainability and ethical commerce. With consumers placing greater emphasis on eco-friendly and ethical businesses, ecommerce platforms are responding by offering features that help businesses track and promote their sustainability efforts. Whether it’s integrating with carbon offset tools or providing transparency about product sourcing, this trend is only growing.
  • Subscription-based ecommerce. More ecommerce businesses are shifting to subscription models to secure recurring revenue. Platforms with built-in support for subscription services or easy integration with tools like Recharge are becoming more attractive to businesses looking for predictable income streams.
  • Stronger data privacy regulations. With GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations tightening the reins on how businesses collect and use customer data, ecommerce platforms are stepping up their privacy and compliance features. Look for alternatives that help you stay compliant without sacrificing functionality.
  • Mobile-first design. Mobile shopping continues to grow, and platforms that prioritize mobile-friendly, fast-loading sites are gaining an edge. Features like mobile-optimized checkout flows and responsive design templates will be essential for staying competitive in 2025.

These trends show that businesses are seeking more flexibility, personalization, and sustainability from their ecommerce platforms.

Key Features for a Top Shopify Alternatives

When you’re hunting for a Shopify alternative, certain features are must-haves to keep your store running smoothly while offering room to grow. Here’s what you should look for:

  • Flexible online shop builder. Your store builder should offer plenty of customization options so you can control every detail of your site’s look and feel. While full customization can feel daunting at first, it’s crucial as your business grows and you need a store that reflects your brand’s uniqueness. Every alternative on our list provides robust customization features to help you build a store that’s all yours.
  • Shipping and fulfillment options (or plugin compatibility). Shipping can make or break the customer experience—75% of shoppers say free shipping influences their buying decisions. The platforms we recommend either come with solid shipping options or integrate easily with plugins that streamline fulfillment, so you can offer the fast, free shipping your customers expect.
  • Inventory and catalog management. Real-time inventory updates are a must for keeping your store in check. Shopify’s inventory management is top-notch, and we’ve made sure the alternatives we selected offer equally smooth solutions, allowing you to track stock levels, update catalogs, and avoid overselling.
  • Marketing tools and/or integrations. A successful ecommerce store needs great marketing, period. Whether you’re sending emails to abandoned cart customers or launching targeted ad campaigns, your platform should either come with a powerful marketing suite or integrate seamlessly with popular tools. The platforms we recommend let you connect your favorite marketing tools via APIs or built-in integrations, helping you grow your business without extra hassle.

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 TierPrice Range (Monthly)Common FeaturesBest For
Basic$10 - $30Basic store setup, limited customization, basic inventory management, simple payment optionsSmall businesses or startups just getting started
Mid-Tier$30 - $100Expanded customization, advanced inventory features, integrations with popular tools, marketing featuresGrowing businesses needing more features and scalability
Advanced$100 - $500Full customization, advanced reporting, multi-channel selling, loyalty programs, advanced SEO toolsEstablished businesses looking to scale operations
Enterprise$500+Highly customizable, dedicated account support, advanced analytics, scalability for large enterprisesLarge 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:

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.

Why might I need to replatform my ecommerce store?

You might need to replatform if your current solution no longer meets your business needs. Common reasons include:

  • Scalability – Your store is growing, and your platform can’t handle the increased traffic or inventory.
  • Customization limits – You need more control over design and functionality.
  • Transaction fees – Shopify’s fees can add up, especially if you’re not using Shopify Payments.
  • Integration needs – Better integration with your tools or services might be required.

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.

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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Sean Flannigan
By Sean Flannigan

Sean is the Senior Editor for The Ecomm Manager. He's spent years getting to know the ecommerce space, from warehouse management and international shipping to web development and ecommerce marketing. A writer at heart (and in actuality), he brings a deep passion for great writing and storytelling to ecommerce topics big and small.