Despite being one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, Shopify is not for everyone. E-commerce is always evolving, and each company has unique requirements.
In order for you to make an informed selection for your company, this post will analyze the main Shopify competitors.
Top Shopify Competitors for Small Businesses
#1. WordPress Commerce
A little bit of study into e-commerce applications will take you to WooCommerce. You can construct your own WooCommerce store by following the WooCommerce tutorial we’ve made for you.
One of the best Shopify competitors for many business owners is WooCommerce. It’s fully free to use, open-source, and, most importantly, highly regarded for measuring visitor experience. Some users even contend that it is superior to Shopify in many ways.
Scalability is a little more complicated; you’ll need to buy the more expensive version to acquire the advanced features. Other than that, WooCommerce provides everything you might want. In a matter of minutes, you may create a site with an expensive cart.
It’s also responsive, making it simple to create mobile-friendly websites. You only need to pay for hosting. Plus, unlike Shopify, you don’t have to pay a monthly fee: their advanced capabilities are only available for a one-time fee. But, you should be aware that troubleshooting is not WooCommerce’s strong point.
If you want to upsell after a transaction, you can configure your website such that clients can add more products or recommendations with a single click.
Pros:
- There are no transaction costs.
- WordPress integration that is seamless
- Numerous aspects provide maximum creativity.
- One-click upsells after a purchase
- Extremely simple to set up
- The ability to sell an unlimited number of things on your website.
- Access to hundreds of free and premium extensions
Cons:
- There is no hosting included.
- You will require technical abilities.
- It can be a little clumsy.
- Your hosting service may be slow. To ensure quick speeds, use a dedicated WooCommerce host, such as Cloudways’ Woocommerce hosting.
#2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an excellent option if you want a no-frills experience with the flexibility of a drag-and-drop editor while creating your website.
The platform offers a variety of attractive themes, but just seven are available for free across all industries. You will have to pay for the premium ones, which makes it significantly more customizable than Shopify.
When you compare BigCommerce load speeds to others, you will see that they are slightly slower.
Prices range from $29.95/mo for the basic plan to $299.95/mo for the premium plan, so choose wisely. Your costs will vary based on how many items you sell and how much money you make.
Pros:
- Numerous drag-and-drop visual editing tools are included in to help you design a great e-commerce store.
- There are over 55 secure payment gateways available, and there are no transaction fees.
- Selling across several channels
- There are other free apps and features to pick from, including an Instagram in-app checkout tool.
- SEO feature and fully customized URLs
- Suitable for a variety of business concepts
Cons:
- If you are a new user, pricing may appear complicated.
- It’s a little tricky to set up.
- There are only 5 free themes.
- The speeds are erratic.
#3. Magento
You may have previously heard of Magento. eBay bought the company in 2011, and Adobe bought it in 2018. This popular platform is great for established store owners, and it has a large and well-established global community.
When you look at the rates, it’s simple to see why Magento is so popular. It is one of the top Shopify competitors because the pricing is relatively similar to WooCommerce’s. While the content management software is free, you must pay for hosting, themes, and plugins.
But, Magento is essentially a CMS platform that allows you to focus on selling all of your products through an open-source ecosystem, which is ideal for growing businesses.
Pros:
- It’s quite adaptable and scalable.
- Innovative functionality with over 250K developers to assist you in creating a beautiful and functional e-commerce store.
- There are numerous safe payment gateway choices to choose from.
- A responsive design for your online business
- There are numerous add-ons and extensions available through its huge partner ecosystem.
- Outstanding community support
Cons:
- To properly leverage the open-source alternative, coding, and technical knowledge are required.
- New It may appear complex to users because it is difficult to maintain on your own.
- It’s quite pricey.
#4. Prestashop
For e-commerce companies on a tight budget, Prestashop is popular among Shopify competitors. It is technically free, but like the others on our list, you will need to purchase a hosting package as well as a domain name. The company has alliances with Azure, WebHostingHub, and 1&1.
Azure, WebHostingHub, and 1&1 are among the companies with which the company has collaborations.
When it comes to themes and layouts, Prestashop definitely falls short. Yet, it is comparable to Shopify in terms of use.
There are no hidden fees, and it supports up to 25 languages. It also supports a variety of currencies. You can simply construct a beautiful online store without spending a lot of money if you employ a good developer that has experience with Prestashop.
Pros:
- It is open source and free.
- There are no additional transaction fees.
- Multiple language support
- a variety of features
- You have the option of hosting your store on any server or with any hosting provider.
Cons:
- The number of themes and layouts is restricted.
- There aren’t as many features.
- Significant technical knowledge is required.
#5. Squarespace
Squarespace may be just what you need to get your online business off the ground if you have a relatively small product portfolio.
The platform includes an outstanding website-building tool as well as a variety of templates to pick from.
With a little adjustment, you can create an outstanding online store. The basic plan is $19 per month, while the advanced package is $49 per month, and it includes an infinite amount of pages, blogs, galleries, contributors, a free domain, storage, and much more.
But, you should be aware that Squarespace only accepts online payments through PayPal and
#6. Stripe.
It also includes marketing services like AdWords, MailChimp, and Amazon Affiliate monitoring.
Pros:
- Excellent for smaller stores.
- Extremely simple to set up
- There is no requirement for coding knowledge.
- Themes that are impressive
- Allows you to utilize your own product photographs and templates while also providing a vast variety of gorgeous templates to help you create an impressive online store.
- The website builder is simple to use, allowing you to operate on the backend with ease.
Cons:
- No integration with the tracking code API for tracking store visitors.
- There is a scarcity of assistance.
- The number of channels available is restricted.
- The website’s loading speed is a little slow.
- There aren’t as many add-ons.
#7. Square Online Store
The Square Online Store is commonly regarded as an all-inclusive e-commerce solution.
If Shopify appears to be overkill for your business ambitions, Square Online Store may be an appropriate alternative. Square is best known for its POS systems, but its e-commerce platform has recently gained popularity among business owners.
You can pick between a free plan and one that charges a transaction fee with each payment.
In exchange, you will obtain shopping cart functionality, support for an unlimited number of products, and other benefits. Even so, the functions are limited, and payment processor support is limited to Square alone. To utilize PayPal, you must select their premium plan. It’s an excellent Shopify substitute for novices.
Furthermore, when your store grows, you will want to add more options for receiving payments and other e-commerce tools, but the free plan does not allow you to do so. As a result, your internet business may suffer as a result.
Pros:
- It is quite simple to set up.
- It provides a free plan.
- Allows for direct interaction with Square.
Cons:
- Only supports Square until you pay a significant fee to unlock. PayPal assistance
- Scalability is an issue.
- The features differ based on the plan you select.
#8. Wix
Although it began as a ‘generic’ website builder rather than an e-commerce platform, Wix has slowly added e-commerce features over the years and currently offers a rather full set of selling capabilities.
While its e-commerce tools are not as advanced as Shopify’s, especially when it comes to selling in several currencies, they are simple to use and allow you to offer a wide selection of physical objects, digital goods, and access to video content.
The main reason to choose Wix over Shopify is that the platform provides far more control over content presentation than its competitors.
It provides:
- Far more free themes (800+ vs. Shopify’s 11)
- Better blogging provides a variety of choices for showing images and constructing forms that Shopify does not provide without the acquisition of a third-party program.
- A more versatile drag-and-drop editor gives you more control over the appearance of your site’s desktop and mobile versions.
Shopify is still the more scalable option for professional or corporate e-commerce apps. But, small enterprises and individuals with a limited budget, simple demands, and a desire for greater control over their content layout may find Wix appealing.
#9. The Big Cartel
Big Cartel was created particularly for a specific audience of content providers, artists, and craftspeople.
In fact, the website might be regarded as a direct competitor to Etsy. It favors a neat and clean aesthetic, and the company claims to have assisted people in selling over $2.5 billion in services and goods since its inception in 2005.
They offer three different packages, beginning with the free gold package and progressing to the Diamond package, which costs $19.99 per month and provides support for 500 products.
Pros:
- Developed for a specific market
- Simple to handle
- Set up your store quickly.
- Provides basic to mid-level e-commerce functionalities required for store growth.
Cons:
- Functionality is very limited.
- Prices are less competitive.
- It restricts your capacity to sell additional goods or services.
#10. Weebly
For those looking for a free Shopify alternative, Weebly is another convenient hosted platform.
Weebly’s feature set isn’t as extensive as Shopify’s, but its most expensive plan is significantly less expensive than Shopify’s Basic Plan.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a fully functional online store, Weebly may be the answer.
If you want to create a website with a simple builder, Weebly is a terrific option that is straightforward to use right away. Weebly, on the other hand, may fall short when it comes to scalability.
Pros:
- Affordable
- It is quick and simple to get started.
- In minutes, you may launch your website.
- You have a variety of programs and tools to pick from.
- It allows you to collaborate with your team and has membership areas.
- Domain name for free
- Trial period
Cons:
- Scalability is an issue.
- Don’t expect bells and whistles because it’s relatively plain.
- Not ideal for high-volume retailers.
#11. PinnacleCart
Another good Shopify substitute is PinnacleCart.
PinnacleCart is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs wishing to launch an online store with minimal effort and expense. Setting up the backend can be difficult for individuals without technical skills.
Users who desire the free version must set PruPay as their primary payment method.
Also, customization may become an issue in the future. PinnacleCart does not allow for much custom code, which can be a constraint for businesses looking to scale in the future.
Nonetheless, users have the option of using the platform’s hosting services or their own, which is a benefit.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- User-friendly interface
- Provides flexibility in hosting options
Cons:
- The free version has payment method restrictions.
- The free version has disk space and bandwidth limitations.
#12. Amazon
So far in this post, I’ve discussed a variety of Shopify competitors for creating an online store. Amazon is distinct from these because it IS an online store — a massive one at that. However, you can still sell products on it, and the main advantage of doing so rather than creating a Shopify store is that you gain access to a ready-made (and massive) audience of Amazon shoppers.
The other advantage of using Amazon over Shopify is that you don’t have to worry that much about web design tasks — domain registration, graphic design, navigation design, UX, copywriting, and so on. With Amazon, you’re just listing your products on an existing website — not building an entirely new one.
The downsides of using Amazon over Shopify are that you have far less control over your brand and fewer opportunities for content marketing, and it’s also not remotely as good for dropshipping.
But since Shopify and Amazon can be made to work well together (via a selection of third-party apps that are available from Shopify’s app store), it’s usually in merchants’ interests to sell on both platforms.
Methodology
Selecting the best e-commerce platform is critical for every online business. Cost, ease of use, features, and customer support are all important considerations. We analyzed the top Shopify competitors based on the following criteria to assist you in selecting the best Shopify competitor for your company.
- Simplicity of use: We examined each platform’s learning curves and graded them based on how simple it is to get started and construct a basic store.
- Costs and fees: We examined both the initial cost of establishing your store and any ongoing expenses, such as transaction fees or monthly subscription fees.
- Services: We looked at the services that each platform provides, such as inventory management, delivery options, payment processing, and marketing tools.
- Customer service: We assessed the quality and availability of customer service, as well as how easy it is to seek help when you need it.
How to Choose The Best Shopify Competitors
#1. Pricing & Fees
When selecting a Shopify alternative, price should be your top factor. While several of the platforms we’ve looked at feature a free plan, they all have paid plans at various pricing points. If you’re just starting out with your online business, you might want to try out a free plan to see how the platform works for you. However, if you’re serious about expanding your business, you’ll need to change to a premium plan at some point.
Fees are another factor to consider. Is there a monthly cost as well as processing or transaction fees for each purchase on the platform? Is a separate payment gateway required, or can you use the platform’s built-in payment processing? When assessing pricing, these are critical questions to ask.
#2. Hosting
Another critical factor to consider is hosting. Some platforms, like Shopify and Wix, charge a monthly subscription price that includes hosting. Others, like Ecwid and WooCommerce, do not include hosting but make it simple to set up your store on a hosting platform like WordPress.
If you’re unsure about which choice is best for you, consider how much control you want over your store’s hosting. A hosted option like Shopify or Squarespace may be the way to go if you want the platform to manage everything. But, if you’re comfortable setting up your own server, a self-hosted solution like WooCommerce may be a better choice.
#3. Themes and Design Alternatives
You want your online store to look professional and branded when you set it up. This entails selecting a platform with a diverse set of themes and design alternatives. Some systems, like Shopify and Wix, have hundreds of themes. Others, such as Ecwid and Squarespace, provide a smaller range of themes but allow you to modify the style of your business more.
Consider how essential design is to your company. A customizable platform may be the best option if you want a large range of themes to pick from. If you’re comfortable dealing with programming and want more control over your store’s design, an open-source or API-based platform may be the ideal option. With these platforms, you can frequently discover platform-provided themes, hire a web designer, or even purchase a prefabricated theme from a marketplace like Etsy.
#4. Utilization Ease
Another key factor to consider is usability. If you’re new to e-commerce, you’ll want a platform that’s simple to set up and utilize. Even if you’re not new to e-commerce and only want to migrate to a new platform, see if there’s a migration service or a step-by-step guide to moving to your new platform. The last thing you want is a platform that is so complicated that learning takes weeks or months.
Use free trials and demos provided by various platforms to evaluate the ease of use. Evaluate how long it takes to set up a basic store, how simple it is to add products and categories, and how straightforward the platform’s UI is to use.
#5. Security
Security is always a key priority when running an online store. You want to ensure that your customers’ data is safe and secure, as well as that your store is safe from hackers. When it comes to security, seek a platform that includes features like SSL encryption and PCI compliance. SSL encryption is critical for safeguarding your customers’ data, while PCI compliance ensures that your store is safe from hackers.
Look for a platform that is constantly updated with the most recent security updates. This ensures that your store is always protected from the most recent threats.
#6. Payment Processing Alternatives
Payment gateways were mentioned briefly in our pricing and fees section, but it bears repeating. You should ensure that the platform you select has a diverse selection of payment processing choices. Credit and debit cards, as well as popular payment providers like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay, are all accepted.
Consider whether the platform includes any extra features, such as the option to set up subscription-based payments or recurring orders. These capabilities can be quite beneficial for firms that offer items or services on a regular basis.
#7. SEO Advantages
If you want your store to succeed, you must make it visible to potential customers. This entails optimizing your website for search engines like Google. Look for features like a built-in blog, customizable URLs, meta tags, and social sharing buttons when evaluating a platform’s SEO features. These functions will assist you in optimizing your website for search engines and driving traffic to your store.
Consider whether the platform includes any additional SEO-friendly capabilities, such as the ability to create custom pages or add structured data. These capabilities can assist you in improving your site’s rating in search results and increasing traffic to your store.
#8. Customer Service
Finally, while selecting an e-commerce platform, you should think about customer assistance. Things will certainly go wrong from time to time, and you’ll need to be able to rely on the customer support team of your platform to assist you in resolving any issues.
Look for services like 24/7 assistance, live chat, a community support group, email support, and a knowledge base when evaluating customer support. These features will assist you in obtaining the assistance you require when you require it. You should also assess the customer support team’s quality. Check for reviews from other users to learn about their experiences. Do their marketing promises match the hype?
Some Other Shopify Competitors to Consider
The e-commerce platform market is rather large and rapidly expanding!
When starting an e-commerce business, you should examine the following Shopify competitors:
- Adobe Commerce (Adobe Commerce)
- EKM
- OpenCart
- Salesforce
- Shift4Shop
- Volusion
- Zoho Business
Comparing Shopify to its Competitors
Finally, when it comes to selecting the greatest eCommerce service online, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Although Shopify is one of the most popular software alternatives for people in the eCommerce business, there are many other products to consider. Which investment you make will be determined by the exact capabilities you require from your eCommerce system. Wix, for example, maybe the best Shopify alternative if you plan to sell fewer than 50 things.
On the other hand, if you’re a huge company that requires a lot of customization and specialized capabilities, you might prefer the flexibility of a platform like BigCommerce. BigCommerce’s brand was based on the ability to provide a one-stop shop for online commerce.
Conclusion
As you can see, the market is brimming with Shopify competitors. The question is, which should you pick? It is critical that you first define your needs and then compare them to the capabilities offered by any shopping cart platform. You are not required to invest in it if it does not satisfy your demands. Always select the platform that is most suited to your specific requirements!
- E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS: Best Rated UK E-commerce Platforms in 2023, Updated (Free & Paid)
- MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR E-COMMERCE BUSINESS
- HOW TO DROPSHIP ON SHOPIFY: Is Shopify Dropshipping Still Profitable? (+ Free Tips)
- DO I NEED A BUSINESS LICENSE? The Need to Get a Business License
- How to Start an Ecommerce Business From Scratch in 2023
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