Guide to the Top Shopify Alternatives

Neetika M
May 27, 2025
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Looking for Shopify alternatives? You’re not alone. As the eCommerce space grows more diverse and specialized, many merchants are exploring alternatives to Shopify that possibly offer other benefits. 

In my experience, while a large segment of DTC brand owners opt for Shopify, there are segments of ecommerce businesses that are looking for Shopify alternatives that better align with their unique needs. 

With a growing list of capable Shopify competitors on the market, this guide showcases the best Shopify alternatives available today. Read on and find a platform that works for you. 

What are the Best Shopify Alternatives for DTC Brands?

For Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands, having a flexible, scalable, and brand-friendly eCommerce platform is critical. While Shopify is a go-to solution, it's not always the right fit, especially for those who need hyper-customization, more favorable pricing, or region-specific capabilities. Here’s a hand-picked list of the top Shopify alternatives:

1. WooCommerce

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a WordPress-based plugin that stands out as one of the most flexible Shopify alternatives. It’s ideal for content-driven DTC brands that want full control over their site architecture, hosting, and feature set.

WooCommerce Features

  • Designed specifically for WordPress, leveraging its extensive ecosystem.  
  • Offers a mobile-friendly design for an optimized shopping experience across all devices.  
  • Grants users full control over customer and business data with no third-party access.  
  • Being open source, it allows full customization of the entire store.  

Pros:

  • Is free and open source, providing extensive customization options.  
  • Is ideal for adding e-commerce functionality to an existing WordPress site.  
  • Provides basic e-commerce functionality without requiring additional plug-ins.  

Cons:

  • Is exclusively for WordPress users.  
  • Additional plug-ins and hosting costs can accumulate significantly.  
  • Offers limited customer support, primarily relying on community resources.  

WooCommerce Pricing

Core WooCommerce Platform: Free.

Hosting: $3.99 to $5,000+ per month (wide range depending on needs).

Domain: Around $15 per year (can be much higher for premium domains).

Themes (Optional): $20 to $100 per year.

Extensions (Optional): Typically $79 to $249 per year per extension.

Payment Processing: Variable (e.g., WooPayments: 2.9% + $0.30 per US transaction).

Other Costs: Marketing, security, development (if needed).

Estimated Basic Annual Cost: Around $135+.

WooCommerce is one of the best Shopify alternatives in many countries. Do note that its total costs vary depending on custom features and growth plans.

WooCommerce vs Shopify

Feature WooCommerce Shopify
Business Model Fit
Content-heavy DTC brands, hybrid sellers (blogs + store)
All-in-one e-commerce platform for businesses of all sizes.
Cost Free plugin; costs for hosting ($3.99 to $5,000+ per month), themes, and extensions $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level Very High - Fully open-source; extensive plugin/theme access Moderate - Limited unless using custom code
Ease of Setup Moderate to Difficult - Requires WordPress and some technical setup Easy - Especially for basic product stores
G2 Rating 4.4/5 4.4/5
Scalability Excellent - Scales well with hosting, extensions, caching strategies Scalable, but higher costs as usage increases
SEO Features Advanced - Full plugin support (Yoast, RankMath, etc.) for on-page SEO and schema Good - SEO works well, but some aspects like URL structure are less flexible
Multi-Store Support Yes (with plugins) - WordPress Multisite or plugins enable multi-store Shopify Plus required
Control & Ownership Full control - Self-hosted; full access to code and data Shopify owns infrastructure and data storage

2. Wix 

Wix 

Wix is a top choice among free Shopify alternatives, especially for solo founders or small DTC startups looking to launch quickly. With a drag-and-drop builder, AI-powered store setup, and strong native marketing tools, it enables a seamless start for non-technical entrepreneurs.

Wix Features:

  • Provides a highly user-friendly interface for building online stores.  
  • Offers a wide range of templates for site customization.  
  • Facilitates integrations for selling on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and eBay.  
  • Includes a free SSL certificate to secure customer data and transactions.  
  • Features SEO-optimized product pages to enhance search visibility.  
  • Enables importing product details through CSV file uploads.  

Pros:

  • Is easy to use, with flexible design options.  
  • Provides a large selection of professionally crafted templates tailored for different industries.  
  • Provides various plans, including a free option for those with limited budgets.  

Cons:

  • Offers basic inventory management, with limited features like low-stock notifications.  
  • Does not allow users to transfer content between templates.  
  • The free plan includes Wix ads and domain, requiring paid upgrades to remove them.  

 Wix Pricing:

  • Free plan available
  • Business Elite: $159/month
  • Business: $36/month
  • Core: $29/month
  • Light: $17/month

Wix vs Shopify

Feature Wix Shopify
Business Model Fit Small DTC startups, creators Flexible for various business sizes
Cost Free plan available; business plans start at $17/month with no extra transaction fees $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level High - Drag-and-drop with advanced visual editing Moderate - Theme-based with limited customization without code
Ease of Setup Very Easy Easy
G2 Rating 4.2/5 4.4/5
Scalability Limited - Ideal for small catalogs and early-stage brands Good - Scales well with cost escalation
SEO Features Basic - Allows custom meta tags and URLs but offers limited advanced SEO control Good - Solid SEO features but structured data requires effort
Multi-Store Support No - Single store only Shopify Plus required for multi-store
Control & Ownership Wix hosts and manages store infrastructure Shopify retains backend and hosting control

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is one of the most powerful hosted alternatives to Shopify, built for fast-growing brands that need robust out-of-the-box functionality. It’s designed for scalability, making it an excellent choice for DTC businesses with large catalogs, advanced SEO needs, or ambitions to go omnichannel.

BigCommerce Features:

  • Includes a visual editor for drag-and-drop customization.  
  • Allows themes to be extensively tailored using HTML, CSS, and Javascript.  
  • Offers advanced checkout customization through API and SDK.  
  • Supports popular digital wallets like Amazon Pay and Apple Pay.  
  • Provides native multicurrency and multilingual support for global sales.  

Pros:

  • Includes many premium features at potentially lower initial price points.  
  • Supports over 65 payment providers, serving 230 countries and more than 140 currencies.  
  • Provides round-the-clock phone and live chat support on all plans.  
  • Provides real-time shipping quotes available on all plans.  

Cons:

  • The setup process may not be as user-friendly as that of some competing platforms.  
  • Has limited website design customization, particularly concerning content placement.  
  • Features automatic revenue-based plan upgrades when sales exceed certain thresholds.  
  • Offers only 12 free themes.

BigCommerce Pricing: 

  • Standard: $29.95/month
  • Plus: $79.95/month
  • Pro: $299.95/month
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

BigCommerce vs Shopify

Feature BigCommerce Shopify
Business Model Fit Mid to large DTC brands All-in-one e-commerce platform for businesses of all sizes
Cost $29.95/month (Standard Plan) $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level High - API access and flexible themes Limited without custom development
Ease of Setup Moderate Easy for basic stores
G2 Rating 4.2/5 4.4/5
Scalability Excellent - Built to support large catalogs, API scaling, and omnichannel Requires Shopify Plus for advanced scaling
SEO Features Advanced - URL structure, metadata, structured data Good - SEO-friendly, but some limitations in URL customization
Multi-Store Support Yes - Supports B2B, multi-region storefronts Limited without Shopify Plus
Control & Ownership Merchant-controlled data, APIs, and infrastructure
Shopify hosts and controls platform.

4. Squarespace 

Squarespace 

Squarespace is an elegant, brand-first platform and one of the best alternatives to Shopify for DTC businesses that prioritize design and content. If your brand thrives on aesthetics, storytelling, and a strong visual identity, Squarespace’s beautifully crafted templates and built-in marketing tools will be a great match.

Squarespace Features:

  • Offers a drag-and-drop builder with a variety of templates and starter layouts.  
  • Provides responsive designs that automatically adjust to different screen sizes and devices.  
  • Includes custom WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editing capabilities for various content types.  
  • Supports unlimited product listings.  
  • Features integrated automated post-purchase email sequences.  

Pros:

  • Comes with built-in e-commerce functionalities for online stores.  
  • Offers strong security features, including SSL encryption.  
  • Enables users to achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort.  
  • Comes with a mobile app that lets you manage your site from anywhere.  
  • Provides reliable customer support.  

Cons:

  • Has fewer third-party extensions compared to other platforms.  
  • Its basic SEO tools might not be sufficient for advanced users.  
  • Limits overall control and flexibility for deep customization

Squarespace Pricing:

  • Free 14 Day Trial Available
  • Personal: $16/month
  • Business: $23/month
  • Basic Commerce: $28/month
  • Advanced Commerce: $52/month

Squarespace vs Shopify

Feature Squarespace Shopify
Business Model Fit Design-first DTC brands Broad-use eCommerce
Cost Personal plans start at $16/month; includes video hosting and SEO features $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level Moderate - Beautiful templates, limited backend flexibility Moderate - Requires Liquid code for deeper customization
Ease of Setup Easy Easy
G2 Rating 4.4/5 4.4/5
Scalability Moderate - Best for niche brands with manageable catalogs Good - Requires app integrations or Plus for serious growth
SEO Features Good - Offers clean code structure, support for image alt text, and control over URLs Good - SEO tools are solid, but canonical URL control is limited
Multi-Store Support No - Designed for single storefronts Limited without Shopify Plus
Control & Ownership Squarespace controls hosting and backend Shopify retains infrastructure control

5. PrestaShop

PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a powerful open-source eCommerce platform ideal for DTC brands that need complete control over their online store. With its high level of customization and flexibility, it’s a strong choice for founders who want to build a storefront tailored to their brand, manage operations independently, and scale without being locked into a proprietary system.

PrestaShop Features:

  • Over 600 built-in features
  • Multi-language and multi-currency support
  • Advanced stock management
  • Customizable themes and modules
  • SEO-friendly URL structure

Pros:

  • Open-source and flexible
  • No product or catalog limitations
  • Built-in analytics and reporting tools
  • Works with international payment gateways

Cons:

  • Hosting must be purchased separately
  • SSL certificate is not bundled
  • Doesn’t include built-in blogging
  • No built-in fraud prevention tools

PrestaShop Pricing:

1. Classic: Free (Associated costs (hosting, domain name, etc.) are not included.)

2. Hosted: From €24/month excl. VAT

3. Enterprise: Custom Pricing

PrestaShop vs Shopify

Feature PrestaShop Shopify
Business Model Fit Medium-sized businesses with dev resources Global DTC and B2B sellers
Cost Free core; costs for hosting, themes, modules $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level High - Fully customizable with modules/themes Moderate - Liquid themes and apps
Ease of Setup Moderate - Setup requires some technical skill Very easy, managed platform
G2 Rating 4.3/5 4.4/5
Scalability Good - Suitable for growing brands Excellent - Designed to scale rapidly
SEO Features Good - SEO URLs, metadata, modules Good - SEO-friendly out of the box
Multi-Store Support Yes Yes, via Shopify Plus
Control & Ownership Full control - self-hosted Limited - Shopify manages the backend

6. Ecwid

Ecwid

Ecwid is a lightweight yet powerful eCommerce platform that works as a plugin on any website or as a standalone storefront. It’s one of the most popular free Shopify alternatives, ideal for small DTC brands or those selling through blogs or landing pages.

Ecwid Features:

  • Easily embed store on WordPress, Weebly, Wix, etc.
  • Free plan for up to 10 products
  • Social selling via Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
  • Multi-language, multi-currency support
  • Integrated shipping calculators and digital downloads

Pros:

  • Basic SEO tools included
  • Basic blog included via Instant Site
  • Mobile POS available on top plans
  • Abandoned cart recovery emails with coupon offers on paid plans.

Cons:

  • Blog features are limited unless paired with another platform
  • Limited design flexibility
  • Free tier has tight product limits
  • Retail POS integration limited to highest-tier plan

Ecwid Pricing:

If Paid Monthly - 

  • Starter: $5/month
  • Venture: $30/month
  • Business: $55/month
  • Unlimited: $130/month

Ecwid vs Shopify

Feature Ecwid Shopify
Business Model Fit Small DTC businesses, embedded store model Full-fledged eCommerce brands
Cost Paid from $5/month $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level Low to Moderate - Based on embeddable widgets Moderate - Theme control with some custom code
Ease of Setup Very Easy Easy
G2 Rating 4.6/5 4.4/5
Scalability Limited - Ideal for small catalogs Excellent - Strong infrastructure and support for scaling
SEO Features Basic - Limited structured data and schema control Good - Custom meta fields and on-page SEO features
Multi-Store Support No - Designed to embed into a single site Shopify Plus allows for multiple storefronts
Control & Ownership Controlled through Ecwid’s dashboard; limited export and backend control Shopify maintains control over core hosting and overall platform infrastructure

7. OpenCart

OpenCart

OpenCart is a free, open-source Shopify alternative well-suited for small to mid-sized DTC brands. It offers a simple setup, full control over your store, and access to thousands of extensions and themes. As one of the more affordable and flexible Shopify competitors, it’s ideal for businesses that want to customize their storefront without high platform fees or technical complexity.

OpenCart Features:

  • Unlimited products and categories
  • Allows management of multiple stores from one admin panel, with individual themes and settings for each.
  • Set advanced user privileges and separate access for different user groups.
  • Built-in affiliate system allowing affiliates to promote products and earn commissions.
  • Built-in SEO features to enhance your store's visibility on search engines.
  • Access to over 13,000 modules and themes to customize and enhance your store's functionality.

Pros:

  • Free to use with no monthly fees
  • User-friendly interface
  • Large community support
  • Lightweight and fast

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge for advanced customization
  • Limited scalability for large enterprises
  • Some extensions may lack quality control

OpenCart Pricing:

Core Software: Free and open-source. Download and use without licensing fees.

OpenCart Cloud Hosting Plans:

  • Bronze: $99/month - Suitable for small businesses.
  • Silver: $149/month - Designed for medium-sized businesses.
  • Gold: $229/month - Ideal for large enterprises.

OpenCart vs Shopify

Feature OpenCart Shopify
Business Model Fit Budget-conscious small to mid-sized businesses Global DTC and B2B sellers
Cost Free (self-hosted); add-on costs for themes, extensions, and hosting $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level Moderate - Template-based with PHP/HTML access Moderate - Custom Liquid themes
Ease of Setup Easy, especially with managed hosting Very easy, fully managed
G2 Rating 4.3/5 4.4/5
Scalability Good - Can handle moderate traffic Excellent, especially with Shopify Plus
SEO Features Good - SEO URLs, meta, redirects Good - Meta fields, tags, clean URLs
Multi-Store Support Yes Yes, via Shopify Plus
Control & Ownership Full - You host and manage everything Shopify controls infrastructure

8. Adobe Commerce (Magento)

Adobe Commerce (Magento)

Adobe Commerce is a leading Shopify alternative for established DTC brands that need advanced customization and enterprise-level scalability. As one of the top Shopify competitors, it offers full control, multi-store support, and powerful features for brands looking to grow and differentiate in a competitive market.

Adobe Commerce Features:

  • Built on a native AI platform to support both B2B and B2C commerce with scalable infrastructure.
  • Flexible deployment options including fully managed PaaS and SaaS cloud services.
  • Advanced B2B functionality such as company accounts, quoting tools, purchase orders, credit lines, and shared catalogs.
  • Centralized control for managing multiple storefronts, with support for regional branding and localization.

Pros:

  • Scales efficiently for high-traffic environments and peak periods.
  • Provides extensive customization options to create personalized B2B and B2C shopping experiences.
  • Packed with built-in features to improve conversion and support business growth.
  • Simplifies international expansion through multi-site and localization capabilities.

Cons:

  • Targeted mainly at enterprise-level businesses; may be excessive for smaller operations.
  • Requires skilled technical resources for setup, customization, and maintenance.
  • Initial learning curve can be steep for new users and teams.
  • High total cost of ownership; pricing is custom and depends on business size and usage.

Adobe Commerce Pricing:

Not Publicly Listed - Contact Adobe Commerce for a quote

Adobe Commerce vs Shopify

Feature Adobe Commerce (Magento) Shopify
Business Model Fit Large enterprises, B2B, highly complex stores DTC and B2B sellers of all sizes
Cost Pricing varies as per Plans $39/month (Basic Shopify) + transaction fees without Shopify Payments
Customization Level Very High - Full backend flexibility Moderate - Custom themes + apps
Ease of Setup Complex - Developer required Very easy - Drag-and-drop builder
G2 Rating 4/5 4.4/5
Scalability Excellent - Built for high-traffic volumes Excellent - Especially with Shopify Plus
SEO Features Excellent - Full control over SEO structure Good - Mostly automated
Multi-Store Support Yes - Natively supported Yes, via Shopify Plus
Control & Ownership Full - Self-hosted or Adobe Cloud Limited - Hosted by Shopify

Why Store Owners Look for Shopify Alternatives

Shopify’s all-in-one platform is undoubtedly powerful, but it does come with certain limitations. As the eCommerce space becomes more competitive and fragmented, a growing number of merchants are actively evaluating alternatives to Shopify that better reflect their operational realities and customer expectations. Here's why:

1. Cost Concerns

Between monthly subscription fees, third-party app charges, premium themes, and transaction fees (especially for those not using Shopify Payments), the total cost of running a Shopify store can escalate quickly. For small or growing businesses, free Shopify alternatives offer a much more manageable entry point.

2. Customization Limitations

While Shopify is easy to use, its flexibility ends where its templating engine (Liquid) begins. Advanced customizations often require hiring developers or subscribing to expensive apps. Many of the best Shopify alternatives allow for deeper front-end and back-end customization without locking users into proprietary ecosystems.

3. Control & Ownership

With Shopify, you’re operating in a closed environment. If Shopify makes a change - such as modifying its checkout or app policies, your store has to adapt. By contrast, several Shopify competitors give users full ownership over data, hosting, and customer relationships, making them ideal for brands prioritizing long-term control.

4. Scaling Challenges

While Shopify Plus offers enterprise features, it's priced at a premium and may not be the most cost-effective solution for high-growth businesses. Many alternatives to Shopify now offer scalable, API-first solutions with multi-store and localization capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

5. Global Reach & Localization

International selling on Shopify can involve extra apps and workarounds. Some of the best Shopify alternatives, like Shopygo and BigCommerce, come with built-in features for multi-language, multi-currency, and region-specific experiences, crucial for cross-border brands.

In short, the search for Shopify alternatives is not just about dissatisfaction, it's about finding a better fit. Whether you're a DTC startup exploring free Shopify alternatives or an enterprise wholesaler comparing Shopify competitors, the landscape today offers more choice than ever before.

What to Look for When Evaluating Shopify Competitors

When you're comparing alternatives to Shopify, it's critical to go beyond just feature checklists or brand popularity. With the eCommerce space rapidly evolving, today's store owners need to evaluate Shopify competitors based on how well they align with their specific business needs, goals, and long-term vision.

Here are the essential factors to evaluate when exploring Shopify alternatives for your online store:

1. Pricing Structure

Not all platforms are priced the same. Some Shopify competitors offer flat monthly fees, while others operate on a percentage-based model or offer freemium plans. Make sure to evaluate:

  • Monthly subscription cost
  • Transaction fees
  • Hidden charges for add-ons or premium apps

Understanding the complete cost of ownership is essential when choosing between various alternatives to Shopify - especially for startups operating on tight budgets.

2. Customization Freedom

A major limitation of Shopify is its dependence on the Liquid templating language. Ask yourself:

  • Can I fully customize the checkout flow?
  • Is the platform API-friendly?
  • How much front-end control do I have?

Many Shopify alternatives like WooCommerce offer deeper customization out of the box, making them ideal for brands with unique workflows or design requirements.

3. Ecosystem of Tools

Evaluate whether your platform of choice has an ecosystem that supports your business as it grows. Leading Shopify competitors often feature:

  • App marketplaces
  • Built-in SEO and marketing tools
  • Integrations with CRMs, payment gateways, and ERPs

While Shopify's app store is extensive, many alternatives to Shopify now offer native functionality that reduces dependency on third-party plugins.

4. Platform Lock-In and Data Ownership

Data portability is often overlooked. If your store scales or your needs change, you might want to switch platforms. Consider:

  • How easily can I export my data?
  • Will I lose key functionality during migration?

Some Shopify alternatives offer full control over hosting and backend systems, making it easier to maintain continuity without vendor lock-in.

5. Localization and Scalability

If you plan to expand globally, make sure the platform supports:

  • Multi-language and multi-currency features
  • Regional tax and shipping rules
  • Multi-store capabilities

Many Shopify competitors like BigCommerce are specifically built for international scaling, whereas Shopify often requires additional apps to match the same functionality.

Conclusion

Merchants today have access to a wide range of powerful Shopify alternatives that cater to diverse business needs. Whether you're a startup exploring free Shopify alternatives or an established brand seeking more control, platforms like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, PrestaShop, and others offer flexible pricing, customization, and scalability. These Shopify competitors enable better ownership of your store’s infrastructure, improved localization, and reduced dependency on third-party apps. Choosing the best Shopify alternative comes down to finding the right balance between features, cost, and long-term growth potential.

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Rushy Scarcity Countdown Timer

Free to install
Built for Shopify

Hurrify customers to buy within a given timeframe with a sales countdown timer & improve conversions

Another popular Shopify checkout app is Checkout Promotions. The app comes with the ability to leverage a collection of highly robust visibility rules that help show customers one-click post purchase upsell promotions after an order payment has been made. Some of its key features include:

Features

AI recommended and manual recommendations for upselling.

Complete branding control.

Checkout Upsell for increasing AOV.

AI recommended and manual recommendations for upselling.

Pricing

Development

Free

Monthly Plan

$99/ month

Plus Plan

$99/ month

Plus Plan

$99/ month

FAQs on Shopify Alternatives

What’s a better alternative to Shopify?
Who is Shopify’s biggest competitor?
Which platform is better than Shopify?
What’s the best eCommerce platform?
Is Wix better than Shopify?
Which eCommerce platform is best for small business?
Neetika M

Neetika M

Neetika is the founder of Skai Lama. Passionate about building SaaS, Product Development, and Marketing, she talks about eCommerce Growth, Product Bundling, Gifting, Retention, and Shopify.

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