Without a doubt, Shopify is currently one of the most prominent eCommerce solutions on the market. However, it's not the only player in the game. While this platform has been a default choice for many businesses, exploring other options is always a good idea. So, whether you're just starting to sell online or looking to switch to a new platform, you might want to look at these Shopify competitors below.
In this article, LitExtension – #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert will explore some of the top Shopify rivals and how they compare in terms of features, pricing, and other important factors. Here are the key shopify competitors that we'll take a look at:
Read on and find out which platform will be the best fit for your business!
5 Most Popular Shopify Competitors
So, who are Shopify competitors? Without further ado, let's dive into this Shopify competitor analysis with LitExtension!
Platform | Key Features | Best For |
Wix | Drag-and-drop builder, diverse templates, specialized industry tools. | Small to medium-sized businesses, beginners, businesses needing specific industry tools (events, restaurants) |
BigCommerce | Robust features for scaling businesses, advanced SEO, multi-channel selling, strong B2B capabilities | Growing businesses, those needing advanced B2B and multi-channel selling |
WooCommerce | Highly customizable, vast plugin library, open-source flexibility, integrates seamlessly with WordPress | Tech-savvy users, businesses wanting full control and customization, or existing WordPress users |
Magento | Enterprise platform, highly scalable, extensive customization options, powerful eCommerce features | Large enterprises with complex needs, high traffic volumes, businesses requiring extensive customization |
Squarespace | Award-winning templates, intuitive interface, strong blogging features | Creatives, designers, content-focused businesses, those prioritizing aesthetics and user experience |
1. Wix
Quick verdict:
If you're looking for a more affordable option than Shopify platform, which offers a good range of features and customization options, Wix may be the right choice for you.
As a popular website builder, Wix has become a strong Shopify competitor in eCommerce.
Wix has a significant advantage over Shopify when it comes to pricing. This platform offers different pricing options, including a free plan, which is great for people just starting out with their online store.
The premium plans are also reasonably priced:
- Shopify pricing tiers range from $39 to $399 per month
- Wix's main pricing tiers range from $17 to $159 per month, half more economically than Shopify
And that's what makes Wix a more budget-friendly choice for many online sellers.
In terms of design, Wix allows users to create professional-looking websites easily. It offers a drag-and-drop website builder with over 900 templates and extensive customization options. While Shopify only has 10+ free themes, you can access all Wix website templates at no extra cost since it's already included in the subscription fees.
Wix is not just a basic eCommerce platform but a robust competitor to Shopify, especially for businesses requiring strong online program support, ticket and event management, and restaurant or hotel management. If your business operates in any of these categories, Wix poses a strong challenge to Shopify.
2. BigCommerce
Quick verdict:
BigCommerce offers several advantages in terms of features and selling flexibility compared to Shopify, making it one of the most formidable competitors of Shopify.
When talking about top Shopify competitors, it’s hard not to mention BigCommerce. Like Shopify, BigCommerce is a hosted platform that lets you quickly create an online store, but BigCommerce is more for businesses that need advanced SEO, multi-channel selling, and strong B2B capabilities.
As for BigCommerce pricing, this platform provides the same pricing tiers as Shopify. However, BigCommerce doesn't charge transaction fees on top of your regular monthly subscription. This means you'll be able to keep more of your profits with BigCommerce.
⚠️ But let's be aware since BigCommerce will limit online sales per year for each pricing tiers.
But what sets this eCommerce solution apart?
First, let's talk about product variants. BigCommerce allows merchants to create up to 600 product variants per product, while Shopify limits this to only 100 per product. This is especially advantageous for businesses with complex product options, such as clothing or customizable products.
Besides, BigCommerce offers One-Page Checkout as the default checkout and order confirmation page, which Shopify launched only for all main plans in late 2023. Beyond that, the platform allows for a more customizable checkout process, including adding custom fields or editing the checkout form.
BigCommerce has a wide range of integrations with marketplaces to expand audience reach and allow users to create multiple storefronts. This will enable merchants to sell in multiple regions simultaneously while managing everything through a single dashboard.
Need Help To Migrate Your Store?
If you are intending to migrate from Shopify to BigCommerce, LitExtension offers a great migration service that helps you transfer your data from the current eCommerce platform to a new one accurately, painlessly with utmost security.
3. WooCommerce
Quick verdict:
WooCommerce is one of the best Shopify competitors because it gives users much more control over their online store.
The next on our list of Shopify competitors is WooCommerce, a popular open-source eCommerce platform.
One of the biggest advantages of WooCommerce over Shopify is its open-source nature, which means that developers have complete control over the source code. You can create unique online stores to meet the needs of individual businesses, with a variety of templates and themes to choose from.
Pricing is another area where WooCommerce has an edge over Shopify. WooCommerce is free to use – all you have to do is to install the WooCommerce extension to your WordPress site. Though it does require users to pay for their own hosting and domain name, it can be much more cost-effective in the long run, especially for businesses that are just starting out.
You can also get access to a wider range of WooCommerce extensions and 59,000+ WordPress plugins. There are also more payment gateways compared to Shopify, making it easier for customers to pay for products in their preferred method.
See more: The Best Shopify Themes to Elevate Your Stores
4. Magento
Quick verdict:
Magento is an excellent alternative to Shopify for businesses that need a highly customizable and scalable eCommerce platform.
Magento (now Adobe Commerce) is a powerful online selling platform. Being one of the most outstanding Shopify competitors, Magento can provide users with advanced functionalities and flexible customization options.
A key advantage of Magento over Shopify is its flexibility. With its open-source nature, developers can customize and extend the platform to meet their specific needs.
Another aspect of Magento's superiority over Shopify is its scalability. Magento can handle large amounts of traffic and sales without sacrificing performance. The platform's robust features, such as multi-store management, make it a great option for businesses that need to manage multiple stores from one platform.
In terms of features, Magento offers a wide range of tools and functionality that can rival Shopify's. These include powerful SEO optimization, advanced product management, and integrations with popular payment gateways.
5. Squarespace
Quick verdict:
Squarespace is among top Shopify competitors because it’s a great option for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one platform to manage their online presence.
As a Shopify alternative, Squarespace offers a comprehensive set of features to help online businesses succeed.
See more: Shopify Features Every 6-Figure Store Must Master
Squarespace takes pride in its stunning templates and intuitive drag-and-drop website builder. With Squarespace, you can easily create a visually appealing and engaging online store without needing any design or coding skills.
In terms of Squarespace pricing, the platform offers competitive plans ranging from $25 to $72 per month that are more suited for small to medium-sized businesses than Shopify. With its lower subscription fee, Squarespace still offers robust eCommerce features, including inventory management, shipping, and tax calculation.
Another great thing about Squarespace is its strong blogging features. You'll love that it has built-in SEO tools to help you optimize your blog posts for search engines. You can easily add meta titles, descriptions, and keywords to boost your blog's visibility in search results. Plus, you can schedule your blog posts in advance so you can stay organized and plan your content calendar strategically.
How To Choose The Right Shopify Alternative
When it comes to choosing the right alternative among Shopify competitors, there are several factors to consider.
1. Ease of use
Do you want a platform that is easier to navigate and manage than Shopify, even if you don't have much technical experience? Look for platforms that offer intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality to make the process as simple as possible.
♦ Here, I mean the case of BigCommerce and Wix.
2. Design and customization options
Do you want your online store to stand out and reflect your brand's unique style more than Shopify? Look for platforms that offer a wide range of design templates and customization options. This will allow you to create a store that truly represents your brand.
♦ Here, I mean the case of Squarespace, Wix and WooCommerce.
3. eCommerce features
Are you looking for robust eCommerce features? Let's make sure the platform you choose offers the features you need to run your online business successfully.
Features such as payment processing, shipping and tax calculators, and customer management tools are essential factors to consider. They will help you streamline your operations and improve the overall customer experience.
♦ Here, I mean the case of WooCommerce, BigCommerce and Magento.
4. Apps and integrations
Platforms with a wide range of apps and integrations can help you enhance your store's functionality. This might include apps for email marketing, SEO, analytics, and many others.
♦ Of course, I will recommend WooCommerce in this case.
See more: Best Shopify Apps You Have to Know
Need Help To Migrate Your Store?
If you are intending to migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce, LitExtension offers a great migration service that helps you transfer your data from the current eCommerce platform to a new one accurately, painlessly with utmost security.
5. Pricing and scalability
Are you finding a platform that offers flexible pricing options so that you can choose a plan that suits your budget and needs? Flexible pricing option means that you can opt for a suitable scalability platform can help you quickly grow your business as your selling needs evolve.
♦ Here, I will recommend BigCommerce, WooCommerce and Magento.
❇️ My final recommendation for you is that, you should consider all these above key factors to find the right Shopify alternative to help you run a successful online business. Since there's no one size fit all options, take the time to evaluate your needs and choose the platform that aligns best with your business goals.
See more:
- Detail Shopify Tutorial for Beginners
- Shopify Reviews: All You Need To Know About Shopify
Shopify Competitors: FAQs
What is the biggest competitor of Shopify?
The top Shopify competitors vary depending on the specific market segment. However, some of Shopify similar companies include BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Wix, and Squarespace. Each of these platforms offers unique features and functionalities that can be better suited for certain businesses.
Who is better than Shopify?
The answer depends on your business goals, target audience, and technical skills. Here are some better options than Shopify in different categories:
- Ease of use and design: Wix and Squarespace
- Growing businesses: BigCommerce
- Flexibility and customization: WooCommerce
- Large enterprises: Magento
What are the downfalls with Shopify?
The level of customization is a crucial factor when comparing Shopify and its competitors. While Shopify offers customizable themes, some sellers need more flexibility.
Additionally, merchants may require specific eCommerce features that are not directly available on Shopify. While the app store has many third-party options, a hosted cart may not offer some functionalities.
Is Shopify the biggest eCommerce platform?
Shopify is one of the largest eCommerce platforms globally, serving over 4.8 million online businesses in over 175 countries.
However, other platforms and marketplaces, such as WooCommerce, Magento, and Amazon, have a large market share. Despite this, Shopify has a solid reputation for its ease of use, reliability, and vast array of features, which make it a popular choice for many businesses.
Final Thoughts
While Shopify is a popular and powerful eCommerce platform, there are several other great options out there for businesses of all sizes. Each alternative has unique features and advantages that might be a better fit for certain businesses.
By carefully considering essential factors such as pricing and eCommerce features, you can make an informed decision about which platform suits your needs best. I really hope you find the perfect eCommerce platform to help your business boost sales, build customer loyalty, and achieve long-term success.
If you need more information on eCommerce platforms, make sure to check out the LitExtension blog for helpful tips and tricks. Or join our dynamic eCommerce Community today and get the assistance you need from thousands of store owners worldwide!
