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!
8 Most Popular Shopify Competitors
So, who are Shopify competitors?
Note: This article was last updated on Dec 24, 2024.
As 2025 approaches, I've updated the article to include three new platforms: Square Online, Shift4Shop, and Shopware. These additions reflect innovations such as AI-driven personalization, headless commerce for seamless flexibility, and robust API integrations. With these additions, the list is tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses prioritizing advanced technology and scalability in a competitive marketplace.
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 |
Square Online | Free plan available (with transaction fees), seamless integration with Square POS, mobile-friendly design | Small businesses looking for an affordable and easy-to-use eCommerce platform. |
Shift4Shop | Free plan for U.S.-based merchants processing $1,000/month via Shift4 Payments; built-in SEO tools; no transaction fees | Budget-conscious startups and small to medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective solutions |
Shopware | Open-source flexibility, headless architecture, advanced B2B/B2C tools, no-code automation features | Businesses needing scalability and innovation; ideal for both B2C and B2B markets with complex needs |
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.
If you're seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Shopify with a solid range of features and customization options, Wix could be the ideal choice for you. As a leading website builder, Wix has emerged as a formidable competitor in the eCommerce space.
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 capabilities, Wix excels with its user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder, featuring over 900 templates and extensive customization options. Unlike Shopify, which offers only a limited selection of free themes, all Wix templates are included in the subscription fee at no extra cost.
However, Wix is more than just a basic eCommerce platform; it provides robust support for businesses that require specialized functionalities such as ticketing, event management, and hospitality solutions. For businesses operating in these sectors, Wix presents a compelling challenge to Shopify.
As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve in 2025, Wix's integration of emerging technologies like headless commerce capabilities will further enhance its competitive edge. By adapting to these trends, Wix is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of modern online retailers.
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.
As a hosted platform, BigCommerce allows users to quickly establish an online store. It is particularly well-suited for businesses requiring advanced SEO capabilities, multi-channel selling options, and robust B2B functionalities.
In terms of pricing, BigCommerce aligns closely with Shopify but offers a significant advantage: it does not impose transaction fees on top of the regular monthly subscription. This feature enables merchants to retain a larger portion of their profits. However, it's important to note that BigCommerce does limit the number of online sales per year based on the pricing tier selected.
But what sets this eCommerce solution apart?
BigCommerce allows merchants to create up to 600 product variants per product, compared to Shopify's limit of only 100. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses with complex product offerings, such as apparel or customizable goods.
The platform boasts extensive integrations with various marketplaces, enabling users to expand their audience reach and manage multiple storefronts from a single dashboard. This capability is essential for businesses looking to sell across different regions simultaneously.
As eCommerce continues to evolve in 2025, BigCommerce's focus on integrating emerging technologies such as AI for personalized shopping experiences and headless commerce solutions will further enhance its competitive position. By using these advancements, BigCommerce can help businesses create unique customer journeys and streamline operations effectively.
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 WooCommerce's biggest advantages over Shopify is its open-source nature, which means that developers have complete control over the source code. With a variety of templates and themes to choose from, you can create unique online stores to meet the needs of individual businesses.
WooCommerce is free to use, requiring only the installation of the WooCommerce extension on a WordPress site. While users must cover their own hosting and domain costs, this model can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for startups. Additionally, compared to Shopify, WooCommerce offers access to over 59,000 WordPress plugins and a broader range of payment gateways, facilitating various customer payment preferences.
In 2025, WooCommerce will incorporate AR technology, enabling customers to visualize products in their space or try them on virtually. This will improve customer engagement and decrease return rates. Additionally, the growth of headless commerce allows businesses to separate the front-end user experience from back-end operations, facilitating quicker updates and more personalized shopping experiences across various channels.
WooCommerce has implemented advanced security features such as real-time fraud detection, two-factor authentication (2FA), and automated security updates to protect user data and transactions as cyber threats grow.
4. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Quick verdict:
Magento is an excellent alternative to Shopify for businesses that need a highly customizable and scalable eCommerce platform.
Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, is an excellent alternative to Shopify for businesses seeking a highly customizable and scalable eCommerce platform. With its robust features and flexible architecture, Magento stands out as one of the leading competitors in the eCommerce space.
Magento's open-source nature is a key advantage over Shopify, allowing developers complete control over the source code. This flexibility enables businesses to create tailored online stores that meet specific needs, supported by a variety of templates and themes.
One of Magento's standout features is its scalability. The platform can handle high traffic and sales volumes without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for growing businesses. Its robust capabilities, such as multi-store management, allow users to manage multiple storefronts from a single platform, streamlining operations for larger enterprises.
In terms of functionality, Magento offers a comprehensive suite of tools that can rival Shopify's offerings. Magento provides advanced SEO tools to help improve search engine rankings and visibility. With sophisticated product management capabilities, businesses can efficiently manage inventory and product variations. Next, Magento integrates seamlessly with popular payment gateways and third-party applications, enhancing overall functionality. As we move into 2025, several trends are shaping the future of Adobe Commerce, such as headless commerce, AI and personalization, PIM, or omnichannel retailing.
However, you must keep this in mind: Magento is not really an affordable as compared to Shopify. Magento offers both an open-source version and Adobe Commerce with varying pricing structures based on business needs. While the open-source version is free to use (excluding hosting costs), Adobe Commerce typically involves licensing fees that can range from approximately $22,000 to over $125,000 annually, depending on the scale of operations and sales volume.
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.
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 pricing, Squarespace offers competitive plans ranging from $25 to $72 per month, which are generally more affordable than Shopify's tiers. The lower subscription fees still provide robust eCommerce features, including inventory management, shipping, and tax calculation.
Another significant advantage of Squarespace is its robust blogging capabilities. The platform includes built-in SEO tools that help optimize blog posts for search engines. Users can easily add meta titles, descriptions, and keywords to improve visibility in search results. Additionally, the ability to schedule blog posts in advance allows businesses to maintain an organized content calendar.
As we move into 2025, Squarespace is set to introduce several exciting updates and features that enhance its eCommerce capabilities. For example, a new Marketing Automation Builder allows users to set up automated email workflows based on customer behaviors and predefined triggers. This feature helps businesses engage their audience more effectively by sending targeted messages at optimal times.
6. Square Online
Quick verdict:
Square Online is an ideal choice for small businesses looking for an easy and affordable way to set up an online store, especially if they use Square’s point-of-sale (POS) system.
Square Online is an appealing alternative to Shopify, particularly for small businesses looking for a straightforward and cost-effective way to establish an online presence. For businesses that also have physical locations, Square Online's integration with Square’s POS system is a significant advantage. This feature allows for seamless online and in-person sales management, providing a unified inventory and customer data view.
Though Shopify POS also offers a robust set of eCommerce tools and better integration with online stores, it comes with a monthly subscription fee, which may be a barrier for some users. In contrast, Square POS is more budget-friendly, providing a free plan with no monthly fees, making it a great option for small businesses or startups.
Square Online's pricing starts with a free plan, which allows users to sell products online but comes with transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction). For those seeking more features:
- Plus Plan: $29 per month (billed annually) – This plan includes advanced features like customer accounts and promotional tools.
- Premium Plan: $79 per month (billed annually) – Best suited for scaling businesses, this plan offers lower transaction fees and real-time shipping rates.
Recently, Square Online new email and SMS marketing tools allow users to engage customers effectively. These tools include automation features that help businesses send targeted promotions based on customer behavior.
7. Shift4Shop
Quick verdict:
Shift4Shop presents itself as a hard competitor to Shopify, especially for businesses looking for an affordable, feature-rich eCommerce solution.
Shift4Shop, previously known as 3dcart, is an eCommerce platform that provides a cost-effective alternative to Shopify. It features built-in tools and zero transaction fees, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses looking to boost profits. Shift4Shop offers an End-to-End Commerce Plan, which is free for U.S. merchants with Shift4 Payments, requiring a minimum monthly sales volume of $1,000.
You can add unlimited products and enjoy unlimited bandwidth, allowing for growth without extra costs. U.S. merchants using Shift4 Payments can access a free plan that includes essential features like marketing tools and SEO, making it a smart choice for startups.
Shifft4Shop impresses me with its monthly updates for enhancements and bug fixes that don't disrupt store operations. I'm particularly impressed by the new marketing tools, such as automated email campaigns and improved promotional features for targeted marketing. Additionally, the Waiting List Feature allows customers to sign up for notifications when out-of-stock products become available again, helping to retain their interest.
8. Shopware
Quick verdict:
Shopware presents itself as a tough competitor to Shopify, especially for businesses requiring advanced customization, AI-driven features, and robust B2B capabilities.
Shopware is an advanced eCommerce platform that offers strong customization and scalability, making it a viable alternative to Shopify. Its pricing tiers include:
- Community Edition: Free, open-source
- Rise: Starting at $600/month
- Evolve: Custom pricing for growing businesses
- Beyond: Enterprise solution with custom pricing
The Community Edition allows full access to the source code for extensive customization. Paid plans feature AI-powered tools and 3D product visualization to enhance the shopping experience. Shopware is suitable for both B2B and B2C models, supporting headless architecture for unique front-end designs.
Shopware is rolling out enhancements as we near 2025, including the Scene Editor for easy 3D product visualization without expensive photoshoots and Custom Fields in CMS Layouts to display customized attributes for improved product information.
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, Wix, and Square Online. Square Online, in particular, provides a user-friendly website builder that allows even those without design or coding knowledge to quickly create visually appealing online stores.
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, WooCommerce, and Shopware. Shopware offers advanced design tools with its “Shopping Worlds” feature, allowing for visually appealing product pages using drag-and-drop tools.
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, Magento and Shift4Shop.
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 due to its extensive library of plugins. Additionally, Shift4Shop offers integrations with popular marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, enhancing its functionality.
See more: Best Shopify Apps You Have to Know
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? A flexible pricing option means that you can opt for a suitable scalability platform that can help you quickly grow your business as your selling needs evolve.
♦ Here, I will recommend BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Shift4Shop 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 are no one-size-fits-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 biggest competitors of Shopify include BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Magento for their scalability and advanced features, while Wix and Squarespace are popular for ease of use and design flexibility.
Is anything better than Shopify?
Yes, depending on your needs. BigCommerce offers more built-in features for scaling businesses. WooCommerce provides greater customization and flexibility. Shift4Shop is more cost-effective with its free plan for U.S. merchants processing $1,000/month.
Which platform is cheaper than Shopify?
Platforms like Wix, Shift4Shop, and Square Online are generally cheaper, offering free or lower-cost plans compared to Shopify's pricing tiers.
What are the downfalls with Shopify?
Shopify's main drawbacks include:
- High costs due to subscription fees, transaction fees, and paid apps.
- Limited design customization without coding knowledge.
- Dependence on third-party apps for advanced features.
- Basic blogging capabilities compared to platforms like WordPress.
Is Shopify the biggest eCommerce platform?
Shopify is one of the largest eCommerce platforms globally, serving over 5 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. You can decide which platform suits your needs best by carefully considering essential factors such as pricing and eCommerce features.
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!
