TOP 10 Shopify Competitors and Alternatives to Consider in 2025

• Key Features:
  • Full control over design, plugins, and code
  • Excellent SEO and blogging tools
  • Large theme and plugin marketplace
  • Support for multiple content types
• Shopify vs. WordPress: Shopify feels too limited in terms of content or branding flexibility, then WordPress gives you total control. It’s best for content-driven sites, but it requires more setup and technical knowledge.

• Rating: 3.7/5
• Start at: ~ $2.99/month for web hosting fee and paid plugins
• Best for: Developers, content-heavy sites, existing WordPress users

• User interface: Familiar for WordPress users but requires setup and management.

Source: WooCommerce

• Key features:
  
  • Full control over code, design, and features
    
  • Wide range of free and paid extensions
    
  • Deep integration with content and blogging
    
  • SEO-friendly structure and performance options
    
• Shopify vs. WooCommerce: If you're looking for more control over your store, WooCommerce is a strong alternative. It allows you to customize everything, but it also means you're in charge of things like hosting, updates, and technical setup. In short, WooCommerce is more flexible but less beginner-friendly than Shopify.

Shopify vs. BigCommerce

It's one of Shopify's biggest competitors, known for offering robust, out-of-the-box features like API-first and built for headless commerce, large and complex product catalog management, customer segments, and pricing/catalog customized for different customer segments. 

👉 Important note: BigCommerce is still a hosted platform, but if the user has technical skills (HTML, CSS, API), its customization potential can go far beyond Shopify—without relying on outsourced help. This is a big plus for teams with in-house developers who want full control over their store’s technical setup.

• Rating: 4.2/5
  
• Start at: $39/month
  
• Best for: Scaling businesses and enterprises.

• User interface: Functional but slightly more complex than Shopify, especially for new users.

Source: BigCommerce

• Key features: 
  
  • Advanced B2B tools, like customer-specific pricing, bulk discounts, and custom catalogs
    
  • Multi-storefront management from a single backend, available without upgrading to an enterprise plan
    
  • No transaction fees, even on third-party payment gateways
    
  • Stronger SEO control, including custom URLs, metadata, and 301 redirects, giving more flexibility than Shopify’s structured SEO
    
• Shopify vs. BigCommerce: In short, BigCommerce outperforms Shopify in built-in features, B2B readiness, and advanced customization flexibility. But it’s best suited for users with some technical confidence or access to dev resources.
  

Shopify vs. Magento

Magento (Adobe Commerce) stands out as one of the top websites like Shopify for enterprises that need full backend control and advanced customization.

This platform is a highly customizable eCommerce platform designed for large-scale businesses with complex needs. If Shopify feels too limited for your enterprise operations or if you need full backend control, Magento offers more power, at the cost of higher complexity and setup.

• Rating: 4.0/5
  
• Start at: Varies (open-source to enterprise pricing)
  
  • Magento Open Source is free but requires self-hosting, and setup fees can range from $10,000 to $50,000/year
    
  • Adobe Commerce starts at $20,000/year with hosting included.
    
  • Adobe Commerce Cloud starts at $40,000/year for enterprise-grade features
    
• Best for: Large enterprises with tech teams
  

• User interface: Magento’s admin panel is powerful but requires experience to use effectively. Most businesses will need a developer team to manage it.

Source: aheadWorks

• Key features:
  
  • Magento's open-source nature allows for complete control over the platform, enabling businesses to tailor it to their specific needs.
    
  • Magento can be combined with any PWA (Progressive Web App) solution to turn your online store into an app-like experience. This gives you the power of a Magento website with the feel and speed of a native app. 
    
  • Advanced customer segmentation with trusted CRM integration 
    
• Shopify vs. Magento: Magento is a good fit for businesses that need more advanced backend control and customization than Shopify offers. It's packed with powerful features, but it's also more technical, so it's best for companies with bigger budgets and a team that can handle the setup and maintenance.
  

Shopify vs. PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a free, open-source eCommerce platform that’s widely used in European markets. If you think Shopify limits your international selling tools or you need more control over customization, PrestaShop offers more flexibility, though it requires some technical skill. 

Like Magento, Presta also allows users to have the right to customize their own store, but it’s easier to use. PrestaShop is like a “lighter” version of Magento but more suitable for SMBs who want more flexibility. 

• Rating: 4.3/5
  
• Start at: $50/month (Basically, it’s free to use, but there are hidden fees like hosting and add-ons) 
  
• Best for: Global sellers, experienced users, and SMBs wanting flexibility. 

• User interface: PrestaShop has a less intuitive interface that may take time to get used to. Setup requires more configuration than Shopify.

Source: PretaShop

• Key features:
  
  • 100% open-source—change how it looks and works to fit your exact needs. You can host it anywhere and customize every line of code.
    
  • Multi-language, multi-currency, and tax rules built-in, no reliance in any third-party app
    
  • No rigid pricing tiers. You can scale by upgrading your hosting or customizing features, not by upgrading your plan.
    
• Shopify vs. PrestaShop: If you want custom freedom without hiring a big dev team, PrestaShop hits a sweet spot between Shopify and Magento.
  

Shopify vs. Wix

As one of the most popular Shopify competitors, Wix stands out for its simplicity and creative control. It's a go-to alternative to Shopify for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs wanting visual freedom and ease of use.

• Rating: 4.7/5 
  
• Start at: $17/month
  
• Best for: Small businesses, creative portfolios
  

• User interface: 

Source: Wix

Source: Style Factory Collections

• Key features:
  
  • More visual and flexible design control than Shopify’s theme editor
    
  • Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) helps you brainstorm and build stunning designs with the power of AI
    
  • Built-in blogging tools, perfect for content-driven businesses
    
  • Built-in customer management system—less reliance on third-party tools and better data integration
    
  • Drag-and-drop everything: from website design to workflow setup, just like using a modern CRM
    
• Shopify vs. Wix: Wix calls itself a website builder, while Shopify positions itself as a full eCommerce platform.
  

If you need a robust system to manage products, inventory, payments, and storefronts, Shopify is built for business. But if you're a creator, service provider, or print-on-demand seller who wants maximum design freedom, Wix gives you the flexibility to build something truly unique. It’s like having a blank canvas with powerful tools—ideal for showcasing your creativity online.

That’s also why many scaling businesses lean toward Shopify. When traffic spikes during peak seasons, Shopify handles performance and speed far better than Wix—making it a more reliable option for growth-focused brands.

Shopify vs. Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder praised for its elegant templates and simple interface. While Shopify focuses heavily on selling features, Squarespace is a better fit if your brand leans toward storytelling, visuals, and clean design. It’s ideal for creators and small businesses that want their site to look polished with minimal effort.

• Rating: 4.4/5
  
• Start at: ~$23/month
  
• Best for: Artists, bloggers, creative businesses
  

• User interface: Squarespace offers a clean, drag-and-drop interface that’s beginner-friendly and built with design in mind.

Source: Quarkly

• Key features: Just like Wix, Squarespace isn’t focused on advanced selling tools like Shopify. Instead, it positions itself as a website builder for creators, helping users build beautiful, content-rich websites with minimal effort.
  
  • Clean and modern design templates that don’t just showcase products—they help you express your brand’s message clearly and visually.
    
  • Built-in blogging and SEO tools make it easy to write, manage, and optimize content for search engines—great for content-focused brands.
    
  • A design-library feel with curated templates, layouts, and content blocks lets users build polished websites fast without needing to design from scratch.
    
• Shopify vs. Squarespace: Squarespace makes a strong choice for creative businesses that want more freedom in design and storytelling than Shopify typically allows. It's great for launching clean, elegant websites, but may not offer the features or flexibility needed as your store grows larger.
  

Shopify vs. Square (Formely Weebly) 

Square Online is designed for sellers who also run physical stores and want to go online. If you think Shopify feels too focused on online operations, Square Online is a simple solution for getting your physical business online with ease.

Unlike platforms that rely on third-party POS integrations, Square provides a native POS solution that works seamlessly across both online and offline sales. This makes it especially appealing for brick-and-mortar businesses that want to start selling online without juggling multiple tools.

• Rating: 4.7/5
  
• Start at: From $29/month
  
• Best for: Small businesses, in-person retailers
  

• User interface: Square has a straightforward and clean interface designed for beginners and local business owners.
  

Source: g2

• Key features:
  • Real-time inventory sync between your physical store and online shop
  • Built-in payment processing with Square hardware (no need for external payment gateways)
    
  • In-store pickup and local delivery options are directly tied to POS data
    
  • Works smoothly with Square Register, Terminal, and Reader
    
• Shopify vs. Square: Square is a great pick if Shopify feels like too much for your local shop. It’s super simple to use and perfect for getting a physical store online fast. Just keep in mind that it’s not built to grow into a big international brand or handle lots of advanced features.

Shopify vs. Ecwid

Ecwid is a flexible Shopify alternative that works as both a plugin and a hosted platform. You can add it to your existing website like a plugin or use its built-in storefront if you don’t have a site yet. It’s quick to set up, easy to use, and perfect for small businesses that just want to start selling online without all the extra hassle.

The tool is perfect for solopreneurs and early-stage sellers testing the waters without upfront investment.

• Rating: 4.7/5
  
• Pricing: Free to $35/month
  
• Best for: Sellers with existing websites.
  

• User interface: Ecwid offers a straightforward setup and dashboard, making it ideal for users who want to start selling without a steep learning curve.

Source: Ecwid

• Key features:
  
  • Ecwid can be plugged into any site—WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Joomla, custom HTML—without disrupting your current design or platform.
    
  • Ecwid offers a free one-page eCommerce site called Instant Site—no coding required.
    
  • Shopify offers a free trial, but Ecwid has a permanent free plan for small stores (up to 5 products).
    
  • Native selling on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and TikTok is included in most paid plans.
    
• Shopify vs. Ecwid: While Shopify is more powerful overall and offers better scalability for larger stores, Ecwid wins for:
  
  • Sellers who already have a website
    
  • Entrepreneurs who want a lightweight, fast-to-launch store
    
  • Those on a tight budget or just testing eCommerce

Shopify vs. Shift4Shop

Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart) is a hosted eCommerce platform offering a comprehensive suite of tools for building and managing online stores. It's particularly appealing to U.S.-based merchants, as it provides a feature-rich, cost-effective solution with a unique pricing model.

• Rating: 3.9/5
  
• Start at: Free for U.S. merchants using Shift4 Payments; paid plans start at $29/month for others
  
• Best for: U.S. merchants seeking a free, all-in-one solution. 

• User interface: 

Source: Software Advice

• Key features:
  
  • A comprehensive feature set includes marketing tools, product reviews, and customer loyalty programs out of the box
    
  • No transaction fees, even when using third-party payment gateways
    
  • Features like customer groups and pricing tiers cater to business-to-business sales
    
• Shopify vs. Shift4Shop: Shift4Shop offers a compelling alternative to Shopify, especially for U.S.-based merchants seeking a free, feature-rich platform. Its comprehensive built-in tools and lack of transaction fees make it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize costs without sacrificing functionality. However, potential users should consider the platform's learning curve and support limitations when making their decision.

Shopify vs. Marketplaces

Marketplaces are where sellers list products in a shared space alongside thousands of others. They’re great for instant exposure and large traffic, but you don’t own the customer experience, control branding, or manage long-term relationships.

Shopify is different—it lets you build your own branded storefront. You own your website, design, and customer data. It’s ideal for businesses that want more control and a consistent brand identity, though it does require more effort to drive your traffic.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see the difference:

If you choose a marketplace as a Shopify alternative, then here are the top 3 marketplaces you’d like to start with:

1. Amazon

Amazon is a massive marketplace, handling over 37% of U.S. eCommerce sales. It’s where millions of people shop daily, so instead of building your own website, you can just list your products and start selling.

• Rating: 4.3/5 

Source: eCom Crew

It’s a great place for everyday products, household goods, electronics, trending gadgets, pet supplies, and other items that sell well through speed, price, or convenience.

If you want to sell fast and reach a wide audience without worrying about branding or web design, Amazon is a solid choice. 

However, if your goal is to build a long-term brand, own your store, and grow customer relationships, then Shopify is the better path.

Still unsure? Check out our full breakdown in the Shopify vs. Amazon blog for a deeper comparison.

2. eBay

eBay is one of the oldest online marketplaces, best known for auctions and reselling. It’s a great fit for casual sellers, collectors, and small resellers who want to sell unique or secondhand items without the need to build a full online store.

• Rating: 4.0/5

Source: eBay

You can easily find these products sold on eBay: 

• Refurbished electronics
  
• Collectibles and trading cards
  
• Vintage and rare items
  
• Used tools and gear
  
• Limited-run apparel or sneakers
  
• Excess inventory or clearance stock
  

You just list your product, make the sale, and ship—making eBay perfect for quick listings or clearing out niche items.

But if you're serious about building a brand, want full design control, and prefer owning the customer experience, Shopify offers the right foundation for long-term growth.

Curious how Shopify stacks up against eBay? Check out the full breakdown here.

3. Etsy 

Etsy is a popular marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items. It’s well-known for its niche community and loyal shoppers. If you sell crafts, artwork, or personalized goods, Etsy is a great place to start.

• Rating: 4.1/5

Source: Etsy

• 🎨 Handmade crafts and art
  
• 💍 Personalized jewelry
  
• 📄 Digital downloads (like printables or planners)
  
• 🕯️ Custom gifts and decor
  
• 🧵 Vintage or one-of-a-kind items
  

Etsy is great for getting started in a niche space. However, if you want more control, fewer fees, and the ability to scale, Shopify is the better long-term option. Check here for details when comparing Shopify and Etsy in a showdown.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top 10 Shopify alternatives by type and best fit:

🔧 Open-source Platforms:

• WooCommerce – WordPress-based, flexible
  
• Magento – Enterprise-level, highly customizable
  
• PrestaShop – International-ready and open-source
  
• Shift4Shop – Feature-rich and free for U.S. sellers using Shift4 Payments

☁️ Hosted Platforms:

• Shopify – Great for SMBs and DTC brands
  
• Wix – Easy for beginners and creatives
  
• Squarespace – Clean designs for content-rich sites
  
• BigCommerce – Scalable and B2B-ready
  
• Square Online – Best for local retail moving online
  
• Ecwid – Add-on store solution
  

Summary: Whether you're just starting out, scaling fast, or need more flexibility, there’s a Shopify competitor that can match your business needs.

Want more insights? Explore our full blog for more eCommerce platform information.

How to Choose a Suitable Platform for Your Store?

Picking the right eCommerce platform is a big deal—it affects how easily you can launch your store, run it every day, and grow over time. Before making a choice, here are some simple but important things to look for:

• Is it easy to use? You want something that’s quick to set up and simple to manage—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
  
• Can it grow with you? Make sure the platform can handle more products and customers as your business expands.
  
• Can you make it look like your brand? Check if you can customize your storefront without needing to code.
  
• Does it have the features you need? Think about what matters to you—like product filters, different payment methods, or support for digital products.
  
• Will it work with your tools? Make sure it connects easily to your shipping, marketing, or inventory tools.
  
• Do you own your data? Some platforms don’t let you fully access your customer information. That matters for future growth.
  
• Is it worth the cost? Don’t just look at the monthly price—check what features are included and if you’ll need to pay extra for add-ons.
  

Take a moment to write down what you really need, then match those needs with what each platform offers. The best choice is the one that fits your business now and where you want to take it later.

Shopify Competitors and Alternatives - FAQs

1. What is the best alternative for Shopify?

It really depends on what you’re selling and how you want to run your business.

• If you're a creative or just starting, Wix or Squarespace are great for quick setup and design freedom.
  
• For WordPress users or content-driven brands, WooCommerce gives you more control.
  
• If you're a fast-scaling business, BigCommerce offers powerful features out of the box.
  
• Selling in-store and online? Square Online makes omnichannel selling simple.
  
• For global or enterprise-level sellers, platforms like Magento and PrestaShop offer flexibility but require technical know-how.
  

Each of these Shopify alternatives serves a different purpose. The best one is the one that fits your product type, goals, and how hands-on you want to be.

2. Is Shopify or Wix better?

Wix is better than Shopify if you're just starting out, want full design freedom, and prefer a simpler, more affordable setup with built-in tools.

Shopify is better than Wix if you're planning to scale, need advanced eCommerce features, or want a platform built specifically for managing products, inventory, and high-volume sales.

The right choice depends on whether you prioritize creative control and ease of use (Wix) or powerful selling tools and long-term growth (Shopify).

3. Is Shopify the best-selling platform?

No, Shopify isn’t the platform with the highest overall sales—that title belongs to Amazon. But when it comes to building your own store and brand, Shopify is one of the best platforms available.

It’s trusted by startups, small businesses, creators, and large enterprises alike. From easy setup and sleek storefronts to powerful marketing tools, flexible checkout, and app integrations—Shopify gives you everything you need to launch, grow, and scale your online business.

Whether you're selling physical products, digital goods, services, or subscriptions, Shopify gives you full control and room to grow—something marketplaces and some alternatives can’t offer.