Shopify is a great platform for online shoppers. However, it does have some disadvantages that could turn customers away from Shopify.
That’s likely to be what’s bringing you here, doesn’t it?
Perhaps the price didn’t fit your budget. Perhaps you couldn’t find those features that you’ve been searching for. Perhaps customer service wasn’t the greatest.
No matter what the reason, you’re seeking an alternative to Shopify. If so, this is the right spot for you.
Let’s look at the best Shopify alternatives with pros and cons, as well as prices, to select the best option for your e-commerce company.
Now
Let’s talk about Shopify in the beginning and examine the various reasons you might be seeking an alternative.
What is Shopify?
It can be described as an e-commerce platform that lets you create and run an online store. It’s easy to use and has a wealth of eCommerce features that help businesses of all sizes increase their sales. Additionally, merchants can use Shopify to run their online shop from their websites, social media channels, brick-and-mortar locations and much more.
Shopify has a score of 4.4 with more than 4100 reviews on G2, and it has a Market share of nearly 29 percent when it comes to E-commerce applications across the US. The four Shopify largest rivals comprise Ecwid, Squarespace, Wix and WooCommerce.
Shopify provides four plans in the standard version as well as a Shopify Plus version for enterprise-level businesses. The costs of these plans include:
- Starter: $5 monthly
- Basic: $29 monthly
- Shopify: $79 monthly
- Advanced: 299 monthly
- Shopify Plus: beginning at $2,000 monthly
The primary distinctions between Shopify as well as Shopify Plus include the number of features, the quantity of support offered, as well as the price.
What are the reasons to search for alternative for Shopify?
The main Shopify disadvantages include the high cost and limitations on customization as well as limitations on the number of employees. In addition to the plan pricing, Shopify users also pay costs for translations if they opt to add payment processors that are compatible with the Shopify payments system.
Are there any of these reasons that made you turn away? Perhaps you’ve come across a different Shopify flaw that rendered the platform a poor option for your business. Whatever the reason, you’ll require a different solution.
So…
Let’s go to the part that you’ve come to this for – who are Shopify’s rivals?
Shopify Competitors And Alternatives
There are more than 300 e-commerce platforms that are listed in G2 alone. It’s a lot to comb through, and and a lot of them don’t really merit the time. Instead of spending hours and endless hours on for the perfect solution, take a look at the top 12 companies like Shopify we have selected to help you with your study.
Here’s a table of comparisons between Shopify alternatives:
Now–
Let’s take a closer review of each of Shopify’s leading competitors, along with pros and cons, as well as price comparisons.
Ecwid
Rating: 4.8/5, it got 250 + reviews
The primary distinction between Ecwid, as well as Shopify is their function. In particular, Ecwid stands for “e-commerce widget,” which means it is a plugin that can convert an existing site into an e-commerce website. Shopify is, in contrast, the website builder that lets you create a digital store fully hosted starting from scratch.
If you already have a website that you are satisfied with, then this Shopify competitor could be among the top options for your e-commerce plan. Ecwid also provides a variety of payment options like PayPal, Amazon Pay and Stripe.
Pros:
- No transaction charges
- More product uploads to digital platforms
- Marketplaces and Social media selling like eBay is supported.
Cons:
- It doesn’t automatically calculate shipping costs.
- Limits on the number of items
- Points for sale are only accessible through third-party applications
- Free Plan available
- Venture Plan: $15 per months.
- Business Plan: $35 per months
- Unlimited Plan: $99 per month
Grab is a store example was created using Ecwid.
WooCommerce
Rating: 4.4/5, it got 1,000+ reviews
Similar to Ecwid, WooCommerce functions as a plugin but not a fully-fledged platform. However, this doesn’t hinder WooCommerce from being an e-commerce massive. WordPress powers the platform, which is by far the most well-known CMS (CMS) that’s available and hosts more than 35,800 live websites.
The free Shopify alternative is both scalable and flexible, with unlimited options for customization, as well as a great solution for those who want to start a dropshipping company. It’s a fantastic alternative for people who use WordPress websites, as well as those who have a DIY mindset and a tad of technical expertise. Furthermore, it does not have a premium plan, and it’s totally free!
Pros:
- Over 50,000 plugins and integrations
- WordPress is based on.
- Scalable to meet the needs of your business
Cons:
- Only one pre-designed theme is available for customization. Security features have to be purchased.
- More technically than Shopify
- Free to use
Tipi is a store example created using WooCommerce:
PrestaShop
Rating: 4.3/5 , 135+ cuastomer reviews
PrestaShop lets you customize your online store exactly how you’d like it. You can manage catalogues of product orders, purchases, credit card transactions, shipping, and even your customer databases in one location.
It is among the options for free with Shopify that can help you expand your company by launching campaigns that can increase the number of your potential customers. It also assists you in expanding internationally by offering multilingual stores and a range of currencies.
Pros:
- Regular updates to the software.
- A variety of modules to improve your online store
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Support for themes is limited.
- Basic reports are available
- Connect slow at times and can sometimes be disconnected from the network.
- Free to use
- Pylones is an example of a store that was constructed using PrestaShop.
Pylones is a store example was created using PrestaShop.
Wix
Rating: 4.2/5, 1,500+ customer reviews
It’s one of the sites similar to Shopify, with a slight difference. Wix was designed specifically for web hosting and creating various kinds of websites that also include stores online. However, it’s not restricted to these. It lets you create the website, then launch it and manage it—a web-based business site.
Wix is a cloud-based service that includes SEO tools that can assist in the creation of a successful website. Shopify competitor also has tools for creating your blog and developing an internet presence.
Pros:
- Free domain with all pricing plans.
- PCI compliant, Free SSL certificate and integrated security measures.
There aren’t any charges for transactions with third-party payment services.
Cons:
- Basic Shipping and cart functions.
- No advanced reporting capabilities.
- It is available only in the US only and only using Wix hardware.
- Free Plan available
- Connect domain: $5.50 per month
- Combo: $10 per month
- Unlimited: $17 per month
- Business Basic: $20 per month
- VIP: $29 per month
- Business Unlimited: $30 per month
- Business VIP: $44 per month
Evolve Clothing is an example of a store that was constructed using Wix.
BigCommerce
Rating: 4.2/5, 400+ customer reviews
BigCommerce is a renowned SaaS-hosted service for companies that are of various sizes. It helps store owners create an online presence through an online store builder as well as features to manage online stores.
It’s a great alternative. Shopify allows you to easily personalize your e-commerce store and boost its performance by attracting your site’s visitors with a stunning design.
Pros:
- Search engine optimization is available through fully customized URL slugs as well as other features.
- Provide different themes and styles.
- Blog built-in
Cons:
- There are a few dropshipping options to choose from.
- The load time is slower than the Shopify
- The mobile app needs improvements.
- Provide a free trial of 15 days
- Standard Plan: $29.95 per month
- Plus Plan: 79.95 per month
- Pro Plan: $299.95 per month
- Enterprise Plan- Contact sales for customized pricing
Ted Baker is a store example created using the BigCommerce.
Square eCommerce
Rating: 4.2/5, 450+ customer reviews
Square eCommerce, previously known as Weebly, is a straightforward website builder. It has a broad selection of templates designed by experts that can be used across all types of devices.
It is among the most effective Shopify alternatives that provide various services for your company. If you’re planning to launch a new website, wish to allow online ordering for the restaurant you run, or even sell via social media platforms, Square ecommerce has capabilities that can help you expand your business’s image.
Pros:
- Integration seamlessly with Square POS
- Easy to use for customers
- Various businesses support, such as restaurants advertising on social networks and retail.
Cons:
- It can be a bit clunky at times.
- It is hard to personalize and navigate.
- Publish a website sometimes appears differently than it did when the editor designed it.
- Free plan is available ( 30 ¢ per transaction +processing fee of 2.9 % )
- Plus Plan: $29 per month + processing fees
- Premium Plan: call sales for a custom price
Parlour is a store example constructed using the Square E-commerce
Did you know …
Nasdaq estimates that 95 percent of transactions would be done on the online by 2040. It is a rise from just 19% in 2021.
OpenCart
Rating: 4.3/5, 100+ customer reviews
OpenCart is among the no-cost Shopify alternatives that are ideal for small and new businesses and startups. It’s an open-source and transparent platform that offers no-cost downloads, updates and upgrades.
It comes with an integrated SEO feature, as well as a range of extensions, as well as a choice of over 13,000 module options that are available on the market to enhance the functionality of your store. The cost-free alternative to Shopify offers a wide range of payment methods and shipping systems, which allows you to manage your inventory, tax regulations, and much more.
Pros:
- Highly reliable
- User community with lots of documentation.
- Comprehensive suite of extensions and tools
Cons:
- Time-consuming integrations
- Some customers complain that support for customers needs to be more responsive.
- A steep learning curve.
Pricing:
- Free to use
Jovani is an example of a store that was created using OpenCart.
Did you know …
About 2 % of visits to websites that sell online are converted into purchases in the US. It means that despite the number of shoppers who use e-commerce grows rapidly, conversion rates of a site’s visitor to a buyer are pretty low.
Shopware
Rating: 4.4/5 (50+ reviews)
This list of e-commerce services, such as Shopify, isn’t incomplete without Shopware. This drag-and-drop website builder provides the complete freedom to customize and the ability to automate your business processes.
It allows you to manage different sales channels from the same platform and reach your customers more efficiently. It also lets you interact and engage with website customers through co-browsing and guided shopping experiences with video.
Pros:
- It is easy to run a variety of sales channels using one platform.
- Excellent customer service.
- Multiple domains on one backend are accessible.
Cons:
- Certain plugins aren’t compatible with one another.
- Slow import speed
- Unsuitable for B2B businesses
- Free version available
- Rise Plan: $600 per month
- Evolve Plan: you may contact to the sales team for custom pricing.
- Beyond Plan: contact sales to inquire about customized pricing
Haribo is a store example built using Shopware
Magento Commerce
Rating: 4/5, 485+ customer reviews
If you’re in search of a Shopify Plus alternative–this is it!
Adobe Commerce is an enterprise version of the free open-source Magento. Business owners can offer unlimited items and create an experience of shopping across multiple channels for B2B and B2C customers on one platform.
It provides AI analytics, the automation of backend workflows, and sales and inventory management. However, remember that you’ll need some programming expertise or hire a developer to get the most value out of this software.
Pros:
- Built-in functions to support SEO, such as changing URL structure,
- Inventory management features.
- Offers 150 payment gateway options
Cons:
- It requires technical expertise to configure and run applications. Apps could be a bit unstable.
- With the Open-Source platform, however, you’ll need to bear the cost of developing developers.
- Contact sales to inquire about custom pricing.
Land Rover is an example of a store that was constructed using Magento Commerce.
Sellfy
Rating: 3.9/5 (45+ reviews)
Sellfy was created for entrepreneurs and digital content creators like musicians, designers, and illustrators in the forefront. Customers can showcase their work with a variety of pictures and even previews.
This rival to Shopify has customizable storefronts as well as product widgets and extensions, like Buy Now buttons. It’s also ideal for those who are new to the business, as it is easy to use while offering advanced features to put your business plan in motion.
Pros:
- Fast and transparent payment process
- Great for selling digital products
- Unlimited bandwidth and safe product storage
Cons:
- Some reviewers believe that customer service needs to be improved.
- There are no discounts for orders available.
- A limit of 2GB for item records is available for transfer.
- Free Plan available
- Starter Plan: $29 per month
- Business: $79 per month
- Premium: $159 per month
Enamel Workshop is an example of a store that was created using Sellfy.
Did you know …
Our research into Black Friday and Cyber Monday trends shows that more than 65 % of consumers plan to buy online this festive season. Around 36% will be searching for deals via social media. If you’re looking to maximize the benefits of the Thanksgiving holiday this year, you must set up an e-commerce website and market your items via social media.
Shift4Shop
Rating: 3.8/5, 35+ customer reviews
Shift4Shop (previously also known as 3dcart) was a VISA PCI Certified provider and an online website builder that provides various tools for content marketing to boost your online presence and branding. It provides an email marketing tool, order administration, and more than 100 gratis themes.
It is one of the best alternatives to Shopify, and it is completely free and safe. It has a wide range of payment systems for checkouts in shopping carts, like Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal and credit cards. Additionally, it offers a free customized domain name for customers who need one.
Pros:
- Actual-time updates on the availability of products
- It is easy to add new items to the inventory
- SSL-certified
Cons:
- Sometimes, the loading speed can be long.
- Additional fees are charged for specific features.
- A few reviewers have complained it could not be straightforward to set up.
- Free to use
Unicus Decor is an example of a store that was constructed using Shift4Shop.
Did you know that …
Companies that have an online presence on social media have an average of 32% more revenue than businesses that do not have a presence on social media platforms.
BigCartel
Rating: n/a
If you’re a designer who requires a stunning website design to sell t-shirts, clothes, art, merch, or other products, this Shopify option is worth a look. It offers a broad variety of built-in features, even for the simplest plan.
You can change items, process orders, review your statistics, and make offers using any device that suits your needs best.
BigCartel lets you modify the appearance and feel of your store by using online tools for building stores or going deeper into the code with HTML or CSS to create something truly distinctive.
Pros:
- Automated collection and remitting of sales tax.
- Excellent customer service with articles, FAQs, video tutorials, and developer documentation.
- Themes can be easily customized.
Cons:
- Additional payment options must be added
- Restrictions on product listings.
- Limits on configuration
- Gold Plan: Free to use
- Platinum Plan: $9.99 per month
- Diamond Plan: $19.99 per month
Get to Work Book is a store example constructed using BigCartel.
What should you consider when deciding on the best Shopify alternative?
Comparing the Shopify competitors could be overwhelming. Before you begin this process, here are a few things to be thinking about:
Comprehensive features
Write down the features that are crucial to you in an e-commerce platform. Make sure you stick to it as long as you can while you are evaluating your options. In this way, you’ll enjoy the greatest functionality from the start and won’t have to look for other plugins and apps.
Responsive Customer Support
If you have any issues on this platform, then you’ll require support from a customer service that is responsive and competent. The most effective way to determine the level of customer service is to read reviews from users on websites like G2 as well as Capterra.
Excellent value for money
There’s a certain amount of money to build an online shop. You should make sure that you do not spend more for the program than you’re comfortable with. Certain options, like Shopify alternatives, are totally free, and a lot offer a free trial plan.
Shipping options
Fast and free shipping are among the top priorities for shoppers on the internet. Therefore, you must search for a Shopify competitor that has several shipping options that customers can choose from. It can save a lot of effort and time in the end.
Simple To Utilize
It should be easy to use by users. There’s plenty of competitors in this market, and you must ensure that the user experience of your online store, as well as the checkout process, is easy for prospective customers. You do not want to lose them for lack of understanding of how to navigate your website, are you?
Conclusion
At this point, you ought to be aware of the top Shopify alternatives, with their pros and cons, as well as pricing options.
But just as a quick review–
Here are the top competitors of Shopify:
- Ecwid
- WooCommerce
- PrestaShop
- Wix
- BigCommerce
- Square eCommerce
- OpenCart
- Shopware
- Magento Commerce
- Selfly
- Shift4Shop
- BigCartel
Be sure to search for comprehensive features, fast customer service, good-price shipping options, and user-friendliness when selecting an e-commerce platform.
Whatever Shopify option you select, it is a great idea to include live chat functionality in your online store. It will help increase sales as well as improve the customer experience. A great way to begin an online shop, don’t you think?
FAQ
What are the choices for Shopify?
The best alternatives to Shopify include BigCommerce, Wix, PrestaShop, WooCommerce and Ecwid.
What alternatives exist other than Shopify Plus?
If you know what you are seeking, there are plenty of available Shopify Plus alternatives on the market. One of the most effective options for Shopify Plus is Magento Commerce (also called Adobe Commerce.)
Are there any sites that are free, similar to Shopify?
Yes, OpenCart, PrestaShop and WooCommerce are completely free to make use of.
Which platform for e-commerce is best?
WooCommerce is more appropriate for WordPress users as well as those who are comfortable using WordPress to serve as their CMS. But WooCommerce can be described as a plugin; it is not an online-shopping platform. That is why Shopify is the better choice for companies that wish to create their online stores and run them on one platform.
Which is better? Shopify or BigCommerce?
Shopify is a more popular choice for businesses due to its larger market share and better user rating. Shopify has more applications, making it simpler to use and more suitable to scale up.
What are the Shopify charges?
It is contingent upon the plans. Shopify charges transaction fees as high as 5% on the starter plan, 2% on the Basic Shopify, 1 % on the Shopify plan, 0.5% on the Shopify Advanced plan, and 0.15 % on Shopify Plus.
What are the disadvantages of Shopify?
A few of the most frequent disadvantages of Shopify include the price, lack of customization, and no email hosting.
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