Top 11 Shopify alternatives for your business in 2024

From jewelry shops to wall art, apparel, handmade goods, and more, Shopify is a top-rated ecommerce platform for creating an online store.

While Shopify's rich ecommerce features and functionality benefit many businesses, they also present some noteworthy limitations to this crowd. The platform has flaws, so it's no surprise that online store owners are searching for a Shopify alternative for selling their products.

Fortunately, several Shopify alternatives are worth considering to elevate your online store, drive sales, and increase profits. 

In this article, we’ll review the top Shopify alternatives for 2024, examining their features, usability, and suitability for various business needs. Whether you’re looking for cost efficiency, customization, or integration capabilities, there’s an option here for you.

• Shopify offers extensive ecommerce functionality but may not be the best fit for every business due to high costs and limited customization.

• Top alternatives like Wix, Squarespace, and BigCommerce provide competitive features at more affordable prices.

• Free and open-source platforms like WooCommerce and Ecwid offer flexibility and cost-efficiency for businesses with technical capabilities.

• Shift4Shop and BigCartel are budget-friendly options ideal for small businesses and newcomers to ecommerce.

• Creating their own websites can allow businesses to achieve ultimate control and customization, though it may require more investment and expertise.

While Shopify is an industry leader in ecommerce, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s explore the various reasons why alternatives can better suit your specific business needs and goals.

Cost efficiency

Exploring Shopify alternatives could help you achieve significant cost savings. Many competitors offer lower membership fees, reduced transaction costs, and more affordable customization options. Opting for a budget-friendly platform means you can allocate funds to other vital areas, such as marketing or inventory.

Feature specificity

When choosing an ecommerce platform, ensuring it offers the specific features your business needs is crucial. While Shopify is known for its rich feature set, some businesses may require more niche capabilities, such as advanced SEO tools, extensive reporting features, or specialized payment gateways. By exploring Shopify alternatives, you can find platforms tailored to your particular needs, which can drive better performance and streamline operations. 

Customization

Customization helps businesses differentiate their offerings from their competitors, allowing them to build a unique brand identity. Platforms like WooCommerce, which is compatible with most WordPress themes and BigCommerce and offers customizable design options, provide users with full control over design and development, ensuring your store stands out and meets specific business needs.

Scalability

While Shopify provides robust tools, some alternatives offer even better scalability. Look for platforms that support unlimited products, multiple sales channels, and efficient inventory management. Features like easy integration with third-party tools and advanced analytics can also aid in scaling. As your business expands, you'll need a system to handle increased traffic and transactions without compromising performance and user experience.

Ecommerce needs

Every ecommerce business has unique needs that evolve as it grows. These needs range from inventory management and payment processing to marketing tools and customer support. For instance, some businesses may prioritize advanced analytics, while others might need robust global selling features. 

Integration capabilities

Whether it's CRM systems, email marketing tools, or accounting software, a platform with extensive integration options ensures that you can streamline operations and improve efficiency. For non-Shopify users, platforms like Gelato offer comprehensive integration with WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and others, making it easier to manage your store and reach global audiences effectively.

Market differentiation

Market differentiation isn't just about features; it's also about how well the platform aligns with your brand's voice and vision. Choosing an ecommerce platform that stands out in the market helps you differentiate your brand. Look for features that set you apart from competitors, such as unique templates, advanced marketing tools, or exclusive integrations. This differentiation can enhance your customer experience, boost brand loyalty, and ultimately drive higher sales and revenue.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your business is crucial to your success. There are several key features that you should look for to ensure your platform meets your business needs:

• Ease of use: Make sure the platform is user-friendly, especially if you are new to ecommerce. Free trials and demos can be helpful.

• Customization options: Look for design flexibility to tailor your store to your brand’s aesthetics and unique requirements.

• SEO capabilities: A good platform should offer robust SEO tools to help you rank better in search engines and attract organic traffic.

• Payment gateways: Multiple payment options can provide convenience to your customers and increase conversions.

• Customer support: Reliable customer support is essential to efficiently address any technical issues or questions you might have.

When choosing an ecommerce platform, it's essential to consider whether a hosted or a self-hosted ecommerce platform best suits your needs.

Hosted ecommerce platforms, like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace, take care of the majority of the technical aspects for you. These platforms provide web hosting, security updates, and customer support under a monthly subscription fee, making them ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach to the technical side of running an online store. 

On the other hand, self-hosted solutions, such as WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento), and your own custom-built website, give you complete control over your ecommerce store. While this means you need to handle web hosting, security, and any necessary updates yourself, it also provides unparalleled flexibility and customization options.

Ultimately, your choice should depend on your business’s specific needs, technical expertise, and budget. Hosted solutions offer convenience and simplicity, while self-hosted platforms provide greater control and customization.

There's a reason Shopify is one of the top ecommerce platforms used by businesses of all sizes. However, many businesses require other features and support to run their stores successfully.

This section will highlight the best Shopify alternatives that are feature-rich, sales-driven, and easy to use immediately.

Wix is an ecommerce platform that provides businesses with the features to create an online store through simple drag-and-drop tools. Wix offers hundreds of apps, add-ons, and plugins that can empower sellers to grow their online store with little coding knowledge or expertise.

If you're creating your own online store, Wix is a great place to start. For many sellers, Wix is better than Shopify because it's more affordable and offers similar features, including multi-channel selling, SEO, reports, and analytics.

Key selling points

Here are the key ecommerce features and selling points that make Wix a viable alternative to Shopify:

• Drag and drop website builder to create a custom experience

• Excellent customer support

• Free domain with some plans

• Ready to use templates

• Integrates with many third-party payment gateways

• Easy to implement your branding

• Built-in SEO tools and marketing features

Pricing

The business and ecommerce plans for Wix include the following:

• Business: $36/ month

• Business Elite: $159/month

Features associated with Wix (depending on your plan) include a custom domain name, storage, various payment gateways, custom reports, and more.

Cons

Despite all its benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• No free plan is available, which can hinder new businesses.

• Limited customization options and features are available in the lower-tier plans.

• Lacks some advanced ecommerce functionalities compared to other platforms.

Squarespace is undoubtedly the best Shopify alternative for sellers looking to provide an elevated visual experience for their customers. Squarespace is an ecommerce website builder and hosting platform that offers dropshipping integrations and SEO tools for every plan.

Sellers don't need an in-depth knowledge of ecommerce platforms to create a successful ecommerce store on Squarespace. They've made it simple to start, and it's a more affordable option than Shopify for new and small businesses.

Key selling points

• Wide variety of templates and themes to choose from

• Excellent website builder with free themes

• PayPal and Stripe payment gateways

• Marketing features include MailChimp, Google Adwords, and Amazon affiliate tracking

• Free domain name for the first year of membership

Pricing

• Business Plan: $36/ month

• Basic Commerce Plan: $40/ month

• Advanced Commerce Plan: $72/ month

The Business plan on Squarespace charges 3% transaction fees, while the upper-tier plans do not. The more expensive plans offer merchandising and advanced features like related products, waitlists, and re-stock alerts.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• A high level of customization may require purchasing third-party add-ons.

• Limits on online sales value for different plans.

• The abandoned cart saver feature is available only on higher-tier plans.

BigCommerce is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms available, and many sellers choose it as a Shopify alternative as their stores grow, and they need more functionality and support.

If you have an established online store and are seeking one of the best Shopify alternatives to scale and expand, BigCommerce is a worthy competitor.

Key selling points

These are the key features and selling points that make BigCommerce a viable Shopify alternative, particularly for larger businesses with an online store:

• Drag and drop editor to create a stunning website

• Streamlined multi-channel selling

• Content marketing features and other marketing tools to drive traffic

• Hosted ecommerce platform and 24/7 customer support

• Multiple currencies for global inclusivity

• Impressive inventory management

Pricing

• Standard: $39/ month

• Plus: $105/ month

• Pro $399/ month

• Enterprise: Custom Pricing

BigCommerce does not charge additional transaction fees when you use the leading payment gateways.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• High monthly fees can be a barrier for small businesses or startups.

• There are limited free templates and additional costs for premium themes.

• Advanced features might require technical skills or third-party apps.

If your online store sells physical and digital products, WooCommerce may be the right alternative to Shopify for your business. It's one of the best free alternatives, and here's why.

WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that can be added to an existing website. It makes it easy to create an ecommerce store without any coding or backend knowledge.

Key selling points

• Open-source ecommerce platform where you pay only for your own hosting

• Simple WordPress integration

• 140 payment gateways

• No monthly fees to use

• Other plugins and add-ons can be helpful

Pricing

Businesses don't pay monthly fees to access a WooCommerce store, but they will be charged transaction fees. These fees start at 2.9% and are $0.30 per transaction.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• Product limits with lower plans can restrict business growth.

• Necessary features like abandoned cart recovery are only available in higher-tier plans.

• Limited product filtering and free templates hinder customization for smaller businesses.

Formerly Magento, Adobe Commerce remains one of the best Shopify alternatives today.

For shop owners ready to have complete control over their online store, from the backend and coding to the marketing and merchandising, Adobe Commerce is a feature-rich Shopify alternative that will take your business to new levels.

It is worth mentioning that this Shopify alternative requires complete programming internally. If that works for your business, then Adobe Commerce is a solid choice as a top Shopify alternative.

Key selling points

• The community plan is completely free

• Drag and drop tools to create compelling content

• SEO tools and marketing features to drive conversions

• Multi-channel selling functionality

• Vast selection of payment gateways

• Support forums for guidance and resources

• Advanced features and customization options

• Inventory management

• Web service API

Pricing 

Downloading Adobe Commerce is free, but you must pay for web hosting.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• Limited advanced features compared to other platforms.

• Restrictive product listing options.

• Lack of scalability for larger businesses.

Ecwid is a Shopify alternative ecommerce widget that integrates into an existing website to create a powerful, immersive online storefront.

Shopify competitors strive to make things easier for sellers, and Ecwid excels at offering ecommerce solutions that don't require a business to completely rebuild everything they've already done.

Key selling points

• Drag and drop website builder

• Integrates with WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr

• Digital products, store management

• Inventory management

• Live chat support whenever you need it

• Unlimited products for top-tier plan

Pricing

• Free: $0 / month

• Venture: $25/ month

• Business: $45 / month

• Unlimited: $105 / month

Ecwid does offer a free plan to start selling online, and then companies can scale up as they need more from their membership. Unlike Shopify, Ecwid does not charge transaction fees, making it one of the most affordable alternatives to Shopify on this list.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• High membership costs and transaction fees can be expensive for small businesses.

• Limited customization options may restrict the creative freedom of brands.

• Advanced features often require third-party apps, adding to overall costs.

If you are searching for other budget-friendly Shopify alternatives, Shift4Shop is an appealing choice for small businesses that have just launched an online store and are still acclimating.

Shift4Shop is a shopping cart ecommerce platform that offers an impressive amount of ecommerce functionality for a much more affordable price tag. Not all companies are ready to spend thousands each month on an ecommerce platform, and that's where Shift4Shop comes in.

Key selling points

• Free plan just by signing up

• Unlimited products and unlimited bandwidth

• Supports over 70 payment gateways

• Web design services are in-house

• 100 free themes and templates

• AI-driven fraud protection

• Migration assistance with your current ecommerce platform

Pricing

An unlimited, enterprise-grade plan is available for $0 if you process a minimum of $500 monthly payments. No additional transaction fees are charged on Shift4Shop.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• There are only a limited number of free templates.

• The abandoned cart saver feature is only available on higher-tier plans.

• A high level of customization may require purchasing third-party add-ons.

Weebly is an intuitive website builder that allows users to create a professional ecommerce storefront with minimal effort. Ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs, Weebly combines ease of use with powerful ecommerce features, making it a strong alternative to Shopify for those who want to get online quickly and efficiently. 

Key selling points

• Drag-and-drop website builder for easy site creation

• Various customizable themes and templates

• Integrated ecommerce tools, including inventory management and product pages

• Supports multiple payment gateways

• Built-in SEO tools to enhance online visibility

• Marketing features such as email campaigns and social media integration

• Mobile-responsive design

Pricing

• Free Plan: $0 (basic features with limited storage)

• Personal Plan: $10/month (more storage, free domain, and custom branding)

• Professional Plan: $12/month (full site statistics, password protection)

• Performance Plan: $26/month (priority support, advanced ecommerce features)

All plans are billed annually.

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• Limited customization options compared to other platforms

• Transaction fees on ecommerce plans

• Less scalable for larger online stores

Big Cartel is a Shopify alternative for small-scale artists, creators, and independent businesses. Its simplicity and budget-friendly pricing make it an excellent option for sellers primarily focusing on unique, handmade, or limited-edition products. If you are starting out or running a small operation, Big Cartel offers an intuitive platform that covers basic ecommerce needs without overwhelming users with complex features. 

Key selling points

• User-friendly interface and easy store setup

• Customization options for storefront themes

• Supports digital and physical product sales

• Mobile-friendly site design and admin

• Basic SEO features to help enhance search visibility

• Integration with popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe

• Real-time statistics to track sales performance

Pricing

• Gold Plan: $0/month (up to 5 products)

• Platinum Plan: $15/month (up to 50 products)

• Diamond Plan: $30/month (up to 500 products)

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• There is a restricted number of product listings based on the plan.

• Fewer customization options compared to more robust platforms.

• No direct customer support, reliance on email for inquiries.

PinnacleCart offers a robust ecommerce platform tailored specifically for businesses looking to maximize their online store's potential. This platform allows businesses to choose whether to host on PinnacleCart's servers or self-host, allowing them to decide what best suits their needs. 

Key selling points

• Customizable design options with a user-friendly interface

• Comprehensive marketing tools, including SEO, social media integration, and email marketing

• Excellent product management features for inventory, order, and shipping management

• Secure hosting capabilities or the option to self-host

• Multiple payment gateways supported

• Mobile-optimized storefronts to ensure a smooth shopping experience on all devices

• 24/7 customer support

Pricing

• Standard Plan: $79.95/month

• Advanced Plan: $199.95/month

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on specific business needs

Each plan offers various features, such as unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth. Businesses can start with a 14-day free trial to explore the platform’s capabilities. 

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here are some of the cons of this platform:

• The initial setup and learning curve can be challenging for non-technical users.

• Higher pricing compared to some other platforms, particularly for small businesses just starting out.

• Limited third-party integrations compared to more established players like Shopify.

Shopify exists to help businesses build and utilize an ecommerce store to sell their products. If you are already a pro at running your store and want to gain some freedom and flexibility, setting up a custom website to run an online store is a wise investment in your business.

While Shopify makes it easy to get an online business off the ground, many companies want control of their store's creative process, functionality, design, and hosting. That's where a custom-built website comes in handy.

Whether you build the website yourself or hire an expert to create one for you, there's a freedom that comes with having your own website. Many companies prefer this over following a template and coloring within the lines within Shopify.

Key selling points

• Design your website from scratch, exactly how you want it to look

• Add in extra features as you see fit

• Upsell and cross-sell customers on various channels

• Offer various payment methods

• Provide shopping cart security

• Hire a web developer to create all the customization you want

Costs and considerations

• Hiring a developer to build the site unless you can do it yourself

• Purchasing a domain name and paying for web hosting (like GoDaddy)

• Purchasing a responsive theme for your store design and website

• Ecommerce extensions and plugins to make the shop function properly

• Manual updates and maintenance

• Payment processor fees

• SSL certificate

Selecting the right Shopify alternative for your online business is a critical decision that will impact operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom line. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting your next ecommerce platform: 

• Business size: Ensure the platform can handle your current volume and scale with your growth.

• Customization options: Look for design flexibility to match your brand's identity.

• Integration capabilities: Confirm that the platform integrates with your preferred tools and services.

• Cost: Evaluate your budget against the platform’s pricing plans, including hidden fees.

• User experience: Choose a platform that offers ease of use for both you and your customers.

• Support and resources: Reliable customer support and robust resources can save you time and headaches.

With numerous Shopify alternatives available, each offering unique features and benefits, you're now equipped to find the perfect fit for your specific needs. But remember: choosing the right platform isn't just about the features—it’s about aligning with your business goals and ensuring scalability for future growth.

So, which platform can help you achieve this? Gelato, of course!

Utilizing Gelato’s print on demand solutions is a game-changer for your ecommerce store, offering flexibility and reducing overhead. Our platform offers an extensive range of products, such as t-shirts, mugs, wall art, phone cases, tote bags, and photo books. With effortless integration capabilities, Gelato makes it easy to expand your product offerings and reach a global audience.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.

Shopify's platform continues to be a lucrative option for many businesses due to its robust features, ease of use, and strong support network. The platform's scalability and advanced ecommerce capabilities make it appealing to both small and large businesses. Additionally, Shopify's extensive marketplace for apps and themes allows for significant customization and added functionality.

Shopify competitors that most resemble the platform's functionality and capabilities are Wix, BigCommerce, and Squarespace.

These Shopify alternatives offer very similar features, templates, add-ons, and customer support, with their unique spin on ecommerce functionality. If you're looking for the closest option to Shopify for your ecommerce business, one of these is your best bet.

If you're open to free, open-source platforms or plugins, we highly recommend WooCommerce or Ecwid for a great user experience and impressive customizations.

Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform because of its versatility, features, add-ons, and customer support. These benefits appeal to many users and companies, from small to medium-sized businesses and those who have just launched their online stores.

Non-technical online sellers who want to utilize Shopify's powerful ecommerce features without learning to code or troubleshoot are best suited for the platform and its many use cases.