Top Shopify Alternatives for Your Online Store in 2025 

Key highlights  

• Shopify alternatives may offer more flexibility or better value based on your business needs. 
• The right eCommerce platform depends on your goals, budget and how much control you want. 
• Reliable hosting is crucial, especially for platforms like WooCommerce that rely on your server’s performance. 
• Bluehost WooCommerce hosting is built for speed, security and easy management. 
• Features like one-click installation and 24/7 support can help launch your store easily. 

Introduction  

When launching an online store, choosing the right eCommerce platform can make or break your success. Shopify is often the first name that comes up in the eCommerce world and for good reason. It is easy to use, full of powerful features and supported by a large app marketplace.  

But despite its widespread popularity, it may not be the perfect fit for every business. While it works well for many, some businesses outgrow it or need advanced features it doesn’t offer. That’s when it makes sense to look for better alternatives. 

In this blog, we’ll explore why Shopify isn’t always the best choice. We’ll also explore powerful eCommerce platforms that bring different strengths to the table and help you discover which one best fits your goals, budget and vision. 

10 best Shopify alternatives for your business 

If Shopify doesn’t check all your boxes, don’t worry—there are plenty of other great platforms out there. Here’s a quick comparison to help you explore your options. 

Platform	Key features	Pricing model	Customization level	Scalability	Support quality
WooCommerce	Full control, large plugin ecosystem	Free (hosting needed)	High	High	Community + paid
BigCommerce	Scalable, strong built-in features	Paid plans	Medium	Very High	Strong
Wix Stores	Drag-and-drop builder, templates	Freemium	Low to medium	Moderate	Good
Shift4Shop	Free plan, built-in tools	Free (with conditions)	Medium	Moderate	Average
Magento	Highly customizable, advanced functionality	Free & paid (Adobe)	Very High	Very High	Developer-based
Ecwid	Easy integration, multichannel selling	Freemium	Low	Moderate	Good
BigCartel	Simple setup, free plan available	Freemium	Low	Low	Basic
Gumroad	Instant setup, no monthly fees	Transaction-based	Low	Low	Basic
Dukaan	Fast setup, local integrations	Paid plans	Low to medium	Moderate	Growing
PrestaShop	Open-source, customizable	Free (self-hosted)	High	High	Community

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. WooCommerce offers full control if you’re on WordPress. BigCommerce is perfect for growing stores with built-in tools. Wix and Ecwid are beginner-friendly with quick setup. Gumroad and BigCartel are good for small shops on a budget. Pick the one that fits your business goals, budget and tech comfort. 

1. WooCommerce 

WooCommerce is a flexible eCommerce tool built for WordPress users. WooCommerce let’s you turn your website into a fully functional online store with full control over design, features and how you sell.  

Starting small or growing fast, WooCommerce makes it easy to build a store that fits your brand. Built on WordPress, it’s simple to manage and ready to scale as your business grows. 

Key features include:   

• Seamless integration with WordPress   
• Flexible customization options with themes and plugins  
• No transaction fees (except for payment gateway charges)   
• Wide selection of free and premium plugins to enhance functionality   
• Excellent SEO capabilities leveraging WordPress 

Best for: WooCommerce is ideal for businesses looking for an affordable and reliable hosting solution with easy setup, excellent customer support and the ability to scale as your store grows. 

2.BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a SaaS-based popular eCommerce platform built to cater to businesses looking for scalability and advanced eCommerce features. Unlike traditional website builders, BigCommerce offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help businesses manage and grow their online presence across multiple sales channels.  

The platform provides an all-in-one solution for creating, managing and optimizing an online store, making it an ideal choice for growing businesses.   

Key features include:   

• Comprehensive eCommerce tools are included with every plan 
• Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises   
• Drag and drop visual editor, no coding knowledge required 
• Suitable for a variety of business models and industries 

Best for: Growing businesses or enterprises needing an all-in-one eCommerce solution with advanced functionality.   

Also read: WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Which One Is Better? 

3. Wix Stores 

Wix is a user-friendly platform that provides a drag and drop editor to help you build your online store quickly, even with no coding experience. Wix Stores is best for smaller businesses that need a simple solution with basic eCommerce functionality.   

Key features include:   

• Simplified website management for beginners with little technical experience  
• Includes a variety of add-ons that go beyond just eCommerce functionalities   
• Built-in SEO tools to help with store visibility 
• On-the-go site management for mobile accessibility for users who need to manage their stores anytime, anywhere 

Best for: Small businesses or individuals seeking a beginner-friendly platform for setting up a store quickly.   

Also read: Wix to WordPress Migration: Step-by-Step Guide (2025) 

4. Shift4Shop 

Shift4Shop is a hosted eCommerce platform that provides a range of tools for creating, managing and growing an online business. Shift4Shop is ideal for budget-conscious businesses in the U.S. looking for a feature-packed platform without hidden fees.   

Key features include:   

• Offers a free plan with essential features and multiple paid plans 
• No transaction fees on any plans 
• Supports over 300 payment gateways 
• User-friendly interface 

Best for: U.S.-based businesses seeking an affordable, feature-rich eCommerce solution.   

5. Magento

Magento is an eCommerce platform that was originally acquired by eBay in 2011 but later became part of Adobe’s portfolio in 2018. This platform is a popular choice for established store owners, supported by a large and active global community.  

As an open-source CMS, Magento empowers businesses to sell products efficiently while providing the flexibility to scale and customize their online stores. It’s an excellent option for those planning to grow their eCommerce operations.  

Key features include:   

• Highly customizable with powerful advanced features 
• Built-in SEO, promotions and email marketing 
• Extensive support from a global network of users 
• Advanced tools for managing large product catalogs 

Best for: Large enterprises or businesses with technical resources need a self-hosted, flexible solution. 

6. Ecwid  

Ecwid is a cloud-based popular eCommerce platform designed to be added to an existing website or social media profile. Ecwid is a great option for small businesses that want to add eCommerce capabilities without fully building a new website.   

Key features include:   

• User-friendly platform for all experience levels 
• Beginner-friendly dashboard 
• Free plan for small stores 
• Manage your store on the go with the mobile application 

Best for: Entrepreneurs or small businesses who want to add an online store to their existing website or social media profiles.   

7. BigCartel  

BigCartel is a simplified eCommerce platform designed specifically for artists and creators who want to sell their products online without the complexity of larger platforms. It’s best for small-scale stores. BigCartel offers three pricing plans, starting with the free gold plan.  

Key features include:   

• Easy setup with no technical expertise needed 
• Simple setup and minimalist design 
• Tailored for small-scale sellers and creatives 
• No transaction fees (except for payment processor fees) 

Best for: Artists and creatives looking for an easy-to-use eCommerce platform to sell unlimited products with minimal setup. 

8. Gumroad   

Gumroad is a minimalist eCommerce platform focused on selling digital products. Gumroad ideal for creators who want a simple way to sell eBooks, music or art without technical barriers.   

Key features include:   

• Simple interface for easy product uploads 
• Supports both digital and physical products 
• No monthly fees are required 
• Instant payouts to creators 

Best for: Digital creators (For example: authors, musicians, artists) who need a fast and easy way to sell digital products. 

9. Squarespace Commerce

Squarespace is a design-focused platform that makes it easy to build beautiful, professional websites. Squarespace is ideal for creatives, small businesses and entrepreneurs who value aesthetics and simplicity in their eCommerce experience. 

Key features include: 

• Visually stunning, mobile-optimized templates 
• Built-in eCommerce tools for selling products or services 
• Integrated blogging and marketing tools 
• Easy drag-and-drop customization with no technical skills needed 

Best for: Creatives, freelancers and small businesses that want a visually polished, all-in-one eCommerce solution with minimal setup. 

10. PrestaShop 

PrestaShop is a self-hosted, open-source eCommerce platform that offers extensive customization and scalability. PrestaShop is ideal for businesses with tech-savvy teams who need a solution that offers complete control. 

Key features include:   

• Highly customizable with advanced eCommerce features
• Host your store on any server or with your preferred hosting provider 
• Large selection of add-ons and themes 
• No initial cost to use the platform 

Best for: Tech-savvy businesses or developers who need a scalable, customizable eCommerce platform. 

Also read: WooCommerce vs PrestaShop: Performance, Security & More 

These Shopify competitors offer different features and pricing, so you can pick the best eCommerce platform for your online store’s needs. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, many alternatives to Shopify provide the right eCommerce solutions for your online store. 

What factors to consider while looking for a Shopify alternative?  

Choosing the right eCommerce platform depends on more than just features. Here are a few key things to think about when deciding which Shopify alternative fits your needs: 

1. Cost considerations   

Understanding the full cost of running an online store is essential. Shopify has different pricing plans, but costs can add up with transaction fees, paid themes and apps. 

It’s important to compare pricing structures to avoid hidden charges. For example, WooCommerce, which is free to use, requires you to pay for hosting, a domain name and additional features. It’s generally more affordable for small businesses, especially if you choose a budget-friendly hosting platform.    

2. Customization needs 

When choosing an eCommerce platform, ease of use is critical, especially if you don’t have extensive technical expertise.  

Look for a platform that offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, so you can set up and manage your online store without getting bogged down by complex configurations or coding knowledge.   

3. Advanced features 

The eCommerce software your platform provides should align with your business needs. Consider what tools you need to run your online store’s capabilities effectively. Some key features to look for include:   

• SEO tools: SEO optimization is crucial for driving traffic to your online store. Other platforms offer robust SEO tools that help you control meta tags, URL structures and product descriptions to improve search engine rankings. Shopify also offers SEO features but may be limited in comparison to these open-source platforms.   
• Inventory management: Efficient inventory management is a must for any eCommerce business. WooCommerce provides advanced inventory management tools, allowing you to track products, manage stock levels and set up automated stock alerts. Shopify has inventory management built-in, but it may require additional apps for more advanced functionalities.   
• Multi-channel selling: If you plan to sell on multiple platforms, multi-channel selling features are essential. BigCommerce and Ecwid both offer seamless integration with multiple sales channels, while Shopify also supports multi-channel selling but may charge extra for certain integrations.   

4. Scalability   

As your business grows, you’ll need an eCommerce platform that can scale with you. Shopify is generally good for small to medium-sized businesses, but the cost increases as your online store expands and you may face limitations in terms of customization.  

On the other hand, WooCommerce provides greater scalability because they allow for more extensive customization and are open source, meaning you can modify the platform to meet your growing needs.   

5. Support   

Good customer support is essential for any eCommerce business, especially when you’re setting up or encountering technical issues. Look for a platform that offers 24/7 customer support, clear documentation and an active community.  

Shopify has excellent support with live chat, phone and email options, but it can be costly if you need additional support or custom solutions. WooCommerce relies heavily on community support and while Bluehost provides excellent customer service for hosting, WooCommerce-specific issues may require seeking help from third-party developers. 

How to choose the right Shopify alternative for your business? 

Finding the right platform is less about picking the most popular one and more about choosing what fits your business model.  

Here’s how to approach it with clarity: 

1. Consider how hands-on you want to be 

Every platform demands a different level of involvement. Some tools give you full control over customization and setup, but that often comes with more technical work. Others are simpler to use but less flexible. Think about how much time and effort you want to invest in managing the backend before making a choice. 

2. Think about what you’re selling 

Your product type shapes your needs. If you’re selling digital items like eBooks or courses, a lightweight platform like Gumroad can keep things simple. For large product catalogs with complex filtering, WooCommerce offers the structure and power to manage that scale. Your ideal platform should match how you plan to present and sell your products, not just now, but as you grow. 

Also read: 18 Best Things To Sell To Make Money Online | Bluehost 

3. Match your platform to your budget 

Budgeting for an eCommerce platform isn’t just about the monthly subscription. It’s important to also look at hosting, plugins, themes, payment gateway fees. Some platforms may seem affordable upfront but can get expensive as your store grows. 

4. Check for essential features and flexibility 

Before you start comparing features, take a moment to define your non-negotiables. These are the things your store absolutely needs to function well, like SEO support, mobile-friendly design, app integrations or the ability to offer subscriptions. Knowing what you can’t compromise on will help you instantly rule out platforms that fall short. 

Also read: Read Verified WooCommerce Reviews from Trusted Sources, Critics and Users 

Once you know what features matter most, it’s easier to find the right fit. If flexibility, control and room to grow are high on your list, Bluehost with WooCommerce is a strong option to consider. 

Why is Bluehost + WooCommerce the ideal choice? If you’re leaning toward

WooCommerce as your Shopify alternative, choosing the right hosting provider is key to ensuring your store runs smoothly. WooCommerce gives you full control and flexibility, but it also depends heavily on the performance of your hosting environment. 

A reliable WordPress hosting provider can make all the difference. This is where Bluehost comes in. Our WooCommerce hosting is built for anyone who wants to sell online without the usual setup stress. Here are some benefits that make it a solid choice for launching and growing your online store: 

• Free domain for 1 year to help reduce startup costs. 
• WooCommerce-optimized servers for faster, smoother performance. 
• Automatic WooCommerce installation for quick and easy setup. 
• Free SSL certificate to secure your store and build trust. 
• Free Yoast SEO subscription to boost your site’s visibility. 

Getting started with Bluehost WooCommerce hosting 

Getting your store online with Bluehost WooCommerce hosting is easier than you think. 

1. Pick a plan that fits 

Head to the Bluehost WooCommerce hosting page and choose a WooCommerce plan based on your budget and needs. 

2. Claim your free domain 

If you don’t already have a domain name, during signup, you’ll get a free domain name for your store for the first year. Try to pick something short, clear and brand friendly. 

3. Create your Bluehost account 

Enter your details, select any add-ons you need and complete your purchase. Bluehost will take care of setting up your hosting. 

4. Let Bluehost install WooCommerce 

Once you complete your signup, Bluehost takes care of the heavy lifting by automatically installing both WordPress and WooCommerce for you. 

You’ll land straight in your dashboard with a ready-to-edit store where you can start adding products and customizing your layout right away. 

5. Personalize your store 

Add your logo, colors and homepage layout. Use drag-and-drop tools or the WordPress Customizer to make it yours. 

6. Add your first products 

Use the WooCommerce dashboard to add product images, prices, descriptions and categories. Start small as you can always add more later. 

7. Set up payments and shipping 

Choose payment options like PayPal or Stripe. Then, add your shipping rates or zones, depending on where you deliver. 

8. Go live 

Do a final check. Visit it on mobile and click through checkout. When everything looks good, hit publish and start selling. 

Final thoughts 

Switching platforms doesn’t have to be a hassle. While Shopify is a popular choice, other platforms might offer better functionality. The key is to know what your store truly needs then pick the tool that supports that growth. Take your time, test a few options and go with the one that feels right. 

If you’re a small business, you might prioritize simplicity and ease of use. For enterprise-level businesses, advanced features and scalability are often key. No matter your size, there’s an eCommerce solution tailored to fit your needs. 

Bluehost WooCommerce hosting is a smart place to start. It comes with WooCommerce and WordPress pre-installed, saving you setup time. While its eCommerce Essential plan includes everything you need to get started, the eCommerce Premium plan offers advanced features and enhanced SEO tools to help you grow faster.  

Ready to build your store your way? Get started with Bluehost WooCommerce hosting today. 

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