Key takeaways
- You can find cheaper, more flexible, and more scalable alternatives to Shopify.
- Platforms like Shift4Shop and Ecwid offer free plans but check for limits on features and support before committing.
- Beginners get up and running easily with Network Solutions, while developers get more control and flexibility with WooCommerce or Adobe Commerce.
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms on the market. However, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Depending on your goals, budget, or technical needs, you might find more value on a different platform. In 2025, there are plenty of Shopify alternatives to consider. Each has its own potential, offering better pricing, more flexibility, and tailored features that suit your specific needs.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 10 best Shopify alternatives that could be a better match for your online store. Ready to find the perfect platform for your business? Let’s dive in!
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a cloud-based eCommerce platform that lets you create, customize, and manage an online store. It’s built for all types of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, and allows you to:
- Build your store using ready-made templates
- Add and organize products with photos, prices, and descriptions
- Accept payments, manage orders, handle shipping, and track inventory
- Sell on your website, social media, marketplaces, or in-person
- Run your business from one dashboard
As a software-as-a-service (Saas) platform, Shopify handles hosting, security, and updates for you. You don’t need to install or manage backend tech. It’s scalable, allowing you to start small and add new features as your business grows.
The Shopify App Store offers thousands of tools for marketing, analytics, reviews, and more.
There are different pricing plans, including Shopify for small to medium stores, and Shopify Plus for high-volume businesses needing advanced features and support.
While there’s no free plan, options like Shopify Lite let you add a buy button to an existing site.
Shopify also takes care of secure hosting and payment processing, so you can focus on selling, not tech.
Why do you need Shopify alternatives?
While Shopify is packed with useful features, it doesn’t meet every business’s needs. As your online store grows —or if you’re just starting on a tight budget— you may encounter several limitations that lead you to explore alternatives to Shopify.
Here’s why exploring Shopify competitors might be the smarter choice for your online business:
- Rising costs and transaction fees. Shopify’s monthly costs can rise quickly. You may need to pay for themes, third-party apps, and extra fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments. Some free Shopify alternatives offer the same tools, at a much lower price.
- Limited design flexibility. Shopify offers professional templates. But those designs require you to use Liquid code or upgrade to higher tier plans. If design is important to your brand, platforms like WooCommerce or Magento offer more creative freedom.
- Platform lock-in. Shopify is a hosted SaaS solution. That means you’re limited to their infrastructure, pricing model, and feature roadmap. If you want control over everything, self-hosted options like PrestaShop or OpenCart give you flexibility.
- Scalability and advanced features. Shopify is great for getting started. But scaling can be challenging without upgrades. Features like B2B selling, headless commerce, and point-of-sale (POS) integration often require extra tools. That’s why looking for alternatives is your option as other platforms include many of these features out of the box.
- Diverse use cases and business models. Not every business has the same goals. Some need to sell online through an existing website, while others want fast website creation with drag-and-drop functionality. The best Shopify alternatives allow you to align features to your exact business model—without compromising.
What are the best Shopify alternatives?
To help you compare quickly, here’s a snapshot of the top options—including who they’re best for and how much it costs to get started.
| Tool / Brand | Best for | Starting price |
| Network Solutions | Simple, all-in-one solution with expert support | $1.99/month |
| Squarespace | Visually driven brands and creatives | $14/month |
| Wix | Beginners and small businesses | $17/month |
| WooCommerce | WordPress users who want full control | Free (self-hosted) |
| BigCommerce | Scaling businesses with large product catalogs | $29/month |
| Adobe Commerce | Large, complex businesses needing full control | Custom pricing model (request a quote) |
| Square | Brick-and-mortar businesses going online | $0/month |
| Ecwid | Adding a store to an existing site or platform | $5/month |
| Shift4Shop | Tech-savvy U.S. businesses wanting no monthly fees | $0/month (for U.S merchants) |
| PrestaShop | Global sellers needing full customization | Free (self-hosted) |
Note: Pricing for these providers can change, so please check with them directly for the most up-to-date pricing.
1. Network Solutions
Network Solutions is a long-standing digital service provider that offers domain registration, web hosting, website security, and online marketing under one roof. Its eCommerce website builder is designed for small to mid-sized businesses that want a simple, integrated way to sell online. It’s a perfect Shopify alternative, especially for users who want to get online quickly without juggling multiple providers or managing complex tools.
Key features:
- All-in-one platform. You get everything you need to launch your online presence, such as web hosting, domain, security, and marketing tools—all in one place.
- Custom storefronts. You can easily create a store that reflects your brand with ready-to-use templates and simple design tools, with no design skills needed.
- Free domain, SSL & email. When you sign up, you’ll get a free domain, SSL certificate, and a professional email so you can start building trust with your audience and save money right from the start.
- Professional design services. If you want a custom-designed store without doing the work yourself, you can leave it to our experts and launch a beautiful, tailored site without lifting a finger.
- AI tools. You can streamline your website creation with built-in AI tools. An AI Content Writer can help you generate high-quality product descriptions, blog posts, and service pages. AI Domain Generator suggests smart, brand-relevant domain names that are available. These tools save you time, reduce guesswork, and keep your content and branding consistent across the board.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free domain, SSL, and professional email | Fewer third-party app integrations |
| Simple, beginner-friendly setup | Limited design flexibility without paid upgrades |
| Access to custom design support | Some features may require add-ons or service bundles |
| Low starting cost | Not ideal for businesses needing advanced customization |
2. Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder and hosting platform designed for users who value simplicity and strong visual design. It was originally built for creatives but now offers integrated eCommerce tools that make it a great Shopify alternative for small businesses selling online.
It’s also ideal for those who want a clean, modern website without the complexity of managing third-party apps or advanced backend settings. It works best for businesses with smaller product catalogs and a strong focus on brand presentation.
Key features:
- Integrated eCommerce capabilities. You can sell both physical and digital products, manage inventory, and handle shipping—all within Squarespace. Features like subscription selling and member areas can diversify your revenue streams without relying on third-party apps.
- Design templates and layouts. You can choose from over 140 templates to create a professional-looking website that reflects your brand’s identity. On top of that, you can customize layouts, fonts, and color schemes to make your site unique.
- AI tools. Just like Network Solutions, Squarespace also comes with AI tools that can save you time in the building process and ensure your brand identity and content are cohesive.
- Marketing and analytics tools. Squarespace’s analytics dashboard provides insights into your site’s performance, helping you make informed decisions to optimize your marketing strategies.
| Pros | Cons |
| Visually appealing, responsive templates | Limited third-party app integrations |
| User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality | Less flexibility for advanced customizations |
| Integrated e-commerce and marketing tools | No free plan; only a 14-day free trial available |
3. Wix
If you want to build a professional website without a coding background, Wix is a Shopify alternative worth considering. Launched in 2006, it offers a wide range of features suitable for various business needs. For small to medium-sized businesses, Wix provides an accessible entry point into eCommerce.
While Shopify is known for its eCommerce features, Wix offers a more straightforward approach and integrates essential tools within its platform. This makes it suitable for businesses looking for simplicity and design flexibility.
Key features:
- Customizable templates: Wix also has access to a wide range of professionally designed mobile-responsive templates suitable for various industries.
- Integrated eCommerce tools: You can track inventory, process payments, handle shipping, and showcase products with ease. It simplifies the selling process so you can focus on growing your business.
- AI-powered design assistance: You can launch a custom website faster with Wix Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI). Just answer a few questions about your business, and it will automatically build a personalized site that fits your style and goals.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Limited scalability for large inventories |
| Wide selection of templates | Cannot switch templates after site publication |
| Integrated eCommerce functionality | Transaction fees apply on certain plans |
| AI-assisted website creation | Some advanced features require higher-tier plans |
4. WooCommerce (for WordPress)
WordPress is a widely used platform for creating websites. And it extends its capability with WooCommerce, a free open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress.
Launched in 2011, WooCommerce allows users to turn any WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It’s highly customizable and backed by a large, global community of developers and users.
WooCommerce is ideal for users who want flexibility, who want to own their data, and are already comfortable with using WordPress. Unlike Shopify’s hosted solution, WooCommerce gives you full ownership of your site, which makes it a strong alternative to Shopify.
Key features:
- Full customization. You can modify every aspect of your store with themes, plugins, and custom code.
- Built on WordPress. WooCommerce integrates with the most popular CMS in the world. Meaning, if you’ve run into issues or want to explore new features, you can easily find resources or tutorials online since WordPress has a massive community that can support and assist you.
- Extensive plugin library: Thousands of extensions for payments, shipping, marketing, and more. This means you’re not locked into just the built-in tools. This enables you to customize your site to meet your business needs as they grow.
- Data ownership: Unlike hosted platforms, you control and host your own data.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fully customizable and open-source | Requires technical setup and maintenance |
| No monthly platform fee | Hosting and plugin costs can add up |
| Large ecosystem of themes/plugins | Learning curve for beginners |
| Complete ownership of your store | Security and updates are your responsibility |
5. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a hosted eCommerce platform built for scalability. Founded in 2009, it serves businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise-level brands. It also comes with built-in features, which makes it ideal for merchants who want growth-ready infrastructure without relying heavily on third-party apps.
As a Shopify alternative, BigCommerce stands out for including many advanced features by default. That means you can spend less on third-party apps and get more control from day one—especially if you’re planning for long-term growth or managing a complex catalog.
Key features:
- Built-in SEO & marketing tools. You can attract more traffic and convert better with native SEO features, targeted promotions, and customer segmentation, all without extra apps.
- Multi-channel selling. You can manage your listings and sales across Amazon, eBay, Facebook, and Instagram — all from your BigCommerce dashboard. It’s an easy way to reach more customers without jumping between tools.
- No transaction fees. You keep more of what you earn. Unlike some platforms, BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees, even when you use third-party payment gateways.
- Scalability: BigCommerce supports high-volume sales, large inventories, and complex product options out of the box.
| Pros | Cons |
| Scalable and feature-rich | Steep learning curve for new users |
| No transaction fees on any plan | More expensive than basic competitors |
| Strong SEO and multi-channel tools | Only five free themes available |
| Ideal for fast-growing businesses | Limited design flexibility without developer support |
6. Adobe Commerce (Magento)
Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is another open-source eCommerce platform owned by Adobe. It’s built for businesses with complex needs. Unlike most plug-and-play platforms, Adobe Commerce is designed for developers or teams with technical expertise. So, if you’re a big fan of Adobe right from the beginning, this is a great Shopify alternative that you might want to consider.
Key features:
- AI-powered personalization. With Adobe Sensei’s AI, you can deliver dynamic content and product recommendations tailored to each customer. This helps improve engagement and boost conversions.
- Advanced B2B tools. You can manage complex B2B operations with features like custom pricing, bulk ordering, company accounts, and quote approvals—all from one centralized dashboard.
- Content scheduling & preview. You can plan and schedule product launches, campaigns, and content updates in advance, then preview them before they go live.
- Multi-store & global management. You can run multiple storefronts for different brands, regions, or customer groups—all from one platform. With built-in support for languages, currencies, and tax rules, going global is much easier.
| Pros | Cons |
| Total control and deep customization | Requires developer resources |
| Enterprise-ready features out of the box | High setup and maintenance costs |
| Scalable and secure | Hosting not included (self-hosted) |
| Ideal for global and complex businesses | Overkill for small or simple stores |
7. Square
Square is best known for its POS systems, but it also offers an eCommerce solution through Square Online. It’s built for businesses that want to unify online and in-person sales.
Also, Square is ideal for brick-and-mortar retailers looking to expand online without overcomplicating their setup. Its seamless integration between physical and digital sales channels makes it a practical Shopify alternative for small businesses focused on efficiency and affordability.
Key features:
- POS integration: You can automatically sync your inventory and sales between your Square Online store and physical locations. This ensures real-time updates, which helps you avoid overselling and maintain accurate stock levels across all channels
- Easy store builder: Just like Wix and other platforms, with Square you can create a professional-looking online store using its intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
- Payment processing included: You can accept various payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App Pay, directly through Square Payments. This integration simplifies the checkout process for your customers and consolidates your payment management.
- Free plan available: Start selling online without upfront costs, paying only transaction fees.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unified online and offline sales | Limited design customization |
| Free plan available | Fewer advanced eCommerce features |
| Built-in payments with no setup | Not ideal for large or complex catalogs |
| Fast, beginner-friendly setup | —— |
8. Ecwid
Ecwid (short for “eCommerce Widget”) is a flexible eCommerce solution that allows you to add a fully functional online store to any existing website, social media page, or marketplace.
Unlike traditional platforms that require building a new website, Ecwid integrates directly into platforms like WordPress, Wix, Weebly, and even Facebook or Instagram.
As a Shopify alternative, Ecwid is perfect for businesses that already have a website and simply want to add shopping capabilities—without rebuilding from scratch. It’s especially useful for those who want a fast, lightweight eCommerce solution with multi-channel capabilities.
Key features:
- Plug-and-play store integration. You can effortlessly add Ecwid to your existing website, blog, or social media page, enabling you to start selling online without rebuilding your site from scratch.
- Multi-channel selling. You can expand your reach by selling simultaneously on various platforms, including your website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and more, all managed from a single dashboard.
- Free plan available. You can start selling online with basic features at no cost.
| Pros | Cons |
| Works with any existing website | Limited customization without a full site builder |
| Fast and easy setup | Advanced features only in paid plans |
| Sells on multiple platforms | Smaller app ecosystem compared to Shopify |
| Free plan available | Less suited for very large inventories |
9. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart) is a cloud-based eCommerce platform built for merchants who want more technical control and built-in functionality. As a Shopify alternative, Shift4Shop’s most attractive offer is its free end-to-end eCommerce solution for U.S. merchants, as long as you use Shift4 as your payment provider. This makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious businesses looking to run a full online store without monthly fees.
Key features
- No monthly fees (with Shift4 Payments). You can access the full suite of eCommerce features for free—no subscription costs. This applies if you use Shift4 as your payment processor (U.S. merchants only). It’s a great way to lower your overhead while still running a powerful online store.
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools: You can boost visibility and sales with advanced SEO settings and built-in email marketing. The platform also includes automated promotions and tools for recovering abandoned carts—no extra plugins needed.
- Full store customization: You can fully control your store’s look and functionality with access to HTML, CSS, and template files. This makes it ideal if you or your developer want to create a highly tailored experience.
- Product and inventory management: You can efficiently manage large product catalogs, detailed variants, and custom product options. A single, streamlined dashboard lets you handle all of it with ease—even at scale.
| Pros | Cons |
| No monthly cost with Shift4 Payments | Limited to U.S. for free plan |
| Built in B2B functionality | Not beginner-friendly |
| Strong built-in SEO and marketing tools | Interface feels dated compared to modern builders |
| Full access to all features, even on free plan | Requires technical familiarity |
10. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is a free, open-source eCommerce platform that gives you full control over your store’s setup, design, and functionality. While you’ll need to purchase your own hosting and domain, PrestaShop itself is free to use and supports over 25 languages and multiple currencies out of the box.
Unlike many other platforms, PrestaShop doesn’t charge additional transaction fees. With the right developer, you can build a highly customized online store without overspending. Just keep in mind that some themes and templates may not be as modern or varied as those on Shopify, so visual customization might take more effort.
Key features
- Open-source architecture. You get full access to the codebase, giving you complete control to customize your store exactly the way you want.
- Multi-language and multi-currency. You can easily sell to customers around the world with built-in tools for localizing your store.
- Modular system. You can expand your store’s functionality as your business grows by installing a vast library of modules. It covers everything from payments and shipping to marketing and analytics.
- Large global community. You’re backed by a large, active community of users, developers, and partners. It’s easy to find support, guidance, and third-party tools whenever you need them.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fully customizable and open-source | Requires technical knowledge to set up and manage |
| No monthly subscription fees | Hosting and maintenance are the user’s responsibility |
| Ideal for international stores | Add-ons can be costly |
| Wide range of modules and themes | Less intuitive for non-developers |
Level up your online presence with Network Solutions
Selecting an eCommerce store platform is an important step in building a successful online business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to switch from Shopify, there’s no shortage of capable alternatives, each with unique strengths to match your goals, budget, and technical skill level.
But if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that balances simplicity, flexibility, and advanced features at an affordable price, consider Network Solutions.
With our AI-powered website builder, you can create a custom online store without complexity. From drag-and-drop design to automated content creation, secure hosting, and built-in marketing tools, we give you everything you need to launch and grow online—all in one place.
Ready to get started? Start building your website today.
