Are you in search of the best Shopify alternatives for an e-commerce store? Well, this post was created for that purpose. But let’s be clear on one thing; Shopify is one of the best platforms to develop an e-commerce store. And being home to over 600,000 e-commerce is no joke.
Shopify works! That’s why it’s a favorite tool. And despite having tons of features, the platform is still a breeze to use. Enjoy 24 hours of support and numerous tools to scale your business.
Well, Shopify holds at least 10% of the entire global e-commerce platform market share which is a great feat. But then, not everyone would enjoy using the platform. There are alternatives to Shopify that are noteworthy. Let’s look at each of them.
13 Best Shopify Alternatives For an E-commerce Store
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1. Magento
Magento is a unique Shopify alternative and a downloadable, feature-rich and open source shopping cart for that matter. Users have two options to choose from (Magento Open Source & Magento Commerce) – with the first being entirely free while the second option is the paid version suitable for enterprise users.
Unlike Shopify, Magento is not cloud-based. What this means is that the platform is self-hosted. In other words, you have to secure your hosting and customize your platform however you want. Magento is also suitable for mid-size to bigger businesses, particularly one that can afford in-house programmers with coding experience to tweak the platform a bit.
2. Prestashop
Prestashop is another Shopify alternative, but not as feature-rich as Shopify. It’s almost on the same level as Magento in that you need to acquire a domain and self-host. But even at that, Prestashop is still a budget-friendly Shopify alternative for entrepreneurs who are just starting.
Prestashop is also free and supports over 25 languages and international sales, which is something noteworthy. But it doesn’t have as many themes and templates as Shopify, which is not an issue considering that the platform is free. You can also install a third party theme too. But again, you will require some level of tech skills to run this platform successfully.
3. WooCommerce
If you plan to build an e-commerce site that’s going to be content heavy, WooCommerce is a wise choice. The platform is user-friendly and easy to set up. Plus it also offers some free plans that are good enough to encourage users to get started, at least. It’s also an open-source platform that ranks high regarding user experience.
If you’re running a WordPress website, then you sure don’t need much introduction of what WooCommerce is and why it’s popular among WordPress users. WordPress integration with this platform is a breeze. And even with the free option, you can develop a cart that can compete with other paid or expensive options out there.
4. Volusion
Volusion is another incredible Shopify alternative, going by the figures. But keep in mind this platform has been around for some time now, at least over 20 years. The platform is also cloud-based and a breeze to use. Another remarkable thing you will like about Volusion is that it is scalable and suitable for all type of businesses, whether small, big or large.
Again, before you create your account to kick start your business, there are critical decisions you have to make. You need to decide which to signup, either V1 or V2, according to your business size and needs. But then, if you are running a big business, opt for the V1 account.
5. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another feature-rich Shopify alternative, with a simple-to-use interface. The platform comes packed with tons of customizable templates to let you design your store to your liking. Again, the platform is suitable for entrepreneurs looking to sell either digital or physical products.
BigCommerce is not a free platform, have that in mind. But there is a free trial option which you can access for a certain period before deciding whether to continue using the platform or not. But with features like unlimited products, bandwidth, and storage, BigCommerce is a platform you will adore. It also allows users to do some SEO tweaks, which is incredible.
6. BigCartel
BigCartel is one of the best Shopify alternatives for startups looking for a freebie. But keep in mind that the free plan only allows five products. So, if you are thinking of adding more to your store, then you need to opt for a paid plan. But regarding the paid plans, one remarkable feature BigCartel has is that the monthly cost is cheap.
BigCartel is also simple to use and super easy to set up. Within a few minutes, you can even create your e-commerce store and start selling your products right away. Enjoy unlimited bandwidth and opportunity to integrate your store with PayPal, Facebook, and Google Analytics.
7. Ecwid
Ecwid is an excellent platform with features you will find impressive. First, it offers access to over 50 payment gateways which you can integrate into your website. These include PayPal, Sage, Authorize.Net, 2Checkout, Stripe and many more. Having such a large number of payment gateways is a big plus. It would help to eliminate payment challenges customers face most times.
Ecwid is a great Shopify alternative, no doubt, only that it differs in some ways. The difference is that Ecwid isn’t a hosted service. The platform offers a store plugin which one has to install on an existing site to start selling. But if you are looking for a freebie, then Ecwid is a wise choice. They offer a free plan, but it only allows ten products, and that’s it.
8. CoreCommerce
CoreCommerce is another remarkable alternative to Shopify that comes with tons of features that will leave you speechless. First, it offers over 70 payment gateways to make it easier for you and potential buyers to do business without encountering any challenges with payment.
This e-commerce software is also cloud-based and very simple to use. It is also easy to set up. CoreCommerce also supports multiple languages, thus eliminating the language barrier, making it possible for shop owners to sell to international markets. Another thing you should know is that the platform is not free to use. But you can access a free plan which lasts for a specific period. Customer support is also something impressive about CoreCommerce.
9. Zoey
Another powerful cloud-based e-commerce platform, Zoey is suitable for B2B and wholesale establishments. The platform is mobile friendly and features unlimited image storage, a feature which let you add products without restriction. It also supports over 50 payment gateways and multiple languages for better user experience.
The only major issue many entrepreneurs would with Zoey is the pricing. Many would consider it to be ridiculous. But considering the features and services you will receive in return, the prices are worth it. You can even create your discounts, promotions, and gift cards too. So, Zoey is a powerful e-commerce software, only that it is not a cheap Shopify alternative.
10. Squarespace
Squarespace has tons of features that make an e-commerce platform impressive to use. And, unlike Shopify, Squarespace didn’t start as an e-commerce platform. It used to be entirely focused on providing hosting service, and serve as a blogging platform and website builder.
Get access to remarkable features like zero transaction charge, unlimited listing, and free domains. The platform also offers incredible theme templates, which you can customize according to your needs. The only deal breaker is the inability to alter meta-description and title tags for products pages, which is an issue for those looking to boost search engine rankings.
11. Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus offers all the features you will find on Shopify and more. It is also level 1 PCI compliant, a feature that sets it apart from other top-ranking e-commerce platforms. Shopify Plus is also built for high volume merchants or big businesses. It offers features like low transaction fees and an impressive customization option.
With Shopify Plus, you can customize your checkout, storefront, and backend. The platform also supports multiple languages, a feature that eliminates the language barrier and is critical for international e-commerce. Shopify plus also offers over 100 payment gateways and other useful features. The only drawback is the pricing. It is on the high side and so not an ideal option for small online businesses or startups on a tight budget.
12. Pinnacle Cart
Pinnacle Cart is another terrific Shopify alternative for an e-commerce store. It offers numerous online store management tools, shopping cart functionalities, and great marketing potentials. However, Pinnacle Cart’s interface is also user-friendly and attractive. And with the tools and features this platform, operating an e-commerce store a breeze.
Pinnacle Cart is also suitable for all businesses, irrespective of size. The platform also manages every single thing such as managing orders, processing transactions as well as overseeing deliveries. Get access to the complete marketing and e-commerce tools you require to grow your business on Pinnacle Cart. Again, it also comes with a free SSL certificate too.
13. Wix
Wix is another incredible platform like Shopify that is gaining popularity by the day. But the fantastic thing about Wix is that it is both an e-commerce platform and website builder with effective shopping cart solutions.
Wix gives you access to tons of features you would need to make your e-commerce store a success. Enjoy unlimited products, mobile-friendly platform, and you can even request for a customized domain that matches with your brand name. And unlike other websites, Wix allows users to take all the profit from their businesses. It’s a great platform to build an e-commerce store.
Conclusion
So, these are the best Shopify alternatives for an e-commerce store going by what is currently out there. You can make a decision on which would be more convenient for you to use. But if you are going for the paid options, you need to consider your budget size before making such moves. These platforms will grant you access to incredible tools to help make your online store to function smoothly.
So, if you are tired of Shopify and want to try out something different, you can choose from this list.
