Website Development

Best Shopify Alternatives for E-commerce

GFX SQUARE
December 26, 2024

Shopify is the primary e-commerce platform, helping businesses of all sizes easily create their online stores. However, its pricing structure might not suit everybody, and some companies need features that Shopify does not offer. Luckily, we have some Shopify alternatives, some free, that help fulfil the needs of e-commerce businesses.

In this article, we will explore some free Shopify alternatives, similar Shopify platforms, and Shopify competitors. If you are looking for options for your online stores, this article is for you.

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Are There Free Shopify Alternatives?

Many platforms offer free plans and free-source solutions, making them an ideal alternative to Shopify. Whereas Shopify imposes a monthly fee, these alternatives allow startups and small businesses to spend less and start their ecommerce businesses. Let’s discuss some Shopify options.

1. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a zero-cost plugin for WordPress, making your site a strong ecommerce store. It’s best for businesses already utilizing WordPress.

Key Features

Endless product listings
Interconnection with prominent payment solutions.
Wide options of extensions and themes.
Root access over your website.

Why Choose WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is almost free, but you have to pay a little for domain registration and hosting. Don’t worry, though, because its customized and flexible options are worth your investment. It is an ideal choice for building a strong online store.

2. Square Online

Square Online offers a free way to start an online store. It’s ideal for businesses that need a physical appearance.

Key Features

No cost plan with basic ecommerce offerings.
Seamless integration having square POS.
User-friendly editor with drag-and-drop option.
No-cost hosting

Why Choose Square Online?

Square Online has limited customizing options, but we can’t deny that it is also the best alternative to Shopify because it helps small businesses have a budget-friendly online existence.

3. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is specially designed for makers, artists, and small businesses with a limited range of products to sell. It provides stores with a free plan for up to five products.

Key Features

No monthly charges with a free plan.
Easy store customization.
Free transaction without any fee.

Why Choose a Big Cartel?

If you have set up to sell a small range of products, Big Cartel is your go-to platform.

4. Ecwid

Ecwid is an innovative ecommerce platform that connects easily to existing websites and offers a versatile online store.

Key Features

No cost plan for up to five products
Mobile-optimized design
Social media store integration system.
Different language and currency conversion.

Why Choose Ecwid?

Ecwid is the best alternative to Shopify and is for businesses that want to try it out before going to a paid plan.

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Is There Any Other Platform Like Shopify?

Shopify is known for its simple yet effective features, but many platforms offer services similar to Shopify that cover different business requirements.

1. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is the closest competitor of Shopify, offering a thorough platform for creating online stores.

Key Features

Built-in SEO tools
Multi-platform selling ( Amazon, eBay, Facebook)
Free transaction without any fee.
Highly expandable for growing businesses

Why Choose BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is best for small to large businesses that demand strong features and scalability.

2. Wix eCommerce

Wix is a website builder with ecommerce abilities, providing an easy-to-use interface and attractive pricing.

Key Features

Drag-and-drop website builder
Cost-effective plans
Onboard marketing tools

Why Choose Wix?

It’s ideal for startups and small businesses looking for a manageable platform.

3. Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Magento is a free-to-edit platform that provides advanced scalability and customization for online e-commerce stores.

Key Features

Editable codebase
Scalability for big businesses
Broad range of integrations and extensions.

Why Choose Magento?

Businesses with technical knowledge or with reach for developers can benefit from its flexible and impactful features.

4. PrestaShop

PrestaShop is another ideal ecommerce solution, providing top free software for setting up online stores.

Key Features

Multi-language and multi-currency support
Customizable modules and themes
Free monthly subscription

Why Choose PrestaShop?

It’s an excellent choice for businesses finding a customizable and affordable platform. Read Now to choose the best digital marketing agency in Pakistan.

Is There a Free Shopify Version?

Shopify does not offer a free version, but it’s kind enough to provide a 3-day free trial for its users to learn its features. After the trial, users must select a paid plan, which starts at around $29 per month.

If you’re looking for free alternatives to Shopify, the best options are the platforms we discussed earlier, such as WooCommerce, Square Online, Ecwid, and Big Cartel. For businesses that have a small or tight budget, these platforms are worth considering:

WooCommerce: Free with hosting costs as low as $5/month.
Square Online: Free for simple e-commerce demands.
Big Cartel: Free plan with up to five products.
Weebly: Free with simple online store features.

Who Is Shopify’s Biggest Competitor?

Shopify’s biggest competitor is BigCommerce. This platform provides the same features but with some remarkable differences.

Shopify vs. BigCommerce

Ease of Use

Shopify is user-friendly, making it an easy platform for regular users to build up a store.
BigCommerce provides some advanced features that can be helpful for some users.

Pricing

Shopify asks for transaction fees unless we start to use Shopify payments.
BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees, making it cheaper.

Features

Shopify has expanded its library of third-party apps.
BigCommerce involves many features like built-in, lowering reliance on applications.

Other notable shopify alternatives include:

WooCommerce: Ideal for WordPress users.
Magento: Best for wide-spread businesses.
Wix: Ideal for small and medium enterprises.
Squarespace: Best for visually appealing websites.

Which Shopify Alternative is Best for You?

Selecting the Best Shopify alternative depends on your business requirements, budget and technical knowledge. A quick comparison is mentioned for you to decide:

Conclusion

Shopify remains the top choice for ecommerce, but it is not the only option. Some free Shopify alternatives include Woocommerce, Square Online and Big Cartel. These platforms are the best choice for small businesses and startups. By assessing these budgets, aims and technical expertise, you can decide on your ideal platform to help you in your journey to ecommerce success. If you are interested in exploring new topics such as importance of branding services in 2025, then you must visit the blog section of our website.

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TALHA IRSHAD

Entrepreneur & Content Specialist

Talha Irshad is the Director and CEO of various ventures as well as GFX SQUARE. He is a content creator by passion. He has a keen interest in content creation and sharing valueable content. He has alot of top-ranked articles and blogposts.

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