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7 Shopify alternatives to build your E-commerce store

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29 Sep 202540 min read

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In 2025, more and more businesses are seeking Shopify alternatives. Why? Rising costs, limited flexibility, and the need for more customizable features are just a few reasons. Shopify, while a leading platform, doesn’t always meet the unique needs of every business. Whether you’re a small startup, a scaling brand, or an enterprise, your e-commerce platform should fit your specific goals, not the other way around.

For businesses that want to create something unique, have more control over design and functionality, or save on monthly fees, exploring Shopify alternatives is a smart move. These platforms offer flexibility, scalability, and tailored features that can help you grow your business without the steep learning curve or high subscription costs of Shopify.

Ready to find the perfect fit among the Shopify alternatives? Keep reading to discover the best options that cater to your unique business needs!

Why Seek Shopify Alternatives: Common Reasons Businesses Are Looking for Better Options

As businesses evolve, their needs change, and Shopify alternatives offer solutions that may better match those needs. One of the most common reasons businesses seek alternatives to Shopify is cost reduction. While Shopify provides a robust platform, its monthly subscription fees can add up, especially for smaller businesses or startups. Shopify alternatives often come with lower fees or even free plans, making them a more attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

Another key reason is customization. Shopify's design and functionality, while powerful, are often seen as rigid. Many businesses want more control over their site’s design, functionality, and customer experience. Shopify alternatives such as WooCommerce or BigCommerce offer unlimited flexibility and a larger set of customization options, allowing businesses to better match their brand’s unique needs.

Finally, businesses are seeking Shopify alternatives because they need features not offered by Shopify. Whether it’s a stronger integration with brick-and-mortar stores, advanced B2B tools, or specialized marketing features, alternatives often provide more specialized options that Shopify may lack.

By exploring Shopify alternatives, businesses can find platforms that meet their specific goals without compromise.



Shopify Alternatives Compared (2025)

Here’s a quick overview of the best Shopify alternatives for 2025, based on key features, pricing, and what businesses they are best suited for. This comparison will help you narrow down your options and find the platform that works best for your unique needs.


PlatformBest ForStarting PriceStandout FeatureBiggest Tradeoff
🥇 WixBeginners, small stores$16/moAI-powered setup + 900+ templatesLimited backend flexibility
🥈 SquarespaceCreatives, service providers$23/moBuilt-in booking + email toolsFewer integrations
🥉 BigCommerceScaling & B2B businesses$29.95/moNo transaction fees, native multichannelLearning curve, pricing auto-upgrades
4.WooCommerceWordPress users, developersFree (core)Unlimited flexibility + plugin ecosystemRequires maintenance + tech knowledge
5.Adobe CommerceLarge enterprises~$22k/yearEnterprise-grade custom workflowsHigh cost + dev team required
6.Square OnlineBrick-and-mortar + POS syncFreeEasy POS + online store integrationLimited design/customization options
7.Hostinger BuilderBudget-conscious solopreneurs$2.99/moAI tools + Woo compatibility on a budgetLight on advanced features

1. Wix – Best for Beginners and Small Stores

Wix is a user-friendly platform that is perfect for beginners and small businesses. With its AI-powered site setup and over 900 templates, you can quickly create a professional-looking store without technical knowledge. However, its backend flexibility is limited, making it less ideal for businesses with large catalogs or complex needs. Starting at just $16 per month, Wix is an affordable Shopify alternative for smaller stores.




2. Squarespace – Ideal for Creatives and Service Providers

Squarespace is great for creative professionals, coaches, and service-based businesses selling digital products or subscriptions. It offers built-in booking and email tools, as well as Member Areas for client-only content. However, it’s not as customizable as other platforms like Shopify, and it has fewer integrations. Starting at $23 per month, Squarespace is a solid choice for those in need of high-quality design and easy-to-use tools.

3. BigCommerce – Best for Scaling and B2B Businesses

BigCommerce is a powerful platform for growing eCommerce businesses and those in B2B. Its standout feature is that it has no transaction fees and includes multichannel selling tools out of the box. While it offers robust features, the learning curve can be steep, and its pricing auto-upgrades based on sales, which might be a downside for some users. At $29.95 per month, BigCommerce is a great choice for scaling brands looking for advanced features.



4. WooCommerce – Ideal for WordPress Users

For WordPress users, WooCommerce offers nearly unlimited customization and access to an extensive plugin ecosystem. It’s free to use at its core, with additional costs for hosting and premium features. However, it requires technical knowledge and ongoing maintenance, making it best for developers or businesses with an in-house tech team. If you want full control over your online store, WooCommerce is a top Shopify alternative.



5. Adobe Commerce – Best for Large Enterprises

Adobe Commerce, formerly Magento, is an enterprise-grade eCommerce platform that offers powerful customization and integration with the Adobe Experience Cloud. It’s perfect for large businesses with complex needs but comes at a steep price, starting at approximately $22k per year. If your business requires custom workflows and scalability, Adobe Commerce is the best Shopify alternative for enterprises willing to invest in a robust solution.



6. Square Online – Best for Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Square Online is ideal for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to expand into the online market. It offers easy integration with POS systems and a free plan for basic eCommerce features. However, the design and customization options are limited, and it’s best suited for smaller businesses that don’t need complex features. Starting at $0, Square Online is a great entry-level option for businesses with an existing physical store.




7. Hostinger Builder – Best for Budget-Conscious Solopreneurs

For those on a tight budget, Hostinger Builder provides AI-powered tools and compatibility with WooCommerce for as low as $2.99 per month. While it’s a cost-effective solution for solopreneurs, it lacks advanced features like robust analytics and third-party integrations, making it less suitable for larger, more complex stores.



How to Choose the Right Shopify Alternative for Your Business

Selecting the right Shopify alternative for your business can be a challenging decision. To make the right choice, you need to consider several factors based on your business needs, budget, and growth potential. In this section, we’ll walk through key considerations to help you choose the best platform.

1. Business Type: Choose the Platform That Fits Your Needs

Your business type plays a major role in determining which Shopify alternative is best for you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Physical Retail Businesses: If you run a brick-and-mortar store and want to integrate your online and offline operations, Square Online is a great option. It syncs well with POS systems and offers a simple, low-cost setup.
  • Service-Based Businesses: If you sell digital products or services (like coaching or consulting), Squarespace is ideal for its built-in tools for booking, email marketing, and member-only content.
  • B2B or Large-Scale Stores: For businesses scaling quickly or in the B2B space, BigCommerce and Adobe Commerce offer powerful tools and robust scalability to support large inventories and multi-channel selling.
  • Customizable eCommerce Solutions: For full control over design and features, WooCommerce is the best option, especially if you’re already using WordPress.

2. Customization Needs: Decide How Much Control You Need

Do you need a platform with lots of customization options, or do you prefer something simple with fewer features?

  • Minimal Customization: If you prefer ease of use and don’t need advanced customization, platforms like Wix or Square Online are good choices. These are ready to go out-of-the-box and allow you to get started quickly.
  • Full Customization: If your business requires complete control over design, functionality, and integrations, then WooCommerce or BigCommerce are the better options. They allow for unlimited customization, though they may require more technical knowledge or resources.

3. Budget: Find the Best Shopify Alternative Within Your Price Range

When choosing a Shopify alternative, your budget plays a big role in the decision-making process.

  • Free or Low-Cost Options: If you’re on a tight budget, platforms like WooCommerce (free core version) and Hostinger Builder (starting at $2.99/mo) are ideal for solopreneurs and small businesses.
  • Mid-Range Budget: If you can invest a little more, Wix and Squarespace offer great value with pricing starting at $16 and $23 per month, respectively. These platforms offer ease of use, reliable features, and good design flexibility.
  • Enterprise-Level Budget: For larger businesses with bigger budgets, BigCommerce and Adobe Commerce offer advanced features that justify their higher pricing, starting at $29.95/mo and ~$22k/year, respectively.

4. Global or Omnichannel Support: Do You Need Multi-Channel Selling?

If your business needs to sell on multiple platforms (like Amazon, eBay, or social media), it’s important to choose a Shopify alternative that offers strong omnichannel support.

  • BigCommerce is excellent for businesses that need to sell across multiple channels, including marketplaces and social media platforms.
  • Wix and WooCommerce offer some omnichannel capabilities, but they are not as robust as BigCommerce in this area.

5. Technical Expertise: How Comfortable Are You With Technology?

The technical knowledge required to use each platform varies widely:

  • Beginner-Friendly Platforms: If you’re not tech-savvy, Wix and Squarespace are great choices. They provide drag-and-drop tools, pre-designed templates, and automated setups.
  • Advanced Users or Developers: If you have technical expertise or a development team, platforms like WooCommerce or Adobe Commerce offer more flexibility and the ability to customize every aspect of your online store.

By evaluating your business type, customization needs, budget, and technical expertise, you’ll be able to find the right Shopify alternative that best meets your unique requirements.

DICloak: Manage Multiple Accounts Across Shopify Alternatives

Once you’ve chosen the right Shopify alternative for your business, you’ll likely find yourself managing multiple accounts, automating tasks, and ensuring privacy across various platforms. In such cases, DICloak can be the perfect solution. With its advanced features like profile isolation, browser automation, and team work management, DICloak ensures that your business operations remain secure, efficient. Let’s dive into how each of these features can enhance your workflow.

Profile Isolation

Fingerprint SimulationDICloak ensures account isolation by simulating unique browser fingerprints. Users can customize the operating system, user agent, language, time zone, and more, making each Shopify alternative account appear as though it's accessed from different devices or locations. This helps businesses manage multiple stores securely, preventing platforms from linking accounts together.

Proxy Configuration
DICloak allows users to configure proxy types, including SOCKS5, HTTP, and HTTPS, ensuring that each account uses a different IP address. This is essential for businesses running multiple stores on Shopify alternatives, as it prevents accounts from being flagged for using the same IP. By using distinct proxies and proxy accounts, DICloak further enhances privacy protection and minimizes the risk of detection.

Browser Automation

DICloak's RPA automation is a powerful tool for businesses using Shopify alternatives, enabling them to automate repetitive tasks and efficiently manage multiple accounts. With features like AI Browser Automation, businesses can easily set up workflows to complete various tasks, making it suitable for platforms like BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Wix. This automation eliminates the need for manual intervention, saving time and boosting productivity without any coding skills required. By streamlining operations and increasing efficiency, DICloak's RPA ensures businesses can focus on scaling and growth, while maintaining smooth and secure management of multiple eCommerce accounts.

Team Work Management

DICloak’s Team Work Management feature helps businesses using Shopify alternatives efficiently manage multiple team members across various eCommerce accounts. By assigning roles such as Manager, Admin, or Super Admin, DICloak ensures that each team member has access only to the relevant profiles, maintaining secure and organized workflows. This feature is ideal for businesses scaling operations across platforms like BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or Wix, allowing for seamless collaboration, real-time monitoring, and secure account access management, all from one central dashboard.

Shopify vs. Top eCommerce Alternatives: Which One Wins?

In this section, we’ll compare Shopify with the top Shopify alternatives to help you determine which platform is best for your business needs. We’ll look at features, pricing, scalability, and ease of use to give you a clear picture of what each option offers.

1. Wix vs. Shopify: Ease of Use vs. Advanced Features

Wix is an excellent Shopify alternative for businesses that prioritize ease of use and affordability. With its drag-and-drop interface, Wix allows beginners to create an online store quickly and without needing any coding skills. It starts at $16 per month and offers AI-powered setup and more than 900 templates, making it an affordable solution for small stores. However, Wix lacks the advanced inventory and multichannel selling tools that Shopify provides.

  • Shopify: Best for businesses looking for an all-in-one eCommerce solution with advanced features like product tracking, POS integration, and more.
  • Wix: Ideal for small businesses or solopreneurs who need a simple and cost-effective solution. However, it’s not scalable for larger businesses with complex needs.

2. BigCommerce vs. Shopify: Power for Growth

For businesses that need to scale quickly and sell across multiple channels, BigCommerce is a strong contender. Priced at $29.95 per month, BigCommerce offers no transaction fees, powerful SEO features, and seamless multichannel selling tools, including integrations with Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms. However, it does have a steeper learning curve compared to Shopify, and its pricing can increase as your sales grow.

  • Shopify: Shopify’s pricing starts higher, but it offers an easy-to-use platform that’s ideal for businesses of all sizes. It also supports a vast range of apps and integrations.
  • BigCommerce: Great for businesses looking for advanced features out of the box, but it may require more technical expertise to maximize its potential.

3. WooCommerce vs. Shopify: Full Customization vs. Simplicity

WooCommerce is an open-source Shopify alternative for WordPress users. It’s free to use at its core, and its flexibility makes it ideal for businesses that need complete control over their website’s design and functionality. With a massive plugin ecosystem, you can add virtually any feature to your store. However, WooCommerce requires more technical knowledge, and ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure your site runs smoothly.

  • Shopify: Shopify provides a simpler setup and management process, making it ideal for users who prefer not to worry about the technical details.
  • WooCommerce: Perfect for WordPress users or businesses with a tech-savvy team that need full customization and control.

4. Squarespace vs. Shopify: Creativity vs. eCommerce Features

If you’re a creator or service provider, Squarespace offers beautiful templates, built-in tools for booking and email marketing, and is an excellent Shopify alternative for selling digital products. Starting at $23 per month, Squarespace focuses on simplicity and design, which makes it an attractive choice for creatives. However, it’s not as customizable as Shopify when it comes to selling physical products.

  • Shopify: Best for businesses with physical inventory or multi-channel selling needs. It has more eCommerce features compared to Squarespace.
  • Squarespace: Ideal for creators and service-based businesses who prioritize design and need built-in tools for digital product sales.

5. Adobe Commerce (Magento) vs. Shopify: Enterprise-Level Customization vs. Simplicity

For large enterprises needing advanced customization and full control over their website’s functionality, Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is a powerful solution. It integrates with the Adobe Experience Cloud and provides AI-powered personalization. However, the setup and maintenance are complex and costly, with an annual price tag starting around $22k. This makes it a less viable option for small businesses.

  • Shopify: While Shopify isn’t as customizable as Adobe Commerce, it offers an easier, more affordable solution with a wide range of apps and integrations for businesses of all sizes.
  • Adobe Commerce: Best for large enterprises that require a fully customizable eCommerce platform with advanced features, but at a significantly higher cost and complexity.

FAQs About Shopify Alternatives

Here are some frequently asked questions about Shopify alternatives to help you make an informed decision:

1. What is the best alternative to Shopify for beginners?

For beginners, Wix is an excellent choice. It offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, AI-powered setup, and over 900 templates, making it a great starting point for those new to eCommerce. Additionally, Wix is cost-effective, starting at just $16 per month, making it ideal for small stores looking to get up and running quickly.

2. Is there a free Shopify alternative?

Yes, WooCommerce is a Shopify alternative that is free to use at its core. While you'll need to pay for hosting and possibly some plugins, it provides unlimited customization and flexibility, especially if you already have a WordPress site. Square Online is another free Shopify alternative that offers essential eCommerce features and integrates seamlessly with Square POS for brick-and-mortar stores.

3. Which Shopify alternative is best for digital products?

Squarespace is perfect for businesses that sell digital products, such as eBooks, music, or downloadable software. It offers built-in tools for booking, email marketing, and selling memberships, making it an excellent Shopify alternative for digital creators and service-based businesses. Wix is another good choice if you're looking for simplicity and ease of use.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Shopify Alternative for Your Business

In conclusion, choosing the right Shopify alternative depends on your business's needs, goals, and budget. Whether you're starting out or looking for more customization, options like Wix, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Squarespace, and Adobe Commerce each offer unique benefits. If multi-account management and automation are essential, DICloak is a powerful addition to any Shopify alternative, ensuring secure, isolated accounts and task automation. Explore your options carefully to find the best fit for your eCommerce goals. Don’t miss DICloak’s Autumn Mega Sale for amazing discounts!



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