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The best Shopify alternatives for e-commerce in 2024
Reading time: 4 minutes
Shopify is the largest and most popular e-commerce platform worldwide in 2024. However, there are numerous Shopify alternatives on the market and that's a good thing. Because competition stimulates business. If the Canadian company rests on its laurels, the other platforms have the potential to overtake Shopify as the top dog.
At the same time, there is a possibility that you have different requirements for your e-commerce solution and are therefore better off with a competitor. For this reason, I would like to offer you this overview by presenting the top alternatives for Shopify, explaining their special features and briefly describing for whom this alternative should be considered.
#1 WooCommerce - The flexible WordPress alternative for Shopify
WooCommerce is an open source plugin for WordPress and is particularly popular for its high level of customizability. The platform offers full control over all store functions and a large number of extensions. As WooCommerce is built on WordPress, users benefit from the SEO advantages and the large community that regularly develops new plugins and integrations. In the article Shopify vs. WooCommerce I compared the two platforms in detail.
Advantages
- Free basic version
- Extensive customization options and high flexibility
- Tight integration with WordPress and many SEO plugins
Disadvantages
- Can be complex for beginners
- Some functions only available via paid plugins
Suitable for
WooCommerce is an ideal Shopify alternative for users who already use WordPress and have technical knowledge or developers in the team to customize the store.
#2 BigCommerce - The powerful Shopify alternative for larger stores
BigCommerce is a powerful, cloud-based platform that, like Shopify, integrates many functions directly. The focus is on larger companies that are looking for a scalable solution that still offers ease of use.
Advantages
- No transaction fees
- Comprehensive functions for larger companies
- Easy integration with major marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay
Disadvantages
- Limited design customization compared to WooCommerce
- Higher entry price
Suitable for
BigCommerce is suitable as a Shopify alternative for companies with growing business volumes and the need for advanced features such as multi-channel selling and integrated tools for larger teams.
#3 Squarespace - The design-focused Shopify alternative
Squarespace is known for its high-quality design templates and is a strong option for users who want to create appealing and modern online stores. The e-commerce features are ideal for creative industries that value aesthetics.
Advantages
- Simple operation and appealing templates
- Optimized for mobile devices
- Ideal for smaller stores
Disadvantages
- Limited e-commerce functions for large stores
- Fewer customization options compared to WooCommerce and BigCommerce
Suitable for
Squarespace is a good choice for creatives, artists or small businesses that need a clear, stylish online store without diving into technical details.
#4 Wix - The Shopify alternative for beginners
Wix is a website builder that also offers e-commerce functions. Thanks to its drag-and-drop operation, Wix is particularly suitable for beginners who have no programming knowledge.
Advantages
- Very user-friendly and ideal for beginners
- Large selection of design templates
- Free basic version available
Disadvantages
- Limited scalability for large stores
- Additional costs for extended functions
Suitable for
Wix is an attractive Shopify alternative for small businesses or individuals who need a simple, functional online store without technical complexity.
#5 Magento (Adobe Commerce) - The Shopify alternative for large companies
Magento is a comprehensive open source platform that requires technical expertise. The platform offers almost infinite possibilities for customization and is therefore particularly suitable for larger companies.
Advantages
- Comprehensive customization options
- Numerous extensions and powerful functions
- Very suitable for large and complex stores
Disadvantages
- Higher demands on technical knowledge
- Higher operating costs
Suitable for
Magento is a suitable Shopify alternative for large companies with complex requirements and an internal IT team that can take care of maintenance and expansion.
Would you like to build an online store and sell online?
#6 Ecwid - The Shopify alternative for multi-channel sales
Ecwid specializes in turning existing websites and social media channels into online stores. It is an excellent option for companies that want to expand their existing online presence with e-commerce.
Advantages
- Easy integration into existing websites
- Multi-channel sales via Facebook, Instagram, Amazon and eBay
- Favorable price structure
Disadvantages
- Limited customization options
- Not ideal for large, independent stores
Suitable for
Ecwid is the perfect Shopify alternative for smaller stores or companies that also want to sell their products via social media and marketplaces.
#7 Jimdo - The simple Shopify alternative for small businesses
Jimdo is a website platform for beginners that offers basic e-commerce functionality. It is easy to use and the platform is ideal for small businesses and the self-employed.
Advantages
- Easy to use
- No previous knowledge required
- Quick entry possible
Disadvantages
- Limited functions and customization options
- Not suitable for large stores
Suitable for
Jimdo is a suitable Shopify alternative for small businesses or individuals who need a simple online store without technical complexity.
#8 Weebly - Shopify alternative with user-friendly modular system
Weebly is another entry-level platform with e-commerce functions and is well suited for small to medium-sized stores. The platform is easy to use and allows users to quickly launch a store without any technical knowledge.
Advantages
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Affordable prices
- Good mobile adaptation
Disadvantages
- Limited functions for large stores
- Limited customization options
Suitable for
Weebly is suitable as a Shopify alternative for small businesses and beginners who want to sell online without much effort.
#9 Spree Commerce - The open source Shopify alternative for developers
Spree Commerce is an open source platform that offers great flexibility and adaptability, but relies on an experienced developer base.
Advantages
- High adaptability
- Open source, no license costs
- Numerous extensions available
Disadvantages
- Requires technical knowledge and developer resources
- No integrated functions like Shopify
Suitable for
Spree Commerce is a good Shopify alternative for companies that have technical know-how and are looking for a customized solution.
#10 Shopware - The Shopify alternative from Germany
Shopware is a powerful e-commerce solution from Germany that is particularly well suited to the European market. It offers numerous functions and customization options and relies on an API-first architecture, which makes it particularly flexible for growing companies.
Advantages
- Very well suited for the German market, including GDPR compliance
- Flexible and scalable system
- Supports extensive customization and multi-channel sales
Disadvantages
- Requires technical expertise for optimal use
- Some advanced functions only available in the Enterprise version
Suitable for
Shopware is ideal for medium-sized to large companies that are looking for a powerful Shopify alternative for the European market and have high demands on flexibility and expandability.
Summary
The right choice of store system is very important and should therefore be made carefully. The recommendation can also vary depending on the requirements profile.
Even though there are many interesting Shopify alternatives, Shopify remains the first choice for most companies in the e-commerce sector. With its intuitive operation, powerful infrastructure and extensive integration options, Shopify offers a complete package that is ideal for companies of all sizes - from start-ups to established brands. Especially for stores aiming for rapid growth and international expansion, Shopify is often unbeatable.
As an experienced Shopify agency we can support you in creating, managing and scaling your Shopify store. Of course, we also have expertise with other store systems. Feel free to arrange an initial consultation with us to find out together how we can best support you.
