Shopify alternatives
Shopify scores 9.0/10 on our rubric, but it is not the right fit for everyone. These are the 5 strongest alternatives we score, ranked, with what each one does better and what it costs.
Why people look beyond Shopify
- Monthly cost plus transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments
- Overkill for under ~20 products
Who it isn't for
A content site with a small shop attached. If you have ten products and two hundred articles, you are paying commerce pricing for a blog. It is also the wrong pick if you need an unconventional checkout, since the checkout is the part Shopify guards most closely.
The best Shopify alternatives
1. B12 8.7
The fastest route from a description to a working website: an AI builder that drafts a complete site, store or simple web app from one prompt, then lets you edit it by chatting or clicking.
Better than Shopify on ease of use, design and value.
2. Wix 8.6
The safest default if you want the most options and the least friction. You trade portability for speed.
Better than Shopify on ease of use, design and value.
3. Squarespace 8.4
Pick it when the site must look considered and you do not want to make design decisions.
Better than Shopify on ease of use and design.
4. BigCommerce 7.8
The Shopify alternative that makes most sense for B2B, multiple storefronts and growing stores that want more built in.
Scores below Shopify on every criterion we rate, so choose it for the reasons above rather than on points.
5. WooCommerce 7.6
Cheapest on paper, most expensive in time. Right if you already run WordPress.
Better than Shopify on flexibility and value.
Shopify and its alternatives side by side
| Score | From | Free plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | 9.0 | US$29/mo | No |
| B12 | 8.7 | US$20/mo | Yes |
| Wix | 8.6 | US$17/mo | Yes |
| Squarespace | 8.4 | US$19/mo | No |
| BigCommerce | 7.8 | US$29/mo | No |
| WooCommerce | 7.6 | US$0/mo | Yes |
Questions people ask
What is the best alternative to Shopify?
B12, at 8.7/10. The fastest route from a description to a working website: an AI builder that drafts a complete site, store or simple web app from one prompt, then lets you edit it by chatting or clicking.
What is the cheapest alternative to Shopify?
WooCommerce, which is free to start.
Is there a free alternative to Shopify?
Yes: B12, Wix and WooCommerce each have a free plan.
Read next
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