Shopify transformed online selling by making eCommerce accessible to businesses without technical expertise. The platform’s hosted infrastructure, integrated payments, and extensive app ecosystem helped millions launch online stores quickly. However, market leadership doesn’t guarantee the best fit for every business model or growth stage.
As stores scale, common friction points emerge. Transaction fees between 0.5% and 2% compound on every sale unless merchants use Shopify Payments, which isn’t available globally. Monthly costs climb as businesses add apps for functionality that competitors include natively. Customization beyond themes requires expensive developer work or accepts platform constraints. Content management and SEO capabilities lag behind dedicated website builders, limiting brands that rely on organic traffic and editorial content.
This guide explores the most relevant Shopify alternatives in 2026. Instead of presenting a flat list of tools, it explains the different types of ecommerce platforms available today, when each makes sense, and which options perform best for specific business models.
Quick Picks: Best Shopify Alternatives in 2026
- Best overall Shopify alternative: BigCommerce
- Best for small businesses: Wix eCommerce
- Best for content-driven ecommerce: WooCommerce
- Best open-source ecommerce platform: PrestaShop
- Best enterprise and B2B alternative: Magento (Adobe Commerce)
- Best headless commerce platform: Swell
When Shopify Makes Sense and When It Does Not
Where Shopify Still Performs Well
Shopify excels at getting stores operational quickly with minimal technical complexity. The hosted infrastructure handles security, performance, and reliability without requiring server management. The app ecosystem offers 8,000+ integrations covering nearly any specialized functionality. Payment processing works globally with competitive rates when using Shopify Payments. The platform scales automatically from first sale to high-volume traffic without infrastructure changes.
Shopify suits straightforward direct-to-consumer stores selling physical products through standard checkout flows. Businesses prioritizing speed to market over customization depth, merchants without technical resources, and brands comfortable with Shopify’s transaction fee structure all benefit from the platform’s managed approach.
Why Businesses Look for Shopify Alternatives
As stores grow, Shopify’s limitations become more apparent. Transaction fees add up, especially for high-volume merchants. Advanced customization often requires paid apps or workarounds that increase costs and complexity.
Content-heavy stores and SEO-driven businesses may find Shopify restrictive compared to platforms that offer deeper control over site structure and content modeling. B2B sellers, subscription-based businesses, and brands with complex pricing or workflows often need flexibility beyond what Shopify comfortably supports. Vendor lock-in is another concern, as migrating away from Shopify requires planning and effort.
What Counts as a Shopify Alternative in 2026
Shopify alternatives fall into four distinct categories, each designed for different business models and technical capabilities:
SaaS eCommerce platforms provide hosted, managed infrastructure similar to Shopify but with different feature sets, pricing models, or specializations. Platforms like BigCommerce, Wix, and Squarespace offer all-in-one solutions with varying trade-offs in customization, content capabilities, and cost structures.
Open-source eCommerce platforms deliver complete control over code, hosting, and functionality. WooCommerce, Magento, and PrestaShop let businesses customize everything but require technical resources managing infrastructure, security, and maintenance.
Headless commerce platforms separate eCommerce backend operations from frontend presentation through API-first architectures. Swell, CommerceTools, and Vendure enable custom shopping experiences across websites, mobile apps, and other channels while maintaining centralized commerce operations.
Website builders with eCommerce prioritize content, design, and ease of use over advanced commerce features. These suit small catalogs and businesses where selling products supplements rather than defines their digital presence.
Choosing the right category matters more than choosing a specific tool. A SaaS platform perfect for scaling requires different capabilities than an open-source solution for complex customization. Match the category to your business model before comparing individual platforms.
SaaS vs Open-Source eCommerce: Key Differences Explained
Factor | SaaS Platforms | Open-Source Platforms |
Hosting | Included, managed | Self-hosted required |
Maintenance | Automatic updates | Manual updates |
Customization | Limited to platform features | Unlimited code access |
Monthly Cost | $30-$300+ predictable | $10-$100+ hosting variable |
Transaction Fees | Often 0-2% | None (gateway fees only) |
Technical Skills | None needed | Developer required |
Time to Launch | Days | Weeks to months |
Scalability | Automatic | Requires optimization |
When SaaS eCommerce Platforms Win
SaaS platforms deliver speed to market with minimal technical complexity. Businesses launch stores in days rather than weeks without managing servers, security patches, or performance optimization. Monthly costs remain predictable without surprise infrastructure expenses or maintenance emergencies. Small teams without developers operate stores independently using visual editors and app marketplaces. Platform-managed hosting, security, and compliance reduce operational overhead significantly.
When Open-Source Platforms Win
Open-source platforms provide complete control over every aspect of store functionality. Businesses implement custom workflows, unique product configurations, and specialized integrations impossible on closed platforms. No transaction fees beyond payment gateway processing costs protect margins as revenue scales. Full code ownership means no vendor lock-in or platform dependencies limiting future flexibility. Businesses with technical resources or budget for developers gain capabilities that justify the additional complexity.
Best SaaS Shopify Alternatives: Top Online Store Platforms
SaaS alternatives to Shopify were evaluated by building comparable test stores, measuring page load performance, calculating total monthly costs including required apps, testing checkout conversion optimization, and assessing content management capabilities. The platforms below solve specific Shopify pain points while introducing their own trade-offs worth understanding before migration.
BigCommerce: Enterprise Features Without Transaction Fees
BigCommerce is a SaaS ecommerce platform positioned as a more flexible alternative to Shopify for growing brands. It removes transaction fees and includes advanced functionality that Shopify often requires paid apps to achieve.
Key features
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Native multi-storefront support
- Built-in B2B tools and customer groups
- Strong API access for integrations
Best for: Mid-market and enterprise merchants processing $500K+ annually, B2B wholesalers and hybrid B2B/B2C operations, international brands needing multi-currency and multi-storefront, businesses scaling beyond Shopify’s standard plans, merchants wanting to eliminate transaction fees
Pricing snapshot: Standard $39/month, Plus $105/month, Pro $399/month (no transaction fees at any tier)
Migration ease: High. Shopify migration app handles products, customers, order history, and basic configurations automatically.
Consider if: You prioritize Shopify’s interface simplicity over advanced features. BigCommerce’s admin has steeper learning curve with more options and configuration depth.
Wix eCommerce: Fast Launch for Simple Storefronts
Wix eCommerce combines website building with basic selling capabilities. It replaces many Shopify apps with built-in tools, making it easier to manage design, content, and commerce in one place.
Key features
- Visual drag-and-drop editor
- Built-in product and order management
- Integrated SEO and marketing tools
- Fully managed hosting and security
Best for: Small catalogs under 200 products, creator brands emphasizing content and storytelling, service businesses selling products secondarily, budget-conscious startups testing product-market fit, solopreneurs managing stores independently
Pricing snapshot: Business Basic $27/month, Business Unlimited $32/month, Business VIP $59/month
Migration ease: Medium. Manual product migration required; order history doesn’t transfer; requires recreating store design in Wix’s editor.
Consider if: You plan scaling beyond 300 products or need advanced inventory management across multiple locations. Wix’s eCommerce capabilities suit smaller operations.
Squarespace Commerce: Design-First Selling for Creative Brands
Squarespace Commerce focuses on aesthetics and simplicity. It offers tightly integrated ecommerce features within a polished website builder environment.
Key features
- High-quality templates
- Built-in product management
- Integrated payments and analytics
- Simple inventory tracking
Best for: Fashion and apparel brands, artists and makers, photography and print sales, lifestyle product brands, businesses where aesthetics drive conversion, stores with under 100 products
Pricing snapshot: Business $23/month (3% transaction fee), Commerce Basic $27/month (no transaction fees), Commerce Advanced $49/month
Migration ease: Low. Manual product migration; limited bulk import tools; requires rebuilding store design within Squarespace’s template system.
Consider if: You need extensive third-party integrations, complex shipping rules, or advanced inventory management. Squarespace trades feature breadth for design excellence and simplicity.
Best Open-Source Shopify Alternatives
WooCommerce: The Most Flexible Shopify Alternative for WordPress
WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress that offers unmatched flexibility for content-driven stores. Unlike Shopify, it allows complete control over site structure, SEO, and data.
Key features
- Full ownership of store data
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Deep content and SEO control
- Flexible checkout customization
Best for: WordPress sites adding eCommerce, content-heavy stores prioritizing SEO, businesses with developer resources or technical comfort, merchants wanting to avoid transaction fees, operations requiring custom workflows and integrations
Pricing snapshot: Free plugin; actual costs include hosting ($10-$100/month depending on traffic), premium extensions ($50-$500/year), SSL certificate, payment gateway fees (2-3%), optional developer help
Migration ease: Medium-high. Shopify to WooCommerce migration plugins transfer products, customers, and orders; requires WordPress hosting setup and theme customization.
Consider if: Your team lacks technical resources for managing WordPress hosting, security, updates, and troubleshooting. WooCommerce trades managed simplicity for complete control.
Magento (Adobe Commerce): Enterprise Customization at Scale
Magento is a powerful open-source ecommerce platform designed for complex, large-scale operations. It supports advanced product catalogs, pricing rules, and integrations.
Key features
- Highly customizable architecture
- Advanced inventory and pricing management
- Strong multi-store capabilities
- Enterprise-grade scalability
Best for: Large enterprises with 5,000+ SKUs, B2B wholesalers with complex pricing and workflows, multi-brand operations, businesses with dedicated development teams, operations requiring specific compliance standards
Pricing snapshot: Open-source Magento (free software, requires hosting and development); Adobe Commerce Cloud (custom enterprise pricing typically $22,000-$125,000+ annually)
Migration ease: Low. Requires significant development resources; typically 3-6 month implementation timeline for complex stores.
Consider if: You operate a small to mid-sized business or lack dedicated technical resources. Magento’s power comes with operational complexity requiring experienced developers.
PrestaShop: Open-Source Flexibility for European Merchants
PrestaShop provides a modular open-source ecommerce platform with strong adoption in Europe. It offers flexibility without the complexity of Magento.
Key features
- Modular architecture
- Strong localization and tax handling
- Large marketplace of add-ons
- Self-hosted control
Best for: European merchants selling internationally, multi-language stores, businesses requiring European tax compliance, operations with moderate technical resources, merchants wanting open-source without Magento’s complexity
Pricing snapshot: Free software; hosting costs $10-$50/month; premium modules and themes additional; payment gateway fees standard
Migration ease: Medium. Shopify migration modules available; requires technical setup and theme customization.
Consider if: You primarily serve English-speaking markets or need extensive enterprise features. PrestaShop’s strengths center on internationalization and European commerce.
Best Headless Commerce Platforms as Shopify Alternatives
Headless commerce separates the frontend storefront from the ecommerce backend. This architecture allows businesses to deliver custom shopping experiences across multiple channels.
Leading Headless Shopify Alternatives
Swell provides API-first commerce with modern developer experience and flexible business model support. The platform handles complex scenarios like subscriptions, bundles, and dynamic pricing while maintaining clean API architecture. Developer-friendly documentation and a modern tech stack appeal to teams building custom experiences.
CommerceTools delivers enterprise-grade headless commerce with proven scalability and extensive customization options. Large organizations choose CommerceTools for microservices architecture, global commerce capabilities, and mature partner ecosystem. Higher complexity and cost than Swell but greater enterprise features.
Vendure offers open-source headless commerce with TypeScript and GraphQL foundations. Teams wanting complete control over commerce backend without vendor lock-in gain extensibility similar to Magento but with modern architecture. Requires technical expertise but avoids licensing costs.
Website Builders with eCommerce vs Dedicated Platforms
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Square Online include eCommerce functionality but prioritize content, design, and ease of use over advanced commerce features. These platforms suit businesses where products supplement rather than define their digital presence, or operations with small catalogs not requiring sophisticated inventory management, shipping rules, or B2B capabilities.
The simplified approach works well for service businesses selling related products (consultants offering courses, photographers selling prints), creators monetizing audiences (writers selling books, artists selling limited editions), local businesses accepting online orders supplementing in-person sales, and anyone testing product ideas before investing in dedicated eCommerce infrastructure.
Limitations surface as product catalogs grow beyond 100-200 items, inventory management becomes complex with multiple locations or suppliers, advanced shipping rules and rate calculations become necessary, or B2B functionality like quote systems and bulk pricing become requirements. At that point, dedicated eCommerce platforms deliver better tools and scalability.
Best for: Small catalogs under 100 products, service businesses where eCommerce supplements primary offerings, creators and solo entrepreneurs, local businesses adding online ordering, operations prioritizing content and design over advanced commerce features.
How to Choose the Best Shopify Alternative for Your Business
Choose a SaaS Platform If:
You want predictable monthly costs without surprise infrastructure expenses. Non-technical teams need managing stores independently without developer dependencies. Speed to market matters more than unlimited customization depth. Platform-managed security, compliance, and performance optimization justify trading some control. Businesses prioritize operational simplicity over backend flexibility.
Recommended: BigCommerce for scaling without transaction fees, Wix for content-focused small stores, Squarespace for design-forward brands, Square Online for omnichannel retail
Choose Open-Source If:
Custom workflows and unique business logic require flexibility beyond platform constraints. Content management and SEO capabilities matter deeply to your growth strategy. Eliminating transaction fees protects margins as revenue scales. Technical resources exist for managing hosting, security, and maintenance. Complete data ownership and platform independence outweigh managed convenience.
Recommended: WooCommerce for WordPress integration and flexibility, Magento for enterprise scale and complexity, PrestaShop for international and European operations
Choose Headless Commerce If:
Custom shopping experiences differentiate your brand and justify development investment. Multiple frontends require shared product catalogs and inventory (web + mobile app + kiosks). Development team has API integration expertise and modern framework experience. Performance optimization and unique user experiences matter more than template simplicity. Operations outgrow platform limitations requiring architectural flexibility.
Recommended: Swell for modern API-first commerce, CommerceTools for enterprise scale, Vendure for open-source control
Final Verdict: Shopify Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Shopify continues to serve many merchants well, but it is no longer the default solution for every online store. SaaS platforms, open-source ecommerce systems, and headless commerce tools now outperform Shopify in specific scenarios.
The best Shopify alternative is the platform that supports a business’s technical capacity, content strategy, and long-term growth. Choosing based on fit rather than familiarity leads to stronger outcomes in 2026 and beyond.
Need expert guidance choosing and migrating to the right eCommerce platform? Buzzcube specializes in web design and development across all major platforms, from BigCommerce and WooCommerce to headless commerce implementations.
Get a free consultation to discuss your store’s specific needs and identify the platform that best supports your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopify Alternatives
Is Shopify still the best ecommerce platform in 2026?
Shopify remains a strong option for simple direct-to-consumer stores that value speed and managed infrastructure. However, many businesses outgrow Shopify due to rising costs, transaction fees, and customization limits. In 2026, several Shopify alternatives outperform it for SEO, B2B commerce, and complex workflows.
What is the best Shopify alternative for small businesses?
For small businesses, Wix eCommerce and Squarespace Commerce are among the most accessible Shopify alternatives. Both platforms include hosting, security, and basic ecommerce features with predictable pricing. They work best for stores with simple catalogs and limited operational complexity.
Which Shopify alternative is best for SEO and content?
WooCommerce is often the preferred Shopify alternative for SEO and content-driven ecommerce. It provides full control over site structure, URLs, metadata, and content modeling through WordPress. This flexibility supports long-term organic traffic strategies better than most hosted platforms.
Are there free Shopify alternatives?
There are no fully free ecommerce platforms comparable to Shopify, but open-source options like WooCommerce and PrestaShop offer free core software. Costs still apply for hosting, themes, extensions, and maintenance. These platforms trade subscription fees for infrastructure and management responsibility.
Can a store migrate from Shopify without losing rankings?
A Shopify store can be migrated without losing rankings if the process is handled correctly. Preserving URL structures, implementing proper 301 redirects, retaining metadata, and resubmitting sitemaps are critical. Most ranking losses occur due to missing redirects or content changes, not the platform switch itself.
Which ecommerce platform works best for B2B?
BigCommerce and Magento are commonly used Shopify alternatives for large or B2B businesses. They support advanced pricing rules, customer groups, and complex catalogs. These platforms are better suited for scaling operations that require more control than Shopify typically provides.
What is the difference between SaaS and open-source ecommerce platforms?
SaaS ecommerce platforms include hosting, security, and updates in a subscription, offering predictable costs and low maintenance. Open-source ecommerce platforms require self-hosting and technical management but provide full control over functionality and data. The choice depends on technical resources and customization needs.
