Best 10 Shopify Alternatives in 2026: Top Platforms for Your Store

Introduction

BigCommerce is the strongest overall pick among Shopify alternatives on features and fees. WooCommerce comes close for people who want to own their store. This list covers 10 hosted, self-hosted and add-on options for small shops, B2B sellers and enterprises.

Why people look for alternatives to Shopify

Shopify is a capable platform, but it doesn't fit every seller. These are the most common reasons people look elsewhere:

• Cost: monthly plans and paid apps add up, and transaction fees apply if you skip Shopify Payments.
• Control: some sellers want to self-host or run a more open, API-driven setup.
• Use-case fit: B2B, complex catalogs, or selling in person and online can call for a different tool.
• Existing site: some sellers want to add a store to a website they already have instead of rebuilding it.
• Design: design-first sellers may prefer a different editor.

Quick comparison table

Pricing changes often, so check each vendor's site.

1. BigCommerce

Best for: growing merchants and B2B sellers who want built-in features instead of a pile of apps.

BigCommerce is a hosted SaaS platform with many B2B and multi-channel features included. Shopify takes a more closed approach. BigCommerce is open and API-driven.

Standout feature: no transaction fees.

2. WooCommerce

Best for: WordPress users who want full ownership.

WooCommerce is an open-source, self-hosted plugin, so there's no platform subscription. The trade-off: you handle hosting, security and updates yourself, which Shopify does for you.

Standout feature: deep customization.

3. Wix eCommerce

Best for: small sellers who want design freedom.

Wix eCommerce adds store features to the Wix website platform. You get a drag-and-drop editor, built-in marketing tools, and iOS and Android apps for running the store on the go.

Standout feature: flexible drag-and-drop design.

4. Squarespace Commerce

Best for: creators and boutique brands that care about looks.

Squarespace Commerce is simpler than Shopify and ships with polished templates. The downside is plain. Its app ecosystem is smaller, so you get fewer add-ons for extending the store.

Standout feature: design templates.

5. Adobe Commerce

Best for: enterprises with complex catalogs and developer teams.

Adobe Commerce is the former Magento commerce platform, and it's highly customizable. Expect far more developer work than with Shopify.

Standout feature: enterprise-grade customization for complex catalogs.

6. Magento Open Source

Best for: teams with developers and their own hosting.

Magento Open Source is the free, self-hosted edition. Adobe Commerce is the paid enterprise product built on the same lineage. You supply the hosting and the development resources.

Standout feature: free open-source core with extensive customization.

7. PrestaShop

Best for: merchants who want self-hosted software with a module marketplace, especially in Europe.

PrestaShop is open source and self-hosted, unlike Shopify's hosted model. It has a strong European presence, which helps if you want a local community and partners.

Standout feature: large module marketplace.

8. Ecwid

Best for: sellers who already have a website.

Ecwid adds a store to an existing site, social channels or marketplaces instead of replacing your site. It has a free plan and mobile apps.

Standout feature: embeddable store widget.

9. Square Online

Best for: businesses that sell in person and online.

Square Online is free to start and connects with Square point-of-sale, so in-store and web selling share one setup. Mobile apps let you manage orders away from a desk.

Standout feature: Square POS integration.

10. Shopware

Best for: B2B and headless projects.

Shopware is a German platform built on an open-source base, with strong B2B and headless capabilities. Unlike Shopify, it lets you choose between a cloud option and self-hosting.

Standout feature: headless and B2B capabilities.

How we picked these tools

Each tool does the same core job as Shopify, comes from a credible vendor, and covers a different price tier or use case. The list spans hosted, self-hosted and add-on options.

This is a research-based roundup. We did not hands-on test these tools, and we claim no ratings or scores. No tool here is sponsored or owned by us.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest Shopify alternative?

Free-to-start and open-source options are cheapest on paper: Square Online, the Ecwid free plan and WooCommerce. Keep in mind that self-hosted tools still bring hosting and development costs.

Which alternative suits B2B?

BigCommerce and Shopware both have strong B2B capabilities. BigCommerce is hosted, while Shopware offers cloud or self-hosted options.

Can I add a store to my existing site?

Yes. Ecwid embeds a store into an existing website, and WooCommerce does the same for WordPress sites.

Do I need a developer?

For Adobe Commerce and Magento Open Source, plan on one. Hosted builders like Wix, Squarespace and BigCommerce are far easier to manage without developers.

The verdict

BigCommerce is the strongest overall pick on merit. It's hosted, has no transaction fees, and includes B2B and multi-channel features. WooCommerce is the runner-up for anyone who wants ownership and customization.

Choose Square Online for in-person selling, or Wix eCommerce for a design-led shop. Whatever you pick, match the tool to your team's skills and budget.