Although Shopify is one of the best e-commerce platforms to work on, after a free 14-day trial, some might not find Shopify suitable for their business needs. While all website builders cannot be satisfied through Shopify, there are a few alternatives to look at.

1. Magento

Magento is known to be a powerful open source platform for e-commerce websites. An open source platform cannot be of “full service” to customers like other e-commerce platforms like Shopify. Magento has almost all ecommerce features such as adding product, API integration, order tracking, Product import and export same like Shopify CSV export and lot more than Shopify. Magento calls for technical knowledge in website development or hiring a developer to get the work done. While Magento is a good alternative, you would have to get your hands dirty with hosting services and fixing bugs as there are no 24/7 online support offered. Being a very flexible e-commerce platform, if you have good development skills, Magento can produce a really good e-commerce website. With great add-ons, Magento seems to be as impressive as Shopify.

2. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is known to be a powerful and easy e-commerce platform, that does not require any development skills or programming to develop your website. BigCommerce is a pre-hosted platform, where you can directly develop your online store without having to host it. BigCommerce has backend technical support and operations. BigCommerce also has a 24/7 online support for any trouble shooting needs if necessary. While BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees and does not offer any out of the box charges, it is a better option than Shopify in terms of cost.

3. Weebly

With Weebly, all e-commerce website operations is just drag and drop functionality. Known for being extremely user-friendly, Weebly does not push on knowing how to program or on being an experienced developer. Being simple to use, Weebly allows building an online store quickly, with fewer tools. Weebly proves to be a good e-commerce platform for beginners.

4. LemonStand

With data stored on the cloud, LemonStand comes with an entire package of customizable features. With open-source customization, LemonStand offers tons of great features that can be taken advantage of, while designing. LemonStand, in comparison with Shopify offers customizable features that cannot be derived through normal e-commerce website platforms.

5. Volusion

Easy-to-use and a cloud-based platform, Volusion works well for SMBs. Similar to Shopify, Volusion does not insist on transaction fees and has unlimited product options to choose from. With a 24/7 online support, Volusion has you covered, when you’re stuck with development. Volusion also has an e-Bay integration, that Shopify only offers as an add-on.

6. WooCommerce

An open-source WordPress platform, WooCommerce scored brownie points in being a free-to-install application which integrates with a number of payment gateways with no additional transaction fees. While you have to get your own hosting in WordPress, WooCommerce offers additional WordPress add-ons that can be extended apart from their exiting features.

7. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is meant to be built as an online store for people to sell their creations. From art to music to home made artifacts,  Big Cartel offers all features for artists to set up their own online store. With inventory tracking and integration with Facebook, PayPal and Google Analytics, Big Cartel offers basic features with a very less charging scheme. Big Cartel is way cheaper than Shopify and does not charge any transaction fees.


Shopify may be the best e-commerce website, but may not suit your business needs. Evaluating several shopping cart alternatives before choosing the right one for your online store, may be the best thing that you can do before building a website. Most online shopping platforms offer a free trial which lets you choose the right e-commerce alternative for your online store.