Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of decisions—like choosing the right platform to sell your products. For many, Shopify is the first name that comes to mind. It’s well-known and widely used, but let’s be honest: it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Maybe the pricing feels a bit high, or the ad tools don’t quite meet your needs. Perhaps you’ve tried it and found it tricky to get the hang of. If any of that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are many Shopify alternatives in India that can better suit your specific needs.
In this blog, we’ll look at 10 alternatives to Shopify that might suit your business better. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a platform that’s easier on the budget or simpler to use, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Best Shopify Alternatives
WooCommerce
BigCommerce
Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Wix eCommerce
Squarespace
Sellfy
Instamojo
Zyro
Opencart
Shopclues
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source e-commerce solution built specifically for WordPress. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses wanting full control over their online store. With WooCommerce, you can sell physical or digital products, manage inventory effortlessly, and accept payments through multiple gateways like Razorpay, Stripe, and PayPal. Its vast library of plugins and themes allows you to customize your store’s design and features to fit your unique needs. While it requires hosting and some technical skills, WooCommerce is ideal for businesses seeking scalability, flexibility, and the ability to run an online store on their terms.
Features
- Customizable design with various themes and layout options.
- Multiple payment gateway options like Razorpay, PayPal, and Stripe.
- Simple management of physical and digital products.
- Inventory tracking with automatic stock updates and notifications.
- Shipping options including flat rate and real-time calculations.
- Easy tax calculations based on location.
- Mobile-optimized design for a better shopping experience.
- Built-in tools to help improve search engine ranking.
- Sales and customer insights through reporting tools.
- Grows with your business, from small to large operations.
Pricing-
WooCommerce is free to use, but there are some monthly costs to consider. You’ll need to pay for hosting, which typically ranges from ₹500 to ₹2,500. If you choose to add premium extensions or plugins, this could cost anywhere from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month, depending on the features you need. The overall monthly cost can range from ₹1,000 to ₹4,500, depending on your choices.
Pros:
- Easy Setup: WooCommerce works smoothly with WordPress, making it simple to set up an online store without complications.
- Highly Customizable: With a wide selection of themes and plugins, you can personalize your store to match your brand and business needs.
- Powerful E-commerce Features: It offers everything you need, from product management and inventory tracking to diverse shipping options and payment gateways.
- Scalable: WooCommerce grows with your business, whether you’re running a small shop or a large enterprise.
- Free to Use: The basic WooCommerce plugin is free, offering a cost-effective solution for those starting out.
Cons:
- Hosting Required: Unlike hosted platforms, you’ll need to arrange your own hosting, which could increase costs and complexity.
- Some Technical Know-How Needed: While WooCommerce is relatively user-friendly, adding advanced features or customizations might require some technical expertise.
- Extra Costs for Add-Ons: To access more advanced features, you’ll need to invest in paid extensions, which can add to the overall cost.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce stands out as one of the best Shopify alternatives, giving businesses everything they need to build and grow an online store. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, BigCommerce offers an intuitive platform with powerful tools for product management, payments, and SEO. Unlike Shopify, it doesn’t charge transaction fees, allowing you to keep more of your profits. Plus, with its ability to handle larger inventories and multi-channel selling, BigCommerce is perfect for businesses looking for more customization and control without the steep learning curve. If you’re seeking a robust, cost-effective solution, BigCommerce could be your perfect fit.
Features
- Product Management: Organize and manage your products effortlessly with robust tools.
- Flexible Shipping: Access competitive rates and multiple shipping options.
- Tax Automation: Simplify tax calculations with built-in solutions like Avalara.
- Staging Environment: Test changes without downtime using the Stencil CLI tool.
- Customer Segmentation: Group customers and create tailored experiences.
- Detailed Analytics: Get real-time insights into your business performance.
- Single-Page Checkout: Offer a faster checkout experience to reduce cart abandonment.
- Product Videos: Showcase products with engaging video content.
- Cart Recovery: Send automated reminders to recover abandoned carts.
- Multi-Storefront: Manage multiple stores from a single account.
Pricing
BigCommerce offers four pricing plans tailored for various business needs, making it a strong contender among Shopify alternatives in India. The Standard plan costs ₹2,500/month ($29.95), the Plus plan is ₹6,500/month ($79.95), and the Pro plan is ₹24,500/month ($299.95). For large businesses, the Enterprise plan provides custom pricing based on specific requirements. The overall cost depends on the plan you choose, with additional charges for premium features and add-ons.
Pros
- Scalable for Growth: Handles unlimited products and advanced features for growing businesses.
- No Extra Fees: No transaction charges for third-party payment gateways.
- SEO-Friendly: Built-in tools for optimized search rankings.
- Multi-Channel Sales: Integrates with Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms.
- Secure and Reliable: PCI compliance and HTTPS ensure safe transactions.
Cons
- Costly for High Sales: Prices increase as your business grows.
- Limited Free Themes: Most themes are premium and start at $150.
- Learning Curve: Beginners might find it overwhelming.
- Advanced Features Locked: Some features only available in higher plans.
- Requires Coding for Customization: Advanced edits often need technical skills.
Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Hostinger Website Builder is a great choice if you want to quickly set up a website without any hassle. You can pick from 150 pre-made templates or let the AI create a website for you in no time. Once your site is ready, the drag-and-drop editor lets you easily customize it to fit your style. It even comes with AI tools to help you write content, understand your customers better, and improve your website’s visibility on search engines. For those looking to sell online, it offers features like inventory management, multiple shipping options, and over 20 payment methods. Best of all, there are no transaction fees—so you keep all your earnings. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective alternative to Shopify, this could be the platform for you.
Features
- 150 pre-made templates or AI-powered website creation
- Easy drag-and-drop editor for customization
- Built-in AI tools for content creation and SEO
- Inventory management and multiple shipping options
- Over 20 payment method integrations
- No transaction fees, maximizing your profits
Pricing:
Hostinger Website Builder offers affordable pricing plans. The Basic Plan costs ₹99/month, the Premium Plan is ₹199/month, and the Business Plan is ₹399/month. Depending on the plan and any additional features you need, the overall cost can range from ₹99 to ₹399 per month.
Pros:
- Easy and quick setup with AI-powered website creation.
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor for simple customization.
- Built-in AI tools for content creation, SEO, and user insights.
- E-commerce features like inventory management and multiple payment options.
- No transaction fees, so you keep 100% of your earnings.
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced platforms.
- Some advanced features may require additional technical knowledge.
Wix eCommerce
Wix eCommerce is a simple and effective platform for anyone looking to build and run an online store. It’s great for small to medium-sized businesses that want something easy to use without sacrificing creativity. With Wix, you get to pick from a variety of customizable templates and use drag-and-drop tools to design your store just the way you like. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, setting up and starting to sell is a breeze. Plus, if you’re searching for an alternative to Shopify, Wix offers a great mix of design freedom and functionality to help you get online quickly and hassle-free.
Features
- Customizable Templates: Choose from a variety of templates and easily customize them to fit your brand.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Design your store with no coding required—just drag and drop.
- Product Management: Easily manage up to 50,000 products, with options for variants like size and color.
- Payment Options: Offer multiple payment methods, including PayPal and credit cards, for a smooth checkout experience.
- Shipping Options: Set up shipping rates, print labels, and track orders.
- SEO Tools: Built-in tools to help you optimize your store and rank higher in search results.
- Marketing Features: Boost your sales with email campaigns, social media integrations, and promotional pop-ups.
Pricing:
Wix eCommerce offers a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs.
- Basic Plan: ₹299/month
- Unlimited Plan: ₹499/month
- VIP Plan: ₹799/month
Pros:
- Easy drag-and-drop editor, no coding skills needed.
- Lots of customizable templates to choose from.
- Multiple payment options available.
- Good customer support.
- Built-in SEO tools to help your store get found online.
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees.
Cons:
- Not ideal for large businesses with complex needs.
- Costs can add up if you want advanced features.
- Customization options are limited compared to some other platforms.
- Basic plans may not have all the eCommerce features you need as your business grows.
Squarespace
Squarespace is an easy-to-use website builder that allows you to create beautiful, professional-looking online stores with minimal effort. Known for its sleek and modern templates, Squarespace is perfect for small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want an aesthetically pleasing online presence. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, Squarespace offers simple tools to help you get your store up and running quickly. It’s ideal for users who value design flexibility and a seamless user experience but don’t want to get into the complexities of managing a large-scale store.
Features
-
- Stunning Templates: Professional, mobile-optimized templates you can easily customize.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: No coding required—design your site with ease.
- Product Management: Manage products, track inventory, and add product variations.
- Integrated Payments: Accept payments via PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay.
- SEO Tools: Built-in features to improve your site’s search engine ranking.
- Analytics: Track sales and traffic with easy-to-understand reports.
- Custom Domains: Buy and set up your domain directly through Squarespace.
- Mobile App: Manage your store from anywhere with the Squarespace app.
- Marketing Tools: Email campaigns, social media integrations, and pop-ups to grow your business.
- 24/7 Support: Get help whenever you need it with round-the-clock customer support.
Pricing:
Squarespace offers simple, straightforward pricing for its eCommerce plans:
- Personal Plan: ₹1,000/month (Includes basic features for small businesses)
- Business Plan: ₹1,500/month (Add eCommerce features and advanced marketing tools)
- Basic Commerce Plan: ₹2,200/month (More selling features with no transaction fees)
- Advanced Commerce Plan: ₹3,000/month (Complete eCommerce tools with advanced features)
The pricing is designed to fit different business sizes and needs, with higher plans offering more advanced features to scale your online store.
Pros:
- Beautiful Templates: Modern and professional designs that are mobile-responsive and customizable.
- User-Friendly: Simple drag-and-drop interface, no coding required.
- Integrated eCommerce Features: Easy product management, secure payments, and inventory tracking.
- SEO Tools: Built-in tools to help improve your store’s visibility on search engines.
- All-in-One Platform: Includes hosting, domain registration, and everything needed to run your store.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Accessible support to help you with any issues or questions.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Fewer customization options compared to open-source platforms.
- Transaction Fees: There’s a 3% transaction fee on the Business plan.
- Pricing: Higher pricing compared to some competitors, especially for smaller businesses.
- Learning Curve: May take some time to get used to the platform, especially for beginners.
Sellfy
Sellfy is a straightforward platform designed for creators and small businesses to sell digital products online. Whether you’re selling eBooks, music, software, or digital art, Sellfy makes it easy to set up an online store in just a few minutes. You don’t need to worry about technical setups—Sellfy handles the website hosting, payment processing, and product delivery for you. This platform is great for entrepreneurs who want to focus on selling their digital products without dealing with complex website management. With a simple interface and pricing plans designed for small sellers, Sellfy is ideal for those who want a hassle-free way to sell online.
Features
Digital Product Sales: Sell eBooks, music, videos, designs, and more.
Print-on-Demand: Offer custom merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and hats without holding inventory.
Physical Product Sales: Sell tangible items directly from your store.
Subscriptions: Create recurring revenue streams with digital subscription products.
Customizable Storefront: Personalize your store’s appearance to match your brand.
Integrated Payment Processing: Accept payments securely via PayPal and Stripe.
Marketing Tools: Utilize email marketing, discount codes, and affiliate programs to promote your products.
Analytics: Monitor sales performance and customer behavior with built-in analytics.
Mobile Optimization: Ensure a seamless shopping experience on all devices.
Integrations: Connect with platforms like Zapier, Patreon, and Facebook Live Chat to expand functionality.
Pricing-
Sellfy offers clear and affordable pricing plans for creators and small businesses:
- Free Plan: ₹0 (Basic features to get started with limited product options)
- Starter Plan: ₹249/month (Add more products, discount codes, and basic analytics)
- Business Plan: ₹499/month (Includes everything in Starter, plus advanced features like subscriptions, print-on-demand, and more)
- Advanced Plan: ₹999/month (Unlock all features, including priority support, and extra customization options)
Pros of Sellfy:
- User-Friendly: Setting up your store is simple, even for those with no technical experience. Choose a template, add your products, and you’re ready to go.
- Perfect for Creators: If you sell digital products like eBooks, music, or online courses, Sellfy makes it super easy to manage and sell your content.
- Affordable Pricing: With reasonably priced plans, you get good value for money without breaking the bank, making it ideal for small businesses and independent creators.
- Print-on-Demand: No need to handle inventory or shipping—just sell custom-designed merchandise and Sellfy takes care of the rest.
- Secure Payment Options: Sellfy integrates PayPal and Stripe, so your payments are processed safely and efficiently.
- Helpful Support: The customer support team is responsive and ready to assist with any issues or questions you might have.
Cons of Sellfy:
- Limited Customization: While it’s easy to use, Sellfy’s design options might not offer the deep customization that some businesses need.
- No Built-In Blog: If you want to create blog posts to engage your audience, you’ll have to use an external platform.
- Transaction Fees on Basic Plans: The Free and Starter plans come with transaction fees, which may be a downside if you’re looking to maximize profits.
- Basic Analytics: The analytics features are good, but they lack the depth and detail that more advanced platforms may offer for in-depth business insights.
Instamojo
Instamojo is an easy-to-use online platform that helps small businesses in India sell products and services. It allows you to set up a store, manage payments, and track orders with minimal effort. Instamojo is ideal for entrepreneurs, small shops, and creators who want to start selling online without needing technical skills.
It’s a great choice for businesses that sell both digital and physical products. You can also offer services or take payments easily with Instamojo’s payment gateway. Whether you’re just starting or already have a small business, Instamojo makes it simple to set up and start selling online.
Features
- Simple Online Store Setup: Instamojo allows you to create your own online store without needing any technical skills. It’s easy to list your products and start selling.
- Payment Gateway: You can accept payments through various methods, including credit/debit cards, UPI, and wallets. Customers can pay in the way that works best for them.
- Shipping Integration: Instamojo partners with courier services to help you deliver products across India, with coverage for over 26,000 pin codes.
- Marketing Tools: You can send emails and SMS messages to your customers, offer discounts, and link your store to social media for promotion.
- Analytics: Instamojo provides insights into your sales and customer behavior, which helps you track performance and make decisions.
- Mobile App: Manage your store on the go. The Instamojo app lets you track orders, handle payments, and communicate with customers from your phone.
- Custom Domains & Emails: You can connect a custom domain and email address to your store for a more professional look.
- Support: Instamojo offers help and support to assist you with running your store smoothly.
Pricing:
Instamojo offers simple pricing plans to fit different business needs:
- Basic Plan: ₹0/year (Includes landing pages, payments, and limited customization)
- Pro Plan: ₹1,999/month or ₹9,999/year (Adds custom domain, tracking, and advanced analytics)
- Enterprise Plan: ₹24,999/year (Includes full customization, premium themes, and expert support)
Pros:
- Easy Setup: Quick to create an online store with no technical knowledge required.
- Affordable: The Basic Plan is free, making it accessible for small businesses and startups.
- Integrated Payments: Accept payments through various methods, including cards, UPI, and wallets.
- No Monthly Fees for Basic Plan: The Basic Plan doesn’t require any monthly subscription, just transaction fees.
- Good for Small to Medium Businesses: Offers essential tools for online selling, including shipping and payment integrations.
Cons:
- Transaction Fees: The free plan comes with a 5% + ₹3 transaction fee, which can add up as you grow.
- Limited Customization on Basic Plan: Advanced design options are only available with paid plans.
- Not Ideal for Large Stores: Features may not scale well for businesses with a large number of products.
- Transaction Limits on Lower Plans: Higher transaction volumes may require upgrading to a paid plan.
Zyro
Zyro is a user-friendly website builder designed for individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to create a website without needing coding skills. It offers an easy drag-and-drop editor, customizable templates, and essential eCommerce features, making it perfect for building personal sites, portfolios, or online stores. Zyro also provides AI-powered tools for content generation and image optimization, along with built-in SEO and analytics features to improve site visibility and performance. It’s a great option for those looking for a simple, cost-effective, and efficient way to build an online presence.
Features
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily customize your website using a simple drag-and-drop interface.
- AI Tools: Utilize AI-powered features like a logo maker, business name generator, and content generator to enhance your site.
- Responsive Templates: Choose from a variety of professionally designed, mobile-friendly templates.
- eCommerce Capabilities: Set up an online store with features such as product management, payment processing, and order tracking.
- SEO Tools: Optimize your website for search engines with built-in SEO tools.
- Analytics: Monitor your website’s performance with integrated analytics.
- 24/7 Support: Access customer support at any time for assistance.
Pricing:
Zyro offers several pricing plans to accommodate different needs:
- Basic Plan: ₹0/year (Includes landing pages, payments, and limited customization)
- Pro Plan: ₹1,999/month or ₹9,999/year (Adds custom domain, tracking, and advanced analytics)Enterprise Plan: ₹24,999/year (Includes full customization, premium themes, and expert support)
Pros:
- User-Friendly: No coding experience required; intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
- Affordable: Competitive pricing, especially for small businesses and startups.
- AI-Powered Tools: Access to various AI tools to assist in website creation and content generation.
- Responsive Templates: Mobile-friendly designs that adapt to different devices.
- eCommerce Features: Built-in tools for setting up and managing an online store.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Less flexibility in design compared to some competitors.
- Template Restrictions: Cannot change templates after selecting one.
- Basic Features: May lack advanced features needed for larger, more complex websites.
- Limited Integrations: Fewer third-party integrations compared to some other website builders.
Opencart
OpenCart is a free, open-source eCommerce platform that allows you to easily set up and manage an online store. It’s designed for individuals and businesses that want flexibility and control over their online presence. OpenCart is best for those with some technical experience or access to a developer, as it allows for extensive customization.
With OpenCart, you can add products, manage inventory, set up various payment options, and integrate shipping methods. It also offers a wide range of extensions to add extra features like marketing tools, payment gateways, and analytics. Whether you’re running a small business or expanding to a larger scale, OpenCart helps you manage and grow your store efficiently.
Features
- Unlimited Products and Categories: You can add as many products and categories as you want, without any extra costs.
- Multiple Payment Options: OpenCart supports a variety of payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and more, making it easy to accept payments from your customers.
- Manage Multiple Stores: If you have more than one store, you can manage them all from a single admin panel.
- Discounts and Coupons: Create and manage special offers, discounts, and coupons to encourage customers to buy more.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Let your customers leave reviews and ratings on your products, helping build trust with potential buyers.
- SEO-Friendly Features: OpenCart includes tools to improve your store’s visibility in search engines, like customizable meta tags and friendly URLs.
- Mobile-Friendly: Your store will look great and work smoothly on mobile devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.
- Analytics and Reporting: Access detailed sales reports and customer insights to help you make data-driven decisions and grow your business.
Prices
- OpenCart Software: Free (No charge for the software itself)
- Web Hosting: ₹499 to ₹1,500/month (depending on the hosting plan)
- Extensions & Themes: Free and premium options, from ₹500 to ₹5,000+ (depending on the extension/theme)
Pros:
- Free Software: OpenCart is free to use, making it a budget-friendly option for startups and small businesses.
- Customizable: With a wide range of extensions and themes, you can personalize your store to meet your business needs.
- Open-Source: Offers flexibility and control over your store’s code and functionality.
- Scalability: Suitable for small businesses, but can also handle larger stores as your business grows.
- Large Community: Being open-source, it has an active community that offers support and development resources.
Cons:
- Requires Technical Skills: While it’s customizable, setting up and maintaining OpenCart requires some technical knowledge.
- Limited Built-In Features: Compared to other platforms, OpenCart may require third-party extensions to add more advanced features.
- Complex Setup: The installation and configuration process can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Support Issues: As an open-source platform, official support can be limited, and you might need to rely on forums or paid support.
Shopclues
Shopclues is an Indian eCommerce platform designed for small businesses looking to sell online. It’s great for sellers who want an easy way to list products and reach a wide audience across India. With no setup fees and a simple process, Shopclues is perfect for businesses that are just getting started or those on a budget. Whether you’re selling handmade goods, electronics, or home products, Shopclues provides a space to grow your business and connect with customers.
Features
- Simple Setup: Start selling quickly without complicated processes.
- Indian Market Focus: Reach customers all over India through the Shopclues marketplace.
- Multiple Payment Options: Supports various payment methods, including cards and UPI.
- Shipping Support: Reliable delivery solutions to help you fulfill orders smoothly.
- Seller Dashboard: Manage your inventory, orders, and track performance with ease.
- Low Cost: No setup fees, only a commission on sales.
- Promotions Tools: Boost product visibility with ads and special discounts.
Pricing
Shopclues operates on a commission-based model with no upfront fees:
- Listing Products: Free to list.
- Commission: 5% to 20% per sale, depending on the category.
Pros
- Affordable: No upfront cost, just commission on sales.
- India-Focused: Perfect for small businesses looking to target Indian customers.
- Easy to Use: The platform is simple and beginner-friendly.
- Marketing Tools: Helps promote products and reach more customers.
- Support Available: Customer service to guide you through any issues.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Fewer design options for your store compared to other platforms.
- High Competition: Many other sellers, which can make it tough to stand out.
- Sales Fees: Commission on sales can reduce profit margins, especially for low-priced items.
- Not for Large Stores: More suited for smaller businesses rather than large, complex stores.
What a fantastic read! The way you articulated each point made it so engaging. I’m excited to see what you post next!