Top Alternatives to Shopify For Online Stores in the UK

Shopify is an unquestionably popular platform for ecommerce websites, but it’s not always the right fit for every business. Whether you’re running a drop shipping business, scaling your online store, or looking for more flexibility, there are plenty of Shopify alternatives worth considering. In this guide, our UK ecommerce web design agency explores the best alternatives to Shopify for UK-based businesses and beyond, based on features, scalability, pricing, and overall performance.

Why Look for Shopify Alternatives?

Shopify is a powerful tool, but it can come with limitations:

• High transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
• Limited customisation without third-party apps or coding
• Extra costs for key features through apps
• Can be restrictive for large-scale or complex operations

That’s where the best alternatives to Shopify come in. They offer more flexibility, better pricing models, or tailored features for specific business types. Whether you’re seeking Shopify Plus alternatives or cost-effective solutions for small brands, there’s a platform to suit your needs.

What Are the Best Shopify Alternatives in the UK?

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Shopify competitors used by UK businesses.

1. WooCommerce

Perfect for: Businesses that want full control and flexibility

WooCommerce is the best choice for anyone looking for a Shopify alternative, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a free WordPress plugin that transforms your site into a fully functional ecommerce store. It’s open-source and ideal for those who want control over hosting, design, and development.

Key features:

• Completely customisable
• Massive plugin ecosystem
• No transaction fees from the platform

Pros:

• SEO-friendly (especially when paired with our ecommerce SEO services)
• Supports virtually any functionality through plugins

Cons:

• Requires hosting and technical know-how
• Maintenance and updates fall on you

If you’re considering WooCommerce, you might also want to explore our guide to the best ecommerce platforms for small and medium enterprises in the UK.

2. BigCommerce

Perfect for: Growing businesses with complex product catalogues

BigCommerce is one of the top Shopify Plus alternatives. It offers a comprehensive feature set out of the box, without the need for many third-party apps.

Key features:

• Strong built-in SEO tools
• Multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, social platforms)
• No transaction fees

Pros:

• Scales easily for larger businesses
• Lots of native features included

Cons:

• Less beginner-friendly than Shopify
• Pricing tiers based on sales volume

BigCommerce has featured in our analysis of the best ecommerce websites in the world.

3. Wix eCommerce

Perfect for: Startups and creative businesses

Wix has come a long way from a basic website builder. Its ecommerce features are well-suited to small businesses and creatives who want a stylish storefront.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop builder
• Built-in product management tools
• Mobile optimised themes

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Limited for complex stores
• Can become costly as your needs grow

Wix is one of the best Shopify alternatives in the UK for new businesses wanting simplicity.

4. Squarespace

Perfect for: Brands focused on visual storytelling

Squarespace blends sleek design with ecommerce capabilities. It’s ideal for businesses in fashion, art, or photography where aesthetics matter.

Key features:

• Award-winning templates
• Abandoned cart recovery
• Email marketing integration

Pros:

• Visually impressive templates
• Simple setup and hosting included

Cons:

• Not as robust for large inventories
• Limited third-party integrations

Combine Squarespace with a sustainable approach by learning how to implement sustainable web design.

5. Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Perfect for: Large enterprises with dedicated development resources

Magento is one of the most powerful ecommerce platforms available. It’s open-source and highly customisable, making it one of the top Shopify Plus alternatives for enterprise-level businesses.

Key features:

• Unlimited customisation
• Advanced product and customer management
• Scalable infrastructure

Pros:

• Suitable for complex, global ecommerce operations
• Extensive third-party integrations

Cons:

• Requires a team of developers
• High cost of ownership

Considering Magento? Make sure you understand how much an ecommerce website costs in the UK to budget accordingly.

6. Ecwid

Perfect for: Businesses wanting to add ecommerce to an existing site

Ecwid is a widget-based ecommerce solution that can be added to any existing website, including WordPress, Wix, or custom-built sites.

Key features:

• Works with any CMS
• Supports drop shipping and multi-channel selling
• Free tier available

Pros:

• Fast setup
• Great for testing products or simple online sales

Cons:

• Limited scalability
• Fewer design options than full platforms

It’s a smart choice for smaller brands looking for Shopify alternatives for drop shipping.

7. Sellfy

Perfect for: Digital products, subscriptions, and content creators

Sellfy is purpose-built for selling digital goods, subscriptions, and print-on-demand items. It’s a lean and simple solution that doesn’t require complex setup.

Key features:

• Instant downloads
• Built-in email marketing
• Print-on-demand integration

Pros:

• Easy to use for creators
• Minimal setup needed

Cons:

• Limited physical product functionality
• Basic customisation options

Sellfy works well if you’re exploring niche ecommerce or creative product sales.

8. OpenCart

Perfect for: Tech-savvy store owners who want a lightweight ecommerce platform

OpenCart is a free, open-source ecommerce platform with a growing community of developers. It’s ideal for those who want a more hands-on approach.

Key features:

• Multi-store support
• Module-based extensions
• Integrated SEO and analytics tools

Pros:

• Free to use
• Lightweight and fast

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge
• Extensions often come at a cost

If you opt for OpenCart, make sure you also track your growth metrics using guides like our customer lifetime value for ecommerce.

Can I Migrate from Shopify Without Losing SEO Rankings?

Absolutely—migrating from Shopify to a new ecommerce platform doesn’t have to hurt your SEO if done correctly. The key is in the planning and technical execution, all of which can be handled by our SEO migration specialists. Here’s what they recommend: 

Start by mapping all existing URLs and setting up proper 301 redirects to your new platform. Next, update your sitemap and ensure it reflects your new site structure. You’ll also need to carry out a comprehensive SEO audit before and after migration to catch any indexing or crawlability issues. Keep title tags, meta descriptions, and structured data intact wherever possible. Google Search Console and analytics tracking should be monitored closely throughout the process. 

Migrating your ecommerce store is a great opportunity to upgrade user experience and performance too. For expert help, check out our ecommerce SEO services or explore our guide to increasing website conversion rates.

Which Platform Is Best for International Ecommerce?

If you plan to sell across borders, you need an ecommerce platform that’s up to the task. 

International ecommerce websites require multi-currency pricing, region-specific tax configuration, language localisation, and compatibility with various shipping carriers. 

Platforms like BigCommerce and Magento are particularly strong in this area. BigCommerce supports over 100 currencies and offers native integrations for tax compliance and international shipping, making it one of the best ecommerce platforms in the world. Magento, on the other hand, is a powerhouse for global scalability and customisation. 

Before choosing your platform, consider where your audience is located, your fulfilment strategy, and legal regulations around data and privacy. International ecommerce can drive serious growth—just make sure your tech stack is up to the task.

Are There Free Shopify Alternatives Worth Considering?

Yes, there are several free or low-cost Shopify alternatives worth exploring, especially for startups or businesses testing the ecommerce waters. 

Platforms like Ecwid offer a free tier that allows basic ecommerce functionality and the ability to integrate with an existing website. OpenCart is another zero-cost option, providing a lightweight, open-source solution that puts you in full control—though you may still need to invest in hosting and development. 

While free platforms offer great savings upfront, you’ll still need to invest in branding, UX and UI design, payment processing, and SEO services if you want long-term results. That said, free platforms can be a smart launchpad for lean businesses that are ready to grow sustainably. 

For best results, combine these platforms with insights from our guides on sustainable web design and customer lifetime value.

How Do Shopify Alternatives Support Subscription Services?

Subscription services are increasingly popular in ecommerce, whether you’re offering curated boxes, digital content, or SaaS products. Not all platforms support this model equally. 

Sellfy is a great choice for creators who want to sell subscriptions to digital products with minimal setup. WooCommerce supports subscriptions through plugins like WooCommerce Subscriptions, which add functionality such as recurring billing, free trials, and subscriber management. Magento offers enterprise-grade tools for complex subscription-based businesses, with extensive customisation available. 

Whatever platform you choose, it’s crucial to understand customer lifetime value and ensure your store is optimised for recurring revenue. 

Need help with that? Our comprehensive guide to calculating customer lifetime value offers practical steps to improve retention and ROI.

What Design Flexibility Can I Expect on Other Platforms?

Web design flexibility varies widely between ecommerce platforms, and it’s a key factor to consider when weighing Shopify alternatives. 

Shopify themes are reliable but can feel rigid without advanced custom coding or paid apps. WooCommerce (powered by WordPress) is a frontrunner for custom design freedom, especially when paired with a visual builder like Elementor or a bespoke theme. 

Squarespace is perfect for brands where visual presentation is key, offering stunning templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Magento, on the other hand, allows deep design control but requires a professional development team. When choosing your platform, think about your brand identity, content needs, and how much control you want over layout and functionality. 

For design inspiration and strategy, explore our guide on how to build an ecommerce website that actively drives online sales.

Which Shopify Alternative Is Right for You?

The best Shopify alternatives depend on your business model, goals, and resources. Here’s a quick summary:

Still unsure? Our guide on the best ecommerce platforms for SMEs in the UK can help you compare.

Ready to Build or Migrate Your Store?

No matter which platform you choose, a great ecommerce site goes beyond the software. From SEO and performance to branding and UX, it all matters. As a bespoke ecommerce web design and SEO agency based in London, we’ve worked with startups, scale-ups and global names to deliver fully customised, conversion-driven websites that deliver exceptional ROI and performance.

We understand that your online store is the engine of your business. That’s why we take a strategic approach, combining beautiful design with SEO best practices, technical excellence, and clear commercial thinking. Whether you’re looking for Shopify Plus alternatives, scalable ecommerce architecture, or a complete brand refresh, we’re here to help.

Want to see what’s possible? Take a look at some of our recent ecommerce projects or explore our ecommerce SEO services to understand how we drive traffic and conversions.

If you’re just getting started or looking to replatform, you can also check out:

• How much does an ecommerce website cost in the UK?
• How to design ecommerce websites like the best in the world
• Sustainable ecommerce web design tips

Need help choosing between Shopify alternatives? Want to migrate your store or create something from scratch? Contact us about your ecommerce project and let’s get the ball rolling.