Shopify alternatives
WooCommerce on WordPress suits stores that want to own the platform and are ready for more upkeep, and a custom front end suits brands frustrated by theme limits who could keep Shopify’s checkout underneath. Squarespace and Wix suit stores that turned out smaller than planned, and Webflow suits design-led brands with a modest catalogue.
Not sure which fits? Send me your site and I’ll tell you honestly.
If staying on Shopify is the right call, I’ll say so. Free, from me.
Why people leave Shopify
App costs and scripts pile up
Reviews, upsells, subscriptions, filters: each app adds a monthly fee and often its own script. The store gets slower and dearer at the same time.
URL structure is fixed
Products always live under /products/ and collections under /collections/. For most stores it’s fine; for some SEO strategies it’s a constraint.
Content pages are simpler
The blog and page editor are simpler than a dedicated CMS. Brands that sell through storytelling and guides sometimes find the content side limiting.
The theme only runs on Shopify
Customizations made to a theme can’t go with you. That keeps people in place, and makes others want out.
What to look for in a replacement
A checkout you trust
Shopify’s checkout is the hardest thing to replace. Whatever you move to must handle payments, taxes and shipping reliably.
A plan for customer accounts
Customer passwords can’t be migrated, so customers will need to set new ones. Check how the new platform invites them.
Fewer apps, not different ones
If app sprawl drove you out, count how many features are built into the new platform and how many will need add-ons again.
The alternatives, ranked
Ranked for a typical small business leaving this platform. Your best fit depends on what you’re leaving for.
- WordPressOpen-source CMS
Best for stores that want WooCommerce’s flexibility and full data ownership. You take on hosting, updates and security that Shopify used to handle.
Shopify vs WordPress, compared - Custom websiteHand-built
Best when the theme, not the checkout, is the problem. A custom front end can keep Shopify running payments and inventory underneath, so you’re not really leaving its strengths.
Shopify vs Custom website, compared - SquarespaceWebsite builder
Best for a small catalogue alongside a brand-led site, where commerce is a side feature. Calmer to manage, less suited to a large catalogue.
Shopify vs Squarespace, compared - WixWebsite builder
Best for a service business that sells a few products or gift cards and wants bookings in the same place.
Shopify vs Wix, compared - WebflowVisual development platform
Best for a design-led brand with a short product list. Its commerce is lighter than a dedicated platform’s beyond that.
Shopify vs Webflow, compared
How they stack up
Against Shopify, on the factors people usually leave over. Ratings are my own assessment for a typical small business, as of October 2026. Platforms change their features and plans often, so check the vendor’s current documentation before you decide.
| Shopify | WordPress | Custom website | Squarespace | Wix | Webflow | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Partial | Fully yours | Fully yours | Partial | Platform-only | Partial |
| SEO control | Strong | Strong | Extensive | Adequate | Strong | Extensive |
| AI search | Good | Good | Strong | Mixed | Good | Good |
| Speed | Good | Varies | Strong | Varies | Varies | Good |
| Design | Flexible | Flexible | Unlimited | Flexible | Flexible | Unlimited |
| Upkeep | Light | Heavy | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
When to stay on Shopify
If online sales are the main job of the site, Shopify is usually the right home, and I’d think hard before leaving. Most complaints are about apps and themes, which can be trimmed or replaced without moving platforms. Audit your apps, drop the ones you don’t use, and check your Core Web Vitals before deciding.
Migration checklist
What to do, in order, when you leave Shopify.
Export products, customers and orders
Download each as CSV from the Shopify admin. Check variants, images and metafields came out cleanly before you rely on them.
List every store URL
Record /products/, /collections/, /collections/name/products/ variants, /pages/ and blog posts under /blogs/. Each pattern needs mapping on the new platform.
Rebuild the storefront
The theme can’t move, so rebuild product, collection and cart templates. Recreate filters, product options and any app-driven features you’re keeping.
Set up payments, taxes and shipping
Configure the payment provider, tax settings and shipping rates, then place real test orders end to end before launch.
Plan customer account access
Customer passwords can’t be migrated. Plan an email inviting customers to set a new password, worded so it doesn’t look like phishing.
Map 301 redirects
Redirect every product, collection and blog URL to its new address. Product pages with links and reviews are the ones you can’t afford to lose.
Handle gift cards and subscriptions
Outstanding gift card balances and subscriptions need an explicit plan. Sort them before you close the Shopify store.
Leaving Shopify, answered
Yes. Products, customers and orders export as CSV and can be imported, often with a migration plugin. The theme and apps have to be replaced.
No. Passwords can’t be exported, so customers set new ones on the new store. Plan a clear email to let them know.
Yes. A custom theme, or a custom front end that keeps Shopify’s checkout, solves most design complaints without migrating orders or payments.
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- nick@tavro.ca
- 587-439-9994
- Calgary, Alberta