When it comes to eCommerce, choosing the right platform can make all the difference in how smoothly your business runs, how well it scales, and how much money you end up spending. Two of the biggest names in the game are Shopify and Wix Stores (available on Wix and Wix Studio). Both have their strengths, but depending on what you’re looking to achieve, one might be a better fit than the other.
Lately, we’ve seen a growing number of business owners who started with Shopify but are now considering a switch to Wix Stores. Why?
Well, there are a few good reasons. While Shopify is often hailed as the eCommerce king, Wix Stores has been quietly making strides, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. A few years ago, we couldn’t even dream of the features that are now available in Wix Stores. For the longest time, Shopify was the clear leader, and we didn’t even consider requests for certain features because Shopify was the only real option. But in the past couple of years, Wix has set a goal to catch up to Shopify on many fronts—and they’ve done it. We even met with the Wix Stores team in Israel, where we discussed many amazing innovations, many of which are already live.
With Wix Stores making notable advancements and Shopify maintaining its stronghold, it’s worth diving deeper into how these platforms stack up across key areas.
Price
Let’s start with one of the most compelling reasons: cost-effectiveness. Shopify is robust, but it can also be pricey, especially when you factor in the cost of third-party apps. For many small businesses, those expenses add up quickly. If you’re looking to maintain an eCommerce store without breaking the bank, Wix presents an attractive option. We’ve had clients make the switch purely for this reason—saving on monthly fees while still maintaining a functional, efficient online store.
Design Flexibility
Design flexibility is another area where Wix shines. Shopify, while powerful, can feel a bit rigid in comparison. It's not that Shopify can't create stunning stores—it absolutely can—but doing so without a template often requires significant coding. If you're looking for a custom design that goes beyond templates, Wix Studio makes it much more achievable. All you need is a skilled Wix Studio designer (Hi there!), and no code is required. We've seen many businesses switch from Shopify to Wix simply because they wanted more creative control over their website’s appearance without needing to mess with code.
Ease of Use
One of the reasons people are drawn to Wix Stores is its user-friendly interface. If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, Shopify’s backend can feel overwhelming. Wix simplifies the process, making it easier to manage your store without needing a degree in computer science. Once your website is designed and set up, you can manage and update it without constantly relying on external developers.
More Than a Store
There’s also the question of what you’re really looking to achieve with your website. While Shopify is laser-focused on eCommerce, Wix Studio offers an all-in-one solution that goes beyond just selling products. If you need a site that can do more—like hosting a blog, showcasing a portfolio, or serving as a hub for your service-based business—Wix integrates all these elements seamlessly. It’s not just about having a store; it’s about creating a complete online presence.
Payment processing fees
Shopify charges additional transaction fees if you use a third-party payment gateway (Paypal or Stripe) instead of Shopify Payments, its built-in payment processor. These fees vary based on the Shopify plan you're using (1-2% per transaction). However, if you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional transaction fees—only credit card processing fees apply. Wix charges zero transaction fees on sales, which means sellers can keep all their earnings. Processors such as PayPal or Stripe apply standard fees.
Scalability
Of course, we can’t ignore that Shopify is fantastic for scaling large eCommerce operations. If you’re running a massive store with complex inventory needs, Shopify might still be the better fit. But not every business requires that level of complexity. For many, especially those with a steady, loyal customer base, Wix Stores offers everything they need without extra bells and whistles they’ll never use.
In the end, whether you choose Wix Stores or Shopify depends on your specific needs. Shopify is powerful and well-suited for large, complex eCommerce operations. But for small to medium-sized businesses, or for those who want more design freedom, easier management, and lower costs, Wix is a strong contender. We’ve seen plenty of businesses thrive after making the switch, finding that Wix Stores gives them everything they need to grow and succeed without the extra hassle or expense.
So if you’re on Shopify but feeling like it might be more than what you need—or if you’re just curious about what else is out there—Wix might just be the right move for you.
How to migrate from Shopify to Wix Studio?
If you’re currently on Shopify and wondering about making the switch to Wix Studio, the good news is that migration is easier than you might think. With tools like Cart2Cart, you can seamlessly transfer your products, customer data, and order history without losing important information. Wix provides detailed guides and support to ensure your transition is smooth and hassle-free. And of course, we’re here to help you make that transition as smooth as possible.
