Shopify is the go-to e-commerce builder for many Indian entrepreneurs. But not everyone finds it affordable, and some need more flexibility. If you’re running a boutique, SME, or service business in India, there are plenty of alternatives. From budget-friendly to premium, here are seven options worth exploring.
Key Takeaways
- Wix and Squarespace are the cheapest entry points for small shops.
- WooCommerce offers the most control, with hosting costs as low as ₹500/month.
- BigCommerce and Magento target larger businesses with scale.
- Zoho Commerce gives India-first billing and local support.
- Always check UPI/COD support and GST invoice availability before you pick.
India Snapshot
- Pricing: Wix Business ~₹800/month, WooCommerce hosting ~₹500–₹1,500/month, BigCommerce ~₹2,500+/month.
- GST Invoice: Available for Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, BigCommerce. WooCommerce depends on host.
- Payments: Razorpay, PayU, and Cashfree integrations available across most platforms.
- Support: Shopify and BigCommerce have strong India ecosystems. Wix/Squarespace provide IST support. WooCommerce relies on community + hosting partner.
- Hosting & Latency: CDN-backed for SaaS platforms. WooCommerce speed depends on Indian hosting provider.
7 Shopify Alternatives
1. Wix Stores
Best for beginners. Cheap entry point, AI site generator, INR billing, and Razorpay integration.
2. Squarespace Commerce
Great templates, INR billing, and GST invoices. Good for SMBs with smaller catalogs.
3. WooCommerce
WordPress plugin. Most flexible for SEO and customization. Hosting in India keeps costs low and supports UPI.
4. BigCommerce
Competes with Shopify on features. INR billing, GST invoices, and strong integrations. Better for mid-size SMBs.
5. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Best for enterprises. High flexibility, but setup and maintenance costs are higher.
6. Zoho Commerce
India-first choice. INR billing, GST invoice support, and local support team. Integrates with Zoho Books, CRM, and Mail.
7. OpenCart
Free, open-source option. Hosting + setup costs apply. Works for SMBs that want control without recurring SaaS fees.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Starting INR | Best For | India Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix Stores | ~₹800/mo | Freelancers, small shops | Limited advanced SEO |
| Squarespace | ~₹600/mo | Creatives, portfolios | Smaller app marketplace |
| WooCommerce | ~₹500–₹1,500 | SMEs, SEO-heavy sites | Needs plugin upkeep |
| BigCommerce | ~₹2,500+/mo | Growing SMBs | Pricier than Wix/Woo |
| Magento | Custom, ₹5,000+ | Enterprises | Needs dev team |
| Zoho Commerce | ~₹1,000/mo | Indian SMBs | Less global theme variety |
| OpenCart | Free + hosting | Cost-conscious SMBs | Setup complexity |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- More budget flexibility than Shopify.
- Options for India-first billing (Zoho Commerce).
- WooCommerce and Magento give deep customization.
Cons:
- None are as all-in-one polished as Shopify.
- WooCommerce and Magento need tech effort.
- Wix and Squarespace are simple but less scalable.
Quick Checklist Before You Pick
- Decide your budget range (₹500 to ₹5,000/month).
- Check UPI/COD support via Razorpay or PayU.
- Confirm GST invoice availability.
- Evaluate catalog size — small vs mid vs enterprise.
- Test mobile speed for Indian customers.
Shopify is strong, but Indian SMBs have more options. Wix and Squarespace are budget-friendly. WooCommerce gives flexibility and SEO power. BigCommerce and Magento scale with growth. Zoho Commerce is the India-first choice. The right platform depends on your budget, catalog size, and local payment needs.
