Shopify vs. Wix: Which Platform Should You Choose for Your Online Store?

Launching an online store? Choosing the right platform is crucial for your success. Two popular options are Wix and Shopify. While Shopify is tailored for online retailers, Wix started as a website builder and has expanded to support online sales. For growing stores with substantial sales, Shopify is more suitable, whereas Wix is ideal for small stores and beginners.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these platforms, focusing on eCommerce features, ease of use, design, pricing, and more. By the end, you’ll know which platform best suits your unique needs. Let’s explore!

Shopify vs. Wix: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Choosing between Wix and Shopify can significantly impact your online store’s success. Let’s examine which platform aligns best with your needs.

Ease of Use

Wix provides a drag-and-drop editor that allows easy movement of elements, with an additional tool called Wix ADI that can build the site for you. Shopify, while different, is also beginner-friendly, using themes and modular parts for site construction—no coding required. If you want creative freedom, Wix might be better, but for quick store setup and product sales, Shopify is faster.

Design and Templates

Design is vital for any website. Wix offers around 800 free templates, giving you choices in fonts, colors, and layout, though you can’t change your template later. Shopify offers more paid templates, which are clean and professional, designed specifically for online sales. You can switch templates later on Shopify. For flexibility, Wix shines, but Shopify suits stores selling many products.

eCommerce Features

Shopify, designed for online sales, offers robust features like order tracking and inventory management, supporting global sales and subscriptions. Wix also supports selling physical and digital goods, but advanced tools may cost extra. Shopify’s expansive app store enables easy growth and expansion, while Wix’s smaller app market is sufficient for basic needs. Shopify excels for large-scale operations.

Payment Options

Payment tools are essential. Shopify offers various options like PayPal and Apple Pay, plus Shopify Payments, though other payment services incur extra fees. Wix supports PayPal and Stripe without additional costs, making it more economical for new stores. Shopify, however, supports multiple currencies, beneficial for international sales. Choose Wix to save money or Shopify for extensive global selling.

Pricing and Plans

Wix offers a free plan without online selling support, with paid plans starting at $27/month, including domain name, storage, and support. Shopify’s basic plan is $39/month, with a limited $5 plan also available. Both offer security and hosting, but Shopify requires a separate domain purchase. Wix is cheaper, but Shopify’s sales tools are more powerful.

App Stores and Plugins

Apps enhance your store’s functionality. Shopify has around 8,000 apps covering customer service, delivery, and marketing, many of which are free or low-cost. Wix offers nearly 300 apps, suitable for basic needs like chat or social networking. Shopify’s apps facilitate faster business growth, making it ideal for expanding companies, while Wix is great for simpler setups.

SEO and Marketing Tools

Attracting customers is crucial. Wix offers SEO tools, allowing simple additions like tags, titles, and images, plus social sharing and email options. Shopify is excellent for SEO with fast loading speeds and clean pages, and integrates with Facebook and Google ads. Both platforms enable discount offerings and email campaigns, but Shopify is more robust for marketing, while Wix suits simpler needs.

Customer Support

Reliable support is vital. Shopify offers global phone, email, and live chat support, with an extensive help center and numerous video resources. Wix provides a large help center and 24/7 chat, though phone support is not available on all plans. Shopify is known for quick and efficient support, while Wix can be slower. For fast assistance, Shopify is your go-to.

Which Platform is Best for Your Online Store – Wix or Shopify?

The choice between Wix and Shopify depends on your store’s specific needs. Wix is ideal for small shops, beginners, or those who want complete design control. It’s user-friendly and more affordable than Shopify’s paid plans. Wix provides numerous templates and tools for basic stores. In contrast, Shopify is perfect for larger stores due to its strong features and scalability. It supports multiple products, aiding in shipping and payments, and is better suited for international sales and extensive marketing plans.

Shopify’s extensive app selection enhances store functionality and boosts sales, making it ideal if your primary goal is high-volume online selling. However, if you prioritize design freedom and cost savings, Wix is your platform. Both are secure and reliable choices, so consider your goals and budget before deciding.

Conclusion

Your choice between Wix and Shopify will depend on your goals, budget, and experience level. For beginners, small stores, or those seeking full design control, Wix is an excellent choice—affordable and easy to use. For larger stores or those aiming for rapid growth, Shopify is ideal, offering robust apps and global support, and serving as a scalable eCommerce solution for expanding businesses. Both platforms are excellent for online selling, secure, and dependable. Evaluate your needs carefully before making a decision. If selling is your primary aim, Shopify is the superior choice.