Choosing the right eCommerce platform is a crucial decision for any business. Shopify and Wix are two of the most popular platforms for building online stores, but they cater to different types of users. Shopify is widely recognized as a powerful, dedicated eCommerce solution, while Wix offers an easy-to-use website builder with eCommerce capabilities.
In this article, we’ll compare Shopify vs. Wix across key factors like ease of use, pricing, customization, features, and scalability to help you determine the best choice for your online store.
Ease of Use
Shopify: Designed for eCommerce
Shopify provides an intuitive dashboard tailored for selling online. Its setup process is streamlined, allowing users to launch a store in minutes. While it has a steeper learning curve than Wix, Shopify’s structured approach makes it easier to scale your business over time.
Pros:
- Optimized for online selling
- Clean and structured admin interface
- Easy-to-use product and inventory management tools
Cons:
- Requires some learning, especially for beginners
- More dependent on third-party apps for additional features
Wix: Beginner-Friendly Website Builder
Wix is known for its drag-and-drop website editor, making it accessible for users with little to no experience. It offers Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence), which can generate a website based on your preferences, saving time in the design process.
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop customization
- Ideal for small businesses or personal brands
- Wix ADI for automated store creation
Cons:
- Less structured for large product catalogs
- Limited eCommerce features compared to Shopify
Pricing and Value
Shopify Pricing
Shopify’s pricing starts at $39/month for the Basic plan and goes up to $399/month for Advanced, with a Shopify Plus plan available for enterprises. Shopify also charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments.
Pros:
- Scalable pricing for growing businesses
- Includes essential eCommerce tools
- No product limits
Cons:
- Additional costs for third-party apps
- Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
Wix Pricing
Wix offers more affordable plans, starting at $27/month for Business Basic and going up to $59/month for Business VIP. Unlike Shopify, Wix does not charge transaction fees regardless of the payment provider.
Pros:
- Lower cost for small stores
- No transaction fees
- Free domain for the first year
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large businesses
- Lacks advanced eCommerce features
Features and Customization
Shopify’s eCommerce Features
Shopify is built for selling, offering a range of tools to help businesses manage their online stores efficiently. Some key features include:
- Multi-channel selling (sell on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and more)
- Inventory management with automated tracking
- Custom checkout options with Shopify Payments
- Abandoned cart recovery to boost sales
- Wide range of payment gateways
With thousands of apps available in the Shopify App Store, businesses can further extend their store’s functionality.
Wix’s eCommerce Features
Wix provides essential eCommerce capabilities, but its primary focus is on website design rather than robust eCommerce management. Key features include:
- Drag-and-drop website editor for full customization
- Wix Stores app to add online shopping capabilities
- Basic inventory management
- Automated sales tax (limited in lower plans)
- Subscription-based products (only in higher plans)
Wix’s eCommerce capabilities are sufficient for small stores but may fall short for businesses with high sales volume.
Thinking About Switching to Shopify or Wix?
No matter which platform you choose, Cart2Cart makes migration effortless! Transfer your products, customers, and orders automatically—no downtime, no data loss. Start your seamless migration today!
TRY IT FREE
Scalability and Performance
Shopify: Built for Growth
Shopify supports businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises. With unlimited product listings, enterprise-grade security, and advanced reporting tools, Shopify provides everything needed for long-term growth.
Best for: Businesses planning to scale quickly, expand internationally, or handle large product catalogs.
Wix: Suitable for Small Stores
Wix is excellent for small businesses but can become limiting as your store grows. It lacks some advanced eCommerce features that Shopify offers, such as multi-currency support and advanced analytics.
Best for: Small businesses, service-based businesses, and personal brands that need a website with light eCommerce capabilities.
Customer Support
Shopify’s Support
Shopify provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. The platform also has an extensive knowledge base, community forums, and Shopify Experts for advanced assistance.
Wix’s Support
Wix offers customer support via chat, email, and phone callbacks, but response times can vary. The knowledge base is extensive, but advanced eCommerce troubleshooting can be limited compared to Shopify.
Final Verdict: Which Platform is Best for You?
Feature |
Shopify |
Wix |
Ease of Use |
Medium (eCommerce-focused) |
High (Drag-and-drop) |
Pricing |
Higher but scalable |
More affordable for small stores |
eCommerce Features |
Advanced |
Basic to moderate |
Customization |
Extensive with apps & coding |
High via drag-and-drop |
Scalability |
Excellent for large stores |
Best for small businesses |
Customer Support |
24/7 live chat, phone, email |
Chat, email, phone callbacks |
Choose Shopify If:
- You plan to scale your business with advanced eCommerce features.
- You need multi-channel selling, inventory management, and analytics.
- You’re running a high-volume store and require a reliable, performance-driven platform.
Choose Wix If:
- You’re a small business looking for an easy-to-use website with basic selling features.
- You prioritize creative freedom and website customization over eCommerce-specific tools.
- You don’t plan to scale into a large eCommerce business.
Conclusion
Both Shopify and Wix offer excellent tools for building an online store, but they cater to different needs. Shopify is the clear winner for serious eCommerce businesses looking to scale, while Wix is ideal for smaller stores and service-based businesses that need an easy-to-use website.
If you’re considering migrating to Shopify or Wix from another platform, Cart2Cart makes the transition seamless and hassle-free. Start your free demo migration today and take the next step in growing your online business!