Best Wix Alternatives for Small Business Ecommerce Websites

Wix is a popular website builder for people who want to create a website without coding. It can work well for portfolios, service websites, blogs, bookings, small business pages and online stores.

For many small business owners, Wix is a useful option. You can choose a template, use the editor, add pages, connect a domain on a paid plan and add ecommerce features on suitable plans.

But Wix is not the right fit for every business.

Some sellers want a website built for them. Some want WordPress and WooCommerce. Some want a dedicated ecommerce platform like Shopify. Some want a low annual starting price. Some want better control over content, plugins and store structure. Some simply do not want to spend evenings moving blocks around a page.

This guide compares the best Wix alternatives for small business ecommerce websites, so you can choose the option that fits your budget, skill level and selling plans.

Quick overview

• Best Wix alternative for ecommerce beginners: Make Local for Global
• Best Wix alternative for WordPress users: WooCommerce
• Best hosted ecommerce platform alternative: Shopify
• Best design-led website builder alternative: Squarespace
• Best hosted WordPress alternative: WordPress.com
• Best option for larger ecommerce stores: BigCommerce
• Best option for selling online and face-to-face: Square Online
• Best option for adding a shop to an existing website: Ecwid
• Best option for artists and makers with a small range: Big Cartel
• Best broad done-for-you website alternative: UENI

If you want to design your own website visually, Wix may still suit you. If you want a WordPress and WooCommerce ecommerce website built for you, Make Local for Global should be high on your comparison list.

Why people look for Wix alternatives

People compare Wix alternatives for different reasons. The most common reasons are:

• They want a website built for them.
• They want WordPress and WooCommerce.
• They do not want to design every page themselves.
• They want a dedicated ecommerce platform.
• They want a lower annual starting price.
• They want product listings and payment setup included.
• They want more control over plugins and website structure.
• They want a store that can grow through WordPress tools.
• They want better support after launch.
• They want training on how to manage products and orders.

Wix gives you tools. That can be enough for a basic website. For ecommerce, you need more than a page builder. You need product pages, payment setup, checkout testing, delivery rules, store policies, customer emails and order management.

The right alternative depends on how much setup work you want to do yourself.

Wix alternatives comparison table

What to check before choosing a Wix alternative

Before choosing any website platform or ecommerce service, compare the full setup, not only the price on the first screen.

Best Wix alternatives for ecommerce websites

1. Make Local for Global

Best for: hobbyists, artists, startups and small businesses that want an ecommerce website built for them.

Make Local for Global is one of the strongest Wix alternatives if your main goal is to launch an online store without doing the setup yourself.

Wix gives you a website builder. Make Local for Global gives you a done-for-you ecommerce website using WordPress and WooCommerce.

This makes Make Local for Global a good fit for sellers who want to sell products online, but do not want to handle templates, store settings, payment setup, product uploads and training alone.

Plans start from £99/year and include domain, hosting, ecommerce setup, Stripe and PayPal integration, product listings, no commission on sales, support and training. Websites can be ready in 5 days.

Key features

• WordPress and WooCommerce website setup
• Website ready in 5 days
• Domain included
• Hosting included
• Stripe and PayPal setup
• Product listings included
• No commission on sales
• Training included
• Email and video support
• Higher plans include SEO tools, analytics, currency conversion and store tools

Pros

• Low annual starting price
• Built around ecommerce
• Good for first-time sellers
• Uses WordPress and WooCommerce
• Setup, payments and product listings included
• Support and training included
• No commission charged by Make Local for Global on sales

Cons

• Not the right option if you want to design everything yourself.
• Not a general DIY website builder like Wix.
• Some advanced features may require a higher plan or add-on.
• Customers should check domain, hosting, transfer and cancellation terms before buying.

Choose Make Local for Global if: you want a Wix alternative that gives you a WooCommerce store built for you, with payment setup and training included.

2. WooCommerce

Best for: people who want WordPress ecommerce and are happy to arrange setup themselves.

WooCommerce is a free ecommerce plugin for WordPress. It lets you turn a WordPress website into an online store.

Compared with Wix, WooCommerce gives you more control over hosting, plugins, themes, checkout, content and site structure. This can be useful if you are technical or have a developer.

The trade-off is responsibility. You need hosting, a domain, WordPress setup, WooCommerce setup, security, backups, updates, payment gateways and store testing.

Pros

• Free WooCommerce plugin
• More control over hosting and setup
• Large WordPress plugin ecosystem
• Good for content and ecommerce together
• No WooCommerce platform revenue share
• Can grow with plugins, themes and custom work

Cons

• You need to arrange hosting and domain.
• You need to manage updates, backups and security.
• Payment setup and checkout testing are your responsibility.
• Paid plugins and developer support can add cost.
• Beginners may find setup confusing.

Choose WooCommerce if: you want WordPress ecommerce and are ready to manage the technical side or hire help.

3. Shopify

Best for: businesses that want a dedicated hosted ecommerce platform.

Shopify is built for ecommerce. It gives you a hosted store, products, checkout, payments, themes, apps, order tools and sales channels.

Shopify may be better than Wix if your main goal is ecommerce and you want a platform made for online selling rather than a general website builder with store features.

You still need to build your store, add products, set payments, write pages, choose apps and manage settings. If you want done-for-you help, you may need to hire a Shopify Partner.

Pros

• Built for ecommerce
• Hosted platform
• Checkout, order tools and sales channels
• App store available
• Themes and store editor available
• Good for growing product businesses

Cons

• Monthly or yearly platform cost.
• Apps and paid themes can increase spend.
• You still need to build and manage the store.
• Third-party transaction fees can apply if not using Shopify Payments.
• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.

Choose Shopify if: you want a hosted ecommerce platform and are happy managing Shopify or hiring a Shopify expert.

4. Squarespace

Best for: design-led websites, portfolios and small online stores.

Squarespace is a hosted website builder known for polished templates and website design tools. It can support business websites and ecommerce features, depending on the plan.

Squarespace may suit creatives, consultants, photographers, small product brands, artists and service providers who care about visual presentation.

Compared with Wix, Squarespace may feel more structured and design-led. Compared with Make Local for Global, it is less focused on done-for-you WooCommerce setup.

Pros

• Good template selection
• Hosted platform
• Good for portfolios and design-led brands
• Annual subscriptions can include one year of free domain registration for new websites
• Commerce features available on suitable plans

Cons

• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.
• You still need to create and manage the site.
• Commerce fees and features vary by plan.
• Advanced store needs may require higher plans.
• Moving away from a hosted builder can be limited.

Choose Squarespace if: you want a polished visual website with commerce features and do not need WordPress or WooCommerce.

5. WordPress.com

Best for: people who want hosted WordPress without arranging separate hosting.

WordPress.com is a hosted WordPress platform. It lets you build a website, blog or online store using WordPress tools, themes and paid plan features.

Compared with Wix, WordPress.com is a better fit for people who want WordPress but still want hosting included. It can work for blogs, business websites, content-heavy sites and ecommerce setups.

For ecommerce, you still need to choose the right plan, set up selling tools, add products, configure payments and manage the site yourself.

Pros

• Hosted WordPress platform
• Free and paid plans available
• Good for blogging and content
• Plugins available on paid plans
• Ecommerce possible with the right setup

Cons

• You still need to build the website yourself.
• Ecommerce setup can take time.
• Plan choice affects plugin and ecommerce options.
• Payment setup and product upload are still your responsibility.
• Not the same as a done-for-you ecommerce service.

Choose WordPress.com if: you want hosted WordPress and are happy building your website yourself.

6. BigCommerce

Best for: growing ecommerce businesses that want a hosted store platform outside Shopify and Wix.

BigCommerce is a hosted ecommerce platform. It can be a good Wix alternative for product businesses that want store-first tools, larger catalogue support and ecommerce features beyond a basic website builder.

It may suit businesses with more advanced selling plans, multi-channel needs or a larger product range.

Pros

• Hosted ecommerce platform
• Good for product-led businesses
• Built for larger store needs
• Multi-channel selling features available
• Useful Shopify and Wix alternative for growing stores

Cons

• May be more than a beginner seller needs.
• Pricing and plan limits need checking.
• Setup still takes time.
• Not WordPress or WooCommerce by default.

Choose BigCommerce if: you want a hosted ecommerce platform for a larger or growing store.

7. Square Online

Best for: businesses that sell online and face-to-face.

Square Online can suit small retailers, cafés, pop-up sellers, local shops and service businesses that already use or want Square payments.

It can be a good alternative to Wix if you want a simple store connected to payments, especially if you sell in person too.

Pros

• Good for Square payment users
• Online and in-person selling options
• Free starter option available
• Useful for local shops and market sellers
• Payment processing linked to Square

Cons

• Best fit if you want to use Square.
• Design control may feel limited compared with website builders.
• Paid plans may be needed for more features.
• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.

Choose Square Online if: you sell in person and online and want Square payments at the centre of your setup.

8. Ecwid

Best for: adding ecommerce to an existing website.

Ecwid is an ecommerce tool that can be added to an existing website. It can suit business owners who already have a website and want to add a shopping cart without moving everything to Wix, Shopify or another builder.

Ecwid may be a good choice for small catalogues, early product testing and simple ecommerce needs.

Pros

• Can be added to an existing website
• Starter and paid plans available
• Good for smaller product ranges
• Can support social and marketplace selling on suitable plans
• Useful when you do not want a full rebuild

Cons

• Product limits and features vary by plan.
• Not a full website build service.
• Not WooCommerce.
• May not suit businesses needing a full brand website and store.

Choose Ecwid if: you already have a website and want to add ecommerce without rebuilding everything.

9. Big Cartel

Best for: artists, makers and small creative sellers.

Big Cartel is a simple ecommerce platform aimed at independent creators. It can be a good Wix alternative if you want a small shop without managing a larger website builder or platform.

It works best for sellers with a small product range and simple store needs.

Pros

• Free starter plan available
• Simple shop setup
• Good for artists and makers
• No Big Cartel transaction fees listed on its pricing page
• Lower-cost paid plans than many larger ecommerce platforms

Cons

• Free plan is limited to a small number of products.
• Limited for larger stores.
• Fewer advanced ecommerce features than Shopify or WooCommerce.
• Not WordPress.
• Not a full done-for-you website service.

Choose Big Cartel if: you are a creator with a small product range and want a simple online shop.

10. UENI

Best for: small businesses wanting a done-for-you website with selling or booking features.

UENI is a done-for-you website service for small businesses. It can support bookings, leads, services and online selling features.

UENI may be a good Wix alternative for service businesses and local companies that want a website built for them rather than using a DIY builder.

Compared with Make Local for Global, UENI is broader. Make Local for Global is more focused on ecommerce websites using WordPress and WooCommerce.

Pros

• Done-for-you website setup
• Good for small businesses
• Can support bookings, leads and selling
• Useful for service businesses
• Less DIY work than Wix

Cons

• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.
• Pricing and package terms should be checked before buying.
• May not suit sellers who want WooCommerce control.
• Less suitable if you want to build every part yourself.

Choose UENI if: you want a done-for-you small business website with broad selling or booking features.

11. GoDaddy Website Builder

Best for: people who want a simple website builder from a large provider.

GoDaddy offers domains, hosting, business email, website builder tools and online store features. It can be a useful Wix alternative if you want a large provider with several web products in one account.

GoDaddy may suit local businesses, service providers, simple stores and people who want domain, hosting and website tools from a recognised provider.

Pros

• Large provider
• Domains, hosting and website tools available
• Website builder route available
• Online store tools available
• Good for simple small business websites

Cons

• Not WordPress unless you choose a WordPress route.
• Website builder sites can have transfer limits.
• Plan limits and renewal pricing should be checked.
• Not as focused on WooCommerce as Make Local for Global.

Choose GoDaddy Website Builder if: you want a simple builder and web products from a large provider.

12. IONOS Website Builder or WooCommerce hosting

Best for: people wanting domains, hosting, website builder tools or WooCommerce hosting from a large provider.

IONOS offers several routes: domains, hosting, email, website builder tools, WordPress hosting, WooCommerce hosting and ecommerce tools.

This can be useful if you want more hosting and product choice than Wix. But it can be confusing if you are not sure whether you need a website builder, WordPress hosting, WooCommerce hosting or a done-for-you website.

Pros

• Large hosting and domain provider
• Website builder option
• WordPress hosting available
• WooCommerce hosting available
• Useful for people who want to manage hosting and web products

Cons

• Several product routes can make comparison harder.
• Hosting is not the same as a finished website.
• You may still need to build and configure the store yourself.
• Plan terms and renewal prices should be checked.

Choose IONOS if: you want hosting, domains or website tools from a large provider and are happy choosing the right product route.

Best Wix alternatives by business need

Wix vs Make Local for Global

Wix and Make Local for Global both help small businesses get online, but they serve different buyers.

Wix is better if you want to build your own website using a visual editor.

Make Local for Global is better if you want a WordPress and WooCommerce ecommerce website built for you.

If you want to design and manage everything yourself, Wix can work. If you want to sell products online without setting up WooCommerce alone, Make Local for Global is likely the better fit.

Which Wix alternative is best for ecommerce beginners?

For ecommerce beginners, the best alternative depends on how much setup help you need.

1. Make Local for Global – best if you want a WooCommerce store built for you.
2. Shopify – best if you want a hosted ecommerce platform and can manage the setup.
3. Squarespace – best if design style matters more than ecommerce depth.
4. Square Online – best if you sell in person and online with Square.
5. Big Cartel – best if you are a creator with a very small product range.

For a first online store, Make Local for Global is one of the clearest options because setup, domain, hosting, product listings, payments, training and support are included from the start.

Pricing: what to check before choosing a Wix alternative

Website pricing can be hard to compare because every provider includes different things.

DIY builder vs done-for-you ecommerce service

Wix, Squarespace, Shopify and WordPress.com are mostly DIY platforms. They provide tools, but you still need to build the site, add content, check mobile layout and configure selling features.

Make Local for Global is different. It is a done-for-you ecommerce website service. It is made for people who want the store created and then want training to manage it.

Questions to ask before choosing a Wix alternative

• Do I want a website builder?
• Do I want WordPress?
• Do I want WooCommerce?
• Do I want to build the website myself?
• Do I want a done-for-you setup?
• What is my first-year budget?
• What will the website cost after renewal?
• Is the domain included?
• Is hosting included?
• Is business email included?
• Can I sell my products online?
• Are my products allowed by the platform and payment provider?
• Can I accept Stripe, PayPal or card payments?
• Will I pay platform transaction fees?
• How many products can I list?
• Who adds product images and descriptions?
• Who sets delivery and tax settings?
• Who writes store policies?
• Who tests checkout?
• Is training included?
• What support do I get after launch?
• Can I move the website or export data later?
• What happens if I cancel?

Final recommendation

Wix is still a good option for many people. It can work well if you want a visual website builder, enjoy creating pages yourself and are happy learning how website settings, apps and ecommerce tools work.

But the best alternative depends on what you need most.

• Choose Make Local for Global if you want a WordPress and WooCommerce ecommerce website built for you.
• Choose WooCommerce if you want WordPress ecommerce and can manage the technical side.
• Choose Shopify if you want a dedicated hosted ecommerce platform.
• Choose Squarespace if you want a design-led website with selling features.
• Choose WordPress.com if you want hosted WordPress and are happy building it yourself.
• Choose BigCommerce if you need a hosted platform for a larger store.
• Choose Square Online if you sell online and face-to-face.
• Choose Ecwid if you want to add ecommerce to an existing site.
• Choose Big Cartel if you are a creator with a small product range.
• Choose UENI if you want a broad done-for-you small business website.
• Choose GoDaddy or IONOS if you want website tools from a large provider.

If your main goal is to start selling products online using WordPress and WooCommerce without doing the technical setup alone, Make Local for Global is one of the strongest Wix alternatives to compare.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Wix alternative for ecommerce?

Make Local for Global is a strong Wix alternative for ecommerce beginners who want a WordPress and WooCommerce store built for them. Shopify is worth comparing if you want a hosted ecommerce platform. WooCommerce is worth comparing if you want WordPress control.

Is Make Local for Global a Wix alternative?

Yes. Make Local for Global is an alternative to Wix for people who want an ecommerce website built for them rather than building it themselves with a DIY website builder.

Is WooCommerce better than Wix?

WooCommerce may be better if you want WordPress ecommerce, plugin control and more choice over hosting. Wix may be better if you want a visual website builder and are happy using Wix ecommerce tools.

What is the cheapest Wix alternative?

It depends on what you need. WooCommerce is free software, but hosting, domain, plugins and setup may cost extra. Big Cartel and Square Online have free starter options. Make Local for Global starts from £99/year for a done-for-you WooCommerce website.

Can I sell online without Wix?

Yes. You can sell online using Make Local for Global, WooCommerce, Shopify, Squarespace, WordPress.com, BigCommerce, Square Online, Ecwid, Big Cartel, UENI, GoDaddy, IONOS or marketplaces.

Which is better for beginners: Wix or Make Local for Global?

Wix can be beginner-friendly for people who want to build visually. Make Local for Global is likely better for ecommerce beginners who want the store built for them with payment setup, product listings, support and training included.

Does Make Local for Global use Wix?

No. Make Local for Global builds ecommerce websites using WordPress and WooCommerce.

Does Make Local for Global charge commission on sales?

No. Make Local for Global does not charge commission on sales. Normal payment provider fees may still apply through services such as Stripe or PayPal.

Should I choose Wix or a Wix alternative?

Choose Wix if you want a visual website builder and are happy building your own site. Choose an alternative if you want a WooCommerce store built for you, a dedicated ecommerce platform, more WordPress control or a done-for-you website service.

Last reviewed: May 2026

Editorial note: This article is based on publicly available information from each provider’s website at the time of review. Prices, features, product limits, ecommerce tools, payment fees and terms can change, so always check the provider’s own website, checkout page and terms before buying. This article is written to help small business owners compare options fairly and does not claim that one provider is right for every business.