Best WooCommerce Alternatives for Small Business Ecommerce Websites

WooCommerce is one of the best-known ecommerce options for WordPress. It gives you a way to turn a WordPress website into an online store, with product pages, basket, checkout, payments, orders, coupons and plugin options.

For many sellers, WooCommerce is a good choice. It can give you control over your website, content, hosting, plugins and store setup.

But WooCommerce is not the right fit for every small business.

Some sellers do not want to set up WordPress, hosting, themes, plugins, payments, delivery settings and checkout alone. Some want a hosted platform like Shopify. Some want a visual website builder like Wix or Squarespace. Some want a simple shop for a small product range. Some want a WooCommerce store, but built for them.

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

Quick overview

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

If you already know WordPress and want full control, WooCommerce may still be the right option. If you want the benefits of WordPress and WooCommerce without doing the setup yourself, Make Local for Global should be high on your comparison list.

Why people look for WooCommerce alternatives

People compare WooCommerce alternatives for many reasons. The most common reasons are:

• They do not want to choose hosting.
• They do not want to install WordPress and WooCommerce themselves.
• They want a website built for them.
• They want a hosted ecommerce platform.
• They want simpler payment setup.
• They want product listings included.
• They want training after launch.
• They want one provider to handle setup, support and hosting.
• They want fewer plugins to manage.
• They want to avoid update, backup and security tasks.

WooCommerce gives you the store software, but a working store usually needs more than the plugin. You need a domain, hosting, WordPress, a theme, product pages, payment gateways, delivery settings, policies, security, backups and ongoing maintenance.

The best alternative depends on whether you want more control, less setup work, lower starting cost or a done-for-you route.

WooCommerce alternatives comparison table

What to check before choosing a WooCommerce alternative

Before choosing any ecommerce platform or website service, compare the full setup.

Best WooCommerce alternatives for ecommerce websites

1. Make Local for Global

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

Make Local for Global is the best WooCommerce alternative if you like the idea of WooCommerce, but do not want to set it up yourself.

This makes it different from most alternatives in this list. Shopify, Wix and Squarespace move you away from WooCommerce. Make Local for Global keeps WooCommerce, but turns it into a done-for-you service.

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

• You still get WordPress and WooCommerce.
• Setup is included.
• Low annual starting price.
• Domain and hosting included.
• Stripe and PayPal setup included.
• Product listings included.
• No commission charged by Make Local for Global on sales.
• Training and support included.

Cons

• Not the right option if you want to build every part yourself.
• Not the right option if you want Shopify, Wix or Squarespace.
• Some advanced features may require a higher plan or add-on.
• Customers should check domain, hosting, transfer and cancellation terms before buying.
• Not suitable for banned, restricted or unsafe products.

Choose Make Local for Global if: you want WooCommerce without arranging the technical setup yourself.

2. Shopify

Best for: businesses that want a hosted ecommerce platform.

Shopify is one of the strongest WooCommerce alternatives for sellers who want a store-first platform without managing WordPress hosting and plugins.

Shopify includes hosting, checkout, product tools, order management, themes, apps and payment options in one hosted system. This can feel simpler than building a WooCommerce store from separate parts.

The trade-off is that you are moving away from WordPress and WooCommerce. Your store sits inside Shopify, and your costs can include subscription fees, card fees, paid themes, paid apps, domain costs and expert help if needed.

Pros

• Built for ecommerce.
• Hosting included.
• Checkout and order tools included.
• App store available.
• Free and paid themes available.
• Good fit for sellers who want a store-first platform.

Cons

• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.
• Monthly or annual subscription cost.
• Paid apps can raise monthly spend.
• Third-party transaction fees may apply depending on payment setup and plan.
• You still need to build, set up and manage the store unless you hire help.

Choose Shopify if: you want a hosted ecommerce platform and are happy managing your store inside Shopify.

3. Wix

Best for: people who want a visual website builder with ecommerce features.

Wix is a hosted website builder with templates, visual editing, AI tools, apps and ecommerce features on suitable plans.

Wix can be a good WooCommerce alternative if you want to build your website visually and do not want to manage WordPress hosting, plugins or updates.

It may suit small business websites, local businesses, service businesses, simple stores and sellers who want an easier editing experience.

Pros

• Free website option available.
• Visual editing tools.
• Templates and AI website tools.
• Hosting included.
• Ecommerce available on suitable plans.
• Most Premium plans include a one-year free domain voucher.

Cons

• Free plan uses Wix branding and a Wix URL.
• You still need to build and manage the site yourself.
• Ecommerce features need a suitable paid plan.
• Apps, email and renewals can increase total cost.
• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.
• Moving away from a hosted builder can be less simple than moving a WordPress site.

Choose Wix if: you want a visual website builder and do not need WooCommerce.

4. Squarespace

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

Squarespace is a hosted website builder known for polished templates and a clean editing experience. It can support service websites, portfolios, creative businesses, restaurants, blogs and ecommerce stores.

Squarespace may be a good WooCommerce alternative if you want less technical setup and care more about visual presentation than plugin control.

It is not WooCommerce, so you will be using Squarespace’s own commerce tools, settings and payment routes.

Pros

• Polished templates.
• Hosted website platform.
• Good for portfolios and creative brands.
• Commerce features available.
• Good fit for simple stores with strong visual needs.

Cons

• Not WordPress or WooCommerce.
• You still need to create and manage the site.
• Commerce features and fees vary by plan.
• Less plugin control than WordPress and WooCommerce.
• Moving away from a hosted builder can be limited.

Choose Squarespace if: you want a design-led website builder and do not need 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 create a website, blog or online store using WordPress tools, depending on your plan and setup.

This can be a good WooCommerce alternative if you want WordPress but do not want to arrange separate hosting yourself.

You still need to choose the right plan, build your site, add products, configure selling tools and manage the website.

Pros

• Hosted WordPress route.
• Free and paid plans available.
• Good for content, blogging and business websites.
• Plugins available on suitable 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: larger or growing ecommerce stores that want a hosted platform.

BigCommerce is a hosted ecommerce platform for product businesses. It can be a good WooCommerce alternative if you want ecommerce tools built into the platform and do not want to manage WordPress plugins.

It may suit stores with bigger catalogues, multi-channel selling needs, larger teams or more advanced ecommerce requirements.

Pros

• Hosted ecommerce platform.
• No additional BigCommerce transaction fees on listed plans.
• Unlimited products, file storage, bandwidth and staff accounts on listed plans.
• Good for larger product catalogues.
• Useful for sellers who want store tools without WooCommerce maintenance.

Cons

• May be more than a beginner seller needs.
• Plan limits and payment provider fees still need checking.
• Setup still takes time.
• Not WordPress or WooCommerce by default.
• Some sellers may prefer Shopify’s app ecosystem or WooCommerce’s WordPress control.

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, market traders, local shops and service businesses that already use or want Square payments.

It can be a good WooCommerce alternative if your main need is a simple online store linked to payments and in-person selling.

Pros

• Free online store plan available.
• Useful for online and in-person selling.
• Good fit for Square payment users.
• Simple route for local sellers.
• Clear UK card processing fees listed by 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.
• Less suitable for sellers who want a content-led WordPress store.

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

8. Ecwid

Best for: adding ecommerce to an existing website.

Ecwid lets you add ecommerce to an existing website or start with its own site tools. It can be a practical WooCommerce alternative if you already have a site and do not want to rebuild everything.

It may suit small catalogues, early product testing, simple online stores and businesses that want an add-on shop rather than a full WooCommerce build.

Pros

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

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.
• Advanced ecommerce features may require higher plans.

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 WooCommerce alternative if you only need a small, simple shop.

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

Pros

• Free starter plan available.
• No Big Cartel transaction fees listed on its pricing page.
• Simple shop setup.
• Good for artists, makers and independent sellers.
• Lower platform feel than bigger ecommerce systems.

Cons

• Free plan supports only a small number of products.
• Limited for larger stores.
• Fewer advanced ecommerce features than WooCommerce, Shopify or BigCommerce.
• Not WordPress.
• Not a 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 WooCommerce alternative for service businesses and local companies that want a website built for them rather than managing WordPress and WooCommerce.

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 WooCommerce.

Cons

• Not WooCommerce-focused.
• 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 WooCommerce alternative if you want a simple website builder and do not want to manage WordPress setup.

It may suit local businesses, service providers, simple shops and people who want domain, hosting and website tools in one account.

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 WooCommerce unless you choose a separate 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 website builder and web products from a large provider.

12. IONOS Website Builder or ecommerce hosting

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

IONOS offers several routes, including domains, hosting, email, website builder tools, WordPress hosting and ecommerce hosting options.

This can be useful if you want more hosting and product choice than WooCommerce alone. It can feel 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.
• Ecommerce hosting routes 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 WooCommerce alternatives by business need

WooCommerce vs Make Local for Global

WooCommerce and Make Local for Global are different types of option.

WooCommerce is the ecommerce plugin. You use it with WordPress, hosting, themes and plugins to create your own online store.

Make Local for Global is the service. It uses WordPress and WooCommerce to create an ecommerce website for you.

If you want full DIY control, WooCommerce may suit you. If you want WooCommerce without doing the setup alone, Make Local for Global is likely the better fit.

Which WooCommerce 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 WooCommerce built for you.
2. Shopify – best if you want a hosted ecommerce platform and can manage setup.
3. Wix – best if you want a visual website builder with ecommerce features.
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 WooCommerce alternative

WooCommerce pricing can look simple because the core plugin is free. The real comparison is the full cost of getting a store live and keeping it running.

DIY WooCommerce vs hosted ecommerce vs done-for-you setup

There are three main routes to compare.

Questions to ask before choosing a WooCommerce alternative

• Do I want WooCommerce or a different platform?
• Do I want to build the website myself?
• Do I want a done-for-you setup?
• Do I already have a domain?
• Do I already have hosting?
• Do I understand WordPress updates and plugins?
• Do I know how to set up Stripe and PayPal?
• Do I need product listings included?
• Do I need training after launch?
• What is my first-year budget?
• What will the website cost after renewal?
• Can I sell my products legally online?
• Are my products accepted by the platform and payment provider?
• Who writes store policies?
• Who tests checkout?
• Can I export content later?
• What happens if I cancel?

Final recommendation

WooCommerce is still a good option for many sellers. It can work well if you want WordPress control, are happy arranging hosting and can manage plugins, payment gateways, updates, security and store setup.

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 Shopify if you want a hosted ecommerce platform.
• Choose Wix if you want a visual website builder with ecommerce features.
• Choose Squarespace if you want a design-led website with selling tools.
• 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 WooCommerce alternatives to compare.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best WooCommerce alternative for beginners?

Make Local for Global is a strong WooCommerce alternative for beginners who want a WooCommerce store built for them. Shopify is worth comparing if you want a hosted ecommerce platform. Wix and Squarespace are worth comparing if you want a DIY website builder.

Is Make Local for Global a WooCommerce alternative?

Yes. Make Local for Global is an alternative to setting up WooCommerce yourself. It still uses WordPress and WooCommerce, but setup, domain, hosting, payments, product listings, support and training are included.

Is Shopify better than WooCommerce?

Shopify may be better if you want a hosted ecommerce platform and do not want to manage WordPress hosting or plugins. WooCommerce may be better if you want WordPress control and are comfortable with the technical setup.

Is Wix better than WooCommerce?

Wix may be better if you want visual editing and a hosted website builder. WooCommerce may be better if you want WordPress, plugin control and more ownership over your ecommerce setup.

Is Squarespace better than WooCommerce?

Squarespace may be better for design-led websites and simple stores. WooCommerce may be better for content-led ecommerce, plugin options and WordPress-based stores.

What is the cheapest WooCommerce alternative?

It depends on what you need. Big Cartel and Square Online have free starter options. Ecwid has a low-cost starter route. Make Local for Global starts from £99/year for a done-for-you WooCommerce website.

Can I sell online without WooCommerce?

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

Does Make Local for Global use WooCommerce?

Yes. 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 WooCommerce or a WooCommerce alternative?

Choose WooCommerce if you want to build and manage your own WordPress store. Choose an alternative if you want a hosted platform, visual builder, simpler setup or a done-for-you WooCommerce website.

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.