Choosing between Wix and Shopify can feel tricky, especially when you want a strong online store. Many people look at both and wonder which is right for them. After doing a lot of research, I found that Wix often gives you better value for your money as your business grows.

In this post, I’ll compare these two popular ecommerce platforms side by side to help you find the best fit for what you need. Keep reading to see which website builder could work better for you.

Key Takeaways

• Wix is best for beginners or small businesses because it’s easy to use and has lots of templates.
• Shopify is great for bigger online stores with more products because it has powerful tools and many apps.
• Both platforms let you sell products, manage inventory, and handle payments but Shopify has more e-commerce features.
• Pricing starts lower on Wix for basic use, but Shopify might be better as your store grows despite higher costs.
• Customer support is strong on both platforms with 24/7 options from Shopify and fast responses from Wix.

Key Features Comparison

Each platform brings special tools, like shopping carts and payment solutions, to help you sell products online. I will show how features such as drag-and-drop design, email marketing tools, and app store options set them apart for your business needs.

Shopify’s standout features

Shopify is built specifically for e-commerce, which makes it powerful for online selling. I can easily switch between many themes to update the look of my store, unlike Wix Stores.

Shopify gives me access to over 8,000 apps in its app store. These tools help with marketing, inventory management, social media integration like Instagram and Facebook, email marketing using Mailchimp or Klaviyo, automation features, point of sale systems for physical stores, and drop shipping services.

I have full control over products and stock thanks to advanced inventory management tools. Shopify offers scalable plans from basic options up to Shopify Plus for large businesses in the United States or anywhere else needing a best ecommerce platform.

Built-in payment solutions like Shopify Payments reduce transaction fees compared to third-party gateways. Seamless integrations with Google Ads and TikTok make reaching customers easy on popular platforms.

Next up are Wix’s standout features that compete directly with these strong e-commerce tools from Shopify.

Wix’s standout features

Wix offers a drag and drop interface that makes building an ecommerce website fast and easy. I find it simple to use, even for someone with little tech experience. Wix provides over 800 templates, so I can pick a design that fits my brand without stress.

The built-in suite of artificial intelligence tools helps me set up layouts quickly. With Wix ADI, the platform designs much of the site for me in minutes after I answer just a few questions.

Wix is ideal if I run a small business or want to start selling online without big costs up front. Plans include strong search engine optimization tools and fast server performance; this helps boost visibility on Google right from launch day.

Store owners get access to features like field inventory management, analytics tracking, Wix Payments integration, and an app market for adding more ecommerce tools anytime their needs grow.

Customer support responds quicker than most other ecommerce website builders too, which saves time when issues pop up mid-workflow.

Ease of Use

I find both Shopify and Wix simple to use, with friendly menus and clear layouts. You can build an online shop quickly, whether you choose Shopify’s store management setup or Wix’s site editor tools.

Shopify’s user experience

Shopify is designed specifically for ecommerce, making store management simple and fast. I can switch themes easily, which helps keep my online presence fresh. The menu is clear, so finding features like products or orders takes just one click.

Shopify also allows me to use the mobile app for managing sales and inventory on the go.

I see many templates with less structure compared to Wix; this gives more freedom in web design but still keeps things smooth. The interface feels clean and quick, which makes it easier to grow your business without facing big roadblocks.

Shopify’s user experience supports businesses who want scalable online stores that work well for both small shops and larger operations alike.

Wix’s user experience

Wix is easier for beginners, small businesses, and anyone who wants to create a site fast. I like how the drag-and-drop editor lets me move anything around with just my mouse. The dashboard feels simple, not crowded like some other platforms.

Wix guides me step-by-step as I build. AI tools can even help design layouts or suggest content ideas for blog and restaurant websites.

Wix also has built-in SEO tools that are easy to find and use compared to Shopify or Apple’s App Store setup. Fast customer service makes things less stressful if I get stuck. Wix offers lots of ready-made templates too; editing them takes only a few clicks so my ecommerce store always looks fresh.

Everything feels smooth right up until adding e-commerce features — which leads straight into looking at its online selling capabilities next.

E-Commerce Capabilities

Both Shopify and Wix provide tools to help you sell online, manage products, and take payments with ease. I find that each platform adds features like inventory tracking, order management software, and shipping label printing—helping ecommerce businesses grow smoothly.

Shopify’s advanced tools for online stores

Shopify gives me powerful ecommerce features that help build and grow a store. With tools like Shopify Magic, I can use smart AI to speed up daily tasks or create product descriptions fast.

The platform handles inventory tracking, payment processing with many gateways, and order management for any business size. Features like abandoned cart recovery let me bring back shoppers who leave without buying.

I can switch themes at any time, which is not possible on Wix Stores. Shopify has a huge app store filled with third-party apps for shipping options, social media selling through Meta Platforms and Amazon, plus detailed analytics to track every sale.

With the Shopify Plus plan, big businesses get even more controls made just for large-scale stores. If I want to sell online as my main goal, Shopify is by far the best ecommerce website choice with scalability for small shops or fast-growing brands.

Wix’s tools for e-commerce

Wix is a website builder with e-commerce features on its Business plans. I find it easy to add products, manage inventory, and accept payments through Wix.com. The system lets me use different payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe.

I can also offer discount codes and set up shipping rates.

Wix’s AI tools help design an online store fast, which works well for small businesses like mine. Wix offers built-in SEO tools that help boost my shop in search results right from the dashboard.

If I need more options, I can visit the wix app market to add Amazon integrations or marketing apps with just a few clicks. For anyone comparing wix vs shopify for building an online store, wix is generally better for small companies who want solid features without extra costs as they grow.

Design and Customization

I see unique website templates and styling tools on both platforms, like Shopify themes and Wix Studio. I can try these options to make my online shop look just the way I want, using layouts, fonts, and color choices that fit my business.

Shopify’s themes and flexibility

Shopify offers a wide range of themes for online stores. I can pick from dozens of designs in the Shopify theme store, which is more than what Wix provides. Every theme looks clean and works well on phones and tablets.

Switching themes is fast; Shopify lets me change my site’s design without messing up my content or products, which Wix does not make easy.

I find it simple to customize each template with built-in options or by editing code if needed. This flexibility means I can adjust layouts, colors, fonts, and images to match any brand style.

For those who want more features, the Shopify App Store has thousands of add-ons for new functions and better usability. With so many choices and easy tools, building an online shop that fits my needs feels quick and smooth using Shopify themes.

Wix’s templates and customization options

Wix offers hundreds of templates, making it easy for me to start my online shopping site or blog. I can pick from designs that fit many business needs, like small shops or creative sites.

Platform tools use AI to help set up my layout fast, which saves time and effort. As a user, I get full-control over how everything looks with the drag-and-drop editor—just click and move things where needed on any page.

I find these templates flexible yet simple to edit, even with no coding skills required. Wix’s built-in App Store lets me add more features if my shop grows or if I want new options for marketing strategy or product display.

The platform works well for small businesses that want a unique look without extra cost; it feels like Wix takes the lead here compared to Shopify plans aimed specifically at bigger stores.

With layouts always ready to adjust on mobile devices too, Wix is an excellent choice for anyone wanting quick results and strong customization in their site design.

Pricing Breakdown

Pricing plays a big role, especially if you want to keep costs low or plan to grow fast. I will break down the price plans for both platforms, so you can see which one matches your budget and needs best.

Shopify’s pricing plans and additional costs

Shopify offers three key plans: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced. Monthly prices start at $39 for the Basic plan, go up to $105 for the main Shopify plan, and reach $399 for Advanced. I pay extra fees if I want certain features or apps from the App Store (Apple).

Some themes also cost more money. Each sale has a transaction fee unless I use Shopify Payments.

I find that these costs can add up fast compared to platforms like Wix. While Shopify provides strong online store tools and almost endless templates, it’s generally more expensive than Wix—especially as my business grows or needs special features.

For anyone asking “shopify vs wix” or “wix or shopify,” pricing is an important part of choosing which service fits best.

Wix’s pricing plans and hidden fees

Wix offers a free plan, which is great for trying things out, but it comes with Wix ads and the wixsite.com domain. To get a custom domain and remove ads, I need to pick a paid plan.

Prices start low for personal sites, then go up as I add more features or sell online. The Business Basic plan is the cheapest option where I can accept payments. That starts near $27 every month in 2024.

Each higher tier like Wix Business Elite adds tools like extra storage or priority support. These plans fit small businesses wanting to look professional without breaking their budget.

Extra charges can catch me off guard if I’m not careful. Some features—like advanced analytics apps or certain integrations from the Wix App Market—require extra monthly payments on top of my base fee.

Payment providers may also charge transaction fees outside what Wix collects each month; this can change based on my provider choice or region. If I want email marketing tools above the basic level, that’s another cost to know about before making an investment decision between Shopify or Wix for selling online.

Next up: Integrations and Apps that make both platforms stand out for different reasons.

Integrations and Apps

Both Wix and Shopify provide many ways to add new features with plugins, extensions, and third-party tools like Zapier or Google Analytics. If you need more options for shipping, payments, or selling on sites such as Amazon, Shopify has a lot more choices in its app store.

Shopify’s app store and third-party integrations

Shopify has a large app store with more than 8,000 apps, which is huge. I can find tools for email marketing, dropshipping, reviews, SEO, and even connect my shop to Facebook or Amazon.

Shopify allows me to add new features fast by picking from many partners like Mailchimp or Oberlo. If I need something special for my online store, there is almost always an app for it.

Shopify’s third-party integrations set it apart from Wix and other site builders because these options help me grow faster. The setup takes just a few clicks in most cases. This works well if I want to sync sales data or track customer orders in detail.

With so much choice on the app store side, Shopify lets me run a website that matches what bigger stores do without hiring expensive developers. For someone who wants more advanced options than Wix offers out of the box and needs powerful commerce tools built specifically for online stores, Shopify is better here.

Wix’s app market and tools

Wix’s app market gives me many options. I can add extra features to my website with apps for contact forms, live chat, Amazon sales, and booking tools. Wix offers over 300 apps, both free and paid.

Most work well for small businesses or bloggers who need more layers of function without coding skills.

I use AI tools in Wix Studio for fast site designs. The simple drag-and-drop editor helps even if I am new to web building. The platform connects with popular services like social media platforms and payment gateways too.

For shops, Wix eCommerce lets me manage products easily right on the dashboard—this helps if wix is the right choice for a creative store owner or someone better suited to small-scale selling than Shopify offers with its higher tier plans and bigger focus on large stores.

SEO and Marketing Features

Shopify and Wix allow me to use strong search tools, like adding keywords, editing page titles, and building clear site maps. Both platforms offer many marketing options—such as Google Analytics connections or email campaign tools—to help my store reach more people online.

Shopify’s SEO capabilities

I use Shopify if I want my online store to get found on Google fast. The platform comes with strong SEO tools right out of the box, making it simple for me to add meta titles, descriptions, and alt text.

It auto-generates sitemaps and lets me tweak URLs too. With better options than some other website builders, Shopify handles product metadata well so search engines can see all my info.

Shopify also offers apps in its app store that help boost rankings or track keywords over time, which is useful if I need advanced features. Integration with Google Analytics makes tracking traffic easy.

Whereas Shopify does not offer a full suite of marketing tools like Wix might, it still gives enough power for most small businesses wanting steady growth through organic search.

Wix’s marketing tools

After looking at Shopify’s SEO features, I see Wix offers strong built-in marketing tools. Wix has email campaigns, social media posts, and easy Google Ads connections. The platform gives simple automation for tasks like welcome emails or coupon reminders.

I find Wix’s suite of AI tools helpful for content creation and layout suggestions too. These work well for small businesses that want to grow online with less effort. Targeting the right audience takes just a few clicks using Wix’s dashboard, which helps me save time while keeping my site active on Amazon and other channels.

For better value as you upgrade plans, wix is a good option if you’re aiming to boost your presence without high costs.

Customer Support

I can reach Shopify’s team by chat, email, or phone at any hour. Wix has a helpful support center and offers callbacks so I can get help fast when I need it.

Shopify’s support channels

Shopify provides 24/7 support through chat, email, and phone. The help center gives clear guides and answers for common problems. Shopify also has a large forum where users share tips and solutions on anything from interface changes to app issues.

If you want to learn by watching, the platform has detailed video tutorials.

Live chat is quick if you need a fast answer about integrations or pricing plans. Reaching out by email suits those who do not need urgent help but want in-depth information. Phone support helps solve tricky store setup questions right away; I often find it useful during busy work hours.

Next, I’ll show how Wix supports its customers with other options that suit different needs.

Wix’s support options

Wix is a great website builder for small businesses, bloggers, and creatives who want quick help. I like that Wix gives access to support through live chat, phone callbacks, and an email ticket system.

Fast customer service stands out here; most users get replies within minutes on weekdays. There is also a huge Help Center filled with guides and how-to videos that cover everything from site design in Wix Studio to fixing common e-commerce problems.

Need step-by-step tutorials? Wix offers easy instructions right in the dashboard so you can solve issues without waiting for replies. The platform’s built-in AI tools even guide me as I build my site layout or update products in my store.

For those using higher tier plans with eCommerce features, priority support comes included at no extra charge—a good value as you upgrade your plan over time. Next up: let’s see how pricing compares between these two platforms.

Conclusion

Choosing between Wix and Shopify can shape your online store’s future. I find Wix a smart pick for small shops, bloggers, or new businesses that want an easy start with strong design tools.

Shopify handles bigger stores and more products better, thanks to its extra apps and features from Amazon integrations to custom templates. Both options offer something special; it just depends on what you need most right now.

Picking the right platform comes down to how simple you want things or how much room you need to grow later on.

FAQs

1. What are the key differences between Wix and Shopify?

The main differences between Wix and Shopify lie in their target audience, offerings, and interface. While both platforms can help you build an online store, they cater to different needs. For instance, if you’re a small business owner, Wix might be better for you as it offers more creative options than Shopify.

2. Is there a limit with Wix compared to Shopify?

Yes indeed! Although Wix has improved tremendously over the years, it may not handle high-volume businesses as efficiently as Shopify can.

3. Why is Shopify considered the best for some users?

Shopify is often seen as superior due to its ability to integrate with large marketplaces like Amazon seamlessly which provides an advantage especially for larger businesses.

4. Can I use Wix Studio with my online store?

Absolutely! You can certainly use Wix Studio to customize your online store’s look and feel according to your knowledge and preferences.

5. Why would someone say “Wix is also good”?

Well, besides being great for small businesses because of its ease of use; one could argue that since it offers more design freedom than other platforms like Shopify. This makes it stand out from others.