When it comes to creating a website or online store, choosing between Wix and Shopify can be a tough decision. Both platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and e-commerce capabilities, but they have their own unique features and limitations. In this article, we will compare Wix vs. Shopify in terms of cost, e-commerce capabilities, customer support, ease of use, and scalability to help you determine which platform is best suited for your business needs.
Cost:
Wix offers a free plan along with seven paid plans, while Shopify has a low-price plan called Shopify Lite for $9 per month in addition to three main plans ranging from $29 to $299 per month. Wix’s basic website plans are designed for those who do not plan to accept online payments, while all Wix e-commerce plans come with features like secure online payments, customer accounts, and unlimited products. Shopify plans include unlimited products, 24/7 support, online marketplace and social media selling, discount codes, abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, shipping labels, fraud analysis, and Shopify POS Lite.
E-commerce Capabilities:
Both Wix and Shopify allow you to sell products and services online, but they have different limitations. Wix offers more product options and variations, while Shopify provides more real-time shipping options. Wix does not charge transaction fees, and neither does Shopify if you use Shopify Payments. However, Shopify charges 0.5% to 2% for other payment gateways.
Ease of Use:
Wix is designed for users with limited coding and design skills who need a professional online presence. It offers a rich set of features for creating website content and basic e-commerce functions. Shopify, on the other hand, is focused on creating online stores and may be more suitable for users planning to scale their e-commerce business.
Design Options:
Wix offers over 800 design templates and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor for customization. Shopify has fewer free design templates but offers premium themes for a one-time fee. Wix also provides an Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) editor for automated website design.
Integrations:
Wix App Market lists 300+ third-party integrations for adding advanced features to your website. Shopify has over 6,000 integrations related to marketing and operating an online store, including affiliate marketing, order tracking, email marketing, dropshipping, and more.
Customer Support:
Wix offers call-back and email support for paid plan customers during business hours, while Shopify provides 24/7 live support via email, chat, and telephone. Shopify also has an extensive online help center and forum for additional support.
In conclusion, the choice between Wix and Shopify depends on your specific business requirements. Shopify is ideal for feature-rich, scalable online stores, while Wix is suitable for content-focused websites with basic e-commerce functions. Both platforms offer affordable pricing plans and user-friendly interfaces, making them popular choices for businesses of all sizes.
