When are you starting your ecommerce site you should deeply know about Wix vs Shopify comparison.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore an in-depth comparison between Wix vs Shopify. This guide will serve as more than just a written comparison; it is an actionable guide that will enable you to make informed decisions.
We aim to evaluate which platforms would best suit your business needs in 2024 and the years to follow.
We will scrutinize the two platforms based on the following key aspects:
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
- Design Functionalities
- Customer Support
- App Store
- Marketing Features
Our examination will commence with an overview of both platforms, setting the stage for a thorough comparison. We'll then delve into the specifics of each point listed above, carefully weighing the strengths and weaknesses of Wix and Shopify.
Get ready to dive deep into the intricacies of Wix and Shopify. By the end of this enlightening voyage, you'll emerge with a clear vision of which platform suits your specific needs and aspirations. Let's get started, your ultimate website-building guide awaits.
Which Option Comes Out on Top in This Comparison?
1. Ease of Use: Is Shopify Easier to Use than Wix
Shopify is a cloud-based, multi-channel commerce platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Business owners use Shopify to create, manage, and scale their businesses across multiple sales channels, including web, mobile, social media, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations, and pop-up shops.
The platform provides a variety of features and tools for business owners, such as:
- E-commerce Website: Shopify allows you to create a fully customizable and responsive online store with your domain name.
- Shopping Cart: The platform offers a free shopping cart that can accept credit card payments, among other payment methods.
- Store Management: Shopify provides features for managing products, inventory, orders, and customers. It also offers detailed analytics to help you monitor and improve your business.
- Marketing & SEO: Shopify has built-in SEO features to help your website rank higher in search results and marketing tools for creating and managing ad campaigns.
- Mobile App: You can manage your business on the go with Shopify's mobile app.
- App Store: The Shopify App Store offers thousands of additional features you can add to your store, like email marketing tools, integrations with other platforms, etc.
- 24/7 Support: Shopify offers round-the-clock customer support via email, phone, and live chat.
Shopify is designed to be responsive to the needs of business owners. It offers a scalable solution that grows with your business. Shopify offers different plans with more advanced features if your business needs change over time.
Also, its wide array of apps and integrations means businesses can customize their Shopify experience to meet their unique needs.
It's important to note that while Shopify is suitable for many businesses, it may not be the best solution for all. It depends on the specific needs and resources of the business.
For example, a large enterprise might require a more customized and complex e-commerce solution than Shopify provides. Also, Shopify charges monthly and payment processing fees, so businesses must consider these costs when deciding whether to use Shopify.
Wix can certainly be used to build an online store. Wix is a popular website builder offering e-commerce functionality, allowing businesses to set up online shops to sell products or services.
To add products to your Wix eCommerce store, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Wix account and go to your Wix site editor.
- Click on "My Store" or "Add Elements" on the left side of the Editor and then select "Store."
- You will be guided through the setup process if it's your first time adding a product. If not, navigate to the "Manage Your Store" button.
- Once in your store's dashboard, click "Store Products" on the left-hand menu.
- In the "Store Products" section, click the "+ New Product" button.
- Once you're finished entering all the product details, click "Save" at the top right of the page. Your product is now live on your website.
Note: To make your online store fully functional, you must set up payment methods, shipping rules, and tax rules in the Wix store settings. Wix also provides various design and customization options to ensure your online store matches your brand identity.
Wix and Shopify are excellent platforms that come with their unique advantages. However, when it comes to dealing with larger stores, Shopify is generally considered to be the more powerful and scalable option.
Shopify was built for e-commerce and had a wide array of features designed for managing a larger online store. It offers a robust product management system, multiple payment gateways, various shipping options, comprehensive analytics, and numerous integrations with other services and platforms.
Additionally, Shopify's app store contains thousands of plugins to add specific features to your store, making it extremely customizable to your business's unique needs. Shopify also has advanced SEO tools, which can help a large store increase its visibility on the web.
On the other hand, Wix started as a website builder and then added e-commerce functionality. While it's a great tool for creating visually stunning websites and is extremely user-friendly, its e-commerce capabilities might not be as robust as Shopify's when managing a larger store.
For example, while Wix does have integrations, they might not be as extensive as Shopify's, and it may not offer the same level of complexity in its product management and analytics.
So, if you have a larger store or plan to scale your business significantly, Shopify might be the better choice due to its advanced and extensive e-commerce features.
It's always recommended to analyze your needs, budget, and resources before choosing a platform. Both platforms offer trial periods, so you can try each to see which fits your needs best.
Result: Wix Vs Shopify 1:1
Winner: Both Wix and Shopify, the giants in the website-building industry, stand toe-to-toe in terms of user-friendliness, each securing a 4 out of 5 rating in our evaluation. Wix's simplicity swiftly sets up your shop, while Shopify's power perfects your platform management.
Learn More:
What is Wix | Who Owns the Wix App?
How Does Wix Work? Learn the Use of Wix Editor & Wix ADI
2. Value for Money: Where to Invest Your Money for the Best Return
Wix does offer specific pricing plans designed to empower eCommerce businesses. Wix has three eCommerce plans: Business Basic, Business Unlimited, and Business VIP.
Here's a brief overview of each:
Business Basic: This plan includes all the basics for starting a new online business. It includes accepting online payments, 20GB of storage, 5 video hours, and no Wix ads.
Business Unlimited: In addition to the features of the Business Basic plan, the Business Unlimited plan provides additional storage (35GB), more video hours (10 hours), and additional eCommerce features like subscriptions and automatic sales tax calculations. It also includes some marketing and branding tools.
Business VIP: The Business VIP plan includes everything in the Business Unlimited plan but with even more storage (50GB) and unlimited video hours. It also provides priority support.
The specific plan that best suits your eCommerce store depends on your business needs and goals. If you're just starting, the Business Basic plan may suffice. But the Business Unlimited or Business VIP plan might be more appropriate if you need advanced features.
When it comes to pricing, Shopify isn't the best, scoring only 4 out of 5. That said, it's improved a lot from last year, jumping up by a solid 20%. What brings Shopify's score down are the extra costs that keep adding up. But let's look a bit closer to understand better.
Which One is Cheaper Wix or Shopify?
The cheapest plan for both Wix and Shopify starts at $25/month. However, Shopify is offering a special promotion where you can get the first 3 months for only $1 per month, making it technically cheaper initially.
As for getting more value for your money, it largely depends on your specific needs:
- If you're running a larger store and need advanced features like professional reporting and multiple staff accounts, Shopify's plans, even at higher price points, may provide more value. Shopify is specifically built for e-commerce and offers a robust set of tools that can be vital for managing and scaling an online store.
- On the other hand, if you're a smaller business or just starting out, Wix's plans may be more suitable. Wix offers a balanced combination of e-commerce features and website building tools, which are great for businesses that want to build a strong online presence along with their e-commerce operations.
We recommend the yearly plan of Wix because it includes a free domain and saves you 300 per month on ads vouchers.However,you should also consider the features and scalability of the platform when making your decision.Both platforms offer trial periods, so I would recommend trying the free trial before making a decision.
Result: Wix Vs Shopify 5:4
Winner: Wix is the best value for money.
Learn More:
How much is Wix: Pricing & and Comparison
How Much Is a Wix Domain: Pricing Comparison Monthly & Yearly
3. Design Functionalities : Which Design Platform Gives You the Most Control?
When evaluating design functionality, we consider a variety of factors, including mobile editors, image libraries, and product pages. Shopify is the clear winner in this category, with a score of 4.5 out of 5.
But why is Shopify our Preferred option? Let’s dive into it.
The design of your online store is absolutely critical, it's the digital equivalent of your physical storefront. A well-designed online store can create a positive impression, encourage customer trust, and significantly impact your business's success.
- First Impressions Matter: Your online store's design is often the first interaction customers have with your brand. A professional, aesthetically pleasing design can make a strong first impression, improving the chances of visitors staying on your website and exploring your products.
- Navigation and User Experience: Good design is not just about the visual appeal but also about how easy it is for customers to find what they're looking for. An online store with clear navigation and intuitive layout can lead to a better user experience, which can in turn boost sales.
- Brand Consistency: Your online store's design should reflect your brand's identity consistently. Consistent branding can help create a memorable experience for your customers and build brand loyalty.
- Conversion Optimization: An effective online store design considers the customer journey and incorporates elements to guide visitors towards making a purchase. This includes strategically placed call-to-action buttons, easy-to-find product information, and a seamless checkout process.
Designs Should be Mobile Responsive
When it comes to online shopping, mobile devices have become increasingly important. More and more customers are using their smartphones and tablets to shop online.
Therefore, your online store should be responsive, which means it should automatically adapt its layout to suit any device it's viewed on, whether it's a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
However, mobile e-commerce does have its challenges:
- Screen Size: Smaller screen sizes can make it more difficult to display product information and images. Effective mobile store design requires simplifying and streamlining content without losing essential information.
- Navigation and Usability: Mobile users typically navigate with their thumbs, so buttons and links should be large enough and spaced apart to avoid accidental clicks.
- Speed: Mobile users often have slower internet connections than desktop users, so it's essential to optimize your site to load quickly on mobile devices.
- Checkout Process: Inputting information on a mobile device can be cumbersome, so the checkout process needs to be as simple as possible to reduce cart abandonment.
In 2021, mobile e-commerce had a remarkable presence in the retail sector, raking in a staggering 360 billion dollars in sales. However, the mobile commerce landscape is set for an even more substantial expansion.
It is projected to nearly double its current performance by 2025, with an estimated worth of approximately 710 billion dollars. This remarkable growth underscores the escalating importance of optimizing e-commerce platforms for mobile, capitalizing on this increasingly influential digital marketplace.
Templates and Their Pricing that You can Choose
Shopify offers over 100 themes, updated by independent designers to cover a diverse range of industries like restaurants, sports, and pet supplies. These themes offer multiple styling options to best align with your brand. You can preview and choose the style you prefer.
Out of these themes, 12 are free, while the rest range from $180-$360. These paid themes are seen as a valuable investment for your store, offering enhanced design choices and facilitating the creation of a unique, professional, and scalable ecommerce platform.
Wix offers an impressive range of over 800 professionally designed templates, catering to various industries, from retail and restaurants to portfolios and blogs. These templates are user-friendly, highly customizable, and mobile-optimized, ensuring a responsive design across devices.
The drag-and-drop editor allows for easy customization, empowering users to craft a unique and personalized web presence without needing to code. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, Wix's templates offer a comprehensive solution for creating stunning websites.
Result:Wix Vs Shopify 4:4.5
Winner: Shopify's design functionality was rated higher than Wix's in our research, with a score of 4.5 out of 5 compared to 4.4 out of 5.
Learn More:
How to Change a Wix Template (Updated 2023)
Elevate Your Wix Design: Learn How to Add Columns & Text in Wix
4. Shopify vs. Wix: Which Platform Has the Best Customer Support?
Shopify and Wix offer excellent customer support, but Shopify's 24/7 phone support and live chat give it a slight edge. This is especially beneficial for businesses that need help outside of regular business hours.
Wix offers a comprehensive customer support system, assisting at various levels to ensure its users have a smooth experience. The support ranges from self-help resources, such as a detailed Help Center with articles and tutorials, to one-on-one support options.
For immediate, direct assistance, users can contact the Wix customer support team through a phone call or submit a ticket via email. Wix also offers a callback service, where users can request a call at a time that suits them.
Finally, for premium plan users, Wix provides priority support, ensuring faster response times. This multi-tiered support system ensures that users of all experience levels can get the help they need when they need it.
Shopify is renowned for its robust customer support system, designed to help businesses navigate through any difficulties they might encounter while using its platform.
The support system provides an omnichannel experience, making it accessible through various avenues, such as email, phone, social media, forums, and a very handy live chat feature.
Shopify's live chat support provides real-time interaction with a customer service representative that can help to resolve issues promptly and efficiently. It's a fast and convenient way to get in touch with the support team, eliminating the need to wait for email responses or phone calls.
The problems that you can fix through Shopify's live chat include the following:
- Technical Issues: If you encounter any technical problems while using Shopify, such as issues with the website interface, problems with your store setup, or a feature that's not working as expected, the live chat can be a quick way to resolve these issues.
- Billing and Subscription Queries: If you have questions or issues regarding your billing or subscription plan, live chat is a great way to get immediate help. Whether you're confused about a charge or you're considering changing your subscription plan, the customer support team can assist you in understanding your options.
- Store Management: If you're having trouble managing your store, such as adding or managing products, setting up shipping, or managing your inventory, the live chat team can provide guidance and troubleshooting help.
- SEO and Marketing Advice: Shopify's live chat support can also help you with basic advice on improving your SEO or understanding the marketing tools available on Shopify.
- Security Concerns: If you have any concerns about the security of your online store, such as potential fraudulent activity or phishing attempts, Shopify's live chat can help guide you through the appropriate steps.
- Third-Party Apps: Shopify's ecosystem includes a wide range of third-party apps to enhance your store's functionality. If you're facing any issues with these apps or need advice on which app to choose, the live chat support can be of help.
Result: Wix Vs Shopify 5:4.5
Winner: Wix's customer support outperforms Shopify's, thus making Wix the winner in this aspect of service.
Learn More:
How to Contact Wix (Visual Step by Step Guide)
5. App Store: What Extras Do Shopify and Wix offer?
The Shopify App Store contains over 8,000 plus apps. These apps cover a wide range of needs, from SEO optimization, email marketing, and customer retention to inventory management and much more.
It's an ever-expanding repository as developers worldwide continue to add innovative applications to improve and extend the functionalities of Shopify stores.
These apps are often designed to be user-friendly and can easily be integrated into your Shopify store. They allow businesses to create a personalized e-commerce experience, adapting to the unique needs of each business.
This vast selection of applications means that irrespective of the size or nature of your business; there's likely an app that can enhance your store's functionality and help you achieve your business goals.
In addition to other functionalities, the following features are available for implementation:
- Incorporate a wishlist feature for customers
- Establish a dropshipping model
- Include a customer product review section
- Enable currency conversion capabilities
Wix provides two distinct app experiences: Wix Mobile App and Wix Branded Apps. The Wix Mobile App allows you to manage your site or store from your phone. You can update your blog, respond to comments, track your inventory, and process orders, offering convenience and flexibility.
On the other hand, Wix Branded Apps are custom-built apps that enhance your brand presence. You can create an app personalized to your business, providing your customers with a unique mobile experience.
For a comprehensive understanding of what the Wix App is and a step-by-step guide on its installation, I recommend referring to our existing guide titled 'What is Wix App.'
Setting up these apps with Wix is straightforward. Just navigate to the Wix App Market. You can find it by clicking on 'Apps', located at the bottom of your dashboard on the left, and then selecting 'App Market'.
You can now select apps that best suit the requirements of your business or website.
To set up the app you want, simply select it and then hit 'Add to Site'.
Using apps with Wix enhances the user experience, making it more interactive and accessible. The smooth integration of these apps within the Wix platform elevates your website or store, offering a seamless and intuitive interface for both you and your audience.
Result: Wix Vs Shopify 5:4.5
Winner: Shopify's app store is more robust than Wix's, offering a wider range of integrations for e-commerce functionality. This makes Shopify a better choice for businesses that need more flexibility and control over their online stores.
Learn More:
6. Marketing Features: How to Scale Your Online Presence?
Shopify confidently takes care of fundamental marketing essentials like newsletters and social media engagement, yet it opens a world of possibilities with its arsenal of over 8,000 third-party apps.
This not only endows you with immense flexibility but also ensures a solution is always within reach for any challenge you might face, courtesy of Shopify's diverse app ecosystem.
From the popular email marketing suite Mailchimp to the social campaign strategist Remarkety, the spectrum of options available in Shopify's app marketplace rivals and often surpasses the built-in features of any other website builder.
In contrast, Wix has revolutionized the ecommerce marketing landscape with its offering - Wix Ascend. This tool is a holistic marketing solution, available as a standalone subscription, which seamlessly allows you to manage all your marketing campaigns from one central location.
Furthermore, Wix has joined forces with Semrush, providing you direct access to Semrush's vast keyword data right from your Wix dashboard.
Depending on your Semrush subscription level, you can enjoy 10 free keywords daily, or even more if you're on a premium plan. In total, you have the potential to tap into an impressive repository of 21 billion keywords - a truly remarkable asset for amplifying your SEO marketing strategies.
If you're interested in exploring how each platform excels in certain domains, unfold the tabs below to delve deeper into the comparison between Wix and Shopify in terms of social media integration, email marketing, blogging, and SEO.
Result: Wix Vs Shopify 4:4
Winner: Both Shopify and Wix deliver robust marketing capabilities. Whether these features are inherent within the platform itself or accessible via their respective app markets, both platforms hold their ground, resulting in a draw when it comes to their marketing offerings.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, both Wix and Shopify are leading website builders that cater to different business needs and goals. Shopify, with its comprehensive design functionalities, scalability, and extensive app store, is the recommended choice for businesses seeking robust e-commerce capabilities and a greater degree of control over their online stores.
Its wide array of features makes it especially suited for small to medium-sized businesses. Wix, conversely, stands out for its superior customer support system and its cost-effective value, making it an attractive option for smaller businesses or those at the initial stages.
Wix also provides a user-friendly platform with a wealth of design and customization options, albeit with less comprehensive e-commerce capabilities compared to Shopify.
As for marketing features, both platforms demonstrate strong offerings, with Shopify leveraging a broad range of third-party apps and Wix introducing comprehensive solutions like Wix Ascend and a partnership with Semrush.
Ultimately, the choice between Wix and Shopify should be guided by the unique needs, budget, and resources of each business. Both platforms offer trial periods to help businesses make an informed decision.
FAQs
What is best, Wix or Shopify?
The choice between Wix and Shopify depends on your specific needs. Wix is ideal for users who want an easy-to-use platform with customizable design options, suitable for both general websites and small to medium-sized e-commerce stores. Shopify, on the other hand, is a dedicated e-commerce platform designed for creating robust online stores, offering more advanced e-commerce features and scalability. If your primary focus is e-commerce and you need comprehensive tools and integrations, Shopify might be the better choice. For general website creation with an e-commerce element, Wix could be more suitable.
Should I switch from Wix to Shopify?
Consider switching from Wix to Shopify if your e-commerce business has outgrown the capabilities provided by Wix, or if you need more advanced e-commerce features, integrations, and scalability that Shopify offers. Evaluate factors like your current and future business needs, the complexity of your inventory, and the level of customization and control you desire over your online store before making the decision.
Is Wix good for an e-commerce store?
Wix is good for an e-commerce store, especially if you are starting out or have a small to medium-sized business. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, a variety of e-commerce templates, and basic e-commerce features necessary to start and manage an online store. However, for more complex e-commerce needs and larger scale operations, a platform specifically designed for e-commerce like Shopify might be more appropriate.
Does Wix allow Shopify?
Wix and Shopify are separate platforms and generally do not integrate directly with each other in a way that you can run a Shopify store within a Wix site. However, you can link your Shopify store to your Wix site by adding a link or button on your Wix website that directs customers to your Shopify store. Direct integration or embedding of Shopify features within a Wix site is not typically supported due to the distinct nature of each platform.
