Shopify Alternatives in Australia: Best E-Commerce Platforms Compared

Australia’s e-commerce industry is flourishing, as Statista forecasts a revenue increase of 10.82%.

For example, there are 118,631 live Shopify stores, holding the third position globally.

But while Shopify dominates the market, it is definitely not the only choice existing. In fact, there are several other Shopify alternatives offering lower costs, greater customisation, and local hosting benefits.

But before you select one, determine your budget, required technical expertise and scalability—whether you own a startup, SME or creative individual.

Below are the top comparisons for Shopify alternatives in Australia that are beneficial for launching, operating, and expanding your online shop.

Why Consider Shopify Alternatives?

Shopify’s popularity stems from its ease of use, but its monthly fees (starting at AU$56/month), transaction charges (up to 2% per sale), and limited design flexibility may not suit every business.

Alternatives often offer:

• Lower costs for startups and SMEs
• Greater customisation for tech-savvy users
• Local hosting benefits (e.g., faster load times with Australian servers)

Let’s explore the five best options.

Top 5 Shopify Alternatives for Australian Businesses

Having established the importance of exploring alternatives, let’s explore the leading platforms designed for Australian entrepreneurs.

We’ve assembled this list considering affordability, scalability, local assistance, and ease of use—allowing you to discover the ideal match for your specific requirements.

1. Wix eCommerce

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Wix combines simplicity with creativity, offering an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and 500+ designer templates. Its AI-driven tools automate tasks like image cropping and SEO optimisation, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who prioritise aesthetics without technical hassle.

Built-in email marketing and abandoned cart recovery help small businesses retain customers effortlessly.

Best for:

Entrepreneurs and creative professionals seeking simplicity and small businesses prioritising design and ease of use

Features:

• Drag-and-drop website builder with 500+ templates
• Built-in SEO tools and mobile optimisation
• Abandoned cart recovery and multi-channel sales

Pros:

• Intuitive interface for beginners
• Affordable entry-level plans

Cons:

• Limited scalability for large inventories

2. WooCommerce (WordPress)

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As a free, open-source plugin for WordPress, WooCommerce hands you full control over your store’s functionality. With 50,000+ plugins, you can tailor everything from payment gateways to inventory tracking—no transaction fees, no restrictions.

Best for:

SMEs and tech-savvy users wanting full control and businesses planning long-term growth

Features:

• Open-source plugin for WordPress, offering endless customisation
• Integrates with hosting solutions for faster Australian server speeds
• 50,000+ plugins for SEO, payments, and analytics

Pros:

• Highly scalable and budget-friendly
• No transaction fees

Cons:

• Requires technical know-how for setup

3. BigCommerce

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BigCommerce shines with enterprise-grade tools like multi-currency support and API-driven headless commerce.

Unlike Shopify, it imposes no transaction fees and includes advanced SEO features out of the box. Its robust analytics dashboard simplifies data-driven decisions, making it a powerhouse for SMEs eyeing international expansion.

Best for:

Medium-sized businesses needing advanced features and established businesses aiming to expand globally

Features:

• Built-in tools for international sales (multi-currency support)
• No transaction fees and unlimited product listings
• Robust SEO and marketing integrations

Pros:

• Scalable for high-volume sales
• Comprehensive analytics dashboard

Cons:

• Higher cost than Shopify

4. Squarespace Commerce

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Squarespace’s sleek, award-winning templates turn product pages into art galleries. Integrated blogging tools and video backgrounds cater to storytellers, while built-in POS systems let photographers or artisans sell seamlessly online and in person. It’s a holistic platform for brands where visuals drive sales.

Best for:

Creative professionals and bloggers or visual-focused brands like artists or photographers.

Features:

• Stunning, design-centric templates
• Integrated blogging tools and email marketing
• Inventory management and POS compatibility

Pricing:

• Starts at AU$46/month (Commerce Basic)

Pros:

• Superior aesthetics and user experience
• All-in-one platform for content and commerce

Cons:

• Limited third-party app integrations

5. Crazy Domains’ E-Commerce Solutions

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Crazy Domains offers an end-to-end solution: register a .com.au domain, host on Australian servers, and build your store with a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor.

Affordable plans include SSL certificates and 24/7 local support, ensuring fast load times and reliability for cost-conscious businesses.

Best for:

Budget-conscious startups and SMEs seeking a cost-effective, streamlined setup

Features:

• Website Builder: Drag-and-drop editor with mobile-responsive templates
• Hosting: Australian-based servers for faster load times
• Domains: Registration to a .com.au domain directly

Pros:

• Affordable, all-in-one solution
• Local customer support and servers

How to Choose the Right Shopify Alternatives in Australia

Given the abundance of choices, choosing the perfect e-commerce platform depends on matching its features to your business objectives. To ease your choice, concentrate on these four essential factors that directly influence your store’s success and development.

Consider these factors:

1. Budget: Compare monthly fees, transaction charges, and hidden costs (e.g., hosting).
2. Scalability: Will the platform support your growth?
3. Ease of Use: Opt for drag-and-drop builders if you lack coding skills.
4. Australian Servers: Hosting locally (e.g., Crazy Domains) improves site speed and SEO.

Final Thoughts

From Wix’s simplicity to WooCommerce’s flexibility, there’s a Shopify alternative in Australia for every business. For SMEs and startups, Crazy Domains offers an affordable, locally-hosted solution to launch your store quickly.

Ready to build your online store? Explore Crazy Domains’ hosting plans, or register your domain today to get started!