Shopify vs. Wix: Which One is Best for Your Online Business?

Shopify vs. Wix: Which One is Best for Your Online Business?

Choosing between Shopify and Wix can be tough, especially if you're looking to start or grow an online store. Both platforms offer powerful eCommerce solutions, but they cater to different types of users and businesses.

So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down in this detailed comparison.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Shopify and Wix

• Key Differences

• Ease of Use

• Design and Customization

• eCommerce Features

• Payment Processing

• SEO and Marketing Tools

• Pricing Comparison

• Pros and Cons

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Final Verdict

Overview of Shopify and Wix

What is Shopify?

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform designed for businesses that want to sell online.

It provides tools for inventory management, secure payments, and marketing to help you run a successful online store.

What is Wix?

My Wix Dashboard

Wix is a website builder that includes eCommerce capabilities.

It’s known for its drag-and-drop design flexibility, making it great for small businesses and individuals who need a simple yet functional website.

Key Differences

• Shopify is built for eCommerce, while Wix is a website builder with eCommerce add-ons.

• Shopify has more advanced inventory management, payment processing, and sales analytics.

• Wix is easier for beginners and offers more design freedom.

• Shopify is better for scaling businesses, while Wix suits small stores and entrepreneurs.

Ease of Use

Shopify

Shopify is user-friendly, offering a streamlined dashboard and a step-by-step setup process. However, its extensive features may take some time to fully master.

Wix

Wix is easier for beginners, with a simple drag-and-drop editor that allows for quick website creation without any coding knowledge.

Design and Customization

Shopify

• Offers 100+ professional themes, most of which are mobile-friendly.

• Allows advanced customization using HTML and CSS.

• Themes are designed specifically for eCommerce, ensuring smooth navigation and checkout processes.

Wix

• Provides 800+ customizable templates.

• Full drag-and-drop freedom but less structured for online stores.

• More creative design options but may lack the efficiency of Shopify for selling products.

eCommerce Features

Shopify

1. Multi-channel selling (Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, TikTok, etc.)

2. Abandoned cart recovery

3. Advanced inventory tracking

4. Dropshipping integrations

5. Built-in blogging feature for content marketing

   
   

Wix

1. Basic online store features

2. Digital product sales

3. Limited multi-channel selling

4. Less robust inventory tracking

5. No built-in dropshipping solutions (requires third-party apps)

   
   

Payment Processing

Shopify

• Supports 100+ payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Flutterwave.

• Shopify Payments (0% transaction fee, but only available in select countries).

• Transaction fees range from 0.5% to 2% (unless using Shopify Payments).

Wix

• Offers Wix Payments (only available in certain regions).

• Fewer third-party payment options than Shopify.

• Transaction fees depend on the payment gateway used.

SEO and Marketing Tools

Shopify

1. Advanced SEO settings (edit meta titles, descriptions, and URLs)

2. Email marketing through Shopify Email

3. Integrated blogging feature for content marketing

4. Built-in analytics and reporting

5. Third-party marketing integrations (Klaviyo, Google Ads, Facebook Ads)

   
   

Wix

1. Basic SEO tools (meta descriptions, alt text, sitemap)

2. Wix Ascend for marketing automation

3. No built-in blogging for stores (requires extra setup)

4. Limited advanced SEO capabilities compared to Shopify

   
   

Pricing Comparison

Shopify Pricing

• Basic Shopify – $39/month

• Shopify – $105/month

• Advanced Shopify – $399/month

Wix Pricing (eCommerce plans)

• Business Basic – $17/month

• Business Unlimited – $25/month

• Business VIP – $35/month

Wix is cheaper, but Shopify offers more eCommerce functionality.

Pros and Cons

Shopify Pros

1. Best for serious eCommerce businesses

2. Supports multi-channel selling

3. Advanced inventory and payment processing features

4. More third-party integrations

   
   

Shopify Cons

1. Monthly fees are higher than Wix

2. Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments

   
   

Wix Pros

1. Easier to use for beginners

2. More flexible design options

3. Cheaper pricing plans

4. Good for small businesses or personal brands

   
   

Wix Cons

1. Limited eCommerce features compared to Shopify

2. Lacks advanced sales and marketing automation

3. Not ideal for scaling large stores

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use Wix and Shopify together?

Yes! You can build a Wix website and embed Shopify Buy Buttons to sell products.

Which platform is better for dropshipping?

Shopify is better for dropshipping, offering DSers, Printful, and Spocket integrations.

Is Wix good for a growing eCommerce business?

Wix works for small businesses, but Shopify is better for scaling and managing larger stores.

Does Shopify or Wix support local Nigerian payments?

Shopify supports Flutterwave and Paystack, while Wix has limited local payment support.

My Final Verdict on Shopify Vs Wix

• Use Shopify if you need a powerful eCommerce platform to scale your business.

• Use Wix if you're looking for an easy-to-use website builder with basic eCommerce features.

• Choose Shopify if you plan to sell internationally and need more advanced payment options.

• Choose Wix if you're a small business owner or freelancer who prioritizes design flexibility over eCommerce complexity.

Both platforms have their strengths, but Shopify is the better choice for serious online businesses, while Wix is ideal for entrepreneurs looking for a simple yet stylish online presence.

Simon Taki Zaku,

Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry.com.ng

For Ibifoundry.com.ng/blog