India’s e-commerce landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth, presenting lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to establish an online presence. In 2024, the Indian e-commerce market was valued at approximately $123 billion and is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. This surge is driven by an expanding internet user base, which is expected to grow from 700 million in 2022 to 900 million by 2025.
While Shopify has been a popular choice for creating online stores, it’s essential to explore other platforms that might better suit specific business needs, especially within the dynamic Indian market. As of 2024, Shopify powers over 5.46 million active stores worldwide. However, with the rapid evolution of e-commerce in India, several alternatives have emerged, offering tailored solutions that cater to local payment methods, regional preferences, and unique business models.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 Shopify alternatives available in India, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they align with the current e-commerce trends in the country.
Important Things to Take into Account While Selecting an eCommerce Platform
- Ease of Use – Look for a platform with a simple setup and user-friendly interface.
- Payment Gateway Support – Ensure it supports Indian payment methods like UPI, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets.
- Customization Options – Check if you can modify the store’s design and features to match your brand.
- Scalability – Choose a platform that can grow with your business without major technical issues.
- Customer Support – Reliable support is essential for troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth operations.
Common Challenges in Running an Online Store
- Managing Inventory – Keeping track of stock levels and ensuring timely restocking can be challenging.
- Customer Trust – Building credibility through secure transactions and customer reviews is important.
- Payment Failures – Technical issues with payment gateways can affect customer experience and sales.
- Shipping & Delivery – Efficient logistics and timely deliveries are crucial for customer satisfaction.
- Marketing & Sales – Attracting customers through SEO, ads, and social media requires constant effort.
Top 10 Best Shopify Alternatives in India
1. Shopline
Shopline stands as a new eCommerce platform which serves businesses operating in search of comprehensive business solutions. Users can access its easy-to-use design alongside robust promotional tools together with dedicated customer assistance. Shopline caters primarily to D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) brands which use it to design custom-designed shopping interfaces for customers.
The Shopline system enables businesses to handle several sales channels through its social media connection, enabling cross-platform selling across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. To maximize results on Facebook, businesses can leverage our Facebook marketing software for improved campaign performance and customer engagement.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel selling across website, social media, and marketplaces
- AI-driven marketing and analytics tools
- Customizable templates with an easy-to-use interface
- Built-in payment solutions and shipping management
- 24/7 customer support
Website: https://shopline.com
Pricing: Custom
2. Squarespace Commerce
Squarespace provides websites through its user-friendly interface while presenting an array of appealing design templates. Users can build attractive online stores through Squarespace Commerce without facing any significant difficulty. Shopify provides complete tools within its platform for handling products and orders alongside market campaigns, so businesses focusing on design will find this solution appealing.
Users can process credit and debit card payments in India using PayPal and Stripe, although Squarespace lacks direct connections to numerous Indian payment gateways. Businesses with boutique operations alongside artists and photographers, together with small organizations, should consider this platform for their attractive online storefront.
Key Features:
- Professionally designed templates for online stores
- Built-in inventory and order management tools
- Integrated SEO and marketing features
- Mobile-optimized and responsive designs
- Supports PayPal and Stripe for payments
Website: https://www.squarespace.com/ecommerce
Pricing: Custom
3. Instamojo
Originally a payment gateway, Instamojo has developed into a comprehensive e-commerce platform that serves Indian small enterprises, entrepreneurs, and sellers of digital goods. It enables non-technical individuals to quickly construct an online store. Instamojo is a fantastic Shopify substitute for Indian small businesses, including features like marketing tools, automated shipping, and UPI-based payments.
The simplicity of usage of Instamojo is one of its best qualities. Third-party integrations are not necessary because it has integrated payment processing and requires little setup. It is perfect for small merchants, freelancers, and producers because businesses may offer both digital and physical goods.
Key Features:
- Quick and easy store setup
- Supports digital and physical product sales
- Integrated Indian payment gateway (UPI, wallets, credit/debit cards)
- Automated shipping and invoicing
- Free plan available with basic features
Website: https://www.instamojo.com
Pricing:
| Lite | Starter | Growth |
| $0/mo | $81.90/mo | $175.52/mo |
4. OpenCart
The OpenCart framework functions as a completely free open-source eCommerce platform that gives organizations complete oversight regarding their internet storefront management. Users can easily handle products, customers, and orders using the simple administration interface provided by this solution. OpenCart enables businesses to operate their stores in multiple languages and currencies, thereby making it practical for Indian enterprises that engage global customers.
The platform provides multiple themes together with extensions which enable businesses to modify their store design and functionality. The platform enables business operations through numerous Indian payment gateways which include Paytm in addition to Instamojo and Razorpay. The free OpenCart software requires users to pay for hosting services and develop their platform which must include premium extensions for additional advanced capabilities.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source with complete customization
- Supports multiple languages and currencies
- Wide range of themes and extensions
- Indian payment gateway support
- Multi-store management
Website: https://www.opencart.com
Pricing: Free
5. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
The open-source eCommerce framework Magento, which operates under the name Adobe Commerce, provides businesses with high levels of modification capabilities and flexible expansion potential. Store design and functionality as well as customer experience, sit under the complete control of this platform because it provides extensive flexibility. Through its built-in payment gateway system, Magento allows retail businesses to use Indian payment providers Razorpay and PayU, and Instamojo.
The main strong point of Magento is its diverse featured capabilities that comprise robust SEO management alongside user analytics and multiple location shopping options alongside a variety of third-party connection possibilities. A technical operator must establish and keep Magento operational because it demands specialized expertise that large operations or those with development resources already possess. Magento provides a dependable platform that suits organizations that need to grow their operations through its powerful infrastructure capabilities.
Key Features:
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Multi-store and multi-currency support
- Extensive third-party integrations
- Advanced SEO and analytics tools
- Supports Indian and global payment gateways
Website: https://business.adobe.com/in/products/magento/magento-commerce.html
Pricing: Available on request
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6. BigCommerce
BigCommerce serves as a strong replacement for Shopify and meets the needs of companies of every size. Businesses choose BigCommerce because of its capacity to scale up, and its comprehensive platform offers extensive customization features.
The platform includes integrated features supporting multiple currencies alongside advanced SEO functionality, together with flexible handling of products. Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from BigCommerce because it does not implement a transaction fee, thus lowering their costs effectively.
BigCommerce enables Indian business owners to connect their platforms to Razorpay together with PayPal and PayU payment gateway options. Sellers using the platform enjoy the marketplace integration of Amazon and Flipkart, so their products become available across these platforms. Businesses focused on eCommerce should consider BigCommerce because it offers advanced features that professionals need, though it involves steeper initial learning compared to Wix or Dukaan. nesses.
Key Features:
- No transaction fees on sales
- Multi-currency and multi-channel selling
- Advanced SEO and marketing features
- Supports Indian payment gateways and integrations
- Scalable for large businesses and enterprises
Website: https://www.bigcommerce.com
Pricing: Available on request
7. Zoho Commerce
The well-known Indian SaaS business Zoho created the e-commerce platform Zoho Commerce. It is a comprehensive solution for creating, running, and expanding an internet business. Businesses seeking a comprehensive suite of management tools will find Zoho Commerce to be a great option because it smoothly connects with Zoho’s ecosystem, which includes Zoho CRM, Zoho Books (accounting), and Zoho Inventory.
Zoho Commerce provides comprehensive analytics, drag-and-drop website development, and configurable layouts. It guarantees seamless transactions for Indian businesses by supporting a number of payment gateways, such as Razorpay and PayU. It is most appropriate for medium-sized enterprises seeking an integrated business solution because of its extensive automation and reporting capabilities.
Key Features:
- Integration with the Zoho ecosystem for seamless management
- Drag-and-drop website builder with customizable templates
- Advanced analytics and automation tools
- Supports Indian payment gateways and international transactions
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
Website: https://www.zoho.com/commerce
Pricing:
| Starter | Professional | Advanced |
| $9.35/mo | $28.08/mo | $65.53/mo |
8. Dukaan
In India Dukaan operates as a business platform that enables companies and entrepreneurs to establish their own online marketplace within just a few minutes. Dukaan provides users who lack technical background a chance to build digital storefronts directly from their mobile devices. Small retailers together with home-based businesses and local stores favor Dukaan when they want to establish an online sales channel.
Dukaan enables Indian customers to make payments through UPI and Paytm and PhonePe which ensures smooth domestic transactions. The system features a WhatsApp integration function which allows sellers to automatically send their store links and obtain direct orders from WhatsApp platform. The basic structure of Dukaan and its reasonable pricing make it a perfect Shopify substitute for small companies operating in India.
Key Features:
- Quick store setup without coding
- Mobile-first design for better reach
- WhatsApp integration for direct order management
- Supports Indian payment gateways and cash-on-delivery
- In-app marketing tools for customer engagement
Website: https://mydukaan.io
Pricing:
| Free | Starter | Growth | Infinity |
| $0 | $17.54/mo | $45.63/mo | $169.58/mo |
9. Wix eCommerce
A drag-and-drop website builder is a feature of the user-friendly platform Wix eCommerce. It is designed for beginners and small business owners who want to launch an online store quickly without coding. Wix provides beautifully designed templates, allowing users to create professional-looking websites with minimal effort. The platform also supports AI-driven website creation, helping users design their store based on preferences.
One of Wix’s strengths is its built-in marketing and SEO tools, enabling businesses to drive traffic and improve conversions. It supports multiple payment options, including Indian payment gateways, credit cards, and UPI. Although Wix lacks the extensive app marketplace of Shopify, it provides enough built-in features for most small to medium-sized eCommerce stores.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop website builder for easy customization
- AI-powered store setup for quick launching
- Mobile-optimized templates for better user experience
- Integrated marketing and SEO tools
- Multiple payment gateways, including UPI and wallets
Website: https://www.wix.com/ecommerce
Pricing:
| Lite | Core | Business | Elite |
| $2.93/mo | $5.85/mo | $10.53/mo | $21.07/mo |
10. WooCommerce
WooCommerce operates as a free WordPress plugin that converts any website into a total online storefront. As an eCommerce solution, WooCommerce ranks among the most popular choices because it provides strong flexibility alongside scalability, together with complete control of design and functionality.
The plugin operates through WordPress, so users gain access to thousands of themes and plugins that enhance their store operations. Businesses run by Indian entrepreneurs can choose WooCommerce because it avoids transaction fees that might otherwise eliminate profitability through Shopify.
Users who establish WooCommerce need basic technical expertise because this platform gives total control over their eCommerce environment. You can handle payments and shipping and marketing initiatives through WooCommerce through its extensive catalogue of available extensions regardless of your choices between digital and physical product sales. The solution comes with built-in Indian payment gateway capabilities to work with Razorpay and PayU, which makes it suitable for enterprise operations in India.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable with WordPress themes and plugins
- No transaction fees, reducing operational costs
- Supports multiple payment gateways, including UPI & wallets
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
- Scalable for small and large businesses
Website: https://woocommerce.com
Pricing: Free
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right eCommerce platform depends on your business needs, budget, and technical skills. Some platforms are great for beginners who want an easy setup, while others offer advanced features for large businesses. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable option, many choices let you start selling online quickly. If you need more customization and scalability, some platforms provide complete control over your store.
Before making a decision, consider factors like pricing, payment options, ease of use, and customer support. No matter which platform you choose, the key to success is offering a smooth shopping experience to your customers. Start with the one that best fits your needs and grow your online business with the right tools
FAQs
Can I sell products in India with international eCommerce platforms?
Yes, many international e-commerce platforms support Indian sellers. However, you need to check if they offer payment gateway integrations that support UPI, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets used in India.
Does starting an online store require knowing how to code?
No, most modern eCommerce platforms offer drag-and-drop website builders that do not require coding skills. However, for advanced customizations, some platforms allow coding access for developers.
What are the payment options available for Indian e-commerce stores?
Most platforms support payment options like UPI, net banking, credit/debit cards, Paytm, PhonePe, and other digital wallets. Some also allow cash-on-delivery (COD) as a payment method.
