Choosing the best eCommerce platform might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fear not, because we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 12 eCommerce platforms that millions of merchants have tried and tested worldwide. We’ll cover their unique features, weigh the pros and cons, and even give you the inside scoop on pricing.
So, whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or a complete newbie, we’ll help you find the right eCommerce platform that’ll empower you to build a thriving online store and turn your business dreams into reality.
Key takeaways
- Choose an eCommerce platform that aligns with your budget, tech skills, and business goals.
- Make sure the platform can scale alongside your business.
- Ensure your platform allows you to showcase your brand’s unique identity through customizable themes.
- Explore the most popular eCommerce platforms, like Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, WooCommerce, and Squarespace.
- Prioritize SEO capabilities for maximum visibility.
What is an eCommerce platform?
An eCommerce platform is your online business’s all-in-one toolkit. It’s a software solution packed with eCommerce features that lets you build and manage your own digital storefront. In simple terms, it’s a place for building online stores – complete with customer accounts, online payments, and everything you need to manage your eCommerce website and grow your business.
From showcasing your products and payment processing to handling shipping and marketing your brand.
What to know when choosing an eCommerce platform?
Before you start selling online, you need to pick the best eCommerce platform for your business. It’s like choosing the perfect storefront location – you want to make sure it’s a good fit for your brand and your budget. What should you look for?
Type of platform
Do you want all the bells and whistles taken care of for you, or are you a DIY enthusiast? Because there are two options:
- Hosted platforms – Imagine a luxurious all-inclusive resort where everything is taken care of – your meals, your drinks, even your entertainment. That’s what a hosted eCommerce platform is like.
They handle advanced eCommerce features, like hosting, security, updates, technical support, and maintenance, so you can focus on running your business, not troubleshooting code. - Self-hosted platforms – If prefer a more DIY approach, a self-hosted platform might be your jam. You’ll have complete control over your online store’s design and functionality, but you’ll also need to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with the technical aspects.
It’s like building your own custom dream home – you get exactly what you want, but it requires a bit more effort and expertise.
Pricing
What’s your budget? eCommerce platforms have different pricing structures, from monthly fees to transaction costs. Figure out what you’re comfortable spending and choose a platform that fits your budget.
Available functionality
Different platforms offer various features, including eCommerce store inventory management, accounting software, comprehensive content management systems (CMS), marketing tools, payment options, app integrations, and more advanced functionalities. Consider the must-haves for your business and choose a platform that meets those needs.
How does the platform handle online payments? Are there transaction fees? Which payment gateways are supported? These are essential factors to consider for smooth and secure transactions.
Ease of use
Some platforms are more user-friendly than others. If you’re just starting out, opt for one with an intuitive interface and plenty of support resources to guide you along the way. In the next section, we’ll dissect the best eCommerce sites to help you find your match.
Build the best eCommerce website: top 12 eCommerce platforms
1. Shopify
Shopify is a hosted platform that offers a comprehensive solution for building and managing your online business. It’s an all-in-one platform for beginners and small businesses, as well as large enterprises.
It’s easy to use and has a wide range of components.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop store builder – Easily customize your storefront without any coding knowledge.
- Full automation – Secure and reliable hosting provider with automatic updates and maintenance.
- Wide range of paid and free themes and apps – Choose from hundreds of professionally designed themes and apps to enhance your store’s functionality.
- Secure and reliable hosting – Shopify takes care of hosting, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on running your business.
- 24/7 customer support – Get help with Shopify’s dedicated support team whenever you need it.
Pros:
- Shopify is incredibly user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.
- You can buy your own domain name.
- It can grow with your business, offering plans and features to accommodate your needs as your sales increase.
- The extensive Shopify App Store provides endless possibilities for customizing and extending your store’s functionality. Check out the Best Free Shopify Apps.
Cons:
- Shopify can be expensive, especially as you add more apps and features.
- If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you’ll be charged transaction fees on every sale.
Pricing:
- Starts at $1 for the first month.
- Then $39/month when paid monthly, with discounts for annual plans.
Rating: 4.4/5
Integrates with Printify: Yes
2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another hosted eCommerce site known for its powerful features and customization choices. It’s an excellent option for businesses that need more flexibility and control over their online store.
Key features:
- Solid characteristics – BigCommerce offers many built-in components, such as abandoned cart recovery, product filtering, and multiple currency support.
- Extensive customization – Customize almost every aspect of your store, including the checkout process and product pages.
- B2B functionality – BigCommerce offers specialized features for B2B businesses, such as custom pricing, quoting, and bulk ordering.
- Headless commerce capabilities – To decouple your front-end and back-end systems, giving you more flexibility and control over your store’s design and functionality.
Pros:
- This eCommerce solution offers many powerful tools to help you grow your business.
- You have a lot of control over the look and feel of your store.
- BigCommerce can handle large volumes of traffic and orders.
- No transaction fees, regardless of the payment gateway you use.
Cons:
- Can be more complex to use than some other platforms.
- BigCommerce’s higher-tier plans can be expensive.
Pricing:
- Starts at $29.95/month (billed annually).
Rating: 4.2/5
Integrates with Printify: Yes
3. Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that has expanded its capabilities to include a versatile eCommerce platform. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and extensive template library.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop website builder – Create your own website without any coding knowledge.
- Hundreds of customizable templates – Choose from a wide variety of professionally designed templates to match your brand’s aesthetic.
- Built-in SEO tools – Optimize your store for search engines and drive organic traffic.
- App market – Add additional features and functionality to your store with various apps.
- Mobile users welcome – Ensure your store looks great on all devices.
Pros:
- A very user-friendly platform, even for beginners.
- Offers a range of affordable plans to fit any budget.
- The drag-and-drop editor and template library make it easy to create a unique and professional-looking store.
Cons:
- Wix’s eCommerce features aren’t as extensive as some other platforms.
- May not be the best choice for businesses with complex needs or high sales volumes.
- Limited customization options.
Pricing:
- Starts at $16/month.
Rating: 4.2/5
Integrates with Printify: Yes
4. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free. open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It’s a popular choice for businesses that already have a WordPress website and want to add a store or for those who crave complete customization and control.
Key features:
- Large community and extensive plugin library – Access a vast array of plugins and extensions to add features and functionality to your store.
- Integrates seamlessly with WordPress – Easily adds eCommerce capabilities to existing WordPress websites.
Pros:
- You have complete control over the design and functionality of your store.
- WooCommerce can handle large stores with complex needs.
- The core plugin is free, but you’ll need to factor in hosting and extension costs.
Cons:
- Setting up and managing a WooCommerce store can be complex and requires some technical expertise.
- The interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
- You’re responsible for ensuring the security of your store, as WooCommerce is self-hosted.
Pricing:
- Free core plugin.
- Additional costs for hosting, domain name, and extensions.
Rating: 4.4/5
Integrates with Printify: Yes
5. Squarespace
Squarespace is a hosted platform known for its stunning templates and user-friendly interface. It’s a great choice for businesses prioritizing design and aesthetics and wanting an easy-to-manage online store.
Key features:
- Beautiful templates – Choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates that are visually appealing and mobile-responsive.
- Straightforward editor – Easily customize your store’s design without any coding knowledge.
- Integrated tools – Squarespace offers built-in email marketing, social media integration, and search engine optimization tools to help you promote your store.
- Blogging platform – Share your brand’s story and connect with your audience through a built-in blog.
Pros:
- Squarespace templates are visually stunning and will make your store stand out.
- All the features are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Squarespace offers a range of tools for marketing to help you promote your store.
Cons:
- eCommerce features might not be as extensive as some other platforms.
- Squarespace can be more expensive than other platforms.
Pricing:
- Starts at $16/month (billed annually).
Rating: 4.4/5
Integrates with Printify: Yes
6. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is a free, open-source online platform that offers a high degree of customization and flexibility. It’s a popular choice for tech-savvy businesses wanting complete online store control.
Key features:
- Large community and extensive module library – Access a vast array of modules to add features and functionality to your store.
- Multi-language and multi-currency support – Sell to customers around the world with ease.
Pros:
- You have complete control over the design and functionality of your store.
- PrestaShop can handle large stores with complex needs.
- The core platform is free, but you’ll need to factor in hosting and module costs.
Cons:
- Setting up and managing a PrestaShop store can be complex and requires technical expertise.
- The interface can be a bit of a learning curve for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.
- You’re responsible for ensuring the security of your store, as PrestaShop is self-hosted.
Pricing:
- Free core platform.
- Additional costs for hosting, domain name, and modules.
Rating: 4.3/5
Integrates with Printify: Yes
7. Adobe Commerce
Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is a powerful and highly scalable open-source eCommerce platform. It’s a top choice for large enterprises and businesses with complex requirements.
Key features:
- Robust and scalable architecture – Handles high traffic volumes and complex product catalogs with ease.
- Vast customization possibilities – Tailor every aspect of your store to match your brand and business needs.
- Advanced marketing and SEO tools – Drive traffic and increase conversions with a wide range of built-in marketing and SEO features.
- Multi-store capabilities – Manage multiple stores from a single admin panel.
- B2B functionality – Offers specialized features for business-to-business needs.
Pros:
- A highly flexible eCommerce platform designed to grow with your business, no matter how large or complex it becomes.
- Highly customizable, allowing you to create a unique and tailored shopping experience.
- Offers a wide range of advanced features, including product recommendations, customer segmentation, and personalized marketing.
Cons:
- May not be the best eCommerce solution for beginners.
- One of the more expensive eCommerce platforms.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on a quote, depending on your business size and specific needs.
Rating: 4.0/5
Integrates with Printify: No
8. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free and open-source eCommerce platform known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility. It’s a good option for small to medium-sized businesses that want a cost-effective and customizable solution.
Key features:
- User-friendly interface – Easy to navigate and manage your store, even without technical expertise.
- Vast extension marketplace – Add features and functionality to your store with a wide range of extensions.
- Multi-store capabilities – Manage multiple stores from a single admin panel.
- Multi-language and multi-currency support – Sell to customers around the world.
Pros:
- The core platform is free, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses.
- Customize the look and feel of your store with a variety of themes and extensions.
- OpenCart has a large and active community of users and developers who can offer support and guidance.
Cons:
- OpenCart’s core functionality is limited, and you may need to install extensions to add essential features.
- Some customization may require technical expertise.
Pricing:
- Free core platform.
- Additional costs for hosting, domain name, and extensions.
Rating: 4.3/5
Integrates with Printify: No
9. Square Online
Square Online is a hosted eCommerce platform designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s known for its simplicity, ease of use, and integration with Square’s point-of-sale, or POS, system.
Key features:
- Intuitive interface – Easy to set up and manage your online store.
- Drag-and-drop website builder – Create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge.
- Integrated with Square point-of-sale – Seamlessly manage your online and offline sales in one place.
- Free plan available – Get started with Square Online for free with limited features.
Pros:
- Very user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.
- The free plan is a great way to get started, and paid plans are also very affordable.
- Integration with Square POS is a major advantage for businesses that also sell in person.
Cons:
- The features aren’t as extensive as some other platforms.
- May not be the best choice for businesses with complex needs or high sales volumes.
Pricing:
- Starts at $0/month, plus additional pricing options.
Rating: 4.2/5
Integrates with Printify: No
10. Volusion
Volusion is an established, hosted eCommerce platform known for its all-in-one approach to online sales. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features designed to simplify the process of building and managing eCommerce stores.
Volusion is one of the best eCommerce solutions for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a user-friendly interface with built-in marketing and SEO capabilities.
Key features:
- Intuitive site builder – For creating and customizing your online store, even if you don’t have coding experience.
- Integrated analytics and marketing features – To track your store’s performance.
- Volusion handles hosting, security, and maintenance – Allowing you to focus on growing your business.
- Excellent customer support – To assist you with any questions or issues.
Pros:
- Volusion offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features for managing your online store.
- The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Built-in marketing and SEO tools to help you promote your store and attract customers.
Cons:
- The selection of themes is more limited compared to other platforms.
- Volusion can be more expensive than other platforms, especially for smaller businesses.
- Some plans may include transaction fees in addition to the monthly subscription.
Pricing:
- Starts at $35/month.
Rating: 3.2/5
Integrates with Printify: No
11. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop is a solid eCommerce platform that caters to growing businesses. It offers a wide array of elements, making it a versatile choice for those who want to scale their online store and experiment with different sales strategies.
Key features:
- Feature-rich – Shift4Shop boasts a wide range of built-in features, including SEO tools, marketing automation, and a CRM system.
- Customizable – Tailor your store’s appearance and functionality with various themes and customizable templates.
- Many payment solutions – Including Apple Pay, Stripe, Google Pay, and Venmo.
- Mobile-friendly – Ensure your store looks great and functions seamlessly on all devices.
- Scalable – Shift4Shop can easily accommodate your business as it grows, offering plans to handle increased traffic and sales.
Pros:
- Shift4Shop offers a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price.
- No need to worry about running out of space or bandwidth as your store grows.
- Shift4Shop doesn’t charge transaction fees.
- Get help whenever you need it with their dedicated support team.
Cons:
- The platform’s extensive features can be overwhelming for beginners.
- While customizable, the number of available themes isn’t as extensive as some other platforms.
Pricing:
- If you process at least $500 in monthly sales through Shift4, your Shift4Shop platform is completely free.
Rating: 3.9/5
Integrates with Printify: No
12. Ecwid
Ecwid is a versatile eCommerce platform that can be easily integrated into your existing website or social media pages. It’s a good option for businesses that already have an online presence and want to add a simple yet effective eCommerce store.
Key features:
- Easy integration – Seamlessly add a shopping cart to your existing website or social media pages.
- Mobile-responsive design – Guarantee your store looks great on all devices.
- Variety of payment options – Accept payments from various providers, including PayPal.
- Automated tax calculations – Simplify your tax management with built-in tax calculation tools.
- Inventory management – Easily track your inventory levels and manage your products. Ecwid provides a seamless way to add eCommerce functionality to your existing website, enabling you to easily sell products online.
Pros:
- It’s very easy to set up and use, even for those without technical experience.
- Integrate with your existing website or social media pages without rebuilding your entire online presence.
Cons:
- Customization options may be limited compared to other platforms.
- Ecwid may not be the best choice for businesses with complex needs or high sales volumes.
Pricing: They promise a free forever plan, plus three additional tiers for various needs.
Rating: 4.7/5
Integrates with Printify: No
Start an eCommerce business with Printify
1. Sign up
First, create a free Printify account. It’s your golden ticket to a world of possibilities! No strings attached, just endless potential for selling goods with your custom designs.
2. Choose what to sell
Browse the Printify Catalog and let your imagination run wild. We’ve got everything from classic t-shirts and cozy hoodies to trendy phone cases and eye-catching wall art. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect canvas for your unique designs.
3. Design your products
Start adding art to your new products. Use our intuitive Product Creator to create your own custom designs with the pattern maker or AI image generator, or upload your existing visuals. With our easy-to-use tools and templates, you’ll be designing like a pro in no time.
4. Decide where to sell
When your products are ready, choose one of the 12 eCommerce platforms we’ve discussed today: check out all functionalities, paid and free themes, payment processing solutions, and whether paid plans align with your budget.
5. Relax while Printify works
With Printify, sit back, relax, and watch your eCommerce empire flourish. Our network handles all the nitty-gritty details of production, fulfillment, and shipping, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – creating and promoting your unique products.
FAQ
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best eCommerce platform – for small business owners or seasoned entrepreneurs. The ideal choice depends on your specific needs, budget, technical skills, and business goals.
Shopify is a popular choice for beginners and small businesses due to its user-friendliness and wide range of features, while BigCommerce is a good option for growing businesses that need more customization and scalability.
Consider the following factors when choosing the best platform for launching an eCommerce website:
- Type of platform: hosted or self-hosted
- Pricing
- Features and integrations: inventory management, marketing and SEO tools, payment gateways
- Ease of use
- Scalability
Shopify and Wix are excellent choices for beginners due to their intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop builders, and comprehensive customer support.
BigCommerce and Shopify are both strong contenders for SEO, offering built-in tools and optimizations. WooCommerce, a WordPress plugin, also excels in SEO due to its flexibility and access to WordPress’s vast SEO plugin ecosystem.
Profitability isn’t solely determined by the platform you choose. It depends on various factors like your product margins, marketing strategies, and overall business model. However, platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce offer features that can help you optimize your sales and increase your profits.
Many consider Shopify as the best platform for eCommerce website building, but it might not be the best fit for everyone. BigCommerce is a strong alternative for businesses that need more customization and scalability, while WooCommerce offers unmatched flexibility for tech-savvy users. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Which is the best eCommerce software for you?
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is the cornerstone of your online success. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of Shopify, the flexibility of WooCommerce, or the design prowess of Squarespace, there’s a platform out there that’s perfect for your business.
Take the time to research your options, consider your budget and needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With the right platform in your corner, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving online store and achieving your eCommerce dreams.
