Are you ready to start or grow your online business? Choosing the right e-commerce platform can make a big difference. The wrong choice can slow you down, while the right one can help your business grow faster.
There are many platforms out there, and it can feel confusing to pick one. That’s why we researched and compared the top e-commerce platforms for you. This guide explains the prices, main features, and expert opinions in simple words.
With this information, you can choose the best platform for your needs and give your online business a strong start.
6 Best ecommerce platforms
Wix eCommerce
All-in-one eCommerce platform
Starting from: $29/mo
- Dropshipping-friendly
- Social Media & Amazon selling integration
- 100+ designer-made templates
Shopify
Try for free, then get 3 months for $1/month
Starting from: $5/mo
3-Day Free Trial
- Trusted by millions of businesses globally
- Drag-and-drop store creator
- Create your online store in minutes
Square Online
Build your online store with ease
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan
- Start free with unlimited product listings
- Built-in SEO tools and Google integrations
- Advanced features: Abandoned cart recovery
BigCommerce
Get one month free with BigCommerce
Starting from: $29/mo
15-Day Free Trial
- 240+ design templates
- Drag & drop product merchandising
- Built-in SEO tools to boost visibility
Network Solutions
Starting from: $4.95/mo
- FREE domain included
- Marketing tools & real-time analytics
- Simple payment & order processing
WooCommerce
Scalable from startup to enterprise
Starting from: $0/mo
Free Plan
- Vast ecosystem of extensions
- Limitless customization options
- Integrates with any WordPress site
1: Wix: Best for Integrating Marketing and Sales Tools
Wix is a cloud-based website and online store builder. More than 110 million websites are made with Wix.
It is known as one of the easiest tools for beginners who want to build an online store without coding.
Wix lets you create a store using simple drag-and-drop tools. You can choose from ready-made templates and design your shop in minutes. This makes Wix great for beginners and small business owners who want something fast and affordable.
While Wix does not have the same advanced tools as big enterprise platforms, it is improving every year. Wix also includes a clean dashboard and a mobile app for easy store management and sales tracking.
Standout Features
Abandoned cart recovery — helps bring back customers who left items in their cart.
Instant purchase buttons — customers can buy faster, which increases sales.
Add-to-cart from gallery — shoppers can add items directly from product photos.
Loyalty programs & discount codes — help build trust and repeat sales.
$300 free online ad credit — great for promoting your business.
40+ payment options — includes PayPal, Stripe, Square, and Wix Payments.
Multi-currency support — sell worldwide (Unlimited plan only).
What We Like About Wix eCommerce
Many free, modern, and clean themes
No transaction fees
Very easy to build a website or online store
24/7 customer support with ticket system and call-back option
Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Easy drag-and-drop store builder | No free trial |
| Modern free templates | Cannot change template later |
| No transaction fees | Limited advanced marketing tools |
| 40+ payment methods | Some advanced features only on higher plans |
| Good 24/7 support | Not ideal for large, scalable stores |
Overall Review
Wix is a great choice for small businesses and new online store owners.
You don’t need any design or coding skills to build a clean, professional store.
You can also add apps and plugins to improve your shop.
However, Wix is still mainly a website builder, not a full enterprise ecommerce platform.
If you need a large, complex, scalable online business, platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce may be better.
Overall Rating:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design Options | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Ease of Use | ⭐ 4.8 |
| Features | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Integrations | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Performance | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Support | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Value for Money | ⭐ 4.2 |
2:Shopify: Best for Growing your Ecommerce Business
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms in the world. It started in 2004 and now more than 1 million online stores run on Shopify.
The platform comes with all the important tools you need—like a drag-and-drop website builder, ready-made themes, templates, and strong marketing features. You can create a full online store in less than one hour.
Shopify is great for beginners who want to start an online business without high costs. It is also powerful enough for advanced sellers. You do not need to know coding or web design to use it.
Key eCommerce Features of Shopify
70+ ready-made themes to help you build your store quickly
AI tools that personalize products for better sales
Built-in marketing tools, like social media posting and email marketing
Inventory tracking, so your products are always updated
Real-time sales reports to help you plan marketing and sales
Full blogging platform to write posts, share lookbooks, and get more traffic
Unlimited products, so you can grow your store anytime
Shopify Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price (Yearly Billing) | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29 | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Grow | $79 | 2.7% + $0.30 |
| Advanced | $299 | 2.5% + $0.30 |
You also pay a small fee for each sale (transaction fee).
Shopify offers a 3-day free trial for new users.
What We Like About Shopify
Very easy to set up
Fast website loading speed
Great customer support
One-Click Checkout increases sales
Supports selling on social media and multiple channels
What Could Be Better
Multi-language support is not very strong
Extra apps and themes can increase cost
Checkout page customization is limited
Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Very easy for beginners | Multi-language tools could be better |
| Fast loading speed | Extra themes/apps can increase total cost |
| Great customer support | Checkout customization is limited |
| One-Click Checkout boosts conversions | — |
| Supports social & multichannel selling | — |
Overall Ratings:
Shopify is a top choice for small, medium, and large businesses.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design Options | 4.0 |
| Ease of Use | 4.8 |
| Features | 3.9 |
| Integrations | 4.7 |
| Performance | 4.5 |
| Support | 4.7 |
| Value for Money | 4.4 |
3:Square Online – Best for small hospitality businesses
Square Online is an easy-to-use eCommerce website builder made for small businesses, restaurants, retail stores, and local sellers. It lets you create a store for free, with unlimited products, built-in POS integration, and strong tools for selling online or in-person.
You don’t need design or coding skills — the platform uses simple drag-and-drop tools. It is designed especially for business owners who want something fast, affordable, and stress-free.
While it doesn’t offer many templates or payment gateways compared to bigger platforms, Square Online is still a powerful option for beginners and small shops that want a smooth online selling experience.
Standout Features
Free to start — no monthly fee; pay only when you make a sale
Strong security — SSL, PCI compliant, fraud prevention
Unlimited products — even on the free plan
POS integration — sync your online & offline inventory
SEO + marketing tools — for Google, Facebook, Instagram
Real-time shipping rates — available on higher plans
Customer reviews — build trust
Mobile-optimized — looks great on all devices
Appointment booking — great for service businesses
Loyalty programs — reward repeat shoppers
Square Online Pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Pay only 2.9% + $0.30 per sale |
| Plus | $29/month | Custom domain, pop-ups, better stats |
| Premium | Custom | Lower transaction fees + advanced shipping |
What We Like About Square Online
Free plan with full store features
Easy setup using simple drag-and-drop
Best inventory syncing between online and in-store sales
Strong payment security
Designed for restaurants, retail stores, and service businesses
Good SEO and social media selling tools
Real-time shipping rates on higher plans
Smooth mobile shopping experience
Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Free plan available | Very few payment gateways |
| Strong security features | Limited number of templates |
| Syncs online + offline inventory | Some advanced tools only in paid plans |
| Fast setup for beginners | No deep customization like Shopify |
| Good for restaurants & small stores | Slow loading reported by some users |
Overall Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design Options | ⭐ 3.8 |
| Ease of Use | ⭐ 4.7 |
| Features | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Integrations | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Performance | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Support | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Value for Money | ⭐ 4.5 |
4:BigCommerce: Best for Advanced Inventory and Order Management
BigCommerce is one of the biggest eCommerce platforms in the world. It supports more than $25 billion in sales across 120 countries. It is a great choice for large online stores and growing businesses.
The platform is easy to use even if you are a beginner. You can build your store without hiring a developer. If you have coding skills, you can also edit the HTML and CSS to create a more custom design.
Standout Features
Unlimited products — add as many items as you want.
Unlimited bandwidth & storage — your store stays fast even when you grow.
Multi-currency checkout — customers can pay in their own currency.
Built-in reports — see your best products and customer behavior.
12 free themes + 160+ paid themes — good design options for small businesses.
Shipping & POS integrations — easy to connect with other tools.
Strong community support and email support.
24/7 live chat available on paid plans.
What We Like About BigCommerce
Flexible and easy to scale
Great for selling on many channels (Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Unique and modern themes
Strong SEO tools
Very good abandoned cart feature
Our Easy Review
BigCommerce is a powerful and beginner-friendly eCommerce platform. Many successful online stores use it. It is similar to Shopify in ease of use.
BigCommerce also gives better SEO control, such as editing URLs and page titles — which helps you rank better on Google. It also supports multi-currency selling, which is great for global customers.
Some advanced tools like shipping integrations and abandoned cart features are available only on higher plans.
Pros & Cons
| Pros (👍 Good Things) | Cons (👎 Not So Good) |
|---|---|
| Flexible and scalable | Some themes load slowly |
| Good for multi-channel selling | Abandoned cart tool only on higher plans |
| Strong SEO | No 1-click selling option |
| Good theme designs | — |
| Great abandoned cart tool | — |
Overall Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design Options | 3.6 / 5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 / 5 |
| Features | 4.0 / 5 |
| Integrations | 4.7 / 5 |
| Performance | 4.8 / 5 |
| Support | 4.7 / 5 |
| Value | 4.7 / 5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4 / 5 |
5:Network Solutions: Best for: Small businesses, startups, service providers, and sellers who want an affordable, secure, all-in-one eCommerce setup.
Network Solutions is one of the long-standing names in the online business world. It began as a domain and hosting provider but now offers a complete eCommerce solution. It is mainly suitable for small businesses, startups, and service-based websites that want a simple way to sell products online without complex setup.
The platform is beginner-friendly, offers a large number of templates, supports multi-channel selling, and includes useful marketing and SEO tools. If you want an affordable and ready-to-use eCommerce system, Network Solutions is a solid choice.
Standout Features
Up to 100,000 products — great for growing stores.
15+ payment options — including PayPal, Authorize.net, CyberSource & more.
Drag-and-drop website builder — simple for beginners.
Industry-specific templates — choose designs made for your business type.
Advanced inventory management — real-time stock updates.
Social media integrations — sell on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest.
Multi-channel selling — connect with Amazon, eBay, Etsy.
SEO tools — built-in features to rank better on Google.
Analytics dashboard — track sales, traffic & abandoned carts.
Brand protection tools — domain security, malware scanning & monitoring.
Appointment scheduling — helpful for service businesses.
QuickBooks direct integration — easier bookkeeping.
Secure hosting — PCI-compliant, SSL protection, daily backups.
24/7 support — phone, chat, email & knowledge base.
What We Like About Network Solutions
Very beginner-friendly store builder
Affordable plans for small businesses
Strong security features + SSL protection
100,000 product support — great for scaling
Lots of templates for many industries
Easy integration with marketplaces
24/7 phone and live chat support
Direct QuickBooks sync saves time
Multi-channel selling + social media shop support
Our Easy Review
Network Solutions is a good option if you want to start selling online quickly. The builder is simple, templates are ready to use, and you get tools for SEO, marketing, and inventory. You can sell on Amazon and eBay, accept many payment methods, and keep your site safe with strong security features.
It’s not as flexible as Shopify or BigCommerce in design, but it gets the job done for small stores. It is especially helpful if you want strong security, customer support, and a low starting price.
Pros & Cons
| Pros (👍 Good Things) | Cons (👎 Not So Good) |
|---|---|
| 24/7 customer support | Some templates look outdated |
| Easy drag-and-drop builder | Design flexibility is limited |
| Supports up to 100,000 products | Speed can be slower at times |
| 15+ payment options | Not ideal for large advanced stores |
| Strong security & SSL | No built-in newsletter tool |
| SEO + marketing tools | |
| Multi-channel selling |
Overall Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design Options | 3.8 / 5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.2 / 5 |
| Features | 4.0 / 5 |
| Integrations | 4.3 / 5 |
| Performance | 4.0 / 5 |
| Support | 4.7 / 5 |
| Value | 4.4 / 5 |
6:WooCommerce: Best for Flexible and Highly Customizable WordPress eCommerce
You can turn any WordPress website into a full online store using WooCommerce.
WooCommerce is a little harder to learn than many other eCommerce platforms. But if you take some time, you can build a very customized and powerful online store. You can also install many free and paid extensions to add more features.
WooCommerce is the best choice if you want to grow your business using content marketing and SEO on WordPress. It is also great if you want full control of your own online store.
Standout Features
Great for SEO
WooCommerce is built with clean code that search engines like. Many SEO plugins, such as Yoast, work perfectly with it.
WooCommerce Extensions Store
You get more than 300 extensions (free and paid) to add extra tools, designs, and useful features.
140+ Payment Options
It supports all major payment methods such as Stripe, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Square, and Amazon Pay.
Strong Documentation
You get guides, tutorials, and a large public support forum for help.
Multiple Languages and Currencies
WooCommerce supports 24 languages and many currency options.
Pros and Cons
| Pros (Good Things) | Cons (Bad Things) |
|---|---|
| Great for SEO and content marketing | You must buy hosting separately |
| Very customizable website options | Customer support is mostly forum-based |
| Large WordPress community for help | Too many extensions can slow your site |
| One-click selling tools available | Hard to manage many orders and products |
| Works with major marketing tools | Not very beginner-friendly |
Our WooCommerce Review
WooCommerce is a strong choice if you already know how WordPress works.
If you are new to WordPress, it may take time to learn everything correctly. Setting up a good WooCommerce store requires patience and some technical understanding.
WooCommerce itself is free, but you may need to buy hosting, a theme, and some extensions. Still, it is one of the best options if you want an online store and an affiliate website at the same time.
Because WordPress is very strong in SEO, your store can grow well through search traffic. Just be careful not to install too many plugins, because this can slow down your website.
Overall Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design Options | 4.2 |
| Ease of Use | 4.2 |
| Features | 4.1 |
| Integrations | 4.3 |
| Performance | 4.0 |
| Support | 3.8 |
| Value | 4.2 |
Essential E-Commerce Platform Features: What to Look For
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is one of the most important decisions for your online business. The platform you pick affects how easily you can manage products, process orders, run marketing campaigns, and deliver a smooth shopping experience.
This guide explains the essential e-commerce features you should look for, plus key factors to consider before choosing a platform.
Must-Have Features in an E-Commerce Platform
1. Strong Product Management
Your platform should let you easily add, edit, and organize products. This saves time and helps you manage growing inventories smoothly.
Look for:
Bulk product editing
Product variations (size, color, etc.)
Image and gallery management
Categories and tags
2. Secure Payment Processing
Customers want safe, reliable payment methods. More payment options can increase your conversion rates.
Look for:
Stripe, PayPal, and other popular gateways
Secure checkout and encryption
3. Easy Order Management
A good order system makes it easier to track, ship, and manage returns.
Look for:
Order tracking
Shipping label creation
Inventory alerts
Automatic customer notifications
4. Simple Shipping & Tax Setup
Correct shipping rates and tax calculations help you avoid mistakes and unexpected costs.
Look for:
Location-based shipping rates
Automatic tax calculation
Integration with major shipping carriers
5. Built-In SEO & Marketing Tools
Your platform should help customers find your store and products online.
Look for:
SEO tools (meta tags, clean URLs, sitemaps)
Email marketing integrations
Social sharing options
6. Customizable Themes & Design
A clean, modern store design helps build trust and reflect your brand.
Look for:
Customizable templates
Drag-and-drop editors
Mobile-friendly layouts
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-Commerce Platform
1. Pricing and Transaction Fees
E-commerce platforms vary in monthly pricing and transaction fees. High fees can reduce your profits over time.
Check for:
Monthly subscription plans
Per-sale transaction fees
Add-on costs
2. Ease of Use & Customization
A beginner-friendly interface saves time and reduces stress. At the same time, customization helps you create a unique brand experience.
3. Essential Features & Integrations
Make sure the platform includes key features like inventory control, reporting, customer management, and analytics.
It should also integrate with:
CRM tools
Email marketing platforms
Advertising tools
Accounting software
4. Scalability
Choose a platform that can grow with your business. It should handle more products, higher traffic, and more complex needs without requiring you to switch platforms later.
5. SEO & Marketing Support
Good SEO features help you rank on Google. Built-in marketing tools help you run campaigns, create offers, and attract more customers.
6. Customer Support & Community
Reliable support is essential when issues arise. A strong user community can also help you find quick solutions and tips.
7. Security & Compliance
Your platform must protect customer data and keep your store secure.
Look for:
SSL certificates
Data encryption
Compliance with privacy laws like GDPR
8. Payment Options
Choose a platform that supports all popular payment methods your customers may use, including global payment gateways if you sell internationally.
Understanding the E-Commerce Ecosystem: Key Connected Tools
Modern e-commerce platforms often work alongside other software to support your business. Here are the most common tools:
CRM Software
Helps manage customer information, purchases, and communication.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Improves inventory, shipping, and logistics planning.
ERP Systems
Connects all essential business operations—from finance to sales—in one system.
Marketing Automation Tools
Automates email campaigns, ads, and social media posts.
Analytics Platforms
Shows important data on customer behavior, sales performance, and website activity.
Payment Gateways
Enables safe and secure online payments.
Cybersecurity Tools
Adds extra protection against data breaches and cyber threats.
Types of E-Commerce Platforms
1. SaaS Platforms (e.g., Shopify, BigCommerce)
Cloud-based
Easy to use
No coding required
Great for beginners
2. Open-Source Platforms (e.g., WooCommerce, Magento)
Full customization
Requires hosting and technical skills
3. On-Premise Platforms
Hosted on your own server
Offers full control, but needs a technical team
4. Headless Commerce
Front-end and back-end are separate
Ideal for multi-channel selling and mobile apps
5. B2B E-Commerce Platforms
Built for wholesale and business-to-business selling.
Supports:
Bulk orders
Company accounts
Custom pricing
6. Marketplace Platforms
Create multi-vendor stores like Amazon or Etsy.
7. PWA E-Commerce Solutions
Fast, app-like shopping experience for mobile users.
8. C2C Platforms
Customer-to-customer selling, such as handmade or second-hand items.
9. Hybrid Platforms
Combines SaaS flexibility with open-source customization.
Common E-Commerce Use Cases
E-commerce platforms support many types of online businesses, including:
Retail products
Digital downloads
B2B selling
Subscription boxes and services
Multi-vendor marketplaces
Dropshipping stores
International selling
Event ticket sales
Conclusion
An e-commerce platform is the foundation of your online business. With the right tools, features, and marketing strategy, you can grow your store faster and create a great shopping experience for your customers.
If you’re looking for the best e-commerce platform, be sure to explore expert reviews and comparisons to find the perfect fit for your needs.