Key Takeaways
- You will find various types of eCommerce solutions that differ in ease of use, scalability, and flexibility.
- Hosted solutions deal with hosting, security, and updates, while self-hosted solutions offer more control.
- For ensuring growth, prioritize features like SEO, marketing, and multi-channel selling.
- Don’t forget to consider transaction fees and the prices for apps and customizations.
- Some platforms are suitable for small stores; some are ideal for large enterprises.
- Choose a platform according to the size of your business, budget, and goals.
Choosing the right eCommerce platform can pave the way for your online store’s success. Whether you are a small store or a large enterprise, selecting an eCommerce platform is crucial if you want sustainable growth. Nevertheless, with so many options out there, it becomes challenging to choose one over the others. That’s why we have gathered the 15 best ecommerce platforms, along with their pros and cons.
Types of Ecommerce Platforms
You can divide all eCommerce platforms into three main categories.
1. Hosted (SaaS) Platforms
Hosted platforms are basically subscription-based solutions that offer end-to-end solutions, from hosting and security to regular updates and built-in tools. These are typically easier to use with limited customization capabilities compared to other counterparts.
Examples: Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix
2. Open-Source Platforms
These eCommerce platforms don’t have any subscription cost but are more complex. You need technical expertise to manage them. Moreover, they come with additional costs and manual management for hosting, security, updates, and others.
Examples: WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce, OpenCart
3. Headless Ecommerce Platforms
These types of eCommerce platforms separate the front-end and back-end to provide more flexibility to businesses in terms of CMS or custom design. They offer higher flexibility and scalability while requiring developers for store management.
Examples: Commercetools, Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Top 15 Ecommerce Platforms in 2025
We have listed the top 15 eCommerce platforms in 2025 you can use to build your online store. These platforms vary, from fully hosted to open-source, and headless.
1. Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for building eCommerce platforms across the globe. Businesses of all sizes leverage this platform to build their online stores, thanks to its easy-to-use and fully hosted solution. It has a number of useful features, from built-in customization tools to sales tracking and marketing. The platform also has an enterprise version, called Shopify Plus, which offers higher flexibility and scalability along with more sophisticated features.
Pricing: Starts from $29/month (Basic) and goes up to $2300/month (Shopify Plus)
Pros
- Beginner-friendly nature: Shopify’s drag-and-drop store builder and simple dashboard enable beginners with little to no coding knowledge to configure and manage their stores.
- Reliable hosting and security: When availing Shopify, users get access to a fully hosted platform that includes secure hosting, SSL certification, and auto-update features.
- Round-the-clock support: Users get 24/7 support via multiple channels, from email and phone to chat. You can also leverage the Shopify community and help center.
- Built for every business: Shopify caters to every business size, from small startups needing basic features to enterprise-grade companies with high-end requirements.
- Powerful store enhancements: You can integrate thousands of third-party apps into your Shopify store through its marketplace.
- Multi-channel selling: Expand your customer base by selling across multiple platforms like Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok through Shopify.
Cons
- Transaction fees: Requires transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.
- Customization limitations: Advanced customizations cannot be done without having knowledge of Liquid (Shopify’s proprietary coding language).
- Recurring costs: The subscription charges, transaction fees, and paid applications add to recurring costs.
2. Adobe Commerce (Formerly Magento)
Adobe Commerce (previously known as Magento) is a powerful platform for building enterprise-grade, highly customizable eCommerce solutions. Mid-sized and large-scale businesses that need complete control over their online store can leverage Adobe Commerce’s capabilities.
Pricing: Depends on annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and Average Order Value (AOV)
Pros
- Customization flexibility: You can modify each aspect of your Adobe Commerce store as it offers high-end customization options.
- Highly scalable: Ideal for large businesses as it can manage extensive product catalogs, high traffic volumes, and complex eCommerce operations with ease.
- B2B and B2C capabilities: Offers features like custom catalogs, personalized shopping, bulk pricing, and corporate accounts, which come in handy for both B2B and B2C solutions.
- SEO and marketing tools: The built-in SEO and promotional features along with targeted marketing tools help in driving more traffic and conversions.
- Active community: Adobe Commerce’s huge developer community offers support and solutions for a number of situations, helping businesses scale effortlessly.
Cons
- Requires technical expertise: Not suited for non-technical users as it requires high-end coding skills for configuration, customizations, and maintenance.
- High operational costs: With development, security, and hosting costs make it costly for small businesses.
3. BigCommerce
Known for built-in features and scalability, BigCommerce is a renowned brand in the world of eCommerce development. It is an exceptional solution for businesses looking for a one-stop solution for their eCommerce needs as the platform offers advanced out-of-the-box tools. While the platform is an excellent choice for small businesses the BigCommerce Enterprise makes it a perfect fit for large enterprises.
Pricing: Starts from $29/month (Standard) and goes up to $299/month (Pro). Also, custom plans are available for large enterprise-grade businesses.
Pros
- No additional transaction fees: Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce comes with zero transaction fees. So, businesses can maximize their profits when using third-party payment processors.
- Comprehensive built-in features: Advanced features like abandoned cart recovery, product filtering, and SEO tools come built-in for free.
- Enterprise-friendly: Includes features like unlimited products, bandwidth, and API capabilities, which support large-scale stores.
- Multi-channel selling capabilities: From marketplaces like Amazon to social media platforms, you can sell anywhere without additional plugins.
- Strong SEO and marketing tools: Get a higher ranking with advanced SEO settings, Google Shopping integration, and URL customization.
Cons
- Steep learning curve: The advanced features may take time for beginners to learn.
- Revenue-based pricing model: The platform auto-upgrades businesses to higher pricing models based on annual sales.
- Limited free themes: The free theme options on BigCommerce are smaller when compared to Shopify or Wix.
4. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source WordPress plugin that offers powerful eCommerce capabilities. It can transform a website into a functional eCommerce store with its advanced features and flexible solutions. The platform is a cost-effective solution for businesses that prefer a WordPress-based eCommerce solution. The platform also offers thousands of useful extensions for crucial eCommerce functions like shipping, marketing, and payment gateways.
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Free and open-source: The open-source nature of the platform frees customers of any monthly or annual subscriptions and makes the platform highly customizable.
- Full control over website design –With WooCommerce, merchants have the flexibility to choose hosting solutions and modify store elements without any limitations that come with SaaS platforms.
- Vast WordPress plugin ecosystem –The WordPress plugin ecosystem offers freedom for advanced integrations, from analytics to payment gateways.
- Strong SEO capabilities: Optimizing product pages and blogs for SEO becomes easier with WooCommerce as it’s built on WordPress.
- Supports both physical and digital products: WooCommerce enables you to sell both digital and physical products, from memberships to subscriptions and downloads.
Cons
- Requires hosting and maintenance: Businesses have to take the responsibility of managing hosting and maintenance, which is not required with SaaS platforms like Shopify.
- Can become expensive with premium plugins: While WooCommerce itself is totally free of cost, it often requires support from premium plugins, which can increase the development cost.
5. Wix
Wix is a website builder that also has online store-building capabilities. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly platforms that offers built-in eCommerce features to its users looking to build an eCommerce store. Ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs, Wix comes with a drag-and-drop option, which makes it an excellent pick for non-technical people.
Pricing: Starts from $29/month (Core) and goes up to $159/month (Business Elite)
Pros
- WYSIWYG editor: Wix’s drag-and-drop feature and simple dashboard make it a great option for beginners with zero coding knowledge.
- AI-powered design assistance: Wix has advanced AI capabilities that allow the platform to design a store layout based on user prompts.
- Integrated marketing tools: SEO, social media, and email marketing tools are integrated with Wix.
- Affordable pricing: Wix becomes an affordable alternative to Shopify, thanks to its lower subscription cost.
Cons
- Limited scalability: Lacks advanced features required for scalability (like inventory management).
- Fewer third-party integrations: Wix marketplace has limited app options compared to WooCommerce or Shopify.
6. Squarespace
For entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses who need aesthetics instead of advanced functionality, Squarespace can be an excellent choice. It’s a website builder that focuses on designs, offering stunningly designed templates and ease of use. Moreover, it also has built-in marketing tools, which make it an amazing choice for content-driven brands.
Pricing: Starts from $16/month (Core) and goes up to $99/month (Advanced)
Pros
- Mobile-responsive layouts: Fully mobile-responsive layouts that fit any screen size.
- Stunning templates: Offers the perfect solutions to businesses and individuals looking for aesthetics.
- Built-in blogging and SEO features: Enables businesses to get organic traffic by offering built-in features for SEO and blogging.
- Supports digital products and subscriptions: An outstanding choice for selling digital including subscriptions, downloads, memberships, and services.
- Integrated marketing tools: The integrated social media and email campaign tools simplify marketing while ensuring maximized returns.
Cons
- Limited scalability: The platform does not have advanced features required by large businesses like inventory management or automation.
- Limited customizability: The platform allows only some minor CSS and HTML modifications. This can limit customizability.
- Fewer third-party integrations: Squarespace marketplace does not have a lot of options when it comes to third-party plugins and tools.
- Transaction fee on lower plans: Unless you upgrade to a higher-tier plan, Squarespace will charge a transaction fee.
7. Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Salesforce Commerce Cloud offers customizable eCommerce solutions for enterprise-grade businesses. Its AI-driven customization capabilities and omnichannel selling features make it a favorite among large-scale online stores. Businesses looking for scalability, automation, and high-end analytics can opt for this eCommerce development platform.
Pricing: Offers two plans, charging 1% GMV (Commerce Cloud Growth) and 2% GMV (Commerce Cloud Advanced)
Pros
- AI-powered personalization: It delivers personalized customer experiences through Salesforce Einstein AI.
- Enterprise-grade scalability: The platform is well-equipped to handle high volumes of traffic and complex product catalogs.
- Omnichannel integration: Connects all sales channels, from online, in-store, and mobile to deliver a hassle-free customer experience.
Cons
- Expensive for smaller businesses: The higher cost makes it a more viable option for large enterprises.
- Requires Salesforce integration: Offers the best efficiency when used alongside other Salesforce products, which can increase expenses.
8. Drupal Commerce
Built on Drupal CMS, this is a free, open-source eCommerce framework that offers high-end customizations to deliver personalized customer experiences. If you need advanced customization options and full control over your digital store, Drupal Commerce can be a great choice.
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Highly customizable: Because of its open-source nature, businesses can customize the front-end and back-end to align with the unique requirements.
- Integration with Drupal CMS: Drupal Commerce is easily integrated with Drupal CMS, which becomes really helpful for businesses focusing on content marketing.
- Strong security features: It offers exceptional protection to sensitive customer data with strong security standards.
Cons
- Steep technical learning curve: It requires advanced technical knowledge for setup and management.
- Limited ready-made plugins: It does not have as many options as Shopify or WooCommerce when it comes to ready-made plugin availability.
9. PrestaShop
One of the best options for small to mid-sized businesses, PrestaShop is another addition to the free and open-source platforms on our list. The platform equips you to take full control over your store with extensive customizations without paying hefty monthly or annual subscription fees. But it does offer a hosted plan and enterprise solution, which are subscription-based.
Pricing: Free (Classic) and $25.13 excl. VAT/month (Hosted)
Pros
- No monthly fees: Highly budget-friendly option for small businesses and startups with zero monthly fees.
- Highly customizable: The open-source nature ensures high-end flexibility and customization.
- SEO-friendly: Includes SEO features for better search rankings.
- Multi-store management: Allows to manage multiple stores from a single dashboard.
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge: Users need extensive technical knowledge to configure and maintain the store.
- Paid extensions: A number of crucial features require paid apps and plugins, which increases the overall expenses.
10. Commercetools
Commercetools is a composable commerce platform designed to deliver scalability and flexibility to large enterprises. It offers API-driven customization options, helping businesses to grow and scale without limits. Unlike the traditional platforms, Commercetools allows frontend and backend separation, which delivers truly customized eCommerce experiences.
Pricing: Per-transaction pricing model with 60-day free trial
Pros
- Highly flexible: It delivers highly customized and modular systems, enhancing flexibility.
- Omnichannel commerce: Connects mobile apps, websites, social platforms, and in-store POS for a smooth omnichannel experience.
- Scalable for enterprises: Highly enterprise-friendly with capabilities to handle extensive product catalogs and high traffic volumes.
- Headless capabilities: Offers headless architecture for more flexible customization.
Cons
- Requires development expertise: API-driven structure means businesses must build their own front end.
- Expensive for small businesses: Best suited for large companies due to high costs.
11. Webflow Ecommerce
Webflow eCommerce is a powerful platform, which is visually driven! It combines intuitive design capabilities with powerful eCommerce features to help businesses build custom digital stores. Businesses looking to build aesthetic and unique stores without coding can choose this platform.
Pricing: Starts from $29/month (Standard) and goes up to $212/month (Advanced)
Pros
- Full creative control: Webflow allows custom design, which offers better control compared to the template-based platforms.
- Built-in CMS: The built-in CMS in the platform makes it easy to manage content-driven eCommerce solutions.
- SEO-optimized: The eCommerce platform enhances search rankings through clean, structured code.
Cons
- Not ideal for large-scale stores: Lacks features for advanced inventory management.
- Steeper learning curve: It would take some time to become familiar with its design tools and layout system.
12. 3DCart (Now Shift4Shop)
3DCart, which has been rebranded as Shift4Shop, is a feature-packed digital commerce platform, offering end-to-end solutions for online businesses. Known for flexible customization options, inventory management, secure checkout, and built-in SEO tools, the platform is a great pick if you need a fully-hosted solution with comprehensive built-in features.
Pricing: Free (minimum $1000 processed per month with Shift4) or starting at $39/month (with PayPal for new customers)
Pros
- Built-in SEO features: From meta tags to schema markup and URL optimization, 3DCart offers a wide range of built-in SEO features to improve your ranking.
- No need for third-party apps: Crucial features like abandoned cart recovery and email marketing come out of the box with 3DCart.
- Inventory management: It has one of the best inventory management systems with bulk pricing, supplier management, and multi-warehouse tracking options.
Cons
- Learning curve: The interface is not as intuitive as Shopify or Wix. The interface may seem less intuitive compared to Shopify or Wix, leading to a steep learning curve.
- Limited free themes: Fewer free design options compared to competitors. Does not offer many options when it comes to free themes, which can add to expenses.
- Limited access to free plan: The end-to-end free plan only applies to US merchants using Shift4 Payments.
13. OpenCart
Popular for easy setup, OpenCart is an open-source and lightweight eCommerce platform that offers highly affordable solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. It comes with a large marketplace for extension that comes in handy when it comes to integrating essential features.
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Free and open-source: No monthly fees, making it affordable for startups.
- Multi-store management: Supports multiple online stores from a single admin panel.
- Fast and lightweight: Optimized for performance, ensuring quick page load speeds.
- Large extension marketplace: Thousands of modules available to expand functionality.
Cons
- Security vulnerabilities: Older versions require frequent updates for security patches.
- Limited built-in features: Many essential tools require separate extensions.
14. Ecwid
With a plug-and-play eCommerce solution, Ecwid is different from the other alternatives on our list. It allows businesses to add stores to their existing websites, marketplaces, or even social media pages. Unlike the other standalone platforms, it works as an eCommerce widget you can embed on your existing platform.
Pricing: Starts at $21/month (Venture) and goes up to $89/month (Unlimited)
Pros
- Easy integration: Highly compatible with Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace websites.
- Multi-channel selling: Allows selling on multiple channels, from marketplaces like Amazon to social media networks like Facebook and Instagram.
- Free plan available: You can add 5 products for free.
- Automatic calculations: It simplifies the checkout process by calculating tax and shipping automatically.
- No additional site: With Ecwid, you can add a store to your existing site instead of building a separate platform.
Cons
- Limited customization: Lacks the flexibility offered by dedicated eCommerce development platforms.
- Advanced features require paid plans: No access to features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes for free users.
15. Jumpseller
If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly eCommerce platform, Jumpseller can be a great pick. It is highly popular in European and Latin American markets with support for the local payment gateways. The platform offers an intuitive store-building experience to businesses.
Pricing: Starts from $10/month (Basic) and goes up to $76/month (Premium)
Pros
- Affordable pricing: Cost-efficient for small businesses (compared to Shopify).
- Localized payment support: Works well in international markets with local payment processors.
- Multi-language and currency support: Proves effective for businesses targeting global audiences.
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations: Fewer options when it comes to extension and app support.
- Not made for enterprises: Doesn’t have features needed for scalable enterprise-grade businesses.
How to Choose the Best Ecommerce Platform?
Selecting the right eCommerce platform is crucial to ensure the success of your online store. Consider budget, goals, and your (and your team’s) technical expertise before picking a platform.
Identify Your Requirements
Make sure you are considering a number of different aspects. Check whether you’re selling digital, physical, or subscription-based products. Moreover, your inventory size, need for localization (languages, currencies, and local payment processing), and shipping can also be the driving factors for choosing a platform. Lastly, consider scalability if you are projecting high growth in traffic in the future.
Ease of Use
For those who are not tech-savvy, a drag-and-drop store builder is the best solution as it offers simple interfaces with fully hosted solutions. However, if you want greater control, going for an open-source platform is always the best option.
Customizability and Maintenance
When it comes to customizability, open-source platforms like Adobe Commerce or WooCommerce are great picks. But they demand manual maintenance for security, hosting, etc. On the other hand, the SaaS platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce have comparatively limited customizability but come with built-in support for security and hosting.
Payment Options
You need to make sure that the platform supports multiple payment gateways and local currencies. Always remember to check the PCI compliance and transaction fees.
SEO and Marketing Tools
Built-in analytics, email marketing, and SEO tools are always a plus for any eCommerce platform as they will help you accelerate your store visibility and sales.
Cost and Customer Support
When choosing one platform over the others, add up the subscription fees, third-party app expenses, hosting costs, and other associated expenses to determine whether you can afford the platform in the long run. Also, check whether they offer 24/7 support to resolve your queries at any given time.
Which Ecommerce Platform Should You Choose?
While picking an eCommerce platform requires a thorough analysis of your business goals, requirements, technical expertise, and many different aspects, here’s a list of platforms arranged based on their ideal use cases. But this is an overall breakdown; you should analyze your requirements in detail before choosing a platform.
Conclusion
These are our picks for the 15 best eCommerce platforms. While all of them come with attractive features, benefits, and drawbacks, choosing one totally depends on your specific requirements, budgets, and goals. Choose the one that aligns with your business.
