21 Best Ecommerce Platform For Medium Businesses Reviewed In 2024
Best Ecommerce Platforms For Medium Businesses Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 21 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Navigating ecommerce solutions for medium-sized businesses can be as challenging as finding the right platform to expand your online presence. Many companies struggle to provide effective resources to support their ecommerce growth, leading to missed opportunities and reduced sales.
As an ecommerce technology analyst, I’ve observed a growing demand for solutions that address these challenges head-on. Using my knowledge of ecommerce software, I tested and reviewed several of the top platforms on the market to help businesses find the best fit for their needs.
Whether you’re looking to implement a new ecommerce platform or optimize your existing setup, my guide will help you make informed decisions that enhance both your customer experience and your bottom line.
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Best Ecommerce Platform For Medium Business Summary
We’ve investigated the pricing and availability of free trials and demo versions so you can make a much simpler side-by-side comparison.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| PrestaShop | From $26/month | Website |
| OpenCart | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Weebly | From $10/month (billed annually) | Website |
| AbanteCart | Free plan available | Website |
| X-Cart | From $499/month | Website |
| PinnacleCart | From $77.85/user/month | Website |
| Volusion | From $35/month | Website |
| OsCommerce | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Shift4Shop | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Ecwid | From $21/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose The Best Ecommerce Platform For Medium Businesses
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind.
- Scalability and Performance: Ensure the platform can handle your current business size and can grow with you. For example, if your business experiences seasonal spikes in traffic, the platform should be able to manage these without performance issues. Some ecommerce platforms are known for their scalability and can support businesses as they expand.
- Customization and Flexibility: It is essential to be able to customize your online store to reflect your brand identity. Look for platforms that offer a wide range of themes and plugins or the ability to add custom code. Some highly customizable platforms allow extensive modifications to meet specific business needs.
- Integration Capabilities: Your ecommerce platform should seamlessly integrate with other tools and systems you use, such as CRM, ERP, and marketing automation software. This ensures smooth operations and data consistency across your business. Some ecommerce sites are known for their integration capabilities, making them a good choice for companies with complex needs.
- Security Features: Protecting customer data and ensuring secure transactions is paramount. Look for platforms that offer solid security measures, including SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and fraud detection tools. Some platforms prioritize security, providing you and your customers peace of mind.
- Cost of Ownership: Consider the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, transaction fees, and any additional costs for plugins or custom development. It's important to balance cost with the features and support you receive. For example, while some ecommerce websites may have a monthly fee, it may also include hosting, security, and support, which can be more cost-effective than managing these separately.
Best Ecommerce Platforms for Medium Businesses Reviews
This analysis offers an overview of the best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses, highlighting the pros, cons, features, and suitable use cases.
PrestaShop is a customizable ecommerce platform that helps businesses build and manage their online stores. It offers full ownership and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their online presence to specific needs.
Why I Picked PrestaShop: I chose PrestaShop for the list because it offers flexibility and control over the ecommerce experience. Unlike other platforms, PrestaShop provides full ownership of the store. This makes it stand out as a top choice for medium-sized businesses looking to have a unique and fully tailored online store.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a solid marketplace for modules and themes, integrated payment solutions, marketing tools, and shipping management. The platform also supports social media integration and data analytics through Google Analytics, providing businesses with the tools they need to optimize their online presence.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, eBay, Amazon, Facebook, DHL, FedEx, and Google Shopping.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive marketplace
- Extensive customization options
- Full ownership of the store
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Requires technical knowledge
OpenCart is a flexible, open-source ecommerce platform that offers a user-friendly interface, customization options, and a marketplace for extensions. It allows businesses to scale efficiently.
Why I Picked OpenCart: I chose OpenCart for this list because of its extensive marketplace of over 13,000 modules and themes, which allows for significant customization and scalability. This makes it stand out from other ecommerce platforms that may not offer as many options for extensions and themes. OpenCart provides a wide array of customization options that cater to medium-sized businesses' specific needs.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a solid marketplace with over 13,000 modules and themes, multi-store management capabilities, and built-in SEO tools. These features enable businesses to enhance their store's functionality and design while managing multiple stores from a single dashboard.
Integrations include PayPal, Amazon Payments, Klarna, Sage Pay, WorldPay, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail, Skrill, and Square.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in SEO tools
- Solid multi-store management
- Extensive customization options
Cons:
- Requires coding for advanced customizations
- Limited built-in marketing features
Weebly is an intuitive website builder that helps businesses establish a solid online presence with integrated ecommerce and marketing tools. It provides a solid solution for efficiently managing both online stores and marketing efforts.
Why I Pick Weebly: I chose Weebly because it integrates ecommerce and marketing tools, which sets it apart from other platforms. Weebly's user-friendly interface and solid feature set make it a solid choice for medium-sized businesses looking to simplify their online operations. The platform's integration with Square enhances its ecommerce capabilities, allowing businesses to manage both online and in-person sales efficiently.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop website builder, unlimited product listings, inventory management, and integrated payment processing through Square. Weebly also offers marketing tools such as email campaigns, SEO optimization, and social media integration to help businesses grow their online presence.
Integrations include ActiveCampaign, HubSpot, MailChimp, Paypal, Quickbooks, Salesforce, Slack, Shipstation, Trello, Xero, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited product listings
- Integrated marketing tools
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Some formatting options are not customizable
- Limited number of plugins
AbanteCart is a free, open-source ecommerce platform designed for medium-sized businesses. It is best for cost-free, open-source ecommerce due to its zero ownership costs, with no licensing or transaction fees.
Why I Picked AbanteCart: I chose AbanteCart for its unique offering of a completely free, open-source ecommerce solution. Unlike other platforms, AbanteCart imposes no licensing or transaction fees, making it a cost-effective option for medium-sized businesses. I believe it stands out for businesses looking to minimize costs while still having access to a scalable ecommerce platform.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a mobile-responsive design, SEO-friendly storefront, and a user-friendly interface that requires no special training. The platform is built on modern technologies such as PHP8 and HTML5, ensuring high performance and security. Additionally, AbanteCart provides extensive integration options through its API, allowing for seamless connections with external services like Google Analytics and real-time shipping providers.
Integrations include Google Analytics, PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, USPS, FedEx, UPS, MailChimp, QuickBooks, and Facebook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- No transaction fees
- Free to use
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge for advanced customization
- Limited customer support
X-Cart is an agile ecommerce platform offering customizable modules and tools for product management and multi-channel sales. It's designed for businesses seeking full control over their online stores and long-term growth.
Why I Picked X-Cart: I chose X-Cart for its scalability, which makes it suitable for growing businesses. Its open-source platform allows for complete customization, enabling your team to add modules as your business changes. It also supports multi-channel sales, expanding your reach across various platforms. With tools for managing large inventories and product catalogs, X-Cart aims to ensure your business can handle growth without sacrificing performance.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include an open-source platform that controls your ecommerce store's design and functionality. With customizable modules and tools, you can easily scale your store as your business grows. The platform also supports multi-channel sales and advanced product catalog management.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Google Analytics, Facebook, Amazon, eBay, FedEx, and ShipStation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Omnichannel selling
- Extensive customization
- Solid automotive tools
Cons:
- Complex setup
- Limited customer support
PinnacleCart is a versatile ecommerce platform tailored for medium-sized businesses that want to enhance their online presence and drive sales. It allows companies to create visually appealing storefronts easily.
Why I Picked PinnacleCart: I chose PinnacleCart because it offers highly customizable storefronts without requiring coding skills. Its user-friendly website builder and diverse templates make it a standout option for businesses wanting to create unique, engaging online stores easily.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly website builder, customizable templates, and a mobile-friendly interface that fosters customer engagement. PinnacleCart offers extensive support services, including custom design, development, and marketing assistance.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, PayPal, Stripe, ShipStation, FedEx, UPS, USPS, and Facebook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive support services
- No coding required
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Steep learning curve
Volusion is a solid ecommerce platform designed for medium-sized businesses to create and manage customizable online stores. Its intuitive website builder and customization options make it best for user-friendly, customizable online stores.
Why I Picked Volusion: I chose Volusion for this list because it offers a balance of user-friendliness and customization, making it suitable for medium-sized businesses. Its interface allows users to build and manage online stores without extensive technical knowledge. Volusion's set of features and integrations make it a solid choice for businesses looking to scale.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly website builder, inventory management, and built-in SEO tools. Volusion also offers customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities and marketing resources to help businesses expand their reach and increase sales.
Integrations include AWeber, LiveAgent, OpenPro ERP, OptiMonk, Ordoro, PATLive, QuickBooks, ShipStation, Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Solid inventory management
- Extensive customization options
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Some website changes can only be done in HTML
- Support needs improvement
osCommerce is a customizable, open-source ecommerce platform with a shopping cart solution. It's known for its flexibility and customization options, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to specific needs.
Why I Picked osCommerce: I chose osCommerce for this list because of its solid emphasis on customization and open-source flexibility, which sets it apart from other ecommerce platforms. Its range of add-ons and community support make it a solid choice for medium-sized businesses looking to scale and adapt their online presence. osCommerce also offers tailored solutions without the constraints of proprietary software.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a shopping cart solution, modern server technology with PHP 8.1 and MariaDB 10x, and an app shop with over 1,169 apps to enhance ecommerce functionality. The platform also supports GDPR compliance, ensuring data security and privacy.
Integrations include PayPal, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, and Sage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
- Strong community support
- Extensive customization options
Cons:
- Limited built-in themes
- Requires technical knowledge
Shift4Shop provides a versatile ecommerce platform with a wide range of tools for managing products, processing orders, and optimizing online sales. It supports growing businesses with built-in features that simplify operations and enhance the customer experience.
Why I Picked Shift4Shop: I chose Shift4Shop because it offers a wide range of built-in features to manage your entire ecommerce operation, from product listings to payments. Its built-in payment solution, Shift4 Payments, allows you to handle transactions directly on the platform without extra fees. The drag-and-drop builder easily customizes your store, while the inventory management feature keeps everything organized.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include flexible store customization, inventory management, and built-in payment processing. You can manage shipping options, track orders, and create product variants. These tools help you manage your business with less manual effort.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, AWeber, Amazon, Google Analytics, eBay, Facebook, ShipStation, PayPal, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Drag and drop builder
- 24/7 support
- Unlimited products
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Outdated user interface
Ecwid is a versatile ecommerce platform that helps businesses quickly establish and grow their online presence. It offers a free, user-friendly setup, enabling companies to start selling online.
Why I Picked Ecwid: I chose Ecwid for its user-friendly ecommerce setup. It suits medium-sized businesses looking to establish an online presence without significant initial investment. Ecwid integrates with existing websites and social media platforms, making it a flexible and scalable solution for growing businesses.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface for managing inventory, orders, and payments, integration with multiple sales channels like Facebook and Instagram, and customizable checkout processes. Ecwid supports various business models, including subscriptions and wholesale pricing, and provides unlimited bandwidth and storage across all plans.
Integrations include Facebook, Instagram, Google Shopping, Amazon, eBay, Square, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, and ShipStation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Syncs across multiple platforms easily
- Easy integration with social media
- Good mobile optimization for stores
Cons:
- Restricted design flexibility for templates
- Limited native reporting options
Other Best Ecommerce Platforms For Medium Businesses
Below is a list of additional best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top list. They are still worth checking out!
- Big Cartel
Best for artists and small businesses
- Square Online
Best for integrated payments and growth tools
- Shopify
Best for ecommerce innovation
- BigCommerce
Best for solid growth potential
- Wix
Best for user-friendly simplicity
- Squarespace
Best for intuitive setup
- Adobe Commerce
Best for comprehensive enterprise solutions
- Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Best for integrated CRM
- Magento
Best for limitless customization
- Webflow
Best for creative design freedom
- WooCommerce
Best for WordPress synergy
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools we've tested and evaluated.
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
Selection Criteria For Best Ecommerce Platform For Medium Businesses
The criteria for choosing an ecommerce platform for medium-sized businesses should address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring the tool effectively serves its intended purpose. As an expert who has personally tried and researched this type of software, here are the requirements I use when evaluating these tools.
Core Functionality: 25% of weighting score
- Retailer Product Management
- Order Management
- Payment Processing
- Customer Management
- Reporting and Analytics
Additional Standout Features: 25% of weighting score
- Customization Options
- Scalability Functionality
- SEO Tools
- Mobile Optimization
- Multi-Channel Selling
- Market Segmentation
Usability: 10% of weighting score
- Intuitive Interface
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality
- Responsive Design
- Customization Ease
- Mobile App
Onboarding: 10% of weighting score
- Training Videos
- Templates
- Interactive Product Tours
- Chatbots and Webinars
Customer Support: 10% of weighting score
- 24/7 Availability
- Multiple Support Channels
- Knowledge Base for Beginners
- Community Forums
Value For Money: 10% of weighting score
- Transparent Pricing
- Feature-to-Cost Ratio
- Free Trials
- Flexible Paid Plans
- Free Themes
Customer Reviews: 10% of weighting score
- User Satisfaction
- Common Complaints
- Feature Praise
- Support Feedback
Trends For Best Ecommerce Platform For Medium Businesses
The ecommerce landscape is changing quickly, driven by new technology and changing consumer preferences. Mid-sized businesses must stay updated on trends like mobile optimization and personalized experiences to remain competitive and meet customer expectations.
- AI-Powered Personalization: AI-driven personalization tailors the shopping experience to individual customers. This trend enhances customer satisfaction and boosts sales, which is essential for businesses aiming to improve customer retention.
- Mobile-First Design: Mobile-first design prioritizes the mobile shopping experience. With increasing mobile traffic, this trend ensures better user engagement, essential for capturing the growing number of mobile shoppers.
- Subscription-Based Models: Subscription-based models offer recurring revenue streams. This trend provides businesses with predictable income and customer loyalty, particularly for companies selling consumable products.
- Social Commerce Integration: Social commerce integration allows shopping directly through social media platforms. This trend leverages the power of social networks to drive sales, which is essential for reaching a broader audience.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping: AR shopping lets customers visualize products in their environment. This trend reduces return rates and increases purchase confidence, which is significant for businesses selling home decor and fashion.
What Is An Ecommerce Platform For Medium Businesses?
An ecommerce platform for medium-sized businesses facilitates online buying and selling with features like product listings, shopping carts, and payment processing. These platforms help companies to manage inventory, process payments, and fulfill orders efficiently while enhancing customer relationships.
Key components include user-friendly navigation, practical search functions, customer service tools, and solid security. Mobile responsiveness is essential, as most online purchases are made via a mobile phone. Many ecommerce platforms offer pricing plans and features tailored for scalability and customization.
Features Of The Best Ecommerce Platforms For Medium Businesses
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is essential for the success of a medium-sized business. The platform you select should support your current needs and scale with your business as it grows. Here are the key features of the best ecommerce platform for medium companies.
- Customization Options: Businesses can tailor the online store with themes and apps. This feature is essential because it allows them to create a unique shopping experience that aligns with their brand identity.
- Sales Channels: Support selling online, in-person, and across various platforms. This ensures that businesses can reach their customers wherever they are, whether through a website, social media, or physical stores.
- Payment Processing: Multiple payment options and secure transactions. Offering various payment methods increases customer convenience and trust, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Marketing Tools: Features for customer engagement, social media integration, and email marketing. Practical marketing tools help businesses attract and retain customers, driving sales and growth.
- Analytics and Reporting: Tools to track sales, orders, and overall performance. Detailed analytics provide insights into business performance, helping to make informed decisions and optimize operations.
- Inventory Management: Efficient stock and order management systems. Proper inventory management ensures that businesses can meet customer demand without overstocking or running out of products.
- Shipping Solutions: Options for faster shipping and fulfillment services. Reliable shipping solutions enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring timely product delivery.
- Customer Support: Access to 24/7 assistance and resources for business growth. Robust customer support helps resolve issues quickly, minimizing downtime and maintaining customer satisfaction.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO features to enhance visibility, such as optimized URLs and fast loading times. Good SEO practices help improve search engine rankings, driving more organic traffic to the online store.
- Security Features: Strong security measures, including SSL certificates and PCI compliance. Ensuring the security of customer data is essential for building trust and protecting the business from cyber threats.
Benefits Of The Best Ecommerce Platforms For Medium Businesses
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is essential for medium-sized businesses looking to grow and succeed in the competitive online marketplace. Here are five primary benefits that the best ecommerce platform can offer.
- Scalability: The platform can handle increased traffic and sales volume as your business grows, ensuring your website remains fast and reliable.
- Customization: It offers a wide range of customizable templates and features, allowing you to create a unique and branded shopping experience for your customers.
- Integration: Integrates with various third-party tools and services, such as payment gateways, shipping providers, and marketing tools, to simplify your operations.
- Security: Provides security features, including SSL certificates and PCI compliance, to protect your customers' data and build trust.
- Customer Support: Offers solid customer support, including 24/7 assistance and a wealth of resources, to help you resolve issues quickly and keep your business running smoothly.
Leveraging the right ecommerce platform can significantly improve your business's efficiency and customer satisfaction, helping medium-sized companies boost their online presence and drive growth.
Costs & Pricing Of The Best Ecommerce Platforms For Medium Businesses
When selecting an ecommerce platform for medium businesses, it's essential to understand the various pricing plans and the features each one offers. Pricing can range significantly based on the level of functionality and support required.
Below is a table outlining common plan types, average prices, and the features typically included.
Plan Comparison Table For The Best Ecommerce Platforms for Medium Businesses
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic online store setup, limited product listings, basic support |
| Personal Plan | $14 - $29/month | Custom domain, basic analytics, limited customization, email support |
| Business Plan | $29 - $299/month | Advanced analytics, multiple payment gateways, inventory management, 24/7 support |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Custom integrations, dedicated support, advanced security, unlimited products |
Each plan serves different business needs, from basic store setups to advanced solutions for growing businesses. By evaluating the features and costs, businesses can choose the ecommerce platform that best fits their operations and budget, ensuring they have the tools to manage and grow their online presence.
Best Ecommerce Platform For Medium Business FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the best ecommerce platform for medium business.
Among the best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses, what are the key differences between hosted and self-hosted platforms?
Hosted ecommerce platforms provide a complete package where the hosting, security, and maintenance are managed by the service provider. This allows business owners to focus on running their store without worrying about technical aspects. On the other hand, self-hosted platforms like WooCommerce and Magento require you to manage your own hosting, security, and updates. While self-hosted platforms offer greater customization and control, they also demand more technical expertise and resources to maintain. The choice between hosted and self-hosted platforms depends on your technical capabilities, budget, and the level of control you desire.
How important is mobile optimization among the best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses?
Mobile optimization is important for any ecommerce platform, especially for medium-sized businesses looking to expand their reach. With a significant portion of online shopping done via mobile devices, a mobile-optimized platform ensures a seamless shopping experience for customers, leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Mobile optimization includes responsive design, fast loading times, and easy navigation on smaller screens. Platforms that prioritize mobile optimization can help you stay competitive in the market and cater to the growing number of mobile shoppers.
How do the best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses handle customer support?
Customer support is an important aspect to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform. Look for platforms that offer 24/7 support through various channels, such as live chat, email, and phone. Additionally, check if the platform provides a solid knowledge base, tutorials, and community forums to help you troubleshoot issues independently. The quality of customer support can significantly impact your ability to resolve problems quickly and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations.
How do the best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses handle security and compliance?
Ecommerce platforms must adhere to strict security and compliance standards to protect sensitive customer data and ensure safe transactions. Look for platforms that offer SSL certificates, PCI-DSS compliance, and regular security updates. Additionally, consider features like two-factor authentication, data encryption, and fraud detection tools. Ensuring your chosen platform meets these security standards can help build trust with your customers and protect your business from potential security breaches.
How can I integrate third-party tools and services with the best ecommerce platforms for medium businesses?
Most ecommerce platforms offer integration capabilities with a wide range of third-party tools and services, such as payment gateways, email marketing software, inventory management systems, and analytics tools. Check if the platform provides an app marketplace or API access to facilitate these integrations. Smooth integration with third-party tools can enhance your store’s functionality, simplify operations, and improve the overall customer experience. Ensure the platform you choose supports the specific tools and services you rely on for your business.
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