The 10 Top Ecommerce Platforms Shortlist
Ahead of all the ink I’m going to spill on the topic of ecommerce platforms, let’s first bask in the simplicity of this shortlist of our top 10 ecommerce platforms. While we cover 20 total here, there’s always a top 10.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Over the years, ecommerce platforms have proliferated to the point that you'll run out of fingers trying to count them. Finding the best ecommerce platform is, therefore, quite hard.
And, not every platform is great for every type of business. Your needs dictate the platform you end up choosing. You want something at the right price point for your budget, of course.
But it also needs to be customizable, scalable, user-friendly, secure, mobile-optimized, and easy to use. It should include several functionalities like product management, inventory management, order management, page design, checkout customization, and so much more.
You want to find the right mix of features that fit your specific needs. Luckily, I'm here to help. With my experience using ecommerce platforms, I've assembled a list of the best platforms for all types of ecommerce brands.
I highlight what functions each platform is best for, and detail what's so great about it (as well as its pros and cons). You'll find the right ecommerce platform in no time.
What is an Ecommerce Platform?
An ecommerce platform is a digital tool that helps businesses sell goods and services online. It sets up the backbone for an online store—showcasing products, managing inventory, and processing orders.
The goal of an ecommerce platform is to make the switch from traditional to online retail smooth and easy.
It bundles payment processing, customer engagement, and analytics into one package. These platforms are crucial for businesses wanting to tap into a bigger market online, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience for both sellers and shoppers.
Why Trust Our Ecommerce Platform Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Ecommerce Platforms on the Market
Below, you’ll see a pricing comparison for each of these top ecommerce platforms, laying the foundation of your decision. Following that, you can click Compare Software to measure other features side-by-side.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Subbly | From $29/month | Website |
| Wix eCommerce | From $16/month. | Website |
| Shopify | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Ecwid by Lightspeed | From $19/month | Website |
| Adobe Commerce | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Sana Commerce Cloud | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Volusion | From $31.50/month | Website |
| Shift4Shop | Pricing upon request | Website |
| WooCommerce | Pricing upon request | Website |
| ShopWired | From $29.95/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 an Ecommerce Platform
Choosing the right ecommerce platform isn’t just about picking the flashiest or most popular option—it's about finding the one that truly fits your business needs.
To help you make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- Define your goals. Start by clarifying what you want your platform to achieve. Are you looking to expand your product range, improve site performance, or enhance customer experience? Knowing your goals will help you identify the must-have features.
- Identify key users. Determine who will be using the platform daily. If it's just you or a small team, ease of use might be your top priority. For larger organizations, consider a platform that supports multiple users with varying levels of access and features tailored for different departments.
- Assess integration needs. Review your current tech stack and pinpoint the tools you rely on. Ensure the platform can integrate seamlessly with your existing tools, like CRM, accounting software, or project management systems. If the platform can consolidate several tools into one, that’s even better.
- Determine success metrics. Decide what outcomes will signify a successful platform implementation. This could be increased sales, better analytics, or enhanced customer satisfaction. Choose a platform that offers features to help you achieve these targets.
- Consider your internal processes. Your platform should complement—not complicate—your existing workflows. Whether you're running a small business or managing a large team, ensure the platform integrates smoothly with your current processes. Tailor your choice to your unique needs.
By considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to choose an ecommerce platform that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve your business goals.
The 10 Best Ecommerce Platforms, Reviewed
Below, you’ll find brief reviews highlighting what each platform is best at, its top features, pros and cons, and screenshots of the tool in action.
Subbly is a subscription eCommerce platform that's designed to help businesses set up and manage their subscription box services. It's a pretty nifty tool if you're looking to start a subscription box business or if you already have one and want to streamline your operations.
Why I picked Subbly: Well, this is an eCommerce platform that was specifically tailored for subscription businesses. There are plenty of eCommerce platforms out there, but not all of them are geared towards subscription models. Subbly, on the other hand, is built for this purpose. It's got all the features you need to manage a subscription box business, from setting up an online store to managing your subscribers and processing payments.
Another thing I like about this platform is the low reliance on plugins. Usually, you need a plugin to have subscription billing, membership, automations, and upsells in your CMS. With over a hundred features, Subbly has what you need to run your subscription business from one place.
Subbly Standout Features & Integrations
Features that standout include its user-friendly interface with which, even if you're not tech-savvy, you'll be able to navigate around the platform with ease. It also has a customizable checkout process. I can tailor the checkout experience to match a brand and make it as smooth as possible for customers. Last but not least, the automated billing feature. It's a lifesaver for managing recurring payments.
Integrations include HotJar, Twilio, Pirate Ship, Shipstation, Drip, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Intercom, and Klaviyo. You can also set up an integration with Zapier to connect to thousands of additional apps (requires a paid subscription with Zapier).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- CSV exports available
- Integrations with popular shipping platforms
- No plugins for most features
Cons:
- Automations only available in premium plans
- No multi-lang in the Lite plan
Wix is an ecommerce platform perfect for beginners to build a website and start uploading a product catalog. It offers a user-friendly interface and plenty of pre-built templates that simplify designing and customizing an online store, managing inventory, processing payments, and integrating with shipping companies.
Why I picked Wix eCommerce: Wix can create all sorts of websites but for our purposes here I've focused on their ecommerce capabilties, which are great for those just starting out. Wix makes it extra easy to build your site and start selling without knowing how to code. Their website templates can be quickly customized to fit your brand colors and add your logo. For those of you in a real hurry, their ADI builder uses AI to create your site for you after answering a few simple questions. Additionally, their websites are mobile optimzed so your customers can shop on any device.
Wix tends to work better with smaller inventories, making it a great choice for small businesses or brand new stores. Like many website builders, Wix offers a series of plug-ins for increased functionality (like shipping and POS solutions). Built-in features include inventory management, basic marketing tools, SEO optimization, gift card generation, and store anayltics.
Wix eCommerce Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make Wix eCommerce worth checking out include their AI-generating website tool and access to 500+ designer-made templates (some with additional costs) to get a store put together and running fast, even if you are a beginner in this space. Custom functionality with APIs means you can plug in virtually any other software (think: abandoned cart recovery, advanced omnichannel marketing, and sales lead management) so long as you have the technical knowledge to do so
Integrations include 123FormBuilder, AdScale, AfterShip, Cart2Cart, Dropbox, EasyShip, Eventbrite, Google Drive, Importify, JivoChat, Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Meta for Business, Privy, SoundCloud, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free media library
- Straightforward payment gateway setup
- Easy to understand user interface
Cons:
- Cannot switch templates once set
- Stock alerts not built into the platform
Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create and operate an online store without coding know-how. Shopify also offers a range of add-ons and third-party integrations to further customize and enhance a store's functionality.
Why I picked Shopify: With the benefit of being a household name, Shopify tends to have unmatched native integration with other platforms and apps. Shopify already allows you to manage sales, fulfill orders, and deliver products from a centralized view—hundreds of native and external integrations mean you can increase the functionality of the platform in almost any way you can imagine. Add a conversational AI chatbot, live-record shopper sessions on your site to troubleshoot dropped sales, or even build out loyalty rewards/VIP programs with ease.
Shopify does all this while remaining ridiculously easy to use. Most integrations are 'click to use,' with Shopify's backend technology doing all the heavy lifting of connecting to different software and services automatically. Although many integrations cost extra, Shopify makes for a great choice for those who want to create a completely customized ecommerce experience with no coding burden on the site owner.
Shopify Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make Shopify shine include the ability to customize your orders dashboard to show all the metrics that matter to you, including drill-down analytics for a particular product, product group, or shopping channel. Shopify’s 3PL makes it easy to scale, and their Flow workflow tool makes it easy to automate repetitive tasks and bulk actions. With Shopify, you can move, monitor, and manage inventory, and also scan and count items with their mobile app. Additional features like self-serve returns, easy refunds, and discounted return labels make shipping and fulfillment easier to handle.
Integrations include Facebook, Instagram, Google, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google Analytics, Walmart, Skubana, EzySlips, Shipping & Returns, Xero Kissmetrics, Wish Marketplace, Newegg Marketplace, Tophatter, Heyday, PageFly, and hundreds more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly platform
- In-depth inventory management
- Multiple customizable templates + themes
Cons:
- Some plugins cost extra
- Monthly fee + transaction fees can add up
Ecwid is an ecommerce platform designed to help you sell products, services, digital goods, or subscriptions. Ecwid lets you build an online store and sell up to 5 products free of charge, making it great for subscription-based businesses or SaaS companies that might only have 3-5 products to list.
Why I picked Ecwid: As I mentioned above, Ecwid will let you build an online store plus list and sell up to 5 products for free. This makes it great for stores that may only have a few things to sell in the first place, like a 3-tiered SaaS product, for example. The free plan also comes with a mobile responsive shopping cart, connection to Google, Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat advertising, plus a selection of free website templates.
They also let you sell directly on sites like Instagram and Facebook, a technique called 'social commerce' that lets you connect your store to social media platforms using the built-in shopping tools each provides. This means that your social media followers can see images, ads, or videos and be directed to product pages with a click. It can also be a great tool for targeting and retargeting ads.
Ecwid Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make them worthy of a place on this list include omnichannel selling across every platform you can imagine (Facebook, Google, Amazon, ShopApp) and 50+ marketing app integrations like Google Tag Manager, Intercom, and HelpfulCrowd. One thing to be mindful of is that many of their integrations cost extra. However, you may save those costs in shipping fees, as Ecwid offers group Discount Shipping Labels for USPS.
Integrations are extensive and include Intercom, Pinterest, Printful, SUP Dropshipping, Google Shopping, Affiliately, EasyAds, Outfy, Popconverts, and TaxJar. Many others are available by connecting a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No setup or transaction fees
- Multi-channel selling
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Phone support locked to highest plans
- Limited customization options
Adobe Commerce is an ecommerce platform perfect for experienced Adobe users, who can integrate Commerce with other programs like InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Adobe Marketing Cloud. Being a platform designed for big businesses and experienced users, Adobe Commerce includes a robust reporting and analytics suite with detailed revenue summaries, data warehouse management, and unlimited dashboards.
Why I picked Adobe Commerce: Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento Commerce, is a powerful ecommerce platform that is well-suited for data-driven online businesses. One of the key strengths of Adobe Commerce is its robust analytics and reporting capabilities. With built-in tools for data analysis and visualization, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and revenue KPIs. You'll have access to an easy-to-use report builder and full-stack, automated data replication technology to pull together your product and sales data from every channel into a single, unified platform.
Additionally, Adobe Commerce offers a wide range of customization options, enabling businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs and integrate with other data systems. With its focus on data-driven decision-making and flexibility, Adobe Commerce is a top choice for online businesses that require a sophisticated, scalable ecommerce solution.
Adobe Commerce Standout Features and Integrations
Features you may love—outside of the analytics suite already covered above—include their ability to handle multi-brand companies with diverse product catalogs (even if you cover vastly different audiences, like B2B vs B2C) as well as their built-in PWA Studio for building and launching progressive web apps for your online store(s). PWA Studio will walk you through building selling apps with performance optimization and responsive design in mind. You can tackle apps for desktop, tablet, and smartphone.
Integrations include EasyShip, eDesk, Facebook Business, Google Shopping, LiveHelp, Mailchimp, Quickbooks, SendCloud, Stripe, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easily connect to other Adobe tools
- Robust business intelligence suite
- Stable and secure platform
Cons:
- Customization is complex
- High learning curve
Sana Commerce Cloud is an ecommerce platform that’s specifically designed for B2B sales. It allows businesses to create online stores that are fully connected to their back-office operations (ERP), providing real-time inventory, pricing, and product information across all channels.
Why I picked Sana Commerce Cloud: There’s no reason that B2B user interfaces should feel any different from B2C. Consumers are now accustomed to certain actions when purchasing online, and Sana Commerce Cloud bridges the gap with features like custom product recommendations and simple reordering processes. Enterprise resource planning features help your customers understand what’s available in real-time.
Sana Commerce Cloud is a great fit for medium to large businesses. You can create multiple region-specific web stores to speak specifically to each of the markets you enter as you grow, and the ERP integrations help with transparency and self-serve functionality.
Sana Commerce Cloud Standout Features and Integrations
Features that stood out to me include a streamlined ordering process optimized for B2B buying, which includes tools for bulk ordering, saved shopping lists, and customizable product configurations. Additionally, Sana Commerce Cloud supports multiple languages, which is particularly important for B2B businesses that operate globally. However, it doesn't skimp on the things all online shoppers have come to expect, like mobile-optimized shopping experiences.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Avalara, Buckaroo, dotdigital, FedEx Ship Manager, Mailchimp, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Opayo, SAP ERP, Worldpay, and other options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive SEO tools
- Reliable and stable UI
- Fantastic training materials
Cons:
- Could use more reporting options
- Few design themes
Volusion is a cloud-based ecommerce platform that allows businesses to create online stores with customizable designs and features. The platform also offers marketing and SEO tools, as well as integrations with popular third-party apps and services.
Why I picked Volusion: No matter what subscription plan you settle on, Volusion offers an accessible and friendly customer service team that does everything from employing web developers to help customize your site to addressing your questions at any time of day or night. Volusion provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and chat, which helps businesses quickly resolve issues no matter what timezone you're contacting them from.
Volusion offers a wide array of features to build exactly the ecommerce solution to suit your business needs. If you need extra help building your site, Volusion has an in-house site builder agency that’s available to assist. With Volusion, businesses can design a completely customized solution to manage their products, inventory, and orders, as well as process payments and ship products.
Volusion Standout Features and Integrations
Features that stood out to me include the fact that you can easily bulk upload products for speedy launches or seasonal turnover, and their inventory grid feature allows you to view and manage the price and status of products and their subcategories. Additionally, Volusion’s simple analytics tools include options to view revenue by day, gross revenue, traffic conversions, total orders received, and other helpful data combinations. You can plot all your most important metrics on a single dashboard or build personalized dashboards for different categories of data (day over day vs month over month, for example).
Integrations include Answerbase, Authorize.net, BuySafe, Constant Contact, Doogma, Google Analytics, Grasshopper, LiveChat, Mailchimp, PayPal, ShipStation, SnapEngage, Xero, and many others. Connecting to Zapier can unlock more integration options but may incur additional costs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Marketing & analytics tools built-in
- Responsive customer service team
- Custom website design service
Cons:
- Confusing UI at times
- Some website changes can only be done in HTML
Shift4Shop provides a complete ecommerce solution, including website hosting, payment processing, security, and marketing tools. This eliminates the need for businesses to use multiple platforms and integrations (although they offer those, too).
Why I picked Shift4Shop: Many website builders offer a range of free site templates for you to choose from but they are often limited in number and many of them are focused on media sharing rather than product selling. Shift4Shop goes against the grain in this regard, in that it offers 100+ dedicated ecommerce website templates for free. They are constantly adding to this library, too.
You can tell Shift4Shop takes 'value adds' seriously when packaging their products, as you'll also get a free SSL certificate, free website domain name (renewed annually on your behalf), free website migration assistance, and free AI-driven fraud protection. These are the kinds of things that cost extra with other platforms or are not included at all.
Shift4Shop Standout Features and Integrations
Features include multichannel selling—Shift4Shop allows businesses to sell their products not only on their own website but also on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook—as well as a complete suite of marketing, SEO, inventory, and CRM tools built-in. They have a huge list of features, so much so that I find it hard to pick just one or two. Additional nominees include advanced tokenization, an integrated blog, subscription software, upsell/cross-sell capabilities, and a gift-wrapping module.
Integrations include AWeber, ClearSale, Klaviyo, OmniStar, Picreel, Tapfiliate, TargetBay, Time-to-Reorder, TradeGecko, and other options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free domain name included
- Free plan with $500/month sales
- Excellent security features
Cons:
- Occasional API connectivity issues
- Slow customer service response
Many people build their websites on WordPress, as it's arguably one of the easiest and most cost-effective content management systems. But how do you turn your WordPress site into an online shop? That's where WooCommerce comes in. WooCommerce is a popular WordPress add-on that transforms your site into an ecommerce store with product catalogs, inventory management, and payment processing solutions.
Why I picked WooCommerce: WooCommerce is an open-source WordPress plug-in that allows users to add ecommerce functionality to their existing sites. WordPress allows you to choose from more than 800 design templates. Their drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to add or subtract design elements for alignment with your brand.
WooCommerce is built with SEO in mind and includes features such as customizable permalinks, XML sitemaps, and meta descriptions that help businesses to improve their search engine rankings. With WordPress' additional SEO features, this pairing makes an unbeatable one-two punch for optimizing your store for online discoverability.
WooCommerce Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make WooCommerce worthy of consideration include event-based marketing, like automatic abandoned cart recovery notifications and customized communications around birthdays, holidays, or membership anniversaries. They also have rewards and incentive programs that you can choose from to build VIP lists or affiliate opportunities. WooCommerce also boasts a large and active community of developers and users, which means there are a lot of resources, plugins, and themes available to enhance the platform's functionality and design. I'm not sure this is a 'feature' per se but it's certainly worth mentioning.
Integrations include Affirm Payments, Amazon Pay, Facebook, GoCardless, Google Analytics, PayPal, ShipStation, Stamps.com, Stripe, and other tools you already use.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Easy to use platform
- Built-in marketing & SEO tools
Cons:
- Some add-on features are not free
- For Wordpress users only
Shopwired is an ecommerce platform and full content management system, where you can sell products with multimedia asset support like video tutorials/reviews. Shopwired gives you full access to the HTML, CSS, and JS files for your site so it's great for programmers who want to do some DIY tweaking.
Why I picked ShopWired: With Shopwired, customers can split up payments using the “buy now, pay later” option. This feature is often walled off from ecommerce platforms, requiring separate system integrations that cost extra to include it on your site. Additionally, Shopwired's checkout process has been optimized to enhance conversion rates and is completely customizable. They offer automatic sales tax calculations, abandoned cart recovery, and more than 60 payment gateway integrations.
ShopWired is a feature-rich platform, offering many free design themes that can be easily customized within their ecommerce website builder. When you add images and change text, their live preview feature allows you to see the edits in real time. Need further customization? ShopWired’s in-house coding team can help you adjust the layout and style and add functionality to suit your taste.
Shopwired Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make ShopWired a top competitor in this space include a range of built-in marketing tools, including SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media integrations. In a similar vein, Shopwired allows businesses to create and send email campaigns directly from the platform. This includes the ability to segment email lists, create personalized content, and track email performance metrics. Being able to handle marketing efforts without add-ons or separate systems is a huge plus.
Integrations include Amazon, DropWired, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Google Shopping, Instagram, Mailchimp, Printify, QuickBooks, and other tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable design
- Full content management system
- Bespoke design service available
Cons:
- Some extensions need coding
- Heavy focus on UK stores
Other Ecommerce Platforms
Here are some additional tools I think are great—these are worth checking out as well.
Related Ecommerce Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these tools related to ecommerce that we've tested and evaluated.
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
Our Selection Criteria for Ecommerce Platforms
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for online business success. With so many options available, it’s essential to evaluate platforms based on specific criteria to ensure they meet your business's needs.
Here's the framework we use:
Core ecommerce platform functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered among the best, a platform must support essential use cases:
- Streamlined product listing and management across diverse categories.
- Efficient handling of online orders, from payment processing to shipping.
- Integration with various payment gateways to offer multiple payment options.
- Tools for optimizing online store visibility and driving traffic through SEO.
- Comprehensive analytics to track performance and inform business decisions.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
Identifying platforms with unique features involves looking for:
- Advanced AI and machine learning capabilities for personalized shopping experiences.
- Robust multi-channel selling features to extend reach beyond the online store.
- Innovative AR/VR experiences for product visualization.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly shipping options integration.
- Blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
When evaluating usability, we consider:
- An intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and task completion.
- Responsive design ensuring the platform performs well on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Clear, logical workflows that support efficient store management without extensive training.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
For onboarding, essential aspects include:
- Comprehensive resource libraries with guides, tutorials, and FAQs.
- Interactive onboarding tools, such as product tours or setup wizards.
- Access to training sessions, webinars, and responsive customer support during the initial setup phase.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Effective customer support is evaluated by:
- Availability of 24/7 support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and email.
- Proactive support options, such as dedicated account managers for enterprise-level solutions.
- A vibrant community forum where users can share insights, solutions, and best practices.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
Assessing value for money involves looking at:
- Transparent pricing models that align with the features and scalability offered.
- Flexible plans that cater to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
- The inclusion of essential features in base plans without requiring expensive add-ons for basic functionality.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
In evaluating customer reviews, focus is placed on:
- Stories of successful integrations and the effective use of platform features to solve unique business challenges.
- High satisfaction rates concerning usability, feature set, and scalability.
- Positive feedback on the platform's impact on sales growth and customer engagement.
Trends in Ecommerce Platforms for 2024
o keep you up-to-date, here are the hottest trends in ecommerce platforms for 2024, focusing on the most rapidly evolving features, novel functionalities, and shifts in demand:
- AI and machine learning integration. Platforms like Shopify and Magento are leading the charge in AI enhancements. Shopify's updates now include AI-driven product recommendations and smarter search functionalities. Magento uses AI for trend prediction and inventory optimization, making it easier for businesses to stay ahead of customer demands.
- Augmented reality (AR) experiences. AR is becoming a staple in ecommerce, with platforms like WooCommerce and BigCommerce integrating AR to let customers visualize products in their own space before purchasing. This feature significantly enhances user experience and reduces return rates.
- Voice commerce. Voice-activated shopping is on the rise. Platforms such as Wix and Squarespace are integrating voice search capabilities, aligning with the increasing use of smart speakers for online shopping. This trend is expected to continue growing as more consumers turn to voice assistants for their shopping needs.
- Blockchain for enhanced security and transparency. Blockchain technology is being leveraged by newer platforms like OpenBazaar to offer decentralized marketplaces, enhancing security and transparency in transactions.
- Sustainable shopping features. Reflecting a growing consumer demand, platforms like Ecwid are introducing eco-friendly features such as carbon footprint calculators and sustainable product filters. Sustainability is becoming a key differentiator for brands aiming to attract eco-conscious consumers.
- Mobile optimization. With the dominance of mobile commerce, platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce are prioritizing mobile-first designs and features. Consumers are increasingly shopping via mobile devices, making mobile optimization essential for ecommerce success.
- Social commerce. Social media is not just for promotion anymore—it's becoming a direct sales channel. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have integrated shopping features that allow users to buy products directly from the apps. This trend is expected to grow as social media continues to be a powerful tool for ecommerce.
- Fast delivery options. Same-day and next-day delivery are becoming a standard expectation. Platforms are enhancing their logistics to offer same-day or next-day delivery, with Amazon setting the pace. This trend emphasizes the need for efficient fulfillment processes to meet consumer demands for quick delivery.
- Livestream shopping. Live shopping is gaining traction, with platforms like Amazon Live and TikTok integrating live commerce features. This trend offers a more immersive and interactive shopping experience, allowing consumers to see products in real-time and make purchases on the spot.
- Automation and chatbots. Automation tools and chatbots are becoming essential for handling customer service, marketing, and sales. Platforms are using AI-powered chatbots to streamline customer interactions and provide a more personalized shopping experience.
These trends highlight the ongoing evolution in ecommerce platforms, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.
Essential Features of Ecommerce Platforms
If you want to crush it in the ecommerce game, your platform needs to have a few must-have features:
- Product management. You need to be able to effortlessly manage and organize your products. That means adding new items, tweaking descriptions, and keeping your pricing and inventory levels on point.
- Payment processing. Secure and smooth payment processing is a non-negotiable. Whether it's credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay, your platform should handle it all without a hitch.
- Order management. Tracking and managing orders should be a breeze. This includes everything from processing payments to managing shipping, fulfillment, and even generating those all-important invoices and packing slips.
- Shipping and logistics. Managing shipping rates, tracking orders, and dealing with returns? Your platform should have tools that make logistics less of a headache and more of a well-oiled machine.
- Security. SSL encryption and fraud detection aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential. Your customers need to feel safe, and your business needs protection from fraudsters.
- Marketing tools. From optimizing content and making on-page SEO suggestions to A/B testing ads and analyzing user behavior, your platform should help you get the most out of your marketing efforts.
- Customization. Your store should look and feel exactly how you want it to. Whether it's themes, colors, or fonts, your platform needs to give you the freedom to build a brand that stands out.
These features are the foundation of any top-tier ecommerce platform, giving you the tools you need to run your business smoothly and deliver a killer shopping experience.
Benefits of Ecommerce Platforms
Ecommerce platforms have revolutionized the way businesses sell and customers shop. Here are the primary benefits:
- Increased market reach: Ecommerce platforms break geographical barriers, allowing businesses to reach a global audience. They help businesses expand beyond local boundaries, tapping into new markets and demographics.
- Cost-effective operations: Significantly reduce operational costs. Unlike traditional stores, ecommerce platforms eliminate the need for physical space, reducing rent, utilities, and staffing expenses.
- Enhanced customer data insights: Provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. Analytics tools help businesses understand customers better, enabling targeted marketing and product development.
- 24/7 sales potential: Operate round the clock, unlike physical stores. This allows businesses to generate revenue outside regular business hours, offering customers the convenience of shopping anytime.
- Streamlined inventory management: Automate and streamline inventory management. These platforms offer tools for tracking stock levels, orders, and deliveries, helping maintain optimal inventory and reducing overstock and stockouts.
Ecommerce platforms are not just about bringing your business online—they help expand your reach, reduce costs, gain valuable insights, offer convenience, and optimize operations.
For brands looking to thrive in the digital age, investing in a robust ecommerce platform is a strategic move that promises a multitude of benefits.
Cost & Pricing of Ecommerce Platforms
You'll find ecommerce platforms at all different price points, each designed to serve businesses of varying sizes, needs, and budgets.
There are plenty of factors that affect pricing for ecommerce platforms, including:
- Customization options
- Number of products
- Built-in marketing tools
- Hosting included
- Security features
- International selling capabilities
- Scalability
- Support options
- Transaction fees
Small businesses won't require certain things, and can find a lower pricing tier to fit those needs. Enterprise businesses will need many more features, and get a good ROI for the higher price point.
The great thing is that many ecommerce platforms have multiple tiers that allow for scalability as you grow.
Here's a breakdown of the common plan options and their pricing in the ecommerce platform market. You'll see which type of business each plan type is generally best for, but you'll always want to assess your own needs.
Plan comparison table for ecommerce platforms
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited product listings, basic templates, basic SEO tools, transaction fees on sales. | Hobbyists, solopreneurs |
| Basic | $20 - $30/month | Website hosting, basic templates, product listings, basic SEO tools, simple analytics. | Small businesses, startups |
| Professional | $50 - $100/month | All Basic features, additional templates, marketing tools, improved SEO capabilities, advanced analytics. | Growing businesses, SMEs |
| Advanced | $150 - $300/month | All Professional features, advanced analytics, customer segmentation, abandoned cart recovery, priority support. | Medium to large businesses |
| Enterprise | $500+/month | All Advanced features, custom integrations, full customization, dedicated support, training, enterprise-grade security. | Large enterprises |
When considering an ecommerce platform, software buyers should weigh their current business needs against their future growth plans.
Ultimately, the choice of an ecommerce platform plan should align with your business goals, budget, and the level of control and customization you require.
New & Noteworthy Product Updates
Here are some key product updates for ecommerce platforms products that users and software buyers should be aware of this quarter.
Learn what’s new, if it’s hot—or not, and why each major change matters for ecommerce experts.
Subbly recent updates
Here are some Subbly update highlights.
- Themes, Templates, and Custom Design Enhancement (Released on February 17, 2024): Subbly introduced a variety of pre-built themes and a full template engine for enhanced customization of subscription box websites, empowering both non-techies and developers to control their site's design more effectively.
- New Analytics Features (Released on March 1, 2024): Subbly rolled out new analytics features, allowing users to add their own analytics code to their templates and track key metrics directly from their dashboard. This update was aimed at providing users with better insights into their business performance.
- Drag-and-Drop Builder Enhancements (Released on July 20, 2024): Subbly has further improved its drag-and-drop builder, allowing users to create more customized subscription-focused ecommerce sites. This update includes new layout options and enhanced flexibility for non-technical users to design their stores without needing developer support.
- Subscription Management Tools Update (Released on August 10, 2024): Subbly rolled out updates to its subscription management tools, offering deeper integration with payment gateways and more automation features for managing recurring billing cycles. This is aimed at improving the ease of running subscription-based businesses.
Verdict: Hot! Subbly's continued focus on enhancing its drag-and-drop builder and subscription management tools makes it a standout choice for subscription-based ecommerce businesses. The recent updates, including better customization and deeper payment integration, add significant value for users at all levels, reinforcing Subbly's position as a top-tier platform for subscription ecommerce.
Wix recent updates
Here are some Wix update highlights.
- Managing Products and Categories (February 2024): Wix introduced enhancements to manage products and categories more efficiently in their ecommerce platform, including better sorting and bulk editing options.
- Wix Logo Maker Update (March 2024): Wix updated their Logo Maker tool, offering more customization options and improved AI suggestions for logo design.
- Wix Business Name Generator (April 2024): Wix launched a Business Name Generator tool to help users come up with creative and relevant business names based on industry and keywords.
- Mobile Optimization and Speed Improvements (Released on June 15, 2024): Wix has made significant improvements to its mobile optimization and site speed, ensuring that ecommerce sites load faster and perform better on mobile devices. This update is crucial as more users are shopping via mobile.
Verdict: Warm. While Wix's updates, like the improved mobile optimization and speed, are crucial for maintaining a smooth user experience, the platform's recent additions—like the logo maker and business name generator—are more useful for beginners than for seasoned ecommerce professionals. These updates keep Wix competitive, but they might not offer substantial value to more advanced users.
Ecwid recent updates
Here are some Ecwid update highlights.
- AI-Driven Domain Name Generation (February 2024): Ecwid introduced an AI tool that helps users generate memorable and relevant domain names directly from the Ecwid admin panel, enhancing the ease of setting up new online stores.
- Apple Wallet Integration (February 2024): This update allows customers using Apple devices to track their order status through Apple Wallet, receiving updates directly, which enhances the customer's post-purchase experience.
- Product Videos on Product Pages (April 2024): Ecwid now allows merchants to add videos to their product pages, helping to improve conversion rates by providing more detailed product insights to potential customers.
- Venmo Payment Integration (Released on August 1, 2024): Ecwid has integrated Venmo as a payment option, available to users in the US. This update makes checkout smoother for mobile shoppers, who can now use Venmo directly from their mobile devices.
- Advanced Discount Management Tools (Released on July 25, 2024): New tools for managing bulk discounts and promotions have been introduced, allowing merchants to update and apply discounts more efficiently across their product range.
- Linkup URL Customization (Released on July 10, 2024): Ecwid now allows users to customize their Linkup URLs for better branding and promotion on social media platforms. This update enhances the ability to drive traffic directly from social media to specific products.
Verdict: Hot! Ecwid's recent updates focus on enhancing the user experience, with significant improvements in payment processing, discount management, and social media integration. The addition of Venmo integration and the ability to customize Linkup URLs for social media promotions further solidify Ecwid as a versatile and powerful platform for small to medium-sized businesses.
Adobe Commerce recent updates
Here are some Adobe Commerce update highlights.
- Live Search Update (March 14, 2024): Adobe Commerce updated its Live Search functionality, improving features such as product listing page widgets and inventory management capabilities. These updates aim to enhance the merchant and customer experience on ecommerce platforms.
- Experience-led Commerce Update (February 28, 2024): This update introduced AI-powered personalization and simplified composable development, helping enterprises accelerate sales and improve ecommerce experiences. This release also focused on healthcare ecommerce solutions, emphasizing data security and compliance with HIPAA-ready solutions.
- Expanded AI-Powered Personalization Tools (Released on July 30, 2024): Adobe Commerce has expanded its AI-powered personalization tools, enabling more sophisticated customer segmentation and targeted marketing. This update is designed to enhance user engagement and conversion rates.
- Enhanced Security Features (Released on August 5, 2024): Adobe Commerce introduced new security features aimed at better compliance with global data protection regulations, particularly for businesses operating in multiple regions. This includes updated SSL protocols and enhanced fraud detection tools.
Verdict: Warm. Adobe Commerce continues to push the envelope with updates in AI-powered personalization and security enhancements. While these updates are essential for large enterprises focused on personalized customer experiences and data security, they may not dramatically change the day-to-day management for smaller businesses. Adobe's updates are robust, but the impact on overall ecommerce management remains to be seen.
Shopify recent updates
Here are some Shopify update highlights.
- Semantic Search: Launched as part of Shopify's Winter ’24 Edition, this AI-powered feature enhances the storefront search capabilities by understanding the intent behind customer queries, thus improving search relevance and potential conversion rates. Released in February 2024.
- Shopify Magic: This suite of AI tools was further integrated across Shopify's platform in February 2024, offering new features like an AI-powered media editor that helps create and edit product images and content effortlessly.
- Shopify Subscriptions App: Now fully released as of January 2024, this app helps merchants increase customer lifetime value by managing subscriptions directly from the Shopify admin, with improvements noted through early 2024.
- Checkout Customization Tools (Released on July 18, 2024): Shopify introduced new tools for customizing the checkout process, including support for alternative payment methods, private label credit cards, and custom add-on products. These tools are part of Shopify's ongoing effort to enhance checkout flexibility and improve conversion rates.
- Mobile Checkout Enhancements (Released on August 2, 2024): Shopify has made significant updates to its mobile checkout process, integrating new AI-driven tools to simplify the user experience and boost conversions on mobile devices.
- Enhanced Discount Management Features (Released on July 25, 2024): Shopify's discount management has been upgraded, allowing for more complex discount types and better automation of promotional campaigns.
Verdict: Red Hot! Shopify consistently leads the ecommerce platform space with its cutting-edge updates. The recent enhancements in checkout customization, mobile checkout, and discount management not only improve the user experience but also offer advanced tools that directly contribute to higher conversion rates and better store performance. Shopify remains a top choice for businesses looking to leverage the latest in ecommerce technology.
Ecommerce Platforms FAQs
If you’re new to the world of SaaS ecommerce solutions, you’ve probably got plenty of questions about how and why to set up an online shopping experience for your customers. Let’s take a look at some FAQ’s to provide some clarity:
How do we determine the easiest ecommerce platforms?
Ecommerce platforms that are considered easy and efficient stand out because of their user-friendly and intuitive features designed to simplify the process of creating and managing an online store.
The platforms we listed typically offer:
- Drag-and-drop interfaces. These make it easy to design your store without needing any coding skills, allowing users to build their site visually.
- Pre-designed templates. Ready-made templates let you quickly set up a professional-looking store, reducing the time and effort needed to start selling.
- Straightforward tools for product listing. Easily add and manage your products, complete with descriptions, images, and categories, making inventory management less cumbersome.
- Efficient payment processing. Integrated payment gateways simplify the checkout process for customers, ensuring a seamless transaction experience.
- Order management. Simple tools for tracking and managing orders ensure a smooth fulfillment process, from purchase to delivery.
No matter which tool you choose, these key features contribute to a platform’s overall ease of use, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for experienced users alike.
What are the different types of ecommerce platforms?
There are several types of ecommerce platforms, each catering to different needs:
- Marketplace platforms: Allow businesses to sell products on existing marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
- Social media platforms: Enable businesses to sell products directly on social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram.
- Headless ecommerce platforms: Separate the front-end (the “head”) from the back-end (commerce functionality) for greater flexibility and customization.
- Omnichannel ecommerce platforms: Integrate multiple sales channels, including physical stores, websites, mobile apps, and social media.
What is the best ecommerce site for beginners?
For beginners, the best ecommerce site can vary based on individual needs:
- Shopify: Known for its user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and extensive app store. It offers comprehensive support and resources for beginners, including tutorials and a dedicated customer support team.
- WooCommerce: A plugin for WordPress, making it a great option if you already use WordPress and want a budget-friendly solution.
- Weebly: Offers a great mobile app for an easy, on-the-go experience, making it another excellent choice for beginners.
What ecommerce platform is best for a small business?
For small businesses, the best ecommerce platforms are those that balance ease of use, scalability, and affordability:
- Shopify is a top pick due to its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem. It allows small businesses to set up and grow their online stores quickly, with built-in tools for inventory management, marketing, and payment processing.
- BigCommerce is ideal for businesses planning to scale. It offers robust features like multichannel selling, built-in SEO, and advanced analytics, making it suitable for businesses that anticipate growth.
- Squarespace excels in design, offering beautiful, customizable templates that are perfect for businesses where visual branding is key. It’s easy to use, though it might lack some advanced ecommerce features.
- Ecwid by Lightspeed is great for selling across multiple platforms, including social media. It’s known for its straightforward setup and offers a free plan, which is appealing for startups.
For a more detailed comparison, check out our guide to the best ecommerce platforms for small businesses.
How do ecommerce platforms handle security issues?
Ecommerce platforms prioritize security with features like:
- SSL certificates: Ensure secure data transmission.
- PCI DSS compliance: Safely process payments.
- Regular security audits: Identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Data encryption: Protect sensitive information.
- Fraud detection tools: Monitor and prevent fraudulent activities.
- Two-factor authentication: Enhance customer authentication.
Can you migrate existing store data to a new platform?
Yes, migrating store data to a new ecommerce platform is possible and often supported through built-in tools or plugins. These tools can transfer products, customer data, order history, and more. Some platforms offer personalized migration services for a smoother transition. The process can vary in complexity, so consulting with the new platform’s support team or a specialist is advisable.
Are there any free or open-source ecommerce platforms?
Yes, there are free and open-source ecommerce platforms available, such as:
- WooCommerce: A WordPress plugin offering extensive customization.
- Magento Open Source: Powerful features for large-scale operations.
- PrestaShop: Flexibility and control over your store.
While the software may be free, running a store can incur costs for hosting, domain names, additional plugins, and custom development.
Additional Ecommerce Platform Reviews
I believe these additional review lists will complement your research here, particularly if you're looking for something super specific for your store. I've reviewed ecommerce platforms for different business types and platform types.
Ecommerce platforms by business type
- SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
- B2B Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Marketplace Platforms
- Subscription Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses
Ecommerce platforms by need
- Headless Ecommerce Platforms
- Easiest Ecommerce Platforms
- Omnichannel Commerce Platforms
- Enterprise Ecommerce Platforms
- Free Ecommerce Platforms
- Open Source Ecommerce Platforms
- Social Commerce Platforms
- Cheap Ecommerce Platforms
- Hosted Ecommerce Platforms
You Deserve a Great Ecommerce Platform
Over one third of American businesses still don’t have a website.
It’s hard to believe, given that there’s so much to be gained from offering your customers an online shopping portal.
And, depending on the ecommerce platform you choose, there’s relatively little up-front time, money, or expertise required to get started. Take your time when deciding what you need.
This can prevent having to worry about replatforming later.
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