11 Ecommerce Platform Comparison – Get Features, Pricing, & More

Looking to set up your own online store but unsure which e-commerce platform to choose? Before you decide, lets review the market Share of top 4 e-commerce Platforms in 2023 WooCommerce and Shopify were the top-performing e-commerce platforms, with a market share of 39% and 26%, respectively. Moreover, Squarespace shared 20%.  Magento accounted for 11%, while all other e-commerce platforms shared 4% of the total market cap.

In this guide, we will do a detailed Ecommerce Platform Comparison & go through a complete analysis of the top 11 leading e-commerce solutions available in the market. We will be featuring in-depth comparisons of their unique features, pricing models, and much more to help you make a well-informed decision.

Whether it’s Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, we’ve got the insights you need to make the right decision for your business.

Our Handpicked Top Ecommerce Platforms List

Shopify: A versatile and user-friendly solution for businesses of all sizes.

Bigcommerce: is an all-in-one platform offering features for scaling your business.

Wix: A powerful platform known for its intuitive website-building tools and e-commerce capabilities.

WooCommerce: A customizable and open-source plugin for WordPress, ideal for businesses seeking flexibility and control.

Important Ecommerce Platform Features

Selecting an e-commerce platform involves considering several vital factors. Here are eight essential features you should keep in mind while you have different ecommerce platform comparisons:

• Simplicity and usability: Opt for an e-commerce platform with an easy setup and a user-friendly interface, especially if you’re new to e-commerce.
• Payment gateways: Ensure the platform supports your preferred payment gateways, allowing customers to make seamless transactions.
• Customer service: Choose a platform with robust customer support for both your business and your customers.
• Apps and plugins: Look for platforms that offer various apps and plugins to enhance your online store’s functionality, such as additional payment gateways, shipping options, and marketing tools.
• Website hosting: Consider whether the platform includes hosting, particularly if you’re not using a separate web hosting service.
• Customization options: Prioritize platforms that offer extensive customization features for complete control over your store’s appearance.
• Theme variety: Opt for platforms with a diverse range of themes to match your brand and style preferences.
• Mobile usability: Select platforms that provide a seamless mobile shopping experience, given the increasing use of smartphones and tablets for online shopping.

When you are on the verge of making a decision, carefully assess the pros and cons of each e-commerce platform to find the one that aligns with your business needs, budget, and technical expertise.

11 Best Ecommerce Platforms to Consider – Ecommerce Platform Comparison

1. Shopify
2. WooCommerce
3. BigCommerce
4. Magento
5. SquareSpace
6. Square Online
7. OpenCart
8. Yo!Kart
9. Volusion
10. Ecwid
11. Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Let’s review the 11 best e-commerce platforms one by one and try to clear up your doubts.

1- Shopify – The Best Ecommerce Platform

Shopify is a super-helpful website for all kinds of businesses. Lots of people all around the world use Shopify as their basic website builder, and they know that it is easy to use and has lots of different looks you can choose for your shop. Shopify makes sure your shop is safe, secure and works well. 

If you need help, the people at Shopify Support are always there for you, and you can also talk to other people who use Shopify for advice. It’s the best choice if you want to make your online shop quickly and easily.

Key Features:

• Product management: Effortlessly create and oversee your product catalog, including descriptions, images, and pricing.
• Order management: Streamline order processing, inventory tracking, and customer relationship management.
• Payment processing: Accept payments through various processors, including major credit cards, PayPal, and Amazon Pay.
• Shipping: Provide multiple shipping options and calculate real-time shipping rates.
• Security: Shopify ensures compliance with PCI DSS and employs the latest security technologies to safeguard customer data.
• Marketing and SEO tools: Access various features to promote your online store and enhance your SEO ranking.
• Customer support: Benefit from 24/7 customer support accessible via phone, email, and live chat.

In addition to its core offerings, Shopify provides a range of add-ons and integrations, facilitating the expansion of your online store’s functionality. You can integrate Shopify with your shipping provider, email marketing service, and social media accounts.

Pricing Plans

1. Basic Shopify: $39 per month
2. Shopify: $105 per month
3. Advanced Shopify: $399 per month

Pros:

• Diverse range of features and functionality
• Excellent customer support
• User-friendly interface
• Scalability
• Secure platform

Cons:

• Potentially high costs
• Limited customization options
• Requirement of coding knowledge for certain features

2- Magento

Magento is a really good platform for online shops. It can be changed a lot and it can grow with your business. It works well for big companies and ones that are getting bigger. Even though it might be a bit harder to learn, it has special things that can help your shop show up more on the internet and work in different languages. It’s a good choice for businesses that want a special and changeable online shop.

Key Features:

1. Can be changed a lot to fit your needs
2. It works well for big and growing companies
3. It helps your shop show up more on the internet
4. Can work in different languages
5. It is good for businesses that want a special and changeable online shop.

Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible
• Scalable to support large businesses
• Wide range of features and functionality, including product management, order management, payment processing, shipping, and more
• Large community of developers and users

Cons:

• Can be complex and difficult to use, especially for beginners
• Requires some technical expertise to set up and manage
• Expensive add-ons and extensions

Pricing plans:

• Magento Community Edition is free to use and download. 
• Magento Open Source is free to use, but you will need to pay for hosting, add-ons, and extensions
• Magento Commerce is a paid platform with a variety of pricing plans starting from $1988/month

3- BigCommerce: The Best Way to Sell Online

BigCommerce stands out as the ultimate solution for all your online selling needs. Whether you’re a thriving retail giant or just starting your digital storefront, BigCommerce offers a powerhouse search engine tailored for larger retail brands. Even if you’re new to the world of online selling or have a physical store and aim to expand your reach to online customers, BigCommerce has got you covered. No matter the industry or niche you belong to, BigCommerce equips you with the necessary tools to thrive and succeed.

Key Features:

1. Simple interface for effortless customization of your online store, with no requirement for coding knowledge
2. A wide array of customizable templates for designing, marketing, and selling your products
3. Accessibility for both tech-savvy individuals to tweak HTML and CSS for enhanced web design control
4. Headless ecommerce structures offer unparalleled customization options, particularly advantageous for larger enterprises.

Pros:

• Easy to use and set up
• Scalable to support large businesses
• Wide range of features and functionality, including product management, order management, payment processing, shipping, and more
• Large community of developers and users
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• Can be expensive, especially for small businesses
• Limited customization options
• Some features require coding knowledge

Pricing plans:

• Standard: $29.95 per month
• Plus: $79.95 per month
• Pro: $249.95 per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

4- WooCommerce:

WooCommerce, a powerful plugin for WordPress, has secured its place as a leading ecommerce solution thanks to its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. Its seamless integration with WordPress allows users to leverage the platform’s flexibility and vast array of plugins, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking a customizable and scalable online store. With its robust features, including secure payment gateways and comprehensive inventory management, WooCommerce proves to be an excellent option for businesses of all sizes, aiming to establish a strong online presence.

Key Features

1. User-friendly interface for easy navigation and management.
2. There are extensive customization options for tailoring the online store according to specific business needs.
3. Seamless integration with WordPress, leveraging its flexibility and diverse plugin ecosystem.
4. Secure payment gateways, ensuring safe transactions for customers.
5. Comprehensive inventory management tools for efficient product tracking and organization.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Flexible and customizable
• Wide range of features and functionality, including product management, order management, payment processing, shipping, and more
• Large community of developers and users

Cons:

• Can be complex and difficult to use, especially for beginners
• Requires some technical expertise to set up and manage
• Security can be a concern if not properly configured

Pricing plans:

WooCommerce itself is free to use.

However, you will need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any additional plugins or themes that you want to use. (typically cost around $10 per year)

5- Wix

Wix ecommerce has made remarkable strides over the years. Initially overlooked in my list of ecommerce platforms, Wix has now transformed into a powerful contender in the ecommerce domain, offering exceptional benefits for both solopreneurs and small online businesses. Their array of ecommerce features has undergone significant enhancements. Now, they provide multi-channel integration, tools for recovering abandoned carts, and capabilities for dropshipping and print-on-demand services.

Key Features:

1. Multi-channel integration for seamless management across various platforms
2. Abandoned cart recovery to reclaim potentially lost sales
3. Dropshipping and print-on-demand capabilities for streamlined operations
4. Different pricing plans catered to businesses, ranging from $27/month to $59/month
5. Varying storage capacities and video hours, with the top-tier plan offering unlimited storage, unlimited video hours, and personalized reports.

Pros:

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Wide range of templates and themes to choose from
• Affordable pricing plans
• Good customer support

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Some features require a paid plan
• Not as scalable as other e-commerce platforms

Pricing plans:

• Wix Free: $0 per month
• Wix Business Basic: $23 per month
• Wix Business Unlimited: $27 per month

6- Squarespace:

Squarespace offers an all-in-one platform that enables users to effortlessly create professional and visually striking websites and online stores. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, along with a collection of modern and sleek templates, makes it an ideal choice for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses. Squarespace’s built-in marketing tools, including SEO features and social media integration, further enhance its appeal, allowing businesses to reach their target audience effectively. Additionally, Squarespace’s reliable customer support and secure hosting solutions make it a compelling option for businesses looking to establish an elegant and functional online presence.

Key Features

1. Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy website and online store creation.
2. Modern and sleek templates offering professional and visually appealing designs.
3. Built-in marketing tools, including SEO features and social media integration, for effective audience engagement.
4. Reliable customer support ensuring prompt assistance and guidance.
5. Secure hosting solutions providing a safe and stable online platform for businesses.

Pros:

• Easy to use, even if you have no coding experience
• Wide range of templates to choose from
• Secure platform
• Mobile-friendly
• Good customer support

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Can be expensive, especially for larger businesses
• Transaction fees on all sales
• Some features require a paid plan

Pricing plans:

• Personal: $16 per month
• Business: $26 per month
• Commerce: $49 per month
• Advanced Commerce: $79 per month

7- ShopWired:

ShopWired, a well-established UK-based e-commerce platform since 1998, has emerged as a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, from fledgling startups to expansive enterprises. This platform offers an extensive array of features and tools to facilitate smooth operations for online businesses. Some of its key offerings include efficient product management, streamlined order processing, versatile payment processing options, flexible shipping choices, top-notch security measures, robust marketing and SEO tools, and round-the-clock customer support accessible through various channels like phone, email, and live chat.

Key Features

1. Efficient product management tools
2. Streamlined order processing capabilities
3. Versatile payment processing options
4. Flexible shipping choices for customer convenience
5. Robust marketing and SEO tools for effective online promotion

Pros:

• Diverse range of features and functionalities
• Exceptional customer support services
• Dedicated commitment to fostering business success
• Absence of transaction fees
• UK-based for localized support

Cons:

• Potentially high costs, particularly for larger enterprises
• Requirement of coding knowledge for certain features
• Limited integration capabilities with third-party platforms

Despite its advantages, ShopWired may come with a considerable price tag, particularly for larger enterprises. Furthermore, some of its features necessitate proficiency in coding, and there might be limitations in terms of integrating with third-party platforms.

ShopWired presents three distinct pricing plans:

• Pro: £29.95 per month, catering to businesses with up to 750 products
• Premium: £59.95 per month, offering unlimited product capacity
• Enterprise: £119.95 per month, inclusive of priority support and custom development services

8- OpenCart

OpenCart emerges as a prominent and free e-commerce platform, well-regarded by businesses of all sizes for its adaptability, expansiveness, and diverse set of features. It provides a robust foundation for online stores seeking customizable solutions and seamless scalability.

Key features of OpenCart:

1. Product management: Effortlessly create and oversee your product inventory, including descriptions, images, and categories.
2. Order management: Streamline order processing, inventory tracking, and customer relationship management.
3. Payment processing: Facilitate payments through various processors like major credit cards, PayPal, and Amazon Pay.
4. Shipping: Offer multiple shipping choices and calculate real-time shipping rates.
5. Security: OpenCart maintains PCI DSS compliance and utilizes cutting-edge security measures to safeguard customer data.
6. Marketing and SEO tools: Access a host of features to enhance your store’s visibility and improve SEO rankings.
7. Extensions and themes: Benefit from a vibrant community of developers creating extensions and themes to augment your store’s functionality.
8. Regarding pricing, OpenCart itself is free and open-source. However, users should consider costs associated with hosting, domain names, and potential expenses for additional extensions and themes, depending on individual requirements.

Overall, OpenCart serves as a strong contender for businesses seeking a flexible and scalable e-commerce platform. It particularly caters to those in need of extensive customization options.

Pros:

• Open-source and free
• Adaptable and scalable
• Diverse array of features and functionalities
• Active community of developers
• No transaction fees

Cons:

• Potential complexity in setup and management
• Requirement of coding knowledge for certain features
• Limited support from the OpenCart team

For those considering OpenCart for their online store, it’s advisable to utilize the available online resources for guidance and support. Additionally, various commercial companies offer assistance and development services specific to OpenCart.

9- Yo!Kart:

Yo!Kart stands out as a versatile multi-vendor e-commerce platform catering to businesses of all sizes aiming to establish their online marketplaces. It serves as a cost-effective alternative to building complex platforms similar to Amazon or eBay.

Key Features of Yo!Kart:

1. Product management: Easily create and oversee product catalogs, including descriptions, images, and pricing.
2. Order management: Streamline order processing, inventory tracking, and customer relationship management.
3. Payment processing: Accept payments through various processors such as major credit cards, PayPal, and Stripe.
4. Shipping: Provide multiple shipping options and calculate real-time shipping rates.
5. Security: Yo!Kart ensures PCI DSS compliance and employs modern security technologies to safeguard customer data.
6. Marketing and SEO tools: Access various features to promote your online marketplace and improve SEO rankings.
7. Customer support: Benefit from 24/7 customer support accessible via phone, email, and live chat.

Pros:

• Diverse range of features and functionalities
• Exceptional customer support
• Scalable for managing large marketplaces
• Affordable pricing with a lifetime license

Cons:

• Limited integrations with third-party platforms
• Requirement of coding knowledge for certain features
• Relatively less well-known compared to other e-commerce platforms

Overall, Yo!Kart proves to be a reliable and budget-friendly choice for businesses seeking a multi-vendor e-commerce platform. It is particularly suitable for those aiming to create marketplaces akin to Amazon or eBay.

Yo!Kart Pricing:

Yo!Kart offers a lifetime license for $999, encompassing all platform features and free technical support. Additionally, users can opt for various add-ons such as mobile apps and custom development, for an extra fee.

10- Volusion:

Volusion, a cloud-based e-commerce platform, was established in 1999. It has gained popularity among businesses of various sizes after catering to the needs of both small startups and large enterprises. Volusion provides extensive features and tools to facilitate smooth operations for online businesses.

Key Features:

• Product management: Effortlessly create and oversee your product inventory, including descriptions, images, and pricing.
• Order management: Streamline order processing, inventory tracking, and customer relationship management.
• Payment processing: Accept payments through various processors like major credit cards, PayPal, and Amazon Pay.
• Shipping: Offer multiple shipping choices and calculate real-time shipping rates.
• Security: Volusion ensures PCI DSS compliance and utilizes the latest security technologies to protect customer data.
• Marketing and SEO tools: Access various features to enhance your store’s visibility and improve SEO rankings.
• Customer support: Benefit from 24/7 customer support accessible via phone, email, and live chat.

Volusion offers four pricing plans:

• Personal: $29 per month
• Professional: $79 per month
• Business: $299 per month
• Prime: Custom pricing

The personal plan is suitable for small businesses initiating their online presence, encompassing all the necessary features for store management. The professional plan is ideal for growing businesses in need of additional features, while the business plan caters to large enterprises requiring advanced functionalities and support.

The Prime plan is a custom option tailored for businesses with substantial sales volume, incorporating all the features of the Business plan along with additional support and features.

Pros:

• Wide range of features and functionalities
• Excellent customer support
• Dedication to fostering business success
• No transaction fees
• Cloud-based platform

Cons:

• Potential expense, particularly for large enterprises
• Requirement of coding knowledge for certain features
• Limited integration with third-party platforms

Overall, Volusion serves as a comprehensive e-commerce platform suitable for businesses of all sizes, backed by exceptional customer support. However, it’s crucial to consider the potential costs, coding requirements, and limitations in third-party integrations before making a decision.

11- Ecwid:

Ecwid serves as a user-friendly cloud-based e-commerce platform that enables businesses to establish and manage their online stores effortlessly. It offers a diverse set of features tailored to facilitate smooth operations for online businesses.

Key Features:

1. Product management: Effortlessly create and manage your product catalog.
2. Order management: simplify order processing and inventory tracking.
3. Payment processing: Accept payments via major credit cards and popular processors.
4. Shipping: Provide multiple shipping options and a real-time rate calculation.
5. Security: Ensure PCI DSS compliance and utilize advanced security technologies.
6. Marketing and SEO tools: access features to enhance store promotion and SEO ranking.
7. Customer support: Get 24/7 assistance via phone, email, and live chat.
8. Integrations: Connect with popular shipping providers, payment processors, and marketing tools.

Pricing:

Free: Accommodates up to 10 products with unlimited bandwidth

Venture: $19 per month, supports up to 100 products, and facilitates sales on Facebook and Instagram

Business: $39 per month, enables up to 2,500 products, and facilitates sales on Amazon and eBay

Unlimited: $99 per month allows for unlimited products, along with a custom iOS or Android shopping app

Pros:

User-friendly interface

Diverse range of features

Affordable pricing

24/7 customer support

Cons:

Certain features necessitate a paid plan

Limited customization options

Not as scalable as some other e-commerce platforms

FAQs for Ecommerce Platforms

Which is the best platform for an e-commerce website?

The ideal e-commerce platform depends on your specific needs and budget. Popular choices include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Squarespace, and BigCommerce. Compare their features to find the best fit for your business.

What is the most secure ecommerce platform?

Major platforms prioritize security, utilizing the latest technologies to safeguard customer data. For added security, Shopify offers two-factor authentication, while WooCommerce can incorporate it through plugins.

Which is better, WooCommerce or Shopify?

WooCommerce suits those seeking flexibility and customization on a budget. It’s open-source and free. Shopify is user-friendly with extensive features, ideal for scalable business growth. Compare their features against your needs for the right fit.

The Final Word – Ecommerce Platform Comparison

In summary, based on critical analysis and detailed Ecommerce Platform Comparison, we recommend Shopify as a preferred e-commerce platform. Shopify is the best pick for your online store. It’s easy to use and keeps your business and customers safe. Even though it might cost a bit more and have some limits on changing how it looks, Shopify is still the top choice for a successful online business.

Want to know more about the benefits of Shopify? Read this guide