11 Best Ecommerce Platforms for Your Business in 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
Running an ecommerce business is an exciting journey—you're building a brand, crafting a website, and putting your products out into the world.
But before you get too deep into your to-do list, it’s worth pausing to think big picture: where is your business headed, and what tools will support that growth?
In this guide, we compare 11 of the best ecommerce platforms for launching and scaling your online store. From standout features to pricing plans, we’ve broken it all down to help you find the right fit—not just for today, but for the business you’re building tomorrow.
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is the backbone of your online store—it’s the software that lets you build your website, sell products, manage inventory, process payments, and handle marketing all in one place.
The best platforms go beyond just functionality—they give you the tools to create a unique shopping experience and grow your business with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 11 best ecommerce platforms for 2025 to help you choose the one that fits your vision and serves your customers best.
The 11 best ecommerce platforms
1. Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms in the world—and for good reason. It’s a self-hosted, all-in-one solution that helps you sell wherever your customers shop, whether that’s online, in-store, or on social media. From designing your storefront to managing inventory, payments, and shipping, Shopify has you covered.
Why choose Shopify?
Whether you’re starting a side hustle from your kitchen table or scaling into a global brand with brick-and-mortar stores, Shopify grows with you. Its intuitive admin dashboard lets you run your entire business from one place—customize your website, track orders, sync with social platforms, and even try out retail models like dropshipping. Many successful brands have launched and flourished on Shopify, and yours could be next.
Plans and Pricing
Shopify makes it easy to get started—with no credit card required, you can try the platform free for three days. After that, build your business for just $1/month for the first three months. Standard paid plans begin at $29/month when billed annually, offering strong value for growing brands.
Store Builder
Shopify’s drag-and-drop store builder is designed with ease in mind. Choose from over 100 mobile-optimized, no-code themes to get your site up and running quickly. The built-in AI assistant helps you generate polished product descriptions and on-brand designs, so you can focus on selling. As your needs grow, the Shopify App Store and developer tools make it easy to extend your store’s functionality—or create a fully custom storefront from scratch.
Selling Features
Shopify supports omnichannel selling, so you can reach customers wherever they shop—your website, Instagram, Amazon, or even in-person with Shopify POS. Built-in tools like abandoned cart recovery and automated email campaigns help you boost conversions, while international features simplify selling across borders.
Payment Processing
Every Shopify plan includes a native payment solution that’s ready to go from day one, accepting all major payment methods. Prefer a different provider? You’ll have access to more than 100 third-party options too. Shopify’s checkout is fast, flexible, and fully customizable. Give your customers a seamless experience with features like express checkout, discount codes, in-store pickup, and Shop Pay—widely known for its high conversion rates.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly with room to scale
- Powerful AI tools for branding and content
- 100+ mobile-ready themes and 8,000+ apps
- Built-in hosting, security, and payment processing
- Excellent support for multi-channel and international selling
2. Wix
Wix is a flexible, user-friendly website builder that makes it easy to bring your online store to life. With drag‑and‑drop tools, customizable templates, built-in web hosting, and domain registration, Wix offers an all-in-one platform to get your site up and running—no coding required. While you can start with a free website, ecommerce functionality unlocks with a paid plan.
Why choose Wix?
Wix is built with simplicity in mind, making it a great option for entrepreneurs who want to launch quickly without sacrificing style. You can accept secure payments, manage inventory, and track orders—all from one clean, intuitive dashboard. Plus, Wix lets you sell across multiple channels, helping you reach customers wherever they shop.
Plans and Pricing
To unlock ecommerce functionality, you’ll need at least the Core plan, which starts at $29/month when billed annually. This plan includes essential tools for online selling and website customization.
Ecommerce Features
Wix allows you to sell products online and in person, with support for a native POS system and mobile management via the Wix Owner app. You can also connect your store to platforms like Facebook and Instagram using third-party apps like Ecwid.
However, it’s worth noting that Wix’s built-in ecommerce tools are more limited than some competitors. Key features—like low-stock alerts and advanced inventory management—are missing out of the box. To fully optimize your store for product-based selling or multichannel commerce, you'll likely need to rely on third-party integrations.
Pros
- A wide range of professionally designed, ready-made templates
- Intuitive interface that's perfect for non-technical users
- Built-in hosting and free domain options with paid plans
Cons
- Limited native inventory management (e.g., no low-stock alerts)
- Content isn't easily transferable if you switch templates
- Free version includes Wix branding and doesn’t support ecommerce
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a powerful ecommerce platform that offers everything you need to build and grow a robust online store. Like Shopify and Wix, it provides web hosting and design customization, along with strong features for SEO, international selling, and marketplace integrations like Amazon and eBay.
Why choose BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is built with scalability in mind, making it a go-to option for larger businesses or fast-growing brands. It’s packed with advanced tools for managing high-volume sales, complex product catalogs, and cross-border commerce.
That said, the platform leans more toward enterprise users, and its interface can feel a bit more technical than beginner-focused platforms. If you’re tech-savvy or have a development team, BigCommerce can be a powerhouse. But for newcomers, there may be a steeper learning curve.
Plans and Pricing
BigCommerce pricing starts at $29/month when billed annually, with plans that include advanced selling features right out of the gate. However, plans automatically upgrade based on your annual sales volume, which can be a surprise for some businesses.
Ecommerce Features
BigCommerce supports selling across multiple channels, including Google Shopping, Facebook, Amazon, Etsy, and even price comparison engines. Its mobile app lets you view analytics and manage inventory on the go, though some features are exclusive to Android users. One notable limitation: there’s no native POS system for in-person sales.
Some businesses have found the platform less flexible than competitors. For example, Grace & Lace, a clothing brand, migrated from BigCommerce to Shopify in search of a more intuitive and seller-friendly experience.
Pros
- Advanced features included at entry-level pricing
- Supports 65+ payment providers and 140+ currencies
- Phone and live chat support available on all plans
Cons
- Setup can feel less intuitive, especially for beginners
- Limited theme options (only 12 free themes)
- Fewer customization tools for website design
- Revenue-based plan upgrades can lead to unexpected costs
4. Adobe Commerce
Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is a robust, open-source ecommerce platform tailored for large businesses and development teams. Unlike plug-and-play solutions, Adobe Commerce is non-hosted and highly customizable—ideal for businesses that want total control over their online store’s structure and functionality.
Why choose Adobe Commerce?
If you have in-house developers and a complex ecommerce vision, Adobe Commerce offers unmatched flexibility. You can build a tailored experience from the ground up, but doing so typically requires a dedicated technical team for setup, maintenance, and updates.
Plans and Pricing
Adobe Commerce uses a custom pricing model based on the size, complexity, and specific needs of your business. While the Open Source edition is free, it comes with fewer features and requires your own hosting and security solutions.
Ecommerce Features
The platform integrates with Amazon, but its out-of-the-box tools for multichannel selling and international commerce are limited. Features like social selling, POS, and streamlined global transactions often require custom development or third-party extensions. Additionally, Adobe Commerce does not offer a mobile app or native POS system.
The complexity of the platform can become a hurdle for fast-moving teams. For instance, Character.com, a kids' apparel brand, struggled with Adobe Commerce's demanding setup. Managing thousands of products and integrations became time-consuming, so they moved to Shopify—boosting their conversions by 40%.
Pros
- Free Open Source version available
- Highly customizable with a wide range of extensions
- Includes built-in tools for promotions, newsletters, and email templates
Cons
- Requires technical expertise or developer support
- Lacks many built-in features offered by other platforms
- Paid version can be expensive
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce isn’t a standalone ecommerce platform—it’s a free, open-source plugin that turns any WordPress site into a fully functional online store. For brands already using WordPress, WooCommerce offers a seamless way to add ecommerce capabilities without switching platforms.
Why choose WooCommerce?
If your website is content-driven—like a blog or portfolio—WooCommerce is a smart choice. It integrates directly into your existing WordPress site, allowing you to list products, manage a shopping cart, and offer a full checkout experience, all while maintaining your site's original design and structure.
Plans and Pricing
The WooCommerce plugin itself is free, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of WordPress hosting, themes, and extensions. WordPress’s Commerce hosting plan starts at $45/month, and additional costs can arise depending on which premium features or plug-ins you choose to add.
Ecommerce Features
Out of the box, WooCommerce includes essential ecommerce tools like product listings, a shopping cart, and checkout functionality. It supports major payment gateways and offers a native POS system. A companion mobile app lets you manage orders, track analytics, and add new products on the go.
For more advanced capabilities—such as custom shipping rules, security enhancements, or theme upgrades—you’ll need to install paid extensions. Between plug-ins, hosting, and maintenance, keeping track of your total spend can be tricky.
Pros
- Free to install and fully customizable with open-source code
- Offers essential ecommerce features right out of the box
- Large, active community with plenty of tutorials and third-party tools
Cons
- Only works with WordPress sites
- Costs can add up with plug-ins, extensions, and hosting
- Limited direct customer support
6. Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its elegant, design-forward templates and intuitive drag‑and‑drop builder. While it’s often associated with creatives and portfolio sites, Squarespace also offers solid ecommerce features—especially when you upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
Why choose Squarespace?
If aesthetics and simplicity matter to your brand, Squarespace strikes a great balance. Once you upgrade, you can easily turn your website into an online store with secure checkout options that support Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Afterpay.
Plans and Pricing
Squarespace’s Basic plan starts at $16/month when billed annually, but ecommerce features kick in with higher-tier plans.
Ecommerce Features
Built-in inventory management, subscription product support, and the ability to print shipping labels make Squarespace a well-rounded choice for small shops. You can even extend its capabilities by adding a Shopify Buy Button (for $5/month), letting you tap into Shopify’s powerful checkout while keeping your Squarespace design.
Pros
- Sleek, fully customizable templates
- Sell physical products, services, gift cards, and digital downloads
- Built-in SEO tools with clear, beginner-friendly guidance
- 24/7 customer support via email, AI chatbot, and social media
Cons
- Limited international features (only supports one currency at a time)
- Small app marketplace (just 36 plug-ins vs. thousands on other platforms)
- No phone support available
7. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is a no-fuss, fully hosted ecommerce platform built specifically for artists, makers, and small-scale creators. If you're looking for a simple way to start selling your work online—without diving into technical details—Big Cartel is a solid place to begin.
Why choose Big Cartel?
Big Cartel is designed with independent creators in mind. Its clean interface and easy setup let you start selling quickly, and the free plan is perfect for testing the waters—with support for up to five product listings at no cost.
Plans and Pricing
Big Cartel’s free plan is ideal for sellers with a handful of products. Paid plans begin at $12/month (billed annually) and scale based on how many products you want to list.
Ecommerce Features
Even the free plan includes a generous feature set compared to other platforms. You’ll find tools for product listings, discount codes, and basic order management. However, limitations exist: you can only add up to five images per product, and payment gateway options are limited to Stripe and PayPal.
Customization is minimal unless you’re comfortable editing code, and as your business grows, you may outgrow the platform’s capabilities—especially with limited integrations and no built-in abandoned cart recovery.
Pros
- Free plan available for up to 5 products
- 17 free, mobile-friendly themes
- Automatic US sales tax calculation and remittance
Cons
- Limited design flexibility unless you know HTML/CSS
- Small integration library (around 30 apps)
- No native abandoned cart recovery
- No built-in payment processor—relies on Stripe or PayPal
- Not ideal for scaling beyond a small shop
8. Square Online
Formerly known as Weebly, Square Online offers a clean, beginner-friendly ecommerce solution—especially for small businesses that already use Square to manage in-person sales. It's designed to seamlessly connect your physical and digital storefronts under one platform.
Why choose Square Online?
If you’re already swiping cards with Square in your brick-and-mortar store, Square Online makes expanding to ecommerce refreshingly simple. The platform syncs your inventory and payments across all channels, helping you manage your business in one place.
Plans and Pricing
You can get started with a free plan, which covers the basics and charges only transaction fees. For more control—like using your own domain or removing Square branding—paid plans start at $29/month when billed annually.
Ecommerce Features
Square Online offers easy store-building tools, mobile-friendly designs, and native integration with Square’s payment system. However, advanced ecommerce features—such as real-time shipping rates or premium customer support—are reserved for higher-tier plans. Integration with additional sales channels may also require some extra effort compared to more robust platforms.
Pros
- Free plan with no upfront cost (just transaction fees)
- Simple, intuitive setup process
- Mobile-responsive templates for a smooth shopping experience
Cons
- Limited design flexibility on the free plan
- Real-time shipping rates only available on the Premium plan
- Priority customer support reserved for top-tier subscribers
9. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop offers a straightforward way to build and manage an online store, especially for sellers who prioritize ease of use and mobile responsiveness. It’s a good fit for merchants who want basic ecommerce functionality without a steep learning curve.
Why choose Shift4Shop?
While it doesn’t come loaded with flashy features, Shift4Shop shines in its simplicity and flexibility. Its built-in API makes it possible to connect your store to other tools, and its mobile-ready templates ensure your site looks great on any device.
Plans and Pricing
Plans start at $39/month if you’re using third-party payment providers like PayPal. But here’s a unique perk: if you process at least $1,000/month using Shift4Shop’s payment solution, you can access the platform for free—though this is currently available only for merchants based in the U.S.
Ecommerce Features
Shift4Shop supports integrations with popular sales channels like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook, making multichannel selling accessible. While it lacks a mobile app for on-the-go management, point-of-sale functionality can be added at an additional cost.
Pros
- Mobile-optimized themes with unlimited pages
- Streamlined single-page checkout
- Works with over 160 payment processors
Cons
- Free plan only available to U.S.-based sellers using Shift4Shop payments with $1,000+ in monthly sales
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Customer support quality may vary
10. Volusion
Launched in 1999, Volusion is one of the original players in the ecommerce space. Designed with small businesses in mind, it offers a no-fuss way to build a functional online store and start selling physical products.
Why choose Volusion?
If you're after a straightforward setup and want to avoid bells and whistles, Volusion gets the job done. With support for over 30 payment gateways and basic ecommerce tools, it’s a reliable option for sellers who prefer simplicity and control.
Plans and Pricing
Volusion’s pricing starts at $35/month, placing it on par with several modern platforms, though its feature set might feel more basic in comparison.
Ecommerce Features
Volusion focuses primarily on selling physical goods—there’s no support for digital downloads like ebooks or music. The platform includes a mobile app for store management, but it doesn’t offer native point-of-sale capabilities or deep integrations with external sales channels. Still, you do get helpful features like a CSS editor for customization and various payment processing options.
Pros
- Built-in CSS editor for styling and customization
- Supports 30+ payment gateways
- Includes a mobile app for managing your store
Cons
- Basic plan feels limited despite its cost
- Sales volume and product listing caps apply
- No support for digital products
11. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free, open-source ecommerce platform that offers a lightweight, no-cost solution for building and managing your online store. With a simple setup process and multi-store capabilities, it’s a flexible option for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
Why choose OpenCart?
If you're looking for a cost-effective way to run multiple stores from one dashboard, OpenCart may be just the ticket. The platform provides built-in insights like sales data and customer activity, helping you keep a finger on the pulse of your business.
Plans and Pricing
OpenCart is completely free to use—but you’ll need to pay separately for website hosting, domain registration, and any premium extensions you decide to add.
Ecommerce Features
With over 13,000 modules and themes, OpenCart gives you plenty of room to customize your store. It supports multiple users with customizable roles, more than 40 languages, and 36+ integrated payment gateways. While it’s powerful under the hood, its interface and templates can feel a bit dated compared to more modern platforms.
Pros
- Free and open-source with strong community support
- Multi-store and multi-user management
- Wide language support for international selling
- Compatible with dozens of payment methods
Cons
- Interface and templates feel outdated
- Smaller plug-in library than competitors like WooCommerce
- Requires external hosting and more hands-on setup
Choosing an Ecommerce Platform: Features Checklist
So, you’re ready to pick an ecommerce platform—exciting times! Whether you’re launching your very first store or scaling an existing business, choosing the right tools is a big step. And the truth is, the best platform for you might not be the best for someone else. It all comes down to your business goals and how you plan to grow.
Before you dive in, it’s a smart move to create a feature checklist. Think about your day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. Then, ask yourself: What features will really support my journey?
Here are some of the most helpful ones to consider as you build your list:
Secure, Reliable Checkout and Payment Gateways
Checkout is one of the most critical parts of your ecommerce website—it’s where interest turns into action. To keep customers moving confidently through your store, you’ll need a secure, seamless, and speedy payment experience.
Take Shop Pay, for example. It helps shoppers breeze through checkout up to four times faster. Platforms like Shopify also make it easy to integrate with over 100 payment gateways, so you can offer your customers the most familiar and convenient ways to pay, no matter where they’re shopping from.
Trust is everything here. Supporting widely recognized options—like mobile wallets, credit cards, and PayPal—not only builds confidence but also helps reduce friction at the final step. A smoother, safer checkout? That’s a win for everyone.
Online and Offline Selling Options
In today’s retail world, flexibility is key—and the best ecommerce platforms bridge the gap between online and in-person selling. Whether you're ringing up a customer at a market, hosting a pop-up, or running a full-fledged storefront, everything should stay in sync.
Look for a platform that offers a point-of-sale (POS) system that connects seamlessly with your online store. That way, your inventory, orders, and customer data are all in one place—no extra spreadsheets or headaches required.
It’s also worth checking out the hardware. Does the platform offer its own POS devices? Can you use a mobile phone or tablet to make sales on the go? These details can make a big difference in how smoothly you operate across all your selling spaces.
AI Assistance
Artificial intelligence is changing the game for ecommerce—and the best platforms are already putting it to work for you. From writing product descriptions to answering customer questions, AI helps you run a smarter, more efficient store.
Take Shopify Magic, for example. It can generate product descriptions, edit images, and fine-tune your site content to match your brand’s tone—saving you time while keeping your storefront polished and professional.
AI isn’t just behind the scenes, either. Many platforms are now weaving AI into their customer support tools, giving you faster answers and even helping you deliver personalized service to your own customers. Shopify’s AI can create tailored replies to common inquiries, so you’re not stuck rewriting the same responses day after day.
And with Shopify Sidekick—currently in early access—you’ll have a virtual assistant ready to tackle tasks like setting up shipping, analyzing your sales, or suggesting ways to grow your business. Want to know what sold best last month or how to increase your visibility? Just ask.
Hosting Environment
Your hosting setup plays a big role in your store’s overall performance. From how fast your site loads to how secure it is, where and how your website is hosted matters.
Many ecommerce platforms—like Shopify—include hosting right out of the box. That means you don’t need to worry about finding a third-party provider, managing uptime, or patching security vulnerabilities. It’s a worry-free option that lets you focus more on growing your business and less on the technical details.
On the other hand, self-hosted platforms (like WooCommerce) offer more flexibility and control. You can customize every inch of your site—but with that freedom comes more responsibility. You’ll need to manage things like site speed, server reliability, and security updates yourself (or hire someone who can).
So as you evaluate ecommerce platforms, think about what balance of convenience and control is right for you—and how much tech maintenance you’re willing to take on.
Inventory Management and Shipping
When you’re running an online store, staying on top of stock and orders is non-negotiable. That’s why it’s smart to choose an ecommerce platform with built-in inventory management and automated fulfillment tools.
Look for features that help you track stock levels in real time, streamline order processing, and reduce the chances of overselling. Bonus points if the platform integrates with top courier services and supports flexible shipping options—like free shipping thresholds, local pickup, or easy returns.
Marketing and Customer Growth Tools
Getting your store live is just the beginning. To attract and retain customers, you’ll need a solid marketing toolkit. The best ecommerce platforms come with SEO tools, email marketing features, social media integrations, and product review capabilities baked in.
Looking to level up? Keep an eye out for advanced tools like loyalty programs, AI-driven product recommendations, and customer segmentation options. These features can help you build meaningful relationships with your customers and drive long-term growth.
Security Features
Security isn’t optional—it’s essential. Your ecommerce platform should include SSL certificates, PCI DSS compliance, and two-factor authentication to protect customer data and give shoppers peace of mind.
A secure shopping experience isn’t just good practice—it’s also good business.
Business and Financial Management Features
Beyond selling, a great platform should help you run your business smarter. Features like real-time sales analytics, automated tax calculations, and accounting software integrations can give you a clearer picture of your financial health—and save you time on back-office tasks.
Customer Support
Even the most intuitive platforms come with the occasional hiccup. That’s where responsive support makes all the difference.
Look for ecommerce providers—like Shopify—that offer 24/7 support across multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone. And if you’re more of a DIY problem solver, robust help centers and how-to guides can be invaluable when you need quick answers on your own schedule.
Choosing an Ecommerce Platform: Business Needs
Beyond platform features, it’s just as important to think about your business needs. Consider where you are now and where you’re headed:
Know Your Costs
While your budget shouldn’t be the only factor, it definitely plays a key role. Most businesses invest thousands in their first year, and according to Shopify research, the costs tend to fall into predictable patterns.
With so many parts of your business needing attention—and funding—it’s crucial to choose an ecommerce platform that delivers value without draining your budget. Look for a solution that offers the right balance of affordability and capability.
When weighing your options, don’t stop at the setup and subscription fees. Make sure to factor in payment processing costs, fees for third-party apps, and, if hosting isn’t included, the price of securing that separately.
Find the Right Ecommerce Platform for Your Business Model
Selling online isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re offering physical goods, digital products, or working within a unique business model like dropshipping, the platform you choose should align with how you operate.
Platforms like Shopify make it easy to tailor your store to your model, with a wide range of apps that support everything from print-on-demand to subscriptions. That flexibility can make running your business smoother and more efficient than on more rigid platforms.
B2C vs. B2B Ecommerce Platforms
It’s important to understand whether your business primarily serves consumers (B2C) or other businesses (B2B)—this can have a big impact on which ecommerce platform is the right fit.
B2C platforms should prioritize speed, simplicity, and a seamless shopping experience. Think mobile-friendly design, quick and easy checkout, and built-in marketing tools that help you reach and convert customers.
B2B platforms, on the other hand, need to support more complex transactions—like bulk ordering, negotiated pricing, and account-based purchasing. Look for features such as volume discounts, custom catalogs, and tools for managing long-term customer relationships.
Consider Your Future Business Plans
While your business may be starting small, it’s worth thinking ahead to where you want to grow. Even if becoming a global brand isn’t on your immediate roadmap, flexibility and scalability in your ecommerce platform are key.
For instance, if you eventually want to open a physical retail location, having a POS system that integrates seamlessly with your online store is crucial. A platform without proper syncing could leave you juggling disjointed systems and inaccurate inventory data.
Platforms like Shopify make this easier by unifying online and in-person sales. Everything—inventory, orders, customer data—is tracked in real time. You can also add services like local delivery or tap into resources like the Shopify Fulfillment Network to scale efficiently.
Funding is another piece of the growth puzzle. Many entrepreneurs start with personal savings or help from friends and family. But some platforms, like Shopify, also offer funding tools such as Shopify Capital—helping you grow without the added pressure on your personal finances.
What Types of Ecommerce Platforms Are There?
To make your online store accessible to the public, you’ll need a hosting solution. Hosting is what stores your website’s data on a server, allowing people to visit your site and browse your products.
Every website needs to live somewhere—meaning it occupies space on a server provided by a hosting service. Some ecommerce platforms include hosting as part of the package, making setup more straightforward. Others require you to manage hosting separately, often through self-hosted or open-source solutions.
Hosted (Cloud) Ecommerce Platforms
Some ecommerce platforms are fully hosted, meaning you don’t need to worry about setting up your own hosting—or dealing with the extra fees that come with it. For instance, every Shopify plan includes website hosting right out of the box.
Choosing a hosted platform lets you focus more on growing your business and less on tech headaches. With automatic updates and built-in maintenance (like those on Shopify), your site stays secure, reliable, and always up to date—without any effort on your part.
Self-Hosted Ecommerce Platforms
Self-hosted (or non-hosted) ecommerce platforms require you to manage your own server space—or rent it from a hosting provider. That means handling everything from updates and security patches to bug fixes, often with limited support. It’s a more hands-on approach that calls for extra technical know-how and resources.
These platforms are usually open source, giving you flexibility but also making you responsible for finding a third-party hosting service. And while those services may seem affordable at first, costs can climb quickly—especially if you need better support or more storage. Lower-tier plans often come with minimal customer assistance, which can be frustrating during high-traffic moments like a surprise media feature.
What are the benefits of self-hosted vs. cloud-hosted?
Self-hosted ecommerce platforms give you greater flexibility and control. You can choose your hosting provider, modify the code, and fully tailor your online store to suit your needs. It’s ideal for those who want a highly customized setup and have the technical know-how—or a team that does.
That said, with full control comes full responsibility. You're in charge of managing the hosting environment, safeguarding customer data, and resolving any technical issues that pop up.
Cloud-hosted solutions, on the other hand, handle those essentials for you. With built-in security features and automatic updates, your store stays secure and up to date—no manual upkeep required. It’s a smoother path for busy entrepreneurs who want to focus on growing their business rather than managing backend logistics.
Ecommerce Platforms FAQ
What are the most popular ecommerce platforms?
Some of the most popular ecommerce platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and Squarespace.
Is Amazon an ecommerce platform?
Not quite. Amazon is an online marketplace, not a standalone ecommerce platform. As a seller on Amazon, you're part of a shared marketplace. In contrast, platforms like Shopify let you build and manage your own branded store, track inventory, and even connect to marketplaces like Amazon—giving you more control over your brand and customer experience.
Which ecommerce platform is best for startups?
Shopify is a top choice for startups thanks to its user-friendly setup, flexible pricing, powerful AI features, and wide range of integrations. With customizable templates, secure checkout, and responsive customer support, it’s built to help new businesses launch quickly and grow confidently.
What types of ecommerce platforms are there?
Ecommerce platforms typically fall into two categories: hosted (cloud-based) and self-hosted. Hosted platforms like Shopify take care of hosting, updates, and security, so you can focus on running your store. Self-hosted platforms offer more control and customization but require you to manage your own servers and maintenance.
How much does it cost to use an ecommerce platform?
Costs can vary widely—from free basic plans to several hundred dollars per month for advanced features. Most new businesses spend a few thousand dollars in their first year, factoring in monthly platform fees, payment processing costs, and additional apps or integrations.
What is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?
For beginners, Shopify stands out. It’s intuitive to navigate, offers helpful AI tools for writing product descriptions and customizing your site, and comes with reliable, round-the-clock support to guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Start Selling Online!
When choosing an ecommerce platform, the goal isn’t to find the most popular software—it’s to find the one that aligns with your unique business needs and delivers a smooth, enjoyable shopping experience for your customers.
Look beyond the store builder to the entire ecosystem of tools: payment processing, POS, marketing, and even funding options. A cohesive suite can streamline your operations and fuel growth. For example, Shopify offers everything from storefront design to payments and merchant financing, supporting you every step of the way.