It\u2019s a simple and affordable way to start selling online with virtually any business model, and it\u2019s packed with the features you need to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are other great options, too, in case Bluehost isn\u2019t the perfect fit for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below, we\u2019ve included additional companies to compare that are also excellent choices for your ecommerce platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Top 11 Best Ecommerce Platforms in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Bluehost<\/a> \u2013 Best for automatic WooCommerce store setup<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shopify<\/a> \u2013 Best all-in-one ecommerce platform<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wix<\/a> \u2013 Best ecommerce platform for beginners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Squarespace<\/a> \u2013 Best portfolio-based ecommerce builder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- BigCommerce<\/a> \u2013 Best for multichannel sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shift4Shop<\/a> \u2013 Best ecommerce platform for developers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ecwid<\/a> \u2013 Best low-cost shopping cart extension for existing sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- WooCommerce<\/a> \u2013 Best ecommerce plugin for WordPress<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easy Digital Downloads<\/a> \u2013 Best WordPress plugin for digital products<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Volusion<\/a> \u2013 Best ecommerce platform for large product catalogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Magento<\/a> \u2013 Best enterprise ecommerce platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nRead on for in-depth reviews of each platform on our list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 – Bluehost<\/a> \u2014 The Best for Automatic WooCommerce Store Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Bluehost\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/13222149\/Bluehost.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nBluehost<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Automatic WooCommerce Store Setup<\/h4>\r\n
Take the guesswork and learning curve off your plate with Bluehost's dedicated WooCommerce hosting. Get a customizable site builder, included plugins, and much more, as well as Bluehost's best-in-class hosting and support.<\/p>\r\n
>> Get Started Today<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBluehost<\/a> is one of the few hosting providers recommended on WordPress.org. The company is well-versed in all things WordPress and building websites of all shapes and sizes\u2014including online stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is one of several reasons Bluehost is our top recommendation for ecommerce sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It makes setting up your store simple. At checkout, Bluehost\u2019s guided store creator can install WooCommerce along with a set of helpful extensions, so you\u2019re ready to sell faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Bluehost's](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/08190636\/Bluehost-Woocommerce.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBluehost offers a dedicated package for online stores\u2014WooCommerce hosting. WooCommerce itself is a WordPress plugin that adds ecommerce functionality to your site; Bluehost supplies the secure, optimized hosting and helps you get the best-practice stack in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use any host for WooCommerce, but Bluehost\u2019s WooCommerce plans streamline the process and reduce the usual setup curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both plans include ecommerce-focused onboarding, 24\/7 support, and a bundle of store tools that\u2019s designed to get you selling quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even better, Bluehost doesn\u2019t skimp on store features. Depending on the plan and selected add-ons, you\u2019ll typically get support for unlimited products, product variations, discount codes, product reviews, and the core WooCommerce functionality most stores need to launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest perk for newcomers is the included plugin bundle. Instead of researching and testing dozens of add-ons, you get a curated stack\u2014often including premium extensions that would otherwise cost extra if purchased individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Value-wise, hosting your WooCommerce store with Bluehost is hard to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the hosting side, you\u2019ll typically get a free SSL certificate via Let\u2019s Encrypt, CDN features, DDoS protection, unmetered bandwidth on most plans, and a free domain for the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher tiers can add ecommerce upgrades like subscriptions\/recurring billing, bookings\/appointments, and other store enhancements through bundled extensions or optional add-ons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bluehost\u2019s current pricing for online stores powered by WooCommerce changes often because of promotions. Introductory rates are usually far lower than renewal rates, so check the renewal price before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re new to running a WooCommerce store\u2014or just want a trusted WordPress host with a guided store setup\u2014head over to Bluehost and get started today<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#2 – Shopify<\/a> \u2014 The Best All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Shopify\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195912\/Shopify-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nShopify<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h4>\r\n
Supports dropshipping, in-person sales, and multi-channel sales. Plus, it comes with everything you need to start and scale, including a drag-and-drop website builder, marketing tools, shipping management solutions, and online marketplace support. Suitable for businesses of all sizes. <\/p>\r\n
>> Start Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nShopify<\/a> is loaded with the features you need to attract customers and sell online. Millions of businesses use it\u2014so you\u2019ll be in good company.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs an all-in-one solution, Shopify covers everything from building your website and listing products to marketing, shipping, inventory, taxes, and customer conversations\u2014all managed from a single dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You get dozens of free and premium themes so you don\u2019t have to start from scratch, plus built-in marketing tools to grow traffic and sales. It\u2019s easy to customize with Shopify\u2019s drag-and-drop editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Shopify](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/21144416\/Shopify-homepage-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGetting started takes minutes: choose a theme, tailor it to your brand, add products, and publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also get 24\/7 support and a deep knowledge base covering nearly any situation you\u2019ll encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond your website, Shopify supports sales on marketplaces and social media, and it offers POS for in-person sales. Consolidate every channel into one account to keep operations centralized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify\u2019s pricing includes multiple tiers for most businesses, plus an enterprise option (Shopify Plus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s also a low-cost Starter option for selling through social and messaging apps without a full storefront. New users can start free<\/a> and Shopify frequently runs a promo where eligible plans cost $1\/month for the first three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#3 – Wix<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform for Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Wix\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195927\/Wix-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nWix<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Beginners<\/h4>\r\n
Wix is built to help turn beginners and non-technical users into web design pros with its drag-and-drop interface. Plus, it includes hundreds of ecommerce templates, an AI site builder to get you up and running in minutes, additional advanced features, and commission-free sales on every plan. <\/p>\r\n
>> Try it Free!<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never built a website before, Wix<\/a> is an excellent beginner-friendly option. You get an intuitive drag-and-drop site builder and all the tools you need to launch and grow a store\u2014from product variations and advanced descriptions to customizable checkout, cross-channel sales, and dropshipping integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe best part: it only takes a few minutes to feel comfortable with the editor, and you can build your site free. You\u2019ll need to upgrade to a business\/ecommerce plan to accept online payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Wix](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221122\/Wix-9.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen you sign up, you can let Wix\u2019s AI site builder generate a complete starter website for you in seconds\u2014then customize content, colors, and products. It\u2019s the fastest way to get your first store off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prefer more control? Choose from a large library of ecommerce-ready, mobile-responsive templates and customize every section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite its simplicity, Wix is flexible. You can add related product sliders, wish lists, galleries, and collections; take full design control; and extend functionality via the Wix App Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security and reliability are strong points, too\u201424\/7 monitoring, DDoS protection, modern TLS, optimized data centers, and scaling for traffic spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix\u2019s business\/ecommerce pricing changes by region and promotions, but Core is commonly the entry point for ecommerce (often around $29\/month billed annually), with Business (often around $39\/month billed annually) and Business Elite (often around $159\/month billed annually) for larger stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix doesn\u2019t charge platform commissions; you only pay your payment processor\u2019s standard rates. Take Wix for a test drive<\/a> and, if you like it, follow our step-by-step guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#4 – Squarespace<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Squarespace\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195917\/Squarespace-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nSquarespace<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h4>\r\n
Beautiful, modern designs that look premium out of the box. Ideal for artists, musicians, and photographers who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try it Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSquarespace<\/a> is a premier website builder known for stunning designs\u2014and it\u2019s a strong pick when your storefront needs to look as good as your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts award-winning templates are perfect for artists, musicians, photographers, and other creatives who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can sell physical and digital products, subscriptions, gift cards, and services\u2014and every template is modern, beautiful, and mobile-optimized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221127\/Squarespace-ecom-page.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a simple way to set up a polished store, Squarespace is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For very large catalogs or complex B2B needs, you may hit limits as you scale\u2014so we mainly recommend Squarespace for creatives and smaller stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Squarespace offers a free trial, and ecommerce is available on Commerce plans. Commerce pricing commonly starts around $39\/month billed annually for Basic Commerce, with Advanced Commerce (often around $99\/month billed annually) adding more advanced selling features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re currently on a Business plan, note that Squarespace charges a transaction fee on store sales on that tier\u2014Commerce plans are the way to go if you\u2019re serious about selling. Try Squarespace free for 14 days<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#5 – BigCommerce<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"BigCommerce\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195842\/BigCommerce-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nBigCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h4>\r\n
All-in-one ecommerce solution with a strong native feature set out of the box\u2014especially for multichannel selling and scaling.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try free for 15 days<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBigCommerce<\/a> has been a staple for more than a decade and powers stores worldwide. Compared to many competitors, it ships with more native features out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStandout strength: multi-channel and multi-storefront selling. Connect marketplaces, social channels, and POS, and manage multiple storefronts from a single login. It also supports international selling and robust B2B capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221128\/BigCommerce-omnichannel-ecom.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBigCommerce is SEO-friendly, supports digital wallets, faceted search, and flexible discounting\u2014and it doesn\u2019t charge platform transaction fees. If you\u2019re building from scratch, its themes and checkout are conversion-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pricing starts at $39 per month on monthly billing (Standard), with Plus and Pro at higher tiers. Plans have sales thresholds that can trigger an automatic upgrade as you grow (commonly: Standard up to $50k\/year, Plus up to $180k\/year, and Pro up to $400k\/year in trailing 12-month online sales), so review limits before you scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want more details? Check our full BigCommerce review<\/a>, or try BigCommerce free for 15 days<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#6 – Shift4Shop<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Developers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Shift4Shop\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/27191442\/Shift4Shop-Logo-1.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nShift4Shop<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Developers<\/h4>\r\n
Want an end-to-end ecommerce solution with tons of built-in features and developer tools without paying a monthly platform fee? Shift4Shop can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants who use Shift4 for payment processing and meet the minimum processing requirement. You still pay standard processing fees.<\/p>\r\n
>> Sign up<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nShift4Shop<\/a> (formerly 3dcart) has powered merchants since 1997. It\u2019s less mainstream because it\u2019s geared more toward experienced users and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no Wix-style drag-and-drop experience here\u2014you\u2019ll need some technical comfort. In return, you get deep customization, strong performance, and a generous feature set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Shift4Shop](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221129\/Shift4Shop-1-2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIts standout is the End-to-End plan that can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing (and meeting the minimum processing requirement). You\u2019ll still pay standard processing fees, but you can avoid a monthly platform fee\u2014and you get a feature-rich platform built for customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need a different gateway, don\u2019t meet the processing minimum, or you\u2019re outside the U.S., Shift4Shop offers paid options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sign up<\/a> to see if it fits your store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#7 – Ecwid<\/a> \u2014 Best Low-Cost Shopping Cart Extension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Ecwid\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195853\/Ecwid-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nEcwid<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Low-Cost Ecommerce Extension<\/h4>\r\n
Shopping cart software that integrates with a wide range of CMS platforms and site builders. Great if you want to add ecommerce to an existing site without rebuilding everything.<\/p>\r\n
>> Get started<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEcwid<\/a> is a lightweight way to add ecommerce to an existing site. It\u2019s an extension\u2014not a full all-in-one platform\u2014and it works with WordPress plus other site builders and CMS platforms through embeds and integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s ideal if you want to keep your current website and bolt on a capable cart. Ecwid\u2019s plans range from a low-cost Starter tier to higher tiers (Venture, Business, and Unlimited) that unlock more products, more channels, and more advanced selling tools like discount coupons, gift cards, and multichannel selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Ecwid](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/21145108\/Ecwid-pricing.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPricing depends on billing term and region, but Unlimited is typically priced around $149\/month on monthly billing (or about $119\/month when paid annually). If you just need a low-cost way to add a store to your existing site, Ecwid is one of the easiest ways to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 – WooCommerce<\/a> \u2014 The Best Ecommerce Plugin For WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"WooCommerce\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195943\/WooCommerce-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nWooCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest WordPress Plugin For Ecommerce<\/h4>\r\n
Add ecommerce functionality to any WordPress site. Easy to use and integrate with business tools. Free to download.<\/p>\r\n
>> Install For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWooCommerce<\/a> is a free plugin that turns any WordPress site into a store. WordPress doesn\u2019t ship with ecommerce out of the box\u2014that\u2019s where WooCommerce comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInstall it, and you can build your catalog, manage orders, configure taxes and shipping, and customize the experience without platform constraints\u2014all from your WordPress dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"WooCommerce](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221133\/WooCommerce-Dashboard.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt integrates with popular tools like Yoast, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Square, Facebook\/Instagram shops, Amazon FBA, and POS systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plugin is free. Extensions range from free to a few hundred dollars; WooCommerce offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on extension purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you already run WordPress, installing WooCommerce is easier than migrating to a new platform. If you\u2019re starting from scratch, an all-in-one platform may be faster to launch; otherwise, pair WooCommerce with managed WordPress hosting for a powerful, flexible stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 – Easy Digital Downloads \u2014 Best Plugin For Selling Digital Products on WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"EDD\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195859\/EDD-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Selling Digital Products<\/h4>\r\n
WordPress plugin for selling digital products online. Fully integrated shopping cart. Easy to download and install.<\/p>\r\n
>> Install For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a> (EDD) is built specifically for selling digital goods\u2014ebooks, software, audio, licenses, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nManage access to files, restrict downloads to paying customers, issue discount codes, and get detailed sales reporting\u2014all with a fully integrated cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Easy](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221135\/EDD.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEDD is free to install, and premium passes add advanced features. Pricing is typically structured like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Personal \u2014 typically around $99.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extended \u2014 typically around $199.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Professional \u2014 typically around $299.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All Access \u2014 typically around $499.50 per year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
EDD integrates with tools like Stripe, PayPal, email marketing services, automation tools, and storage\/CDN options via add-ons. If your business is primarily digital products, EDD is one of the cleanest ways to sell on WordPress without forcing a \u201cphysical product store\u201d workflow on everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 – Volusion \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Extensive Product Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Volusion\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22200202\/Volusion-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nVolusion<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Selling Lots of Products<\/h4>\r\n
Hosted ecommerce platform with plans built for growing catalogs. Pricing starts around $35\/month, with higher tiers for larger stores.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try it For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nVolusion<\/a> is a hosted ecommerce platform designed for businesses that want an all-in-one way to run an online store, especially when you have a lot of products to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLike most all-in-one tools, it includes store building, product management, order management, and integrations for payments and marketing\u2014so you can sell from scratch without piecing together a stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plans typically start around $35 per month, with higher tiers for larger stores and more advanced needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Volusion](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221136\/Volusion.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe main drawback is customer support, which has been inconsistent over the years\u2014something to consider if you anticipate frequent help needs. You can usually try it free for a limited period (when offered), but double-check current trial terms before you sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#11 – Magento \u2014 The Best Enterprise Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Magento\"](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/22195907\/Magento-Logo.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nMagento<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Ecommerce Platform For Enterprises<\/h4>\r\n
Industry-specific ecommerce solutions. Designed for enterprises and B2B organizations. Ability to build a PWA (progressive web app).<\/p>\r\n
>> Request a Demo<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMagento<\/a>, now branded as Adobe Commerce for paid editions, is a powerful platform trusted by global brands and B2B sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdobe offers industry-specific solutions across fashion, automotive, health and beauty, food and beverage, and more. Pricing is quote-based and typically runs into the tens of thousands of dollars per year, making it best for mid-market and enterprise organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Magento](\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221137\/Magento-Operate.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a small business or bootstrapping a new store, Adobe Commerce is overkill. Larger teams, however, will appreciate its enterprise-grade features and back-end flexibility. There\u2019s also Magento Open Source (free) for companies with in-house developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adobe\u2019s PWA Studio helps you build progressive web apps for fast, mobile-optimized storefronts alongside your main site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Adobe to request a customized demo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methodology For Choosing The Best Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With so many ecommerce solutions to choose from, how can you tell which one is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here at Crazy Egg, we use a consistent methodology when recommending tools. Use the factors below to make the best decision for your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platform Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce platforms come in several flavors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- All-in-one solutions<\/strong> \u2013 best for anyone starting from scratch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Website builders<\/strong> \u2013 best if you already use (or prefer) a builder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plugins and extensions<\/strong> \u2013 best for self-hosted sites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
All-in-one platforms bundle a shopping cart, payment methods, product listings, hosting, order management, shipping tools, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you already have a website on Wix or Squarespace, you\u2019re usually better off upgrading to that builder\u2019s ecommerce plan instead of migrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you run a self-hosted website (like WordPress.org or Joomla<\/strong><\/em>), plugins\/extensions are the most flexible path.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour Business Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clarify what you sell and how you fulfill it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Are you selling digital products, physical products, or services?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have at least one brick-and-mortar location?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you planning on dropshipping?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Physical products require fulfillment and shipping. Digital goods need seamless delivery and secure file storage. Services may require scheduling and pre-payment communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a storefront, pick a platform that syncs inventory and orders across online and POS sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you plan to dropship, verify native support or integrations with your dropshipping software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transaction Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Payments involve card networks, gateways, and processors. Some platforms offer their own processor; others require a third-party like Stripe or PayPal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify, for example, has Shopify Payments (typical online card rates vary by plan; roughly ~2.4%\u20132.9% + $0.30 in the U.S.). If you use an external gateway, Shopify adds an extra 0.5%\u20132% platform fee depending on plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each platform handles fees differently. Confirm card rates, platform fees, and POS rates before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most providers have tiered limits\u2014catalog size, annual online sales, staff accounts, or which features are unlocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BigCommerce, for example, allows unlimited products but caps online sales per plan (e.g., $50k\/year on Standard). Wix can limit certain advanced ecommerce and automation features on lower tiers. Squarespace\u2019s Business plan carries transaction fees, while Commerce plans remove them. Ecwid limits product counts and features by tier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understand where you\u2019ll hit the ceiling\u2014and the cost of upgrading\u2014so you\u2019re not surprised mid-growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security, Performance, and Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Look for PCI-compliant checkouts, SSL included, DDoS protection, backups, CDN, and reliable uptime. If you sell internationally, confirm VAT\/GST support and multi-currency. Speed and mobile performance directly impact conversion rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecosystem and Scalability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Review native features vs. apps\/extensions, developer community size, and availability of experienced implementers. Make sure the platform supports your roadmap\u2014subscriptions, B2B, headless, or multi-storefront\u2014without forcing a replatform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce Platforms and Software FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bluehost<\/a> is the best starting point for most online stores using WordPress and WooCommerce. Its guided store creation makes it easier to launch quickly, and hosting-level performance and security are handled for you. Get started today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best free ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WooCommerce<\/a> is the best free option for WordPress sites\u2014the core plugin is free and adds carts, catalogs, and payments (you\u2019ll still pay for hosting and payment processing). For a hosted option, Shift4Shop<\/a> can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing and meeting the minimum processing requirement (you still pay standard processing fees).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the cheapest ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For a full WordPress store, Bluehost with WooCommerce<\/a> often runs on heavily discounted introductory pricing, with renewals higher depending on term and plan. If you just need to add a tiny store to an existing site, Ecwid\u2019s Starter plan is very low-cost but limits products and features. Always compare intro vs. renewal pricing and the limits of each plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wix<\/a> is the easiest path for beginners\u2014design and launch in minutes with no coding, lots of templates, and a straightforward editor. It\u2019s perfect for small catalogs and fast setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor small inventories and simple operations, Wix is hard to beat for speed to launch\u2014try it free to see if it fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do ecommerce platforms cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Entry-level plans typically cost $20\u2013$40\/month and include the basics to start selling. Advanced plans range from $80 to $400+ per month for larger catalogs, advanced reporting, custom checkout, and B2B features. Enterprise platforms like Adobe Commerce are quote-based and can run into the tens of thousands per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first step to selling anything online is choosing the right platform. For most users, we highly recommend Bluehost<\/a> or Shopify<\/a>. They\u2019re easy to use, affordable, and suitable for businesses of all sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThat said, no single platform fits everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use our methodology to evaluate your business model, fees, limits, and growth plans so you can pick the best ecommerce platform for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ecommerce platforms are the backbone of online stores\u2014you won\u2019t get very far selling online without one. A solid ecommerce platform is essential for anyone selling…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":85026,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[876],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website"],"yoast_head":"\n
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\n\n\n\n
Read on for in-depth reviews of each platform on our list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 – Bluehost<\/a> \u2014 The Best for Automatic WooCommerce Store Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nBluehost<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Automatic WooCommerce Store Setup<\/h4>\r\n
Take the guesswork and learning curve off your plate with Bluehost's dedicated WooCommerce hosting. Get a customizable site builder, included plugins, and much more, as well as Bluehost's best-in-class hosting and support.<\/p>\r\n
>> Get Started Today<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBluehost<\/a> is one of the few hosting providers recommended on WordPress.org. The company is well-versed in all things WordPress and building websites of all shapes and sizes\u2014including online stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is one of several reasons Bluehost is our top recommendation for ecommerce sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It makes setting up your store simple. At checkout, Bluehost\u2019s guided store creator can install WooCommerce along with a set of helpful extensions, so you\u2019re ready to sell faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBluehost offers a dedicated package for online stores\u2014WooCommerce hosting. WooCommerce itself is a WordPress plugin that adds ecommerce functionality to your site; Bluehost supplies the secure, optimized hosting and helps you get the best-practice stack in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use any host for WooCommerce, but Bluehost\u2019s WooCommerce plans streamline the process and reduce the usual setup curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both plans include ecommerce-focused onboarding, 24\/7 support, and a bundle of store tools that\u2019s designed to get you selling quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even better, Bluehost doesn\u2019t skimp on store features. Depending on the plan and selected add-ons, you\u2019ll typically get support for unlimited products, product variations, discount codes, product reviews, and the core WooCommerce functionality most stores need to launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest perk for newcomers is the included plugin bundle. Instead of researching and testing dozens of add-ons, you get a curated stack\u2014often including premium extensions that would otherwise cost extra if purchased individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Value-wise, hosting your WooCommerce store with Bluehost is hard to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the hosting side, you\u2019ll typically get a free SSL certificate via Let\u2019s Encrypt, CDN features, DDoS protection, unmetered bandwidth on most plans, and a free domain for the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher tiers can add ecommerce upgrades like subscriptions\/recurring billing, bookings\/appointments, and other store enhancements through bundled extensions or optional add-ons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bluehost\u2019s current pricing for online stores powered by WooCommerce changes often because of promotions. Introductory rates are usually far lower than renewal rates, so check the renewal price before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re new to running a WooCommerce store\u2014or just want a trusted WordPress host with a guided store setup\u2014head over to Bluehost and get started today<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#2 – Shopify<\/a> \u2014 The Best All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nShopify<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h4>\r\n
Supports dropshipping, in-person sales, and multi-channel sales. Plus, it comes with everything you need to start and scale, including a drag-and-drop website builder, marketing tools, shipping management solutions, and online marketplace support. Suitable for businesses of all sizes. <\/p>\r\n
>> Start Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nShopify<\/a> is loaded with the features you need to attract customers and sell online. Millions of businesses use it\u2014so you\u2019ll be in good company.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs an all-in-one solution, Shopify covers everything from building your website and listing products to marketing, shipping, inventory, taxes, and customer conversations\u2014all managed from a single dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You get dozens of free and premium themes so you don\u2019t have to start from scratch, plus built-in marketing tools to grow traffic and sales. It\u2019s easy to customize with Shopify\u2019s drag-and-drop editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGetting started takes minutes: choose a theme, tailor it to your brand, add products, and publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also get 24\/7 support and a deep knowledge base covering nearly any situation you\u2019ll encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond your website, Shopify supports sales on marketplaces and social media, and it offers POS for in-person sales. Consolidate every channel into one account to keep operations centralized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify\u2019s pricing includes multiple tiers for most businesses, plus an enterprise option (Shopify Plus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s also a low-cost Starter option for selling through social and messaging apps without a full storefront. New users can start free<\/a> and Shopify frequently runs a promo where eligible plans cost $1\/month for the first three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#3 – Wix<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform for Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nWix<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Beginners<\/h4>\r\n
Wix is built to help turn beginners and non-technical users into web design pros with its drag-and-drop interface. Plus, it includes hundreds of ecommerce templates, an AI site builder to get you up and running in minutes, additional advanced features, and commission-free sales on every plan. <\/p>\r\n
>> Try it Free!<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never built a website before, Wix<\/a> is an excellent beginner-friendly option. You get an intuitive drag-and-drop site builder and all the tools you need to launch and grow a store\u2014from product variations and advanced descriptions to customizable checkout, cross-channel sales, and dropshipping integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe best part: it only takes a few minutes to feel comfortable with the editor, and you can build your site free. You\u2019ll need to upgrade to a business\/ecommerce plan to accept online payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen you sign up, you can let Wix\u2019s AI site builder generate a complete starter website for you in seconds\u2014then customize content, colors, and products. It\u2019s the fastest way to get your first store off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prefer more control? Choose from a large library of ecommerce-ready, mobile-responsive templates and customize every section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite its simplicity, Wix is flexible. You can add related product sliders, wish lists, galleries, and collections; take full design control; and extend functionality via the Wix App Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security and reliability are strong points, too\u201424\/7 monitoring, DDoS protection, modern TLS, optimized data centers, and scaling for traffic spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix\u2019s business\/ecommerce pricing changes by region and promotions, but Core is commonly the entry point for ecommerce (often around $29\/month billed annually), with Business (often around $39\/month billed annually) and Business Elite (often around $159\/month billed annually) for larger stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix doesn\u2019t charge platform commissions; you only pay your payment processor\u2019s standard rates. Take Wix for a test drive<\/a> and, if you like it, follow our step-by-step guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#4 – Squarespace<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nSquarespace<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h4>\r\n
Beautiful, modern designs that look premium out of the box. Ideal for artists, musicians, and photographers who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try it Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSquarespace<\/a> is a premier website builder known for stunning designs\u2014and it\u2019s a strong pick when your storefront needs to look as good as your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts award-winning templates are perfect for artists, musicians, photographers, and other creatives who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can sell physical and digital products, subscriptions, gift cards, and services\u2014and every template is modern, beautiful, and mobile-optimized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a simple way to set up a polished store, Squarespace is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For very large catalogs or complex B2B needs, you may hit limits as you scale\u2014so we mainly recommend Squarespace for creatives and smaller stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Squarespace offers a free trial, and ecommerce is available on Commerce plans. Commerce pricing commonly starts around $39\/month billed annually for Basic Commerce, with Advanced Commerce (often around $99\/month billed annually) adding more advanced selling features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re currently on a Business plan, note that Squarespace charges a transaction fee on store sales on that tier\u2014Commerce plans are the way to go if you\u2019re serious about selling. Try Squarespace free for 14 days<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#5 – BigCommerce<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nBigCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h4>\r\n
All-in-one ecommerce solution with a strong native feature set out of the box\u2014especially for multichannel selling and scaling.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try free for 15 days<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBigCommerce<\/a> has been a staple for more than a decade and powers stores worldwide. Compared to many competitors, it ships with more native features out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStandout strength: multi-channel and multi-storefront selling. Connect marketplaces, social channels, and POS, and manage multiple storefronts from a single login. It also supports international selling and robust B2B capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBigCommerce is SEO-friendly, supports digital wallets, faceted search, and flexible discounting\u2014and it doesn\u2019t charge platform transaction fees. If you\u2019re building from scratch, its themes and checkout are conversion-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pricing starts at $39 per month on monthly billing (Standard), with Plus and Pro at higher tiers. Plans have sales thresholds that can trigger an automatic upgrade as you grow (commonly: Standard up to $50k\/year, Plus up to $180k\/year, and Pro up to $400k\/year in trailing 12-month online sales), so review limits before you scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want more details? Check our full BigCommerce review<\/a>, or try BigCommerce free for 15 days<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#6 – Shift4Shop<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Developers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nShift4Shop<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Developers<\/h4>\r\n
Want an end-to-end ecommerce solution with tons of built-in features and developer tools without paying a monthly platform fee? Shift4Shop can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants who use Shift4 for payment processing and meet the minimum processing requirement. You still pay standard processing fees.<\/p>\r\n
>> Sign up<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nShift4Shop<\/a> (formerly 3dcart) has powered merchants since 1997. It\u2019s less mainstream because it\u2019s geared more toward experienced users and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no Wix-style drag-and-drop experience here\u2014you\u2019ll need some technical comfort. In return, you get deep customization, strong performance, and a generous feature set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIts standout is the End-to-End plan that can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing (and meeting the minimum processing requirement). You\u2019ll still pay standard processing fees, but you can avoid a monthly platform fee\u2014and you get a feature-rich platform built for customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need a different gateway, don\u2019t meet the processing minimum, or you\u2019re outside the U.S., Shift4Shop offers paid options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sign up<\/a> to see if it fits your store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#7 – Ecwid<\/a> \u2014 Best Low-Cost Shopping Cart Extension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nEcwid<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Low-Cost Ecommerce Extension<\/h4>\r\n
Shopping cart software that integrates with a wide range of CMS platforms and site builders. Great if you want to add ecommerce to an existing site without rebuilding everything.<\/p>\r\n
>> Get started<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEcwid<\/a> is a lightweight way to add ecommerce to an existing site. It\u2019s an extension\u2014not a full all-in-one platform\u2014and it works with WordPress plus other site builders and CMS platforms through embeds and integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s ideal if you want to keep your current website and bolt on a capable cart. Ecwid\u2019s plans range from a low-cost Starter tier to higher tiers (Venture, Business, and Unlimited) that unlock more products, more channels, and more advanced selling tools like discount coupons, gift cards, and multichannel selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPricing depends on billing term and region, but Unlimited is typically priced around $149\/month on monthly billing (or about $119\/month when paid annually). If you just need a low-cost way to add a store to your existing site, Ecwid is one of the easiest ways to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 – WooCommerce<\/a> \u2014 The Best Ecommerce Plugin For WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nWooCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest WordPress Plugin For Ecommerce<\/h4>\r\n
Add ecommerce functionality to any WordPress site. Easy to use and integrate with business tools. Free to download.<\/p>\r\n
>> Install For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWooCommerce<\/a> is a free plugin that turns any WordPress site into a store. WordPress doesn\u2019t ship with ecommerce out of the box\u2014that\u2019s where WooCommerce comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInstall it, and you can build your catalog, manage orders, configure taxes and shipping, and customize the experience without platform constraints\u2014all from your WordPress dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt integrates with popular tools like Yoast, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Square, Facebook\/Instagram shops, Amazon FBA, and POS systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plugin is free. Extensions range from free to a few hundred dollars; WooCommerce offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on extension purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you already run WordPress, installing WooCommerce is easier than migrating to a new platform. If you\u2019re starting from scratch, an all-in-one platform may be faster to launch; otherwise, pair WooCommerce with managed WordPress hosting for a powerful, flexible stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 – Easy Digital Downloads \u2014 Best Plugin For Selling Digital Products on WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Selling Digital Products<\/h4>\r\n
WordPress plugin for selling digital products online. Fully integrated shopping cart. Easy to download and install.<\/p>\r\n
>> Install For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a> (EDD) is built specifically for selling digital goods\u2014ebooks, software, audio, licenses, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nManage access to files, restrict downloads to paying customers, issue discount codes, and get detailed sales reporting\u2014all with a fully integrated cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEDD is free to install, and premium passes add advanced features. Pricing is typically structured like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Personal \u2014 typically around $99.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extended \u2014 typically around $199.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Professional \u2014 typically around $299.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All Access \u2014 typically around $499.50 per year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
EDD integrates with tools like Stripe, PayPal, email marketing services, automation tools, and storage\/CDN options via add-ons. If your business is primarily digital products, EDD is one of the cleanest ways to sell on WordPress without forcing a \u201cphysical product store\u201d workflow on everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 – Volusion \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Extensive Product Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nVolusion<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Selling Lots of Products<\/h4>\r\n
Hosted ecommerce platform with plans built for growing catalogs. Pricing starts around $35\/month, with higher tiers for larger stores.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try it For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nVolusion<\/a> is a hosted ecommerce platform designed for businesses that want an all-in-one way to run an online store, especially when you have a lot of products to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLike most all-in-one tools, it includes store building, product management, order management, and integrations for payments and marketing\u2014so you can sell from scratch without piecing together a stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plans typically start around $35 per month, with higher tiers for larger stores and more advanced needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe main drawback is customer support, which has been inconsistent over the years\u2014something to consider if you anticipate frequent help needs. You can usually try it free for a limited period (when offered), but double-check current trial terms before you sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#11 – Magento \u2014 The Best Enterprise Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nMagento<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Ecommerce Platform For Enterprises<\/h4>\r\n
Industry-specific ecommerce solutions. Designed for enterprises and B2B organizations. Ability to build a PWA (progressive web app).<\/p>\r\n
>> Request a Demo<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMagento<\/a>, now branded as Adobe Commerce for paid editions, is a powerful platform trusted by global brands and B2B sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdobe offers industry-specific solutions across fashion, automotive, health and beauty, food and beverage, and more. Pricing is quote-based and typically runs into the tens of thousands of dollars per year, making it best for mid-market and enterprise organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a small business or bootstrapping a new store, Adobe Commerce is overkill. Larger teams, however, will appreciate its enterprise-grade features and back-end flexibility. There\u2019s also Magento Open Source (free) for companies with in-house developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adobe\u2019s PWA Studio helps you build progressive web apps for fast, mobile-optimized storefronts alongside your main site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Adobe to request a customized demo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methodology For Choosing The Best Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With so many ecommerce solutions to choose from, how can you tell which one is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here at Crazy Egg, we use a consistent methodology when recommending tools. Use the factors below to make the best decision for your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platform Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce platforms come in several flavors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- All-in-one solutions<\/strong> \u2013 best for anyone starting from scratch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Website builders<\/strong> \u2013 best if you already use (or prefer) a builder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plugins and extensions<\/strong> \u2013 best for self-hosted sites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
All-in-one platforms bundle a shopping cart, payment methods, product listings, hosting, order management, shipping tools, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you already have a website on Wix or Squarespace, you\u2019re usually better off upgrading to that builder\u2019s ecommerce plan instead of migrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you run a self-hosted website (like WordPress.org or Joomla<\/strong><\/em>), plugins\/extensions are the most flexible path.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour Business Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clarify what you sell and how you fulfill it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Are you selling digital products, physical products, or services?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have at least one brick-and-mortar location?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you planning on dropshipping?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Physical products require fulfillment and shipping. Digital goods need seamless delivery and secure file storage. Services may require scheduling and pre-payment communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a storefront, pick a platform that syncs inventory and orders across online and POS sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you plan to dropship, verify native support or integrations with your dropshipping software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transaction Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Payments involve card networks, gateways, and processors. Some platforms offer their own processor; others require a third-party like Stripe or PayPal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify, for example, has Shopify Payments (typical online card rates vary by plan; roughly ~2.4%\u20132.9% + $0.30 in the U.S.). If you use an external gateway, Shopify adds an extra 0.5%\u20132% platform fee depending on plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each platform handles fees differently. Confirm card rates, platform fees, and POS rates before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most providers have tiered limits\u2014catalog size, annual online sales, staff accounts, or which features are unlocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BigCommerce, for example, allows unlimited products but caps online sales per plan (e.g., $50k\/year on Standard). Wix can limit certain advanced ecommerce and automation features on lower tiers. Squarespace\u2019s Business plan carries transaction fees, while Commerce plans remove them. Ecwid limits product counts and features by tier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understand where you\u2019ll hit the ceiling\u2014and the cost of upgrading\u2014so you\u2019re not surprised mid-growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security, Performance, and Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Look for PCI-compliant checkouts, SSL included, DDoS protection, backups, CDN, and reliable uptime. If you sell internationally, confirm VAT\/GST support and multi-currency. Speed and mobile performance directly impact conversion rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecosystem and Scalability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Review native features vs. apps\/extensions, developer community size, and availability of experienced implementers. Make sure the platform supports your roadmap\u2014subscriptions, B2B, headless, or multi-storefront\u2014without forcing a replatform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce Platforms and Software FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bluehost<\/a> is the best starting point for most online stores using WordPress and WooCommerce. Its guided store creation makes it easier to launch quickly, and hosting-level performance and security are handled for you. Get started today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best free ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WooCommerce<\/a> is the best free option for WordPress sites\u2014the core plugin is free and adds carts, catalogs, and payments (you\u2019ll still pay for hosting and payment processing). For a hosted option, Shift4Shop<\/a> can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing and meeting the minimum processing requirement (you still pay standard processing fees).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the cheapest ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For a full WordPress store, Bluehost with WooCommerce<\/a> often runs on heavily discounted introductory pricing, with renewals higher depending on term and plan. If you just need to add a tiny store to an existing site, Ecwid\u2019s Starter plan is very low-cost but limits products and features. Always compare intro vs. renewal pricing and the limits of each plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wix<\/a> is the easiest path for beginners\u2014design and launch in minutes with no coding, lots of templates, and a straightforward editor. It\u2019s perfect for small catalogs and fast setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor small inventories and simple operations, Wix is hard to beat for speed to launch\u2014try it free to see if it fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do ecommerce platforms cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Entry-level plans typically cost $20\u2013$40\/month and include the basics to start selling. Advanced plans range from $80 to $400+ per month for larger catalogs, advanced reporting, custom checkout, and B2B features. Enterprise platforms like Adobe Commerce are quote-based and can run into the tens of thousands per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first step to selling anything online is choosing the right platform. For most users, we highly recommend Bluehost<\/a> or Shopify<\/a>. They\u2019re easy to use, affordable, and suitable for businesses of all sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThat said, no single platform fits everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use our methodology to evaluate your business model, fees, limits, and growth plans so you can pick the best ecommerce platform for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ecommerce platforms are the backbone of online stores\u2014you won\u2019t get very far selling online without one. A solid ecommerce platform is essential for anyone selling…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":85026,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[876],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website"],"yoast_head":"\n
Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Building a new store and need to make sales quickly? The right ecommerce platform can get you your first dollar much faster than other options.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crazyegg.com\/blog\/best-ecommerce-platforms\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Building a new store and need to make sales quickly? The right ecommerce platform can get you your first dollar much faster than other options.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.crazyegg.com\/blog\/best-ecommerce-platforms\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Daily Egg\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/crazyegganalytics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-21T09:15:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-19T15:41:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221143\/BigCommerce-Sales.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2194\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"786\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Hiten Shah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@hnshah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@CrazyEgg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Hiten Shah\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"28 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hiten Shah\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c1969663812802521ba57624887e9df6\"},\"headline\":\"Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-21T09:15:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-19T15:41:28+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3899,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/30221143\\\/BigCommerce-Sales.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Website\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\",\"name\":\"Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/30221143\\\/BigCommerce-Sales.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-21T09:15:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-19T15:41:28+00:00\",\"description\":\"Building a new store and need to make sales quickly? 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<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nBluehost<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Automatic WooCommerce Store Setup<\/h4>\r\n
Take the guesswork and learning curve off your plate with Bluehost's dedicated WooCommerce hosting. Get a customizable site builder, included plugins, and much more, as well as Bluehost's best-in-class hosting and support.<\/p>\r\n
>> Get Started Today<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBluehost<\/a> is one of the few hosting providers recommended on WordPress.org. The company is well-versed in all things WordPress and building websites of all shapes and sizes\u2014including online stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is one of several reasons Bluehost is our top recommendation for ecommerce sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It makes setting up your store simple. At checkout, Bluehost\u2019s guided store creator can install WooCommerce along with a set of helpful extensions, so you\u2019re ready to sell faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBluehost offers a dedicated package for online stores\u2014WooCommerce hosting. WooCommerce itself is a WordPress plugin that adds ecommerce functionality to your site; Bluehost supplies the secure, optimized hosting and helps you get the best-practice stack in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use any host for WooCommerce, but Bluehost\u2019s WooCommerce plans streamline the process and reduce the usual setup curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both plans include ecommerce-focused onboarding, 24\/7 support, and a bundle of store tools that\u2019s designed to get you selling quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even better, Bluehost doesn\u2019t skimp on store features. Depending on the plan and selected add-ons, you\u2019ll typically get support for unlimited products, product variations, discount codes, product reviews, and the core WooCommerce functionality most stores need to launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest perk for newcomers is the included plugin bundle. Instead of researching and testing dozens of add-ons, you get a curated stack\u2014often including premium extensions that would otherwise cost extra if purchased individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Value-wise, hosting your WooCommerce store with Bluehost is hard to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the hosting side, you\u2019ll typically get a free SSL certificate via Let\u2019s Encrypt, CDN features, DDoS protection, unmetered bandwidth on most plans, and a free domain for the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher tiers can add ecommerce upgrades like subscriptions\/recurring billing, bookings\/appointments, and other store enhancements through bundled extensions or optional add-ons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bluehost\u2019s current pricing for online stores powered by WooCommerce changes often because of promotions. Introductory rates are usually far lower than renewal rates, so check the renewal price before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re new to running a WooCommerce store\u2014or just want a trusted WordPress host with a guided store setup\u2014head over to Bluehost and get started today<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#2 – Shopify<\/a> \u2014 The Best All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nShopify<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h4>\r\n
Supports dropshipping, in-person sales, and multi-channel sales. Plus, it comes with everything you need to start and scale, including a drag-and-drop website builder, marketing tools, shipping management solutions, and online marketplace support. Suitable for businesses of all sizes. <\/p>\r\n
>> Start Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nShopify<\/a> is loaded with the features you need to attract customers and sell online. Millions of businesses use it\u2014so you\u2019ll be in good company.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs an all-in-one solution, Shopify covers everything from building your website and listing products to marketing, shipping, inventory, taxes, and customer conversations\u2014all managed from a single dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You get dozens of free and premium themes so you don\u2019t have to start from scratch, plus built-in marketing tools to grow traffic and sales. It\u2019s easy to customize with Shopify\u2019s drag-and-drop editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGetting started takes minutes: choose a theme, tailor it to your brand, add products, and publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You also get 24\/7 support and a deep knowledge base covering nearly any situation you\u2019ll encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond your website, Shopify supports sales on marketplaces and social media, and it offers POS for in-person sales. Consolidate every channel into one account to keep operations centralized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify\u2019s pricing includes multiple tiers for most businesses, plus an enterprise option (Shopify Plus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s also a low-cost Starter option for selling through social and messaging apps without a full storefront. New users can start free<\/a> and Shopify frequently runs a promo where eligible plans cost $1\/month for the first three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#3 – Wix<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform for Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nWix<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Beginners<\/h4>\r\n
Wix is built to help turn beginners and non-technical users into web design pros with its drag-and-drop interface. Plus, it includes hundreds of ecommerce templates, an AI site builder to get you up and running in minutes, additional advanced features, and commission-free sales on every plan. <\/p>\r\n
>> Try it Free!<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never built a website before, Wix<\/a> is an excellent beginner-friendly option. You get an intuitive drag-and-drop site builder and all the tools you need to launch and grow a store\u2014from product variations and advanced descriptions to customizable checkout, cross-channel sales, and dropshipping integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe best part: it only takes a few minutes to feel comfortable with the editor, and you can build your site free. You\u2019ll need to upgrade to a business\/ecommerce plan to accept online payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen you sign up, you can let Wix\u2019s AI site builder generate a complete starter website for you in seconds\u2014then customize content, colors, and products. It\u2019s the fastest way to get your first store off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prefer more control? Choose from a large library of ecommerce-ready, mobile-responsive templates and customize every section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite its simplicity, Wix is flexible. You can add related product sliders, wish lists, galleries, and collections; take full design control; and extend functionality via the Wix App Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security and reliability are strong points, too\u201424\/7 monitoring, DDoS protection, modern TLS, optimized data centers, and scaling for traffic spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix\u2019s business\/ecommerce pricing changes by region and promotions, but Core is commonly the entry point for ecommerce (often around $29\/month billed annually), with Business (often around $39\/month billed annually) and Business Elite (often around $159\/month billed annually) for larger stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix doesn\u2019t charge platform commissions; you only pay your payment processor\u2019s standard rates. Take Wix for a test drive<\/a> and, if you like it, follow our step-by-step guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#4 – Squarespace<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nSquarespace<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h4>\r\n
Beautiful, modern designs that look premium out of the box. Ideal for artists, musicians, and photographers who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try it Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSquarespace<\/a> is a premier website builder known for stunning designs\u2014and it\u2019s a strong pick when your storefront needs to look as good as your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIts award-winning templates are perfect for artists, musicians, photographers, and other creatives who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can sell physical and digital products, subscriptions, gift cards, and services\u2014and every template is modern, beautiful, and mobile-optimized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a simple way to set up a polished store, Squarespace is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For very large catalogs or complex B2B needs, you may hit limits as you scale\u2014so we mainly recommend Squarespace for creatives and smaller stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Squarespace offers a free trial, and ecommerce is available on Commerce plans. Commerce pricing commonly starts around $39\/month billed annually for Basic Commerce, with Advanced Commerce (often around $99\/month billed annually) adding more advanced selling features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re currently on a Business plan, note that Squarespace charges a transaction fee on store sales on that tier\u2014Commerce plans are the way to go if you\u2019re serious about selling. Try Squarespace free for 14 days<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n#5 – BigCommerce<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nBigCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h4>\r\n
All-in-one ecommerce solution with a strong native feature set out of the box\u2014especially for multichannel selling and scaling.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try free for 15 days<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBigCommerce<\/a> has been a staple for more than a decade and powers stores worldwide. Compared to many competitors, it ships with more native features out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStandout strength: multi-channel and multi-storefront selling. Connect marketplaces, social channels, and POS, and manage multiple storefronts from a single login. It also supports international selling and robust B2B capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBigCommerce is SEO-friendly, supports digital wallets, faceted search, and flexible discounting\u2014and it doesn\u2019t charge platform transaction fees. If you\u2019re building from scratch, its themes and checkout are conversion-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pricing starts at $39 per month on monthly billing (Standard), with Plus and Pro at higher tiers. Plans have sales thresholds that can trigger an automatic upgrade as you grow (commonly: Standard up to $50k\/year, Plus up to $180k\/year, and Pro up to $400k\/year in trailing 12-month online sales), so review limits before you scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want more details? Check our full BigCommerce review<\/a>, or try BigCommerce free for 15 days<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#6 – Shift4Shop<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Developers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nShift4Shop<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest for Developers<\/h4>\r\n
Want an end-to-end ecommerce solution with tons of built-in features and developer tools without paying a monthly platform fee? Shift4Shop can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants who use Shift4 for payment processing and meet the minimum processing requirement. You still pay standard processing fees.<\/p>\r\n
>> Sign up<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nShift4Shop<\/a> (formerly 3dcart) has powered merchants since 1997. It\u2019s less mainstream because it\u2019s geared more toward experienced users and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no Wix-style drag-and-drop experience here\u2014you\u2019ll need some technical comfort. In return, you get deep customization, strong performance, and a generous feature set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIts standout is the End-to-End plan that can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing (and meeting the minimum processing requirement). You\u2019ll still pay standard processing fees, but you can avoid a monthly platform fee\u2014and you get a feature-rich platform built for customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need a different gateway, don\u2019t meet the processing minimum, or you\u2019re outside the U.S., Shift4Shop offers paid options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sign up<\/a> to see if it fits your store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#7 – Ecwid<\/a> \u2014 Best Low-Cost Shopping Cart Extension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nEcwid<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Low-Cost Ecommerce Extension<\/h4>\r\n
Shopping cart software that integrates with a wide range of CMS platforms and site builders. Great if you want to add ecommerce to an existing site without rebuilding everything.<\/p>\r\n
>> Get started<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEcwid<\/a> is a lightweight way to add ecommerce to an existing site. It\u2019s an extension\u2014not a full all-in-one platform\u2014and it works with WordPress plus other site builders and CMS platforms through embeds and integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s ideal if you want to keep your current website and bolt on a capable cart. Ecwid\u2019s plans range from a low-cost Starter tier to higher tiers (Venture, Business, and Unlimited) that unlock more products, more channels, and more advanced selling tools like discount coupons, gift cards, and multichannel selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPricing depends on billing term and region, but Unlimited is typically priced around $149\/month on monthly billing (or about $119\/month when paid annually). If you just need a low-cost way to add a store to your existing site, Ecwid is one of the easiest ways to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 – WooCommerce<\/a> \u2014 The Best Ecommerce Plugin For WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nWooCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest WordPress Plugin For Ecommerce<\/h4>\r\n
Add ecommerce functionality to any WordPress site. Easy to use and integrate with business tools. Free to download.<\/p>\r\n
>> Install For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWooCommerce<\/a> is a free plugin that turns any WordPress site into a store. WordPress doesn\u2019t ship with ecommerce out of the box\u2014that\u2019s where WooCommerce comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInstall it, and you can build your catalog, manage orders, configure taxes and shipping, and customize the experience without platform constraints\u2014all from your WordPress dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt integrates with popular tools like Yoast, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Square, Facebook\/Instagram shops, Amazon FBA, and POS systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plugin is free. Extensions range from free to a few hundred dollars; WooCommerce offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on extension purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you already run WordPress, installing WooCommerce is easier than migrating to a new platform. If you\u2019re starting from scratch, an all-in-one platform may be faster to launch; otherwise, pair WooCommerce with managed WordPress hosting for a powerful, flexible stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#9 – Easy Digital Downloads \u2014 Best Plugin For Selling Digital Products on WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Selling Digital Products<\/h4>\r\n
WordPress plugin for selling digital products online. Fully integrated shopping cart. Easy to download and install.<\/p>\r\n
>> Install For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a> (EDD) is built specifically for selling digital goods\u2014ebooks, software, audio, licenses, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nManage access to files, restrict downloads to paying customers, issue discount codes, and get detailed sales reporting\u2014all with a fully integrated cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEDD is free to install, and premium passes add advanced features. Pricing is typically structured like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Personal \u2014 typically around $99.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extended \u2014 typically around $199.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Professional \u2014 typically around $299.50 per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All Access \u2014 typically around $499.50 per year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
EDD integrates with tools like Stripe, PayPal, email marketing services, automation tools, and storage\/CDN options via add-ons. If your business is primarily digital products, EDD is one of the cleanest ways to sell on WordPress without forcing a \u201cphysical product store\u201d workflow on everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#10 – Volusion \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Extensive Product Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nVolusion<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest For Selling Lots of Products<\/h4>\r\n
Hosted ecommerce platform with plans built for growing catalogs. Pricing starts around $35\/month, with higher tiers for larger stores.<\/p>\r\n
>> Try it For Free<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nVolusion<\/a> is a hosted ecommerce platform designed for businesses that want an all-in-one way to run an online store, especially when you have a lot of products to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLike most all-in-one tools, it includes store building, product management, order management, and integrations for payments and marketing\u2014so you can sell from scratch without piecing together a stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plans typically start around $35 per month, with higher tiers for larger stores and more advanced needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe main drawback is customer support, which has been inconsistent over the years\u2014something to consider if you anticipate frequent help needs. You can usually try it free for a limited period (when offered), but double-check current trial terms before you sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#11 – Magento \u2014 The Best Enterprise Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nMagento<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBest Ecommerce Platform For Enterprises<\/h4>\r\n
Industry-specific ecommerce solutions. Designed for enterprises and B2B organizations. Ability to build a PWA (progressive web app).<\/p>\r\n
>> Request a Demo<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMagento<\/a>, now branded as Adobe Commerce for paid editions, is a powerful platform trusted by global brands and B2B sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdobe offers industry-specific solutions across fashion, automotive, health and beauty, food and beverage, and more. Pricing is quote-based and typically runs into the tens of thousands of dollars per year, making it best for mid-market and enterprise organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a small business or bootstrapping a new store, Adobe Commerce is overkill. Larger teams, however, will appreciate its enterprise-grade features and back-end flexibility. There\u2019s also Magento Open Source (free) for companies with in-house developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adobe\u2019s PWA Studio helps you build progressive web apps for fast, mobile-optimized storefronts alongside your main site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Adobe to request a customized demo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methodology For Choosing The Best Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With so many ecommerce solutions to choose from, how can you tell which one is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here at Crazy Egg, we use a consistent methodology when recommending tools. Use the factors below to make the best decision for your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platform Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce platforms come in several flavors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- All-in-one solutions<\/strong> \u2013 best for anyone starting from scratch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Website builders<\/strong> \u2013 best if you already use (or prefer) a builder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plugins and extensions<\/strong> \u2013 best for self-hosted sites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
All-in-one platforms bundle a shopping cart, payment methods, product listings, hosting, order management, shipping tools, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you already have a website on Wix or Squarespace, you\u2019re usually better off upgrading to that builder\u2019s ecommerce plan instead of migrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you run a self-hosted website (like WordPress.org or Joomla<\/strong><\/em>), plugins\/extensions are the most flexible path.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour Business Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clarify what you sell and how you fulfill it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Are you selling digital products, physical products, or services?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have at least one brick-and-mortar location?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you planning on dropshipping?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Physical products require fulfillment and shipping. Digital goods need seamless delivery and secure file storage. Services may require scheduling and pre-payment communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a storefront, pick a platform that syncs inventory and orders across online and POS sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you plan to dropship, verify native support or integrations with your dropshipping software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transaction Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Payments involve card networks, gateways, and processors. Some platforms offer their own processor; others require a third-party like Stripe or PayPal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify, for example, has Shopify Payments (typical online card rates vary by plan; roughly ~2.4%\u20132.9% + $0.30 in the U.S.). If you use an external gateway, Shopify adds an extra 0.5%\u20132% platform fee depending on plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each platform handles fees differently. Confirm card rates, platform fees, and POS rates before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most providers have tiered limits\u2014catalog size, annual online sales, staff accounts, or which features are unlocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BigCommerce, for example, allows unlimited products but caps online sales per plan (e.g., $50k\/year on Standard). Wix can limit certain advanced ecommerce and automation features on lower tiers. Squarespace\u2019s Business plan carries transaction fees, while Commerce plans remove them. Ecwid limits product counts and features by tier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understand where you\u2019ll hit the ceiling\u2014and the cost of upgrading\u2014so you\u2019re not surprised mid-growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security, Performance, and Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Look for PCI-compliant checkouts, SSL included, DDoS protection, backups, CDN, and reliable uptime. If you sell internationally, confirm VAT\/GST support and multi-currency. Speed and mobile performance directly impact conversion rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecosystem and Scalability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Review native features vs. apps\/extensions, developer community size, and availability of experienced implementers. Make sure the platform supports your roadmap\u2014subscriptions, B2B, headless, or multi-storefront\u2014without forcing a replatform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce Platforms and Software FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bluehost<\/a> is the best starting point for most online stores using WordPress and WooCommerce. Its guided store creation makes it easier to launch quickly, and hosting-level performance and security are handled for you. Get started today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best free ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
WooCommerce<\/a> is the best free option for WordPress sites\u2014the core plugin is free and adds carts, catalogs, and payments (you\u2019ll still pay for hosting and payment processing). For a hosted option, Shift4Shop<\/a> can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing and meeting the minimum processing requirement (you still pay standard processing fees).<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the cheapest ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For a full WordPress store, Bluehost with WooCommerce<\/a> often runs on heavily discounted introductory pricing, with renewals higher depending on term and plan. If you just need to add a tiny store to an existing site, Ecwid\u2019s Starter plan is very low-cost but limits products and features. Always compare intro vs. renewal pricing and the limits of each plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wix<\/a> is the easiest path for beginners\u2014design and launch in minutes with no coding, lots of templates, and a straightforward editor. It\u2019s perfect for small catalogs and fast setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor small inventories and simple operations, Wix is hard to beat for speed to launch\u2014try it free to see if it fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do ecommerce platforms cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Entry-level plans typically cost $20\u2013$40\/month and include the basics to start selling. Advanced plans range from $80 to $400+ per month for larger catalogs, advanced reporting, custom checkout, and B2B features. Enterprise platforms like Adobe Commerce are quote-based and can run into the tens of thousands per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first step to selling anything online is choosing the right platform. For most users, we highly recommend Bluehost<\/a> or Shopify<\/a>. They\u2019re easy to use, affordable, and suitable for businesses of all sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThat said, no single platform fits everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use our methodology to evaluate your business model, fees, limits, and growth plans so you can pick the best ecommerce platform for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ecommerce platforms are the backbone of online stores\u2014you won\u2019t get very far selling online without one. A solid ecommerce platform is essential for anyone selling…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":85026,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[876],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website"],"yoast_head":"\n
Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Building a new store and need to make sales quickly? The right ecommerce platform can get you your first dollar much faster than other options.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crazyegg.com\/blog\/best-ecommerce-platforms\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Building a new store and need to make sales quickly? The right ecommerce platform can get you your first dollar much faster than other options.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.crazyegg.com\/blog\/best-ecommerce-platforms\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Daily Egg\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/crazyegganalytics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-21T09:15:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-19T15:41:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/30221143\/BigCommerce-Sales.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2194\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"786\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Hiten Shah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@hnshah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@CrazyEgg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Hiten Shah\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"28 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hiten Shah\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c1969663812802521ba57624887e9df6\"},\"headline\":\"Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-21T09:15:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-19T15:41:28+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3899,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/30221143\\\/BigCommerce-Sales.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Website\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/\",\"name\":\"Best Ecommerce Platforms and Software in 2026\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crazyegg.com\\\/blog\\\/best-ecommerce-platforms\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ceblog.s3.amazonaws.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/30221143\\\/BigCommerce-Sales.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-21T09:15:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-19T15:41:28+00:00\",\"description\":\"Building a new store and need to make sales quickly? 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Bluehost<\/a> is one of the few hosting providers recommended on WordPress.org. The company is well-versed in all things WordPress and building websites of all shapes and sizes\u2014including online stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of several reasons Bluehost is our top recommendation for ecommerce sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It makes setting up your store simple. At checkout, Bluehost\u2019s guided store creator can install WooCommerce along with a set of helpful extensions, so you\u2019re ready to sell faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bluehost offers a dedicated package for online stores\u2014WooCommerce hosting. WooCommerce itself is a WordPress plugin that adds ecommerce functionality to your site; Bluehost supplies the secure, optimized hosting and helps you get the best-practice stack in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use any host for WooCommerce, but Bluehost\u2019s WooCommerce plans streamline the process and reduce the usual setup curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both plans include ecommerce-focused onboarding, 24\/7 support, and a bundle of store tools that\u2019s designed to get you selling quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even better, Bluehost doesn\u2019t skimp on store features. Depending on the plan and selected add-ons, you\u2019ll typically get support for unlimited products, product variations, discount codes, product reviews, and the core WooCommerce functionality most stores need to launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest perk for newcomers is the included plugin bundle. Instead of researching and testing dozens of add-ons, you get a curated stack\u2014often including premium extensions that would otherwise cost extra if purchased individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Value-wise, hosting your WooCommerce store with Bluehost is hard to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the hosting side, you\u2019ll typically get a free SSL certificate via Let\u2019s Encrypt, CDN features, DDoS protection, unmetered bandwidth on most plans, and a free domain for the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher tiers can add ecommerce upgrades like subscriptions\/recurring billing, bookings\/appointments, and other store enhancements through bundled extensions or optional add-ons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bluehost\u2019s current pricing for online stores powered by WooCommerce changes often because of promotions. Introductory rates are usually far lower than renewal rates, so check the renewal price before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to running a WooCommerce store\u2014or just want a trusted WordPress host with a guided store setup\u2014head over to Bluehost and get started today<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Supports dropshipping, in-person sales, and multi-channel sales. Plus, it comes with everything you need to start and scale, including a drag-and-drop website builder, marketing tools, shipping management solutions, and online marketplace support. Suitable for businesses of all sizes. <\/p>\r\n Shopify<\/a> is loaded with the features you need to attract customers and sell online. Millions of businesses use it\u2014so you\u2019ll be in good company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an all-in-one solution, Shopify covers everything from building your website and listing products to marketing, shipping, inventory, taxes, and customer conversations\u2014all managed from a single dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You get dozens of free and premium themes so you don\u2019t have to start from scratch, plus built-in marketing tools to grow traffic and sales. It\u2019s easy to customize with Shopify\u2019s drag-and-drop editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting started takes minutes: choose a theme, tailor it to your brand, add products, and publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get 24\/7 support and a deep knowledge base covering nearly any situation you\u2019ll encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond your website, Shopify supports sales on marketplaces and social media, and it offers POS for in-person sales. Consolidate every channel into one account to keep operations centralized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shopify\u2019s pricing includes multiple tiers for most businesses, plus an enterprise option (Shopify Plus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s also a low-cost Starter option for selling through social and messaging apps without a full storefront. New users can start free<\/a> and Shopify frequently runs a promo where eligible plans cost $1\/month for the first three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wix is built to help turn beginners and non-technical users into web design pros with its drag-and-drop interface. Plus, it includes hundreds of ecommerce templates, an AI site builder to get you up and running in minutes, additional advanced features, and commission-free sales on every plan. <\/p>\r\n If you\u2019ve never built a website before, Wix<\/a> is an excellent beginner-friendly option. You get an intuitive drag-and-drop site builder and all the tools you need to launch and grow a store\u2014from product variations and advanced descriptions to customizable checkout, cross-channel sales, and dropshipping integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best part: it only takes a few minutes to feel comfortable with the editor, and you can build your site free. You\u2019ll need to upgrade to a business\/ecommerce plan to accept online payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you sign up, you can let Wix\u2019s AI site builder generate a complete starter website for you in seconds\u2014then customize content, colors, and products. It\u2019s the fastest way to get your first store off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prefer more control? Choose from a large library of ecommerce-ready, mobile-responsive templates and customize every section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its simplicity, Wix is flexible. You can add related product sliders, wish lists, galleries, and collections; take full design control; and extend functionality via the Wix App Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Security and reliability are strong points, too\u201424\/7 monitoring, DDoS protection, modern TLS, optimized data centers, and scaling for traffic spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wix\u2019s business\/ecommerce pricing changes by region and promotions, but Core is commonly the entry point for ecommerce (often around $29\/month billed annually), with Business (often around $39\/month billed annually) and Business Elite (often around $159\/month billed annually) for larger stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wix doesn\u2019t charge platform commissions; you only pay your payment processor\u2019s standard rates. Take Wix for a test drive<\/a> and, if you like it, follow our step-by-step guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beautiful, modern designs that look premium out of the box. Ideal for artists, musicians, and photographers who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\r\n Squarespace<\/a> is a premier website builder known for stunning designs\u2014and it\u2019s a strong pick when your storefront needs to look as good as your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its award-winning templates are perfect for artists, musicians, photographers, and other creatives who want to sell directly from a portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can sell physical and digital products, subscriptions, gift cards, and services\u2014and every template is modern, beautiful, and mobile-optimized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a simple way to set up a polished store, Squarespace is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For very large catalogs or complex B2B needs, you may hit limits as you scale\u2014so we mainly recommend Squarespace for creatives and smaller stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squarespace offers a free trial, and ecommerce is available on Commerce plans. Commerce pricing commonly starts around $39\/month billed annually for Basic Commerce, with Advanced Commerce (often around $99\/month billed annually) adding more advanced selling features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re currently on a Business plan, note that Squarespace charges a transaction fee on store sales on that tier\u2014Commerce plans are the way to go if you\u2019re serious about selling. Try Squarespace free for 14 days<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All-in-one ecommerce solution with a strong native feature set out of the box\u2014especially for multichannel selling and scaling.<\/p>\r\n BigCommerce<\/a> has been a staple for more than a decade and powers stores worldwide. Compared to many competitors, it ships with more native features out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standout strength: multi-channel and multi-storefront selling. Connect marketplaces, social channels, and POS, and manage multiple storefronts from a single login. It also supports international selling and robust B2B capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BigCommerce is SEO-friendly, supports digital wallets, faceted search, and flexible discounting\u2014and it doesn\u2019t charge platform transaction fees. If you\u2019re building from scratch, its themes and checkout are conversion-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing starts at $39 per month on monthly billing (Standard), with Plus and Pro at higher tiers. Plans have sales thresholds that can trigger an automatic upgrade as you grow (commonly: Standard up to $50k\/year, Plus up to $180k\/year, and Pro up to $400k\/year in trailing 12-month online sales), so review limits before you scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want more details? Check our full BigCommerce review<\/a>, or try BigCommerce free for 15 days<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want an end-to-end ecommerce solution with tons of built-in features and developer tools without paying a monthly platform fee? Shift4Shop can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants who use Shift4 for payment processing and meet the minimum processing requirement. You still pay standard processing fees.<\/p>\r\n Shift4Shop<\/a> (formerly 3dcart) has powered merchants since 1997. It\u2019s less mainstream because it\u2019s geared more toward experienced users and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no Wix-style drag-and-drop experience here\u2014you\u2019ll need some technical comfort. In return, you get deep customization, strong performance, and a generous feature set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its standout is the End-to-End plan that can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing (and meeting the minimum processing requirement). You\u2019ll still pay standard processing fees, but you can avoid a monthly platform fee\u2014and you get a feature-rich platform built for customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need a different gateway, don\u2019t meet the processing minimum, or you\u2019re outside the U.S., Shift4Shop offers paid options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sign up<\/a> to see if it fits your store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shopping cart software that integrates with a wide range of CMS platforms and site builders. Great if you want to add ecommerce to an existing site without rebuilding everything.<\/p>\r\n Ecwid<\/a> is a lightweight way to add ecommerce to an existing site. It\u2019s an extension\u2014not a full all-in-one platform\u2014and it works with WordPress plus other site builders and CMS platforms through embeds and integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s ideal if you want to keep your current website and bolt on a capable cart. Ecwid\u2019s plans range from a low-cost Starter tier to higher tiers (Venture, Business, and Unlimited) that unlock more products, more channels, and more advanced selling tools like discount coupons, gift cards, and multichannel selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing depends on billing term and region, but Unlimited is typically priced around $149\/month on monthly billing (or about $119\/month when paid annually). If you just need a low-cost way to add a store to your existing site, Ecwid is one of the easiest ways to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Add ecommerce functionality to any WordPress site. Easy to use and integrate with business tools. Free to download.<\/p>\r\n WooCommerce<\/a> is a free plugin that turns any WordPress site into a store. WordPress doesn\u2019t ship with ecommerce out of the box\u2014that\u2019s where WooCommerce comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Install it, and you can build your catalog, manage orders, configure taxes and shipping, and customize the experience without platform constraints\u2014all from your WordPress dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It integrates with popular tools like Yoast, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Square, Facebook\/Instagram shops, Amazon FBA, and POS systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plugin is free. Extensions range from free to a few hundred dollars; WooCommerce offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on extension purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already run WordPress, installing WooCommerce is easier than migrating to a new platform. If you\u2019re starting from scratch, an all-in-one platform may be faster to launch; otherwise, pair WooCommerce with managed WordPress hosting for a powerful, flexible stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WordPress plugin for selling digital products online. Fully integrated shopping cart. Easy to download and install.<\/p>\r\n Easy Digital Downloads<\/a> (EDD) is built specifically for selling digital goods\u2014ebooks, software, audio, licenses, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manage access to files, restrict downloads to paying customers, issue discount codes, and get detailed sales reporting\u2014all with a fully integrated cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EDD is free to install, and premium passes add advanced features. Pricing is typically structured like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n EDD integrates with tools like Stripe, PayPal, email marketing services, automation tools, and storage\/CDN options via add-ons. If your business is primarily digital products, EDD is one of the cleanest ways to sell on WordPress without forcing a \u201cphysical product store\u201d workflow on everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hosted ecommerce platform with plans built for growing catalogs. Pricing starts around $35\/month, with higher tiers for larger stores.<\/p>\r\n Volusion<\/a> is a hosted ecommerce platform designed for businesses that want an all-in-one way to run an online store, especially when you have a lot of products to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most all-in-one tools, it includes store building, product management, order management, and integrations for payments and marketing\u2014so you can sell from scratch without piecing together a stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plans typically start around $35 per month, with higher tiers for larger stores and more advanced needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main drawback is customer support, which has been inconsistent over the years\u2014something to consider if you anticipate frequent help needs. You can usually try it free for a limited period (when offered), but double-check current trial terms before you sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Industry-specific ecommerce solutions. Designed for enterprises and B2B organizations. Ability to build a PWA (progressive web app).<\/p>\r\n Magento<\/a>, now branded as Adobe Commerce for paid editions, is a powerful platform trusted by global brands and B2B sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adobe offers industry-specific solutions across fashion, automotive, health and beauty, food and beverage, and more. Pricing is quote-based and typically runs into the tens of thousands of dollars per year, making it best for mid-market and enterprise organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a small business or bootstrapping a new store, Adobe Commerce is overkill. Larger teams, however, will appreciate its enterprise-grade features and back-end flexibility. There\u2019s also Magento Open Source (free) for companies with in-house developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adobe\u2019s PWA Studio helps you build progressive web apps for fast, mobile-optimized storefronts alongside your main site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact Adobe to request a customized demo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With so many ecommerce solutions to choose from, how can you tell which one is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here at Crazy Egg, we use a consistent methodology when recommending tools. Use the factors below to make the best decision for your specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ecommerce platforms come in several flavors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All-in-one platforms bundle a shopping cart, payment methods, product listings, hosting, order management, shipping tools, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have a website on Wix or Squarespace, you\u2019re usually better off upgrading to that builder\u2019s ecommerce plan instead of migrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run a self-hosted website (like WordPress.org or Joomla<\/strong><\/em>), plugins\/extensions are the most flexible path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clarify what you sell and how you fulfill it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical products require fulfillment and shipping. Digital goods need seamless delivery and secure file storage. Services may require scheduling and pre-payment communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a storefront, pick a platform that syncs inventory and orders across online and POS sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to dropship, verify native support or integrations with your dropshipping software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Payments involve card networks, gateways, and processors. Some platforms offer their own processor; others require a third-party like Stripe or PayPal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shopify, for example, has Shopify Payments (typical online card rates vary by plan; roughly ~2.4%\u20132.9% + $0.30 in the U.S.). If you use an external gateway, Shopify adds an extra 0.5%\u20132% platform fee depending on plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each platform handles fees differently. Confirm card rates, platform fees, and POS rates before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most providers have tiered limits\u2014catalog size, annual online sales, staff accounts, or which features are unlocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BigCommerce, for example, allows unlimited products but caps online sales per plan (e.g., $50k\/year on Standard). Wix can limit certain advanced ecommerce and automation features on lower tiers. Squarespace\u2019s Business plan carries transaction fees, while Commerce plans remove them. Ecwid limits product counts and features by tier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Understand where you\u2019ll hit the ceiling\u2014and the cost of upgrading\u2014so you\u2019re not surprised mid-growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for PCI-compliant checkouts, SSL included, DDoS protection, backups, CDN, and reliable uptime. If you sell internationally, confirm VAT\/GST support and multi-currency. Speed and mobile performance directly impact conversion rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Review native features vs. apps\/extensions, developer community size, and availability of experienced implementers. Make sure the platform supports your roadmap\u2014subscriptions, B2B, headless, or multi-storefront\u2014without forcing a replatform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bluehost<\/a> is the best starting point for most online stores using WordPress and WooCommerce. Its guided store creation makes it easier to launch quickly, and hosting-level performance and security are handled for you. Get started today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WooCommerce<\/a> is the best free option for WordPress sites\u2014the core plugin is free and adds carts, catalogs, and payments (you\u2019ll still pay for hosting and payment processing). For a hosted option, Shift4Shop<\/a> can be $0\/month for U.S. merchants using Shift4 for payment processing and meeting the minimum processing requirement (you still pay standard processing fees).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a full WordPress store, Bluehost with WooCommerce<\/a> often runs on heavily discounted introductory pricing, with renewals higher depending on term and plan. If you just need to add a tiny store to an existing site, Ecwid\u2019s Starter plan is very low-cost but limits products and features. Always compare intro vs. renewal pricing and the limits of each plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wix<\/a> is the easiest path for beginners\u2014design and launch in minutes with no coding, lots of templates, and a straightforward editor. It\u2019s perfect for small catalogs and fast setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For small inventories and simple operations, Wix is hard to beat for speed to launch\u2014try it free to see if it fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entry-level plans typically cost $20\u2013$40\/month and include the basics to start selling. Advanced plans range from $80 to $400+ per month for larger catalogs, advanced reporting, custom checkout, and B2B features. Enterprise platforms like Adobe Commerce are quote-based and can run into the tens of thousands per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to selling anything online is choosing the right platform. For most users, we highly recommend Bluehost<\/a> or Shopify<\/a>. They\u2019re easy to use, affordable, and suitable for businesses of all sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, no single platform fits everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use our methodology to evaluate your business model, fees, limits, and growth plans so you can pick the best ecommerce platform for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ecommerce platforms are the backbone of online stores\u2014you won\u2019t get very far selling online without one. A solid ecommerce platform is essential for anyone selling…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":85026,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[876],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n#2 – Shopify<\/a> \u2014 The Best All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nShopify<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best All-in-One Ecommerce Platform<\/h4>\r\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n#3 – Wix<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform for Beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWix<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best for Beginners<\/h4>\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n#4 – Squarespace<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nSquarespace<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best Ecommerce Platform For Portfolios<\/h4>\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n#5 – BigCommerce<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nBigCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best For Multi-Channel Sales<\/h4>\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n#6 – Shift4Shop<\/a> \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Developers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nShift4Shop<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best for Developers<\/h4>\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n#7 – Ecwid<\/a> \u2014 Best Low-Cost Shopping Cart Extension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nEcwid<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best Low-Cost Ecommerce Extension<\/h4>\r\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n#8 – WooCommerce<\/a> \u2014 The Best Ecommerce Plugin For WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWooCommerce<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best WordPress Plugin For Ecommerce<\/h4>\r\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n#9 – Easy Digital Downloads \u2014 Best Plugin For Selling Digital Products on WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nEasy Digital Downloads<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best For Selling Digital Products<\/h4>\r\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
#10 – Volusion \u2014 Best Ecommerce Platform For Extensive Product Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nVolusion<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best For Selling Lots of Products<\/h4>\r\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n#11 – Magento \u2014 The Best Enterprise Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\nMagento<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Best Ecommerce Platform For Enterprises<\/h4>\r\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMethodology For Choosing The Best Ecommerce Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Platform Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Your Business Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Transaction Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plan Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Security, Performance, and Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ecosystem and Scalability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ecommerce Platforms and Software FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the best ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the best free ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the cheapest ecommerce platform?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much do ecommerce platforms cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n