It’s fascinating to know that e-commerce growth in 2027 is globally projected to reach approximately $8 trillion, an 16.62% increase from 2024. This is because of advancements like AI and the rise of social commerce. That means one in every three people is ordering things online, and the adoption of AI for personalization and product discovery is the main key area where e-commerce is growing.

As a result, every individual or entrepreneur wants to dive into e-commerce businesses. But choosing the best platform for your e-commerce site is crucial because it affects sales, SEO, scalability, and cost. So in this article, we are sharing with you 10 number of ecommerce platforms that are good for starting an e-commerce business online.

What is an eCommerce Platform?

E-commerce platforms are software or systems that help you create your online store as quickly as possible and help you manage things like:

  • Creating an online store
  • Product management 
  • Payment system
  • Order and delivery tracking
  • Marketing tools

Types of eCommerce Platform

There are two types of e-commerce platforms. One is hosted and the second is open-source. Before starting the best platform list, you have to understand these two aspects of e-commerce platforms.

  • Hosted: Hosted e-commerce platforms are those that manage hosting, server security, backups, and updates. You only have to create the store and add your products.
  • Open Source: Open-source ecommerce platforms are those that are open-source. You can create custom themes and product pages, but hosting, security, updates, and performance are not in their hands. Your team or your agency has to take care of it.

The major difference between them is that if you want your store to be ready in 30 minutes, then you choose hosted platforms because they require less time to create your online store. 

Open-source platforms are different, they give you full control, deep customization but takes time to build and setup. It works fine if you have a complex product catalogue and workflows, you can create them in open source. You can also create unique features with complex UI design  that you want to provide to your customers, so it’s not limited but takes time to set up.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing eCommerce Platform 

  • Ease to Use: If the platform is too technical, you have to depend on your developer every time you want to add a new feature, add a new product, or add offers and coupons. So the first thing to consider is an easy interface, where you can upload products on your own, manage your orders, and handle little things like adding coupons and promotions on the product pages. This is the first thing to consider.
  • Pricing & Hidden Cost: The second thing to consider is pricing. Many platforms just show the monthly or yearly subscriptions, but they don’t show the paid apps, payment gateway charges, and transaction fees. You have to consider these things — like what the total amount will be after all these integration. For example, you may have to add apps for SEO or cross selling, or you will need to integrate payment getaway. 
  • Design Flexibility: The third is design flexibility, because you need a unique identity for your website that matches your product and brand value. So consider design flexibility — a platform should provide customization options, not just limited templates of product or store theme. Design is what makes your brand unique and leaves a mark on your customer brain.
  • Payment Getaway: The fourth aspect is the very crucial Payment Gateway and Integration. You have to ensure that the platform provides your customers with payment options like UPI, cards, net banking, and other payment options available in the market, along with delivery integrations. 
  • Scalability: The fifth is scalability. For example, maybe you will get 50 orders in the first month,with traffic of 5k users but after a few months you may start getting 500 orders per month and 50k traffic. The platform should be strong enough to manage heavy traffic on the website so it loads fast. Because if your site loads too slowly when 100 people are on it at same time, you will lose orders.
  • SEO Frendly: Well, people are saying SEO is dead, but it’s not dead for e-commerce. The AI overview on Google is only for informational-based queries. If you check the shopping tab or type a product-related keyword, there is no AI overview. So please consider whether the platform you are choosing is SEO-friendly and has options to add basic details about the products and collection pages, so Google or other search engines can fetch and index them. This way, you get the benefit of organic searches.
  • Mobile Responsiveness: As global data says, more than 70% of users use mobile devices to buy things online. So the platform should have mobile-responsive designs and preload or lazy-load features for your online store. A website may look beautiful on a desktop device, but your customers are coming from mobile devices. So please consider this.
  • Customer Support: Lastly is customer support. For example, obviously you will face  technical issues or need to add some features, the platform team should be available 24 hours and respond as soon as possible. Because in e-commerce, every day you have to change things according to the data you analyze and everything.

Quick List of Best 10 Ecommerce Platforms

Platform

Type (Hosted / Open-Source)

Basic Plan Pricing*

Shopify

Hosted (SaaS)

~$29/month for Shopify Basic.

BigCommerce

Hosted

~$29/month (annual billing) or ~$39/month (monthly) for its Standard plan. 

Magento (Adobe Commerce)

Open-source + Paid hosted versions

The Open Source version is free to download; Adobe Commerce (Commerce Pro / Cloud) begins at ~$1,600-2,000/month or higher depending on features. 

WooCommerce

Open-source (plugin on WordPress)

Hosting & domain approx. $200-$300/year for basic setup ($15-25/month range). 

Squarespace

Hosted

Starts at ~$16/month (if paid annually) for the entry-level plan. 

Wix

Hosted

First ecommerce-capable plans around $29/month (varies by features and region).

OpenCart

Open-source

The software itself is free; you pay for hosting, domain, security, themes — basic costs similar to WooCommerce setup.

PrestaShop

Open-source

Free core software; hosting/domain/theming charges apply. Basic hosting similar to WooCommerce. (Often $10-30/month hosting)

Shift4Shop (3dcart)

Hosted

Entry plans somewhere around $29/month or equivalent; varies by region (US)

Volusion

Hosted

Also has entry plan in the ~$29-$35/month range; higher tiers more expensive depending on features

 

Shopify 

           

Shopify is a hosted e-commerce platform, which means you don’t have to buy servers, hosting, or handle security management. Shopify manages everything for you. You just have to design your store, add your products, and start selling.

Pricing: The subscription starts from $39 per month.

Pros of Shopify

  • Easy Setup – There is no requirement for high technical knowledge, but you need basic knowledge.
  • Professional Themes & Mobile Design – 100+ professional themes (free and paid), with mobile-responsive design in each.
  • Supports 100+ Payment Gateways – Built-in SEO and marketing tools mean 80% of your product SEO is already done, including schema markups and the catalog is ready for Meta Pixel and Merchant Center.
  • 24/7 Customer Support – The Shopify team is available round the clock to help with issues.
  • Apps & Extensions – More than 1,000 apps to help you optimize your store and make it powerful.

Cons of Shopify

  • Monthly Subscription Cost – The subscription starts from $39 per month.
  • Transaction Fees – If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you have to pay additional transaction fees.
  • Complex Customization Needs Coding – For advanced customization, you need coding knowledge. Shopify is built on its own Liquid language, which has a learning curve.

BigCommerce

           

The second platform is BigCommerce. It’s a hosted e-commerce platform, similar to Shopify. It is mainly used for medium or large businesses. If a business has more than 1,000 products and sells across many product categories, BigCommerce is known for handling heavy traffic — even websites with more than 100,000 visitors per day. So, BigCommerce is for them.

Pros of BigCommerce

  • Unlimited Products & Scalability – You can add unlimited products, and the platform is stable enough to support businesses from small to large brands.
  • No Transaction Fees – The platform itself does not charge transaction fees.
  • Built-in SEO & Marketing Features – It comes with SEO tools and marketing features already built in.
  • Multi-channel Selling – You can sell on Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by directly connecting them to the platform.
  • B2B & B2C Solutions – BigCommerce provides solutions for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer companies.

Cons of BigCommerce

  • Complicated Setup – It requires technical knowledge about e-commerce platforms.
  • Steep Learning Curve – Since it has many advanced features, it takes time to learn them.
  • Basic Plan Cost – The basic plan starts at $39 per month and comes with limits.
  • Limited Design Flexibility – There are limited themes and limited product page templates.

Magento (Adobe Commerce) 

         

Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform acquired by Adobe. The premium version of Magento is known as Adobe Commerce. The platform is popular among big businesses and enterprises. If you have more than 1,000 products, it’s a good platform for you. Because it allows open customization, Magento is a powerful option.

Pros of Magento

  • Full Customization Freedom – You can make your store exactly as you want using coding and extensions.
  • Advanced Features – Includes Multi-Store Management, Advanced Inventory, Customer Groups, Pricing Control, and other professional-level tools.
  • Handles Heavy Traffic & Large Catalogs – Can support over 100,000 visitors daily and manage lakhs of products.
  • Extensions Marketplace – More than 3,000 extensions are available to add extra functionality to your e-commerce store.
  • Strong Community Support – Since it’s open-source, Magento has a large developer community with solutions for almost every small issue at your fingertips.

Cons of Magento

  • High Technical Skill Required – You can’t easily create a store on your own. Non-technical people need developers to set it up and maintain it.
  • Higher Costs – The cost of hosting, development, and maintenance is higher compared to Shopify and WooCommerce.
  • Complexity – Its advanced functionality comes with a steep learning curve, requiring both time and resources to master.

WooCommerce (WordPress Plugin)

           

WooCommerce is a free, open-source e-commerce plugin built for WordPress. It turns any WordPress website into a fully functional online store. The platform is especially popular with small to medium businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs who already use WordPress. If you want a budget-friendly, flexible, and beginner-accessible solution, WooCommerce is one of the best options.

Pros of WooCommerce

  • Integration with WordPress Connects smoothly with any WordPress website.
  • Cost-Effective Free plugin, only hosting/domain/extensions cost.
  • Flexibility & Customization Wide range of themes and plugins available.
  • Large Extension LibraryThousands of free and paid add-ons.
  • SEO-FriendlyBuilt on WordPress, strong for search rankings.
  • Community SupportBig user base and active developer community.

Cons of WooCommerce

  • Requires WordPressOnly works with WordPress websites.
  • Extra Costs for Extensions Advanced features often need paid add-ons.
  • Hosting Dependent Performance depends on your hosting provider.
  • Maintenance Responsibility You must handle updates, backups, and security.
  • Slower with Large Catalogs Needs optimization for thousands of products.

Squarespace (Website Builder + E-commerce)

       

Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder that also offers e-commerce features. It’s known for its modern templates and user-friendly drag-and-drop tools, making it popular with small businesses, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs who want a visually appealing online store without coding knowledge.

Pros of Squarespace

  • Beautiful Design Templates Professionally designed templates that make your store look premium instantly.
  • Beginner-Friendly InterfaceDrag-and-drop editor makes building stores simple for non-technical users.
  • All-in-One PlatformHosting, SSL, and security already included within the subscription plans.
  • Mobile-Responsive DesignsEvery theme automatically adjusts to look perfect on any device.
  • Built-In Marketing Tools Includes email campaigns, SEO basics, and social media integrations.
  • 24/7 Customer Support Round-the-clock support team available through chat and email channels.

Cons of Squarespace

  • Limited Payment Gateways Mostly supports Stripe and PayPal, fewer global payment options.
  • Not Ideal for Large Stores Works better for smaller product catalogs under 500 items.
  • Fewer Extensions Compared to CompetitorsLimited third-party apps compared to Shopify or WooCommerce.
  • Less Control Over Customization Custom coding options are restricted compared to open-source platforms.
  • Higher Cost for FeaturesAdvanced e-commerce tools only available on expensive subscription plans.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Options Some features (like analytics and SEO) require extra learning time.

Wix (Website Builder + E-commerce)

         

Wix is a popular cloud-based website builder that lets anyone create a professional-looking site with simple drag-and-drop tools. It also has e-commerce features for selling products online. The platform is aimed at small businesses, creatives, and beginners who want an easy start without coding.

Pros of Wix

  • Drag-and-Drop SimplicityYou can literally pick elements and place them anywhere on the page.
  • Hundreds of Templates A massive library of ready-made designs for different industries.
  • App Market More than 300 apps to add features like bookings, payments, or chat.
  • Beginner-Friendly PricingBasic plans are affordable for small stores or personal projects.
  • AI Site Builder Wix ADI can create a full website in minutes with minimal input.
  • Strong Hosting & SecurityHosting, SSL, and backups are included automatically.
  • Mobile OptimizationSites adapt well to smartphones and tablets without extra work.

Cons of Wix

  • Template Lock-InOnce you choose a template, you can’t switch to another without rebuilding.
  • Not Ideal for Big Stores Performance and features are limited for large catalogs.
  • Extra Cost for Add-OnsAdvanced apps or extra features often require paid upgrades.
  • Weaker SEO ToolsBasic SEO is fine, but less powerful than WordPress or Shopify.
  • Limited Payment Gateways Fewer integrations for global e-commerce compared to major platforms.
  • Slow Load Times Sometimes Heavy customizations or too many apps can slow down websites.

OpenCart (Open-Source E-commerce Platform)

     

OpenCart is a free, open-source e-commerce platform built in PHP. It’s popular with small to medium-sized businesses that want flexibility without heavy licensing costs. Because it’s open-source, you can customize it as much as your technical skills allow. It sits somewhere between WooCommerce and Magento in terms of complexity.

Pros of OpenCart

  • Free to UseNo license cost, just hosting and domain expenses.
  • Multi-Store Functionality Manage several stores from a single dashboard.
  • Wide Range of ExtensionsOver 13,000 modules and themes available in the marketplace.
  • User-Friendly Admin Panel The dashboard is simple compared to Magento, easier for beginners.
  • Supports Multiple Languages & Currencies Great for global businesses selling in different regions.
  • Strong Community & Documentation Plenty of tutorials and active forums for support.

Cons of OpenCart

  • Requires Technical KnowledgeWhile easier than Magento, you still need some coding basics.
  • Performance Issues with Large CatalogsNeeds optimization if you’re handling thousands of products.
  • Hidden Costs Many useful features require paid extensions, which can add up.
  • Weaker SEO Out of the Box SEO features are basic unless you install plugins.
  • Updates Can Break ExtensionsVersion updates sometimes conflict with installed modules.
  • Limited Official Support Mostly community-driven, unless you pay for dedicated help.

PrestaShop (Open-Source E-commerce Platform)

       

PrestaShop is a free, open-source e-commerce platform that powers thousands of online stores worldwide. It’s designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want control and flexibility without paying for expensive licenses. With the right hosting and add-ons, PrestaShop can grow into a professional online store.

Pros of PrestaShop

  • Free to Download & Use You only pay for hosting, domain, and add-ons.
  • Flexible CustomizationSupports custom themes, modules, and coding to shape your store.
  • Multi-Language & Multi-Currency Perfect for businesses targeting global customers.
  • Large Add-On MarketplaceThousands of free and paid modules to add functionality.
  • Active Community & Forums Easy access to troubleshooting guides and developer support.
  • Good for Medium StoresHandles catalogs of a few thousand products smoothly.
  • No Vendor Lock-InFull control over your store since it’s open-source.

Cons of PrestaShop

  • Requires Technical Knowledge Non-technical users will need developer support for setup.
  • Paid Modules Add Up Many advanced features require paid add-ons.
  • Performance Depends on Hosting Needs strong hosting for speed and stability.
  • Limited Official SupportFree community help only; paid support is expensive.
  • Can Be Complex for BeginnersThe back-end panel has a learning curve.
  • Not Ideal for Very Large Stores – Struggles with huge catalogs compared to Magento.

Shift4Shop (3dcart)

Shift4Shop, earlier known as 3dcart, is a hosted e-commerce platform mainly popular in the US. It offers a wide set of built-in features compared to other platforms, making it an attractive choice for small to mid-sized businesses. For US-based merchants using the Shift4 payment processor, the platform is even free.

Pros of Shift4Shop

  • Feature-Rich Out of the BoxIncludes many tools without needing extra add-ons.
  • Free for US Merchants Zero monthly fees if you use Shift4 Payments.
  • Strong SEO ToolsAdvanced SEO options included compared to many competitors.
  • Supports Unlimited Products No restrictions on catalog size or product listings.
  • Multiple Payment GatewaysIntegrates with over 100 payment providers globally.
  • Built-In Marketing Features Includes newsletters, customer reviews, and abandoned cart tools.
  • 24/7 Customer SupportPhone, email, and live chat support available round the clock.

Cons of Shift4Shop

  • Best Value Only in the USFree plan tied to Shift4 Payments, US-only.
  • Outdated TemplatesMany design themes look less modern than Shopify or Squarespace.
  • Steeper Learning CurveInterface feels clunky compared to newer, simplified builders.
  • Extra Costs for Premium FeaturesAdvanced modules and themes often require payment.
  • Limited Global Popularity Smaller community compared to WooCommerce or Shopify.
  • Mixed Customer Support Reviews Some users report slow resolution for technical issues.

Volusion (Hosted E-commerce Platform)

                 

Volusion is one of the older hosted e-commerce platforms, launched back in 1999. It’s designed to provide small and medium businesses with a ready-to-use solution that covers hosting, security, and sales tools. While not as popular today as Shopify or WooCommerce, Volusion still appeals to store owners who want an all-in-one package with built-in analytics and inventory management.

Pros of Volusion

  • All-in-One SolutionHosting, SSL, and security are already included in plans.
  • Built-In Inventory Management Strong tools for stock tracking and product management.
  • Good Analytics & Reporting Provides detailed sales data and business insights.
  • Simple Product VariantsEasy to add different product options like colors and sizes.
  • Mobile-Responsive TemplatesStores automatically adjust to look good on any device.
  • Multiple Payment Gateways Supports PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.net, and others.
  • 24/7 Customer SupportAssistance available through phone, email, and chat.

Cons of Volusion

  • Pricing is HigherPlans are more expensive compared to newer competitors.
  • No Built-In Blogging ToolLimits SEO opportunities compared to WordPress or Shopify.
  • Outdated TemplatesDesign options feel less modern and flexible.
  • Transaction Fees on Lower PlansExtra costs unless you upgrade to higher tiers.
  • Learning Curve for Customization Non-technical users may find advanced settings confusing.
  • Declining Popularity Smaller community and fewer updates than leading platforms.

Conclusion

Choosing the right e-commerce platform isn’t just about picking a tool — it’s about picking the foundation of your online business. Each platform has its own strengths: Shopify and BigCommerce are great if you want something hosted and easy to scale, while Magento and WooCommerce give you more control and customization. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix are perfect for beginners who want a good-looking store fast, while OpenCart and PrestaShop fit well for those who are comfortable managing more of the technical side.

At the end of the day, the “best” platform depends on your business size, budget, and how much control you want. If you’re just starting out, go for something simple and hosted. If you’re planning a big store with unique requirements, open-source might be the smarter route. Whatever you choose, remember: your platform should help you focus on what matters most — growing your business and serving your customers.

So, From my side the 10 Best e-commerce platform are: 

  1. Shopify
  2. Big Commerce
  3. Magento
  4. WooCommerce
  5. Squarespace
  6. Wix
  7. OpenCart
  8. PrestaShop
  9. Shift4Shop
  10. Volusion

FAQs

1. Which e-commerce platform is best for beginners?
Ans. If you’re just starting and don’t know coding, Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace are the easiest options because they handle hosting, security, and setup for you.

2. Which platform is best for large businesses?
Ans. Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce are better suited for large catalogs, heavy traffic, and advanced features like multi-store management.

3. Is WooCommerce really free?
Ans.
Yes, WooCommerce itself is free. But you’ll still need to pay for hosting, a domain, and possibly paid extensions if you want advanced features.

4. Which platform is the cheapest overall?
Ans.
WooCommerce and OpenCart are usually the cheapest since the core software is free, and you only pay for hosting. But hidden costs like plugins or development should be considered.

5. Which platforms are best for SEO?
Ans.
WooCommerce, Shopify, and Shift4Shop (3dcart) are often considered strong for SEO because they let you customize product details, meta tags, and schema.

6. Can I switch platforms later?
Ans. Yes, but it can be time-consuming and may require technical help to migrate products, customer data, and design. That’s why it’s best to choose carefully in the beginning.

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