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 Comparing the Finest Ecommerce Platforms

Our top recommendation for most users is Shopify, offering unparalleled value as an ecommerce platform. You can try Shopify for free for three days without the need for a credit card.

Starting an ecommerce site has never been more convenient. The leading ecommerce platforms have simplified online selling for businesses across various industries, eradicating concerns about inventory size and sales volume.

Whether you're establishing a new online business from scratch or transitioning your brick-and-mortar store to the digital realm, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

The Top 5 Superlative Ecommerce Platforms

Among our readers, Shopify emerges as the best overall ecommerce platform due to its user-friendly interface for all types of online sales. Begin your online store journey with a free trial of Shopify today.

• Shopify – The ultimate all-around ecommerce platform

• Wix – Ideal for stores with fewer than 100 products

• BigCommerce – Perfect for large inventories

• Squarespace – Optimal for targeting a niche market

• Hostinger – Best pricing for a complete online store

How to Choose the Optimal Ecommerce Platform: A Methodology by Yunske

Starting an online store offers multiple avenues, and our selections—BigCommerce and Shopify—serve as dedicated ecommerce platforms, designed to create an all-in-one online store experience.

In addition to these, Squarespace, Hostinger, and Wix are website builders that also facilitate the creation of online stores with ease. Even without technical expertise, users can craft a more unique website experience using these platforms than with ecommerce-only solutions.

Read on for detailed reviews, accompanied by an ecommerce platform buyers' guide that walks you through critical factors to consider before making your final decision.

Shopify – The Optimal All-Around Ecommerce Platform

For setting up an online store, Shopify reigns as the world's most popular choice. It caters to beginners while handling substantial sales volumes.

With Shopify Starter ($5 per month following a three-day free trial), you can add "Buy Now" links to emails, blog posts, messaging apps, and social media profiles. Begin selling to your audience while Shopify takes care of the backend.

Complete online stores start at $39 per month, offering all necessary ecommerce features within an elegant platform. Inventory management, shipping, marketing, and online payments can all be managed from the same dashboard.

Despite its robust capabilities, Shopify remains incredibly user-friendly. Users we spoke with praised its ease of use, even for first-timers.

One user with no technical background, who confessed to "hating computers," managed to get her site online within a single weekend by experimenting with different features.

Another user, employed by a nationwide boutique furniture retailer, praised the platform for guiding users towards success. He had never encountered a platform as welcoming and supportive before.

Shopify's growth tracking provides detailed data on site progress, allowing you to monitor your business's expansion.

"As a first-time store operator, it can be really beneficial," he said.

These are just two examples of Shopify users, demonstrating the platform's versatility for a wide range of businesses. Whether you're a complete novice or an established company venturing into ecommerce, Shopify empowers you to achieve great results.

Shopify Emerges as the Clear Winner

With an extensive selection of over 8,000 apps and plugins, Shopify stands as the largest ecommerce app store, surpassing its closest competitor, BigCommerce, which offers around 1,000 apps. Shopify users benefit from a diverse array of developed tools, enabling seamless integration with social media, efficient merchandise management, order fulfillment, and comprehensive sales reporting. Moreover, a substantial number of these apps are available for free.

Easy Scalability

Shopify's entry-level plans support multiple staff user accounts, various currencies, and inventory locations, making scalability a breeze. The platform's bulk editing feature streamlines inventory management, allowing for easy tagging, tracking, and updating of large product inventories in minimal time.

Extensive Knowledge Base

The comprehensive online resources provided by Shopify prove immensely valuable to its users. While 24/7 customer support is available, the platform's thorough documentation and guidance mean users often find the information they need without requiring direct assistance.

Free Business Tools

In addition to its ecommerce prowess, Shopify offers a range of complimentary resources for starting and growing businesses. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of Shopify's business name generator, logo maker, slogan maker, QR code generator, and more. Moreover, free templates for essential documents like purchase orders, privacy policies, and refunds are readily available.

Customizable Growth Path

Shopify's core platform, while not as feature-rich as BigCommerce for managing complex inventories, proves more than sufficient for new users. As businesses grow, Shopify's rich selection of plugins allows them to fill any gaps and expand in the desired direction. The platform offers seamless integration with various online marketplaces, including Walmart, eBay, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, providing diverse avenues for reaching potential customers.

Addressing Drawbacks

While Shopify offers 11 free themes for store layouts, users may find limited design freedom compared to platforms like Wix and Squarespace. Additionally, users relying heavily on plugins might experience increased costs, potential site performance slowdowns, and plugin conflicts.

Product Variants Limitation

Shopify provides accommodation for fewer product variants compared to BigCommerce. While Shopify allows up to 100 product variants, BigCommerce offers 600, which may be a consideration for businesses with highly complex product listings.

Conclusion

For users seeking a straightforward, polished, and user-friendly storefront, Shopify proves an excellent choice. However, those seeking a more unique and customizable experience may need to invest in premium themes from Shopify or explore other platforms like Wix. The reliance on plugins to achieve specific functionalities should also be taken into account when evaluating options, as some platforms may offer more built-in tools to keep costs down and simplify management.

Shopify Pricing and Plans

Shopify offers a range of pricing tiers, with the most popular starting at $29 per month for annual billing. 

For most users, Shopify provides three main plans: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced. There is also a Starter tier, but you must contact Shopify for enterprise-level pricing through the Shopify Plus tier.

The prices shown above are for annual upfront payments. If you opt for month-to-month billing, the pricing may be slightly higher.

Basic Shopify, starting at $39 per month on a month-to-month subscription, includes all the essentials for launching a successful online store. With this plan, you get two staff accounts and up to 1,000 locations for inventory. Notably, features like printable shipping labels, gift cards, discount codes, and abandoned cart reminders are available for free, which would typically require additional expenses and platform integration.

All Shopify users enjoy competitive shipping rates from renowned carriers like DHL Express, UPS, and USPS. With Basic Shopify, shipping rates are discounted up to 77%, while advanced plans receive discounts up to 88%.

Advanced Shopify, priced at $399 on a month-to-month basis, offers deeper reporting capabilities, calculated shipping rates from third-party providers, and lower credit card transaction fees. For high-volume businesses, the savings obtained through this plan may offset the higher cost.

Shopify Plus, tailored for high-volume online stores, starts at $2,000 per month and supports B2B wholesale channels and fully customizable checkouts. It also features Shopify's lowest transaction fees. Unlike the other plans, Shopify Plus is not available as a month-to-month subscription.

Notably, if you use Shopify Payments, there are no transaction fees beyond the charges imposed by the credit card processor. This is why Shopify advertises "0% transaction fees." However, if you opt for another payment gateway, transaction fees will apply.

It's essential to understand that valuable plugins often come at an additional cost. Most Shopify users leverage various plugins to enhance their store's functionalities.

User-Friendly Experience with Shopify

The users we interviewed praised the user-friendly nature of Shopify, and our own exploration confirmed their positive feedback. Shopify excels in providing a straightforward and intuitive platform for running a successful online store. As your business grows, Shopify continues to simplify processes, allowing you to automate many tasks necessary for operating and expanding your store.

For instance, if a customer leaves a negative review, Shopify can promptly notify you with a support ticket, enabling swift responses. Similarly, if inventory for a particular product is running low, Shopify can automatically hide the item from the store until it's restocked.

Moreover, Shopify streamlines the shipping process by integrating your online shop with various shipping companies. When an order comes in, you can simply print a shipping label and fulfill the order hassle-free, as the shipping options are directly integrated into your Shopify store.

Designing Shopify Stores: A Wide Range of Themes

Shopify provides you with a plethora of options to design your store, offering both free and paid themes. You can choose from dozens of themes that match the professional look you desire for your store. With over 100 design options, you can easily select a layout that complements the products you intend to sell.

The advantage of using themes is that you can create a visually appealing store even if you have minimal design experience. Building your site using a chosen theme not only saves money but also empowers you to take control of the design process.

In case you feel something is missing or you require additional design support, Shopify offers access to experts who can assist you with various tasks, such as design and marketing.

Why Shopify is Our Top Recommendation

Our recommendation for Shopify stems from extensive research and interviews with active users. The feedback from Shopify users has been overwhelmingly positive. They encountered no significant challenges while starting and growing their stores. While smaller shops with limited growth aspirations may find other platforms suitable, Shopify stands as the ideal choice for those aiming to make a significant impact. Regardless of starting size, the platform enables remarkable growth opportunities.

Wix – Ideal for Stores with Moderate Inventories

Wix is the perfect choice for stores with a more manageable inventory that do not require an extensive product line. Although Wix technically allows unlimited items, its most successful users often opt for a simple product line showcased using Wix's excellent website builder.

Wix offers an impressive selection of 132 free templates for online stores, with a constant influx of new options being added regularly. Their extensive collection of ecommerce templates surpasses that of all the other platforms reviewed combined.

Users have praised Wix for its fantastic design perspective, making it an excellent fit for small businesses with uncomplicated and modest inventory needs. For businesses seeking a professional and easily adaptable online presence, Wix offers a seamless and cost-effective solution.

Wix Takes the Lead

When it comes to quick and easy setup for new users, Wix outshines the competition with its user-friendly interface. With hundreds of industry-specific templates and comprehensive in-platform guidance, getting started on Wix is exceptionally straightforward. The platform's simplicity on the backend is particularly appealing to users with a limited product selection, making the initial setup a breeze.

One of Wix's standout features is its free-form design, allowing users to drag and drop page elements anywhere on the page. Unlike some other platforms, Wix offers complete design freedom by letting users ignore guiding lines, resulting in an intuitive and customized layout.

Users also appreciate Wix's ease of editing, enabling them to change the look of their site, add new content, pages, and interactive elements without hassle. The platform's flexibility in site adjustments sets it apart, especially for users who need to adapt their site as the market evolves.

Security is a top priority for online transactions, and Wix ensures exceptional protection for both merchants and customers. With automatic security measures in place, users can rest assured that their financial information is safeguarded without the need for extra steps.

Wix not only excels in design freedom but also offers a smooth and efficient management experience. Users can effortlessly track orders, print shipping labels, and utilize partner shipping services within the Wix interface. The platform's intuitive store management is particularly advantageous for those running small to medium-volume businesses without the need for extensive assistance.

Additionally, Wix's professional and polished appearance plays a pivotal role in attracting potential partners or opportunities, as seen in the case of the recording artist we interviewed. By linking her Wix site to social media platforms like Twitch, she successfully drives more people to her website, generating interest in her merchandise and music.

Wix's commitment to security is unparalleled, with a dedicated world-class security team monitoring and preventing cyber threats 24/7. The platform adheres to the highest industry security standards and certifications, ensuring PCI compliance and secure checkout and payment methods. With an impressive 99.98 percent uptime rate and data stored across 20 data centers and backup servers, Wix ensures reliable accessibility and data protection for its users.

Overall, Wix's user-friendly design, creative freedom, easy editing capabilities, and exceptional security make it a top choice for businesses seeking a powerful and flexible ecommerce platform.

Wix Drawbacks and Limitations

While Wix offers a user-friendly experience and is suitable for simple stores, it may not be the best option for businesses planning to scale significantly. As stores grow and carry larger inventories, managing them on Wix becomes more challenging compared to platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce, which are designed specifically for handling complex inventories and high volumes. 

The following are some specific drawbacks of Wix:

1. Limited Scalability: Wix is well-suited for smaller stores with a straightforward setup. However, as businesses expand and handle a substantial amount of inventory, issues arise with fewer supported currencies, inventory locations, shipping options, and payment gateways.

2. Decent Plugin Selection: While Wix offers a few hundred apps that are useful for ecommerce, it may lack some specific partners, social networks, marketplaces, shippers, suppliers, or other essential features compared to more established ecommerce platforms.

3. Unclear Pricing: Users have reported challenges in predicting Wix's pricing structure, as it may not always be clear what is included, what is considered an upsell, or what features are only available as trial versions.

4. Limited Backend Functionality: Wix provides unlimited items and several product options and variants on paper, but some users find it lacking in robust backend capabilities, especially when it comes to tracking transactions in the store.

5. Challenges in Scaling: Wix might not offer as many built-in options to support multiple locations, currencies, staff members, or payment gateways as platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce. As a result, scaling up the store may require hiring a developer, which could be more cost-effective and flexible with other platforms.

While Wix does provide access to a fleet of developers through its partner page for customizations, businesses planning substantial growth and complex operations may find Shopify or BigCommerce more suitable options with greater built-in support for expansion.

The Total Cost and Pricing of Wix

While Wix initially offers great prices and deals, the total cost of using the platform can increase faster than other ecommerce platforms when users try to grow beyond a simple store. Many users have reported experiencing upsells and gimmick discounts, leading them to end up using paid features without a clear understanding of the overall cost. Some users have mentioned that Wix starts off affordable but becomes more expensive as their needs grow.

This cost concern is particularly relevant for businesses planning to offer a large number of products or expecting substantial growth in the future. The platform's pricing structure and potential for additional costs should be carefully considered before committing to Wix.

Additionally, Wix has a unique limitation in that users are locked into their chosen template once the content is created. While the platform offers a wide selection of customizable templates, it lacks the flexibility of easily switching to a new template like Squarespace allows.

Wix Pricing Options

Wix offers ecommerce builders as a separate product from their website builder, featuring the same excellent design interface. Among their five different plans, the entry-level Light plan does not support ecommerce capabilities.

For online stores, the ecommerce capabilities start with the Wix Core plan, priced at $27 per month. However, most online stores will find the Wix Business plan more beneficial, costing an additional $5 per month but providing double the storage, double the video playback hours, and automatic sales tax calculations.

The Business Elite plan offers additional benefits, such as free tax calculations for the first 500 transactions per month and support for an unlimited number of drop-shipped products. This plan also includes customer loyalty program support.

It is essential to note that Wix imposes storage limitations. Unlike other platforms offering unlimited storage, Wix requires a Business Elite or Enterprise plan for this feature, which is crucial for businesses with a significant number of high-resolution product images or extensive video content. Therefore, businesses with substantial storage needs should carefully consider their storage requirements when choosing a plan on Wix.

Why We Recommend Wix:

Wix stands out as a top recommendation for web design, with an interface that continuously improves, evident in their new web design platform, Editor X, which garnered excitement from developers. For ecommerce, Wix is an excellent plug-and-play option, offering visually appealing and functional stores that work seamlessly. While it may be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, Wix delivers an array of benefits, including powerful design tools, integrations, templates, reliability, and security.

For businesses with a concise product selection seeking a quick and efficient solution, Wix is hard to beat. It provides everything needed to get an online store up and running within a short time frame, making it ideal for small online stores.

BigCommerce - Best for Large Inventories:

BigCommerce is a highly popular and continually improving ecommerce platform, recommended for businesses with a large inventory of products. The platform excels in managing complex inventories, accommodating various SKUs, variants, warehouses, and channels with ease. On the customer-facing side, BigCommerce ensures seamless navigation and an excellent shopping experience, even with extensive product selections.

BigCommerce boasts several strengths, including its robust inventory management capabilities, allowing up to 600 variants per SKU, making it suitable for products with a wide range of options. The platform's no-code approach to web design empowers users to design and optimize their sites without the need for HTML or CSS knowledge, streamlining the design process.

Channel management is another significant advantage of BigCommerce, enabling users to effortlessly track customers and earnings and easily adjust channel settings. Supported channels include Facebook, Instagram, Walmart, Amazon, eBay, Wish, MercadoLibre, and TikTok, with additional options available through third-party integrations in the BigCommerce App Store.

Overall, BigCommerce is an excellent choice for businesses with large inventories, offering user-friendly inventory management, no-code design capabilities, and extensive support for various sales channels.

The Advantages of BigCommerce:

Users we interviewed expressed immense satisfaction with BigCommerce, particularly with its ability to accommodate and display a vast number of products effectively. On the back end, they appreciated the freedom to create detailed product listings, while on the front end, they could offer customers more control to find precisely what they were looking for.

In comparison to other platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce offers a wide range of options to enhance customers' choices. While some platforms are limited to basic drop-down menus (e.g., small, medium, or large), BigCommerce users can utilize various tools to provide customers with increased options, including radio buttons, text fields, swatch selections, checkbox options, and more.

The platform's built-in functionality was highly praised by users, as they were able to create discount codes, volume pricing, and bulk pricing directly within BigCommerce without the need for third-party plugins. This streamlined approach allowed for more targeted and personalized promotions, such as offering special access and unique pricing to specific customer segments, like school teachers.

BigCommerce also provides customer ratings and reviews as well as over 70 types of built-in discounts and coupons, making it convenient for merchants to implement various promotional strategies without relying on external apps. In contrast, Shopify users may need multiple third-party apps to achieve similar features.

Ultimately, BigCommerce emphasizes giving customers more options and providing merchants with extensive control over how products are displayed, regardless of the number of variations and permutations. The platform excels in handling larger and more complex inventories, offering a more intuitive and comprehensive solution compared to lighter platforms that might require workarounds and external plugins, potentially impacting reporting accuracy.

BigCommerce Drawbacks:

While BigCommerce offers many advantages, it may not be the best fit for every online store. Some of its drawbacks include:

1. Overkill for Simple Shops: For those looking to sell just a few items or operate a limited inventory store, BigCommerce might introduce unnecessary complexity. It may be more suitable for larger, more extensive online stores.

2. Limited Design Customization: While editing the site's design is straightforward, BigCommerce lacks the same level of customization options as platforms like Wix and Squarespace. It may be challenging to create a truly unique and interactive shopping experience without advanced developer skills.

3. Some Features Require Plugins: Despite BigCommerce's robust feature list, there are instances where certain functionalities still require third-party plugins. For example, printing shipping labels is not built-in and may necessitate the use of additional services like ShipStation.

4. Difficulty Escaping Templated Feel: BigCommerce's default design may give an impression of a standard shopping website, and it might be harder to differentiate the site without professional assistance. Platforms like Wix allow beginners to create a more distinct website from the outset.

BigCommerce Pricing:

BigCommerce offers various pricing options tailored to different business needs. 

The BigCommerce Essentials plan is geared towards startups and small businesses and comes in three packages: Standard, Plus, and Pro. Additionally, BigCommerce provides custom pricing options for enterprise buyers.

The pricing mentioned above is based on monthly fees with an annual plan. By subscribing to a yearly plan, users can enjoy a 25% discount on all packages.

One noteworthy aspect is that BigCommerce provides 24/7 customer support on all plans, offering phone, chat, and ticketed assistance. Users we interviewed praised the support agents for their quick response times, patience, and ability to resolve issues effectively.

The Standard plan encompasses all necessary features for an online storefront and allows integration with 55 payment gateways. As long as your sales remain below $50,000 per year, there are no additional charges from BigCommerce. Beyond that threshold, an upgrade to the Plus plan is required, which incurs a flat fee of $50 per month.

BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial, allowing users to explore the platform before committing to a plan.

One significant difference between BigCommerce and Shopify is the transaction fees. While Shopify requires the use of Shopify Payments to avoid transaction fees, BigCommerce allows small businesses to sell without additional charges.

BigCommerce also offers slightly lower credit card rates for online sales compared to Shopify, making it a more cost-effective option at scale.

Another advantage of BigCommerce is its support for 100 different currencies, providing flexibility for international transactions. Shopify supports multiple currencies as well, but it often relies on plugins to expand its capabilities.

Regardless of the chosen BigCommerce plan, users have access to robust reporting tools, unlike Shopify, which only includes advanced reporting features in its most expensive platform.

For those on the Pro plan, offering customers the ability to filter products within a large inventory is a valuable feature to enhance the shopping experience.

Squarespace – Best for Cornering a Niche Market

Squarespace is recommended for businesses that want a visually appealing and unique online store experience tailored to their niche market. It stands out for its style and substance compared to typical commercial ecommerce platforms focused solely on shopping carts. Squarespace allows users to create a more on-brand and personalized experience, which is essential for businesses competing in a specific niche.

Users appreciate the platform's design capabilities, which enable them to create and maintain websites that resonate with their target audience. The ease of designing and managing the site allows shop owners to focus on their marketing efforts and attract customers through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Squarespace's seamless integration with social media helps bring diverse communities to the online shop, ultimately boosting sales and brand visibility.

For example, a shop owner selling house plants within her home state found that Squarespace provided a consistent feel between her Instagram page and her online store. The platform's design allowed her to maintain her brand identity and offer a user-friendly shopping experience for visitors.

Overall, Squarespace is ideal for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence that reflects their unique brand and captures the attention of their niche audience. Its design-focused approach, ease of use, and social media integration make it an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and impactful online store.

Squarespace excels in several key areas, making it a top choice for businesses looking for an intuitive and customizable web page builder for their online store:

1. Customization without complexity: Users appreciate the design interface of Squarespace, which allows them to switch templates without starting over. This level of customization is not always possible with other platforms like Wix.

2. Low maintenance: Squarespace offers automatic updates for free themes, which means users don't need to worry about manual updates as required in platforms like WordPress. Additionally, Squarespace provides built-in features like email marketing and analytics, eliminating the need for third-party plugins or apps.

3. No storage limits: Unlike other website builders with storage and database limits, Squarespace offers unlimited storage, allowing users to upload high-quality images and videos without restrictions.

4. Unique website creation: Squarespace stands out for its ability to help users create original and visually appealing websites without diving into code. Beginners can easily craft a unique online presence for their business.

5. Extensive template options: With 34 online store templates to choose from, Squarespace offers users flexibility in customizing their websites. Users can switch templates without losing their store, making it easy to undergo branding refreshes or changes.

6. Simplified functionality addition: Squarespace allows users to add functionality to their sites with just a few clicks, rather than requiring the installation and management of numerous plugins. This simplicity saves time and ensures the site remains up-to-date and secure.

7. Easy backend management: Squarespace users find the backend management to be simple and efficient, even as their stores grow considerably. The platform's built-in templates and features facilitate seamless website management, keeping things running smoothly as sales increase.

Overall, Squarespace's user-friendly design interface, extensive template options, and convenient backend management make it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a professional and customizable online presence without the complexity associated with other platforms.

Squarespace has some limitations and drawbacks that users should consider:

1. Templated design: While Squarespace provides a visually appealing design interface, users may lack complete control over how their website looks. Although advanced users can make changes in the code, it is not as flexible as other platforms like Wix, limiting the extent of design freedom.

2. Difficult to scale: Squarespace may not be the best option for handling a large number of products, extensive variants, and multiple inventory locations. Users who deal with high order volumes may find it more challenging to manage their online store effectively compared to platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce.

3. Limited extensions: Squarespace offers only 28 pre-built extensions, which means users have fewer options to enhance tracking, shipping, merchandising, and other functionalities of their online store. This may restrict the ability to add specific features and integrations compared to platforms with a more extensive app ecosystem.

While users generally find Squarespace's design interface satisfactory and appreciate the final look of their store, it's essential to understand that it does have certain limitations. Squarespace's design system is structured, and users may find themselves constrained by the template. Although it offers more customization options than BigCommerce, it doesn't provide the same level of freedom as Wix, where page elements can be moved around more freely.

Squarespace's difficulty in scaling and limited extension options may also impact users with larger, more complex stores. While it remains a solid choice for users looking for a visually appealing and user-friendly website builder, those seeking more extensive functionalities or complete design freedom may need to consider other platforms, such as Shopify or BigCommerce.

Squarespace's limitations in handling a large number of products and complex inventories make it more suitable for users with smaller online stores or those operating in niche markets. Users generally feel confident that Squarespace can handle a few hundred items, but they may encounter challenges with thousands of SKUs.

For users shipping products out of multiple locations, Squarespace may not be the best fit, as it lacks the ability to track inventory in different warehouses. In contrast, platforms like Shopify offer this capability even in their basic plans.

Scaling a Squarespace store to handle significant growth may require in-house IT resources or the ongoing assistance of a developer. In comparison, platforms like BigCommerce and Shopify are better equipped to handle large-scale operations without the need for extensive development support.

In terms of pricing, Squarespace offers straightforward options for its website builder, and users can create an online store with any plan above the entry-level Personal plan. Squarespace Business, Commerce Basic, and Commerce Advanced plans come with ecommerce capabilities, providing users with varying levels of functionality and features for their online stores. However, it's essential to consider whether these plans align with the scale and complexity of your business needs.

Thank you for providing additional details about the Squarespace pricing plans.

The Business plan is suitable for getting an online-only shop started, especially for smaller shops. However, it's worth noting that this plan doesn't include some advanced features like merchandising tools, in-depth analytics, and advanced shipping options, which could be important for stores aiming to push a higher volume of products.

The Commerce plans are more comprehensive and offer a better solution for most users who want an online store. These plans remove the 3% transaction fee, allow for in-person payments, integrate with Instagram, and provide additional tools for displaying and marketing products.

The Commerce Basic plan offers these advantages at a minimal cost difference compared to the Business plan, making it a logical upgrade for most users.

The Commerce plans, including Commerce Basic and Commerce Advanced, also include free integration with TaxJar, which automatically calculates shipping taxes. For automating sales tax filing and reporting, users can consider upgrading to a paid TaxJar extension, which is a valuable tool for accurate tax compliance.

For users looking for more advanced features, such as abandoned cart reminders, subscription sales, and API access for custom solutions, the Advanced Commerce plan offers these additional functionalities. However, it's essential for users to evaluate their specific needs and growth plans to determine which plan suits them best.

Hostinger – Best price for a full online store

Hostinger is a well-known and reputable web hosting solution that also offers an excellent website builder specifically designed for creating online stores. It is a suitable option for those who want to launch an ecommerce site quickly and easily without compromising on customization and scalability.

With Hostinger, users get a package that includes a free domain name, managed WordPress hosting, and an ecommerce website builder. This all-in-one solution makes it convenient for users to get started without having to juggle multiple platforms.

One of the key advantages of using Hostinger is that its website builder is based on WordPress, which is a highly popular and versatile platform. This means users have access to endless customization options as their online store grows and evolves over time.

In summary, Hostinger is recommended for those who prioritize simplicity and efficiency without sacrificing the ability to expand and customize their online store as needed.

Hostinger's affordability, managed WordPress hosting, and user-friendly drag-and-drop site builder make it a compelling choice for those looking to start and manage an ecommerce store. Its hosting plans, starting at just $2.99 per month, include the ecommerce website builder, making it a highly cost-effective option.

As a fully managed hosting solution, Hostinger optimizes your online store for WordPress from the beginning, offering 24/7 support, one-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and regular backups. This takes away the complexities of setting up a web host, buying a domain, and connecting it, making it convenient for beginners to launch their stores seamlessly.

The drag-and-drop editing feature of Hostinger's site builder allows users to easily customize their online stores without the need for technical skills or coding knowledge. Real-time previews help users see how their changes will appear on their site before finalizing them.

Hostinger's reputation as one of the fastest and most reliable web hosting providers ensures that your ecommerce store will have excellent loading speeds and high performance even as it grows and attracts more traffic.

The package also includes valuable extras such as a free SSL certificate, Cloudflare-protected nameservers, and malware scanning, providing security and protection for your online store and customers.

Overall, Hostinger is an excellent choice for those who want an affordable, user-friendly, and well-supported platform to create and manage their ecommerce stores.

While Hostinger offers solid features and affordability, there are some drawbacks that users should be aware of before choosing this platform for their ecommerce store:

1. No built-in payments: Unlike some other ecommerce platforms that have built-in payment processing, Hostinger requires users to get a payment gateway from elsewhere and integrate it with their store. This additional step can be inconvenient for some users.

2. Limited ecommerce templates: While Hostinger does provide several ecommerce templates, they may not be as extensive or diverse as templates offered by other providers. This limitation could affect the overall design and appearance of the online store.

3. Product limitations: Hostinger's ecommerce store allows users to sell up to 500 products. While this may be sufficient for smaller shops, it can be limiting for those planning to scale their inventory significantly in the future.

4. Reliance on third-party plugins: Hostinger's out-of-the-box ecommerce features may be limited, and users may need to rely on third-party plugins and add-ons to access additional functionalities. While WordPress customization options are limitless, users may need to invest in additional plugins for specific ecommerce features.

5. Not suitable for large-scale inventory: If users anticipate selling thousands of products within a short period, Hostinger's 500-product maximum may not be sufficient, and they might need to explore other platforms that better accommodate large inventories.

In summary, Hostinger is a solid option for those seeking a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for their ecommerce store. While it may not offer as many built-in features as some dedicated ecommerce platforms, its integration with WordPress allows for extensive customization. Users should carefully consider their specific needs, product scale, and desired features before deciding if Hostinger is the right fit for their ecommerce venture.

Hostinger offers competitive and affordable pricing for its web hosting plans, which include a free website builder. Here are the details of their pricing:

1. Single Plan: Starting at $2.99 per month. This plan is the most basic option and does not include a free domain name. It is suitable for smaller websites with lower traffic and fewer resource requirements.

2. Premium Plan: Starting at $3.59 per month. For just $1 more per month, you can upgrade to the Premium plan, which includes a free domain name and offers extra storage, RAM, and active processes. It also supports up to 25,000 monthly visits, making it suitable for larger websites and small ecommerce stores.

3. Business Plan: Starting at $3.99 per month. The Business plan is ideal for ecommerce shops with higher traffic and resource demands. It includes daily backups (instead of weekly backups) and supports up to 100,000 monthly visits.

It's important to note that the promotional pricing is available for a 48-month contract. After the promotional period ends, the hosting plan will renew at the regular rate. Despite this, Hostinger remains one of the most affordable options compared to other ecommerce platforms on the list.

All hosting plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users the opportunity to try the service risk-free. Overall, Hostinger offers cost-effective solutions for those looking to create and manage an online store with their website builder and managed WordPress hosting.

Overall, the selection process for the best ecommerce platforms focused on user-friendliness, essential features, and scalability. The platforms had to be suitable for individuals with little technical expertise, allowing them to set up their online store, manage inventory, process payments, handle shipping, and market their brand without the need for developers or complex technical knowledge.

The selected platforms, Shopify, BigCommerce, Squarespace, and Hostinger, all offer a range of features and customization options to meet different needs and budgets. They have been used successfully by businesses of various sizes, from small online stores to large multinational retailers.

In summary, the recommended ecommerce platforms provide user-friendly website builders, robust inventory management tools, secure payment gateways, efficient shipping options, effective SEO and marketing tools, and overall simplicity at affordable prices. These features make them suitable for individuals and businesses looking to establish a strong online presence and effectively sell products online.

To get a real understanding of how these platforms perform in the real world, the review process involved reaching out to active users who had shared their experiences on public review sites and social media. The identities of these users were confirmed through LinkedIn to ensure they were real individuals associated with actual businesses. The users were currently using these platforms for their own businesses or managing platforms on behalf of clients.

By speaking directly with these active users, the review process aimed to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes with each platform. This allowed for a comprehensive assessment of how well the platforms meet the needs of different users and businesses in practical and day-to-day scenarios.

The combination of expert analysis and real-world user feedback helped create a comprehensive review and recommendation list of the best ecommerce platforms for individuals and small businesses. These platforms were evaluated based on their user-friendliness, features, scalability, pricing, customer support, and overall performance in the real-world business environment.

During the review process, the research team conducted interviews with 12 individuals who were actively using at least one of the ecommerce platforms on the recommended list. These interviews were conducted over several weeks and participants were compensated for their time and insights.

The interviewees represented a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, spanning from 20 years old to over 70 years old. They also sold a variety of products, including furniture, fitness classes, videography services, music, and art. Some of the interviewees were web developers who built ecommerce sites for clients, while others were first-time users finding success on their own.

The interviews provided valuable feedback and perspectives from both experienced users and newcomers to the ecommerce world. Some of the interviewees were tech-savvy millennials who preferred finding solutions through online resources, while others were older individuals who embraced technology to run their businesses successfully.

The insights gathered from these interviews, along with expert analysis, formed the basis for the final recommendations and review of the best ecommerce platforms for individuals and small businesses.

When choosing an ecommerce platform, there are four key considerations to keep in mind based on the insights gathered from the interviews and research:

1. Your Platform Sets the Tone for Your Store: Selecting the right platform is crucial because it will shape the overall look, feel, and functionality of your online store. Switching platforms later can be challenging and time-consuming, so it's important to make the right choice from the beginning.

2. Consider Long-Term Needs: Think about your store's long-term needs and growth potential. Consider the number of products you plan to sell, the complexity of your inventory, the level of customization you require, and the scalability of the platform as your business expands.

3. Focus on Flexibility and Customization: Look for a platform that offers flexibility and customization options to align with your brand and unique selling proposition. The ability to tailor your store's design, product display, and promotional features is essential for standing out in a competitive market.

4. Evaluate Pricing and Features: Compare the pricing plans and features offered by different platforms. Consider not only the upfront costs but also transaction fees, payment gateway integration, and additional expenses for third-party apps or extensions.

Ultimately, the platform you choose should align with your specific business goals, target market, and product offerings. By carefully considering these factors, you can find the best ecommerce platform that will help you establish a successful online store and grow your business effectively.

The choice between Wix/Squarespace and pure ecommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce ultimately comes down to the scale and complexity of your online store.

Wix and Squarespace are ideal for small-scale online retailers, boutiques, solopreneurs, and anyone who values the freedom to create a unique and visually appealing website. These website builders allow total beginners to design and maintain an online store that stands out and evolves with market changes. They offer excellent design tools and flexibility in presenting products and services. However, they may not be the best choice for managing complex inventory systems, multiple inventory locations, and high-volume sales.

On the other hand, Shopify and BigCommerce are pure ecommerce platforms designed to handle high-volume transactions and complex inventories. They offer a robust set of features out of the box, including advanced inventory management, payment gateways, and POS system integration. These platforms are suitable for businesses planning to scale and require more sophisticated ecommerce functionalities. They may require some coding knowledge for extensive customization, but they offer a broader range of possibilities for growth and expansion.

In summary, if you prioritize design flexibility and ease of use for a smaller online store, Wix and Squarespace are excellent options. However, if you need a platform that can handle larger inventories and growing sales, Shopify and BigCommerce are better suited for your needs.

The size of your online store is a crucial factor in determining the most suitable ecommerce platform for your needs. The level of software support and functionality required is directly related to the scale, complexity, and variety of your store.

For small-scale online stores, solo creators, and side hustles, simpler website builders like Wix and Squarespace can be ideal. These platforms offer ease of use, design flexibility, and are well-suited for beginners who don't have the time and resources to manage a more complex online store.

On the other hand, if you're running a larger online store with a high volume of products, complex inventory management, and multiple staff members overseeing the operation, pure ecommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce are more appropriate. These platforms offer advanced features, scalability, and can handle the demands of a growing business.

Accuracy and simplicity are essential, regardless of the size of your store. Customers expect accurate product information, pricing, and inventory levels. It's better to have a basic, accurate store than a visually appealing one with errors or outdated information.

Consider the time and resources you can dedicate to managing your online store. Adding more products and plugins means more work in terms of updating and maintaining your store. Be realistic about the time you can commit to managing your store effectively.

In conclusion, assess the size and scope of your online store and choose an ecommerce platform that aligns with your current needs and growth plans. A well-matched platform will ensure a smooth and successful online selling experience.

You're absolutely right! Wix and Squarespace are like setting up a visually appealing boutique with minimal effort. You can quickly create a stunning and on-brand website by customizing templates and adding essential elements. These platforms are perfect for small shops, solo creators, and businesses that prioritize aesthetics and want to make a strong impression on their target audience.

However, as your online store grows in complexity and size, you may find that Wix and Squarespace have limitations in handling more significant inventories and shipping requirements. This is where platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce shine. They are designed to handle the demands of larger online stores with a high volume of products and a diverse inventory.

With Shopify and BigCommerce, you get more advanced features for managing products at scale. These platforms offer robust inventory management tools, allowing you to classify, filter, and sell products more efficiently. They provide more control over product variations, allowing you to set up custom rules and display specific photos for different variations of a product.

If your online store has a wide range of products, numerous variations, or plans for significant growth in the future, Shopify and BigCommerce are better-suited choices. On the other hand, if you're starting small, need a visually appealing site, and want to focus on branding, Wix and Squarespace are excellent options to consider.

Exactly! When it comes to managing high-volume inventory with multiple product options and variants, Shopify and BigCommerce excel in providing efficient and time-saving solutions.

Shopify's easy upload process and the ability to set up workflows for managing thousands of items make it a go-to platform for large-scale online stores. Users can quickly make updates to their product line without the need for manual intervention, saving a significant amount of time.

Wix allows for up to six product options, which may be sufficient for simpler inventories, but it might not be enough for businesses with more complex product variations. While Wix claims to have updated its platform to support up to 100 variants, it seems that this feature may not have been widely used or tested by the users you spoke with.

Squarespace, on the other hand, supports up to 250 variants, making it a more viable option for stores with a more diverse product range. However, the process of uploading a .csv or using the product editor on Squarespace may not be as streamlined and efficient as it is on Shopify and BigCommerce, especially when dealing with large-scale inventories.

In summary, if you have a simple inventory with a limited number of product options and variants, Squarespace and Wix can suffice. However, as your inventory becomes more complex and your store grows, Shopify and BigCommerce provide better tools and functionalities to efficiently manage and display products on a larger scale.

Absolutely, connecting your online store to social media and online marketplaces is crucial for reaching and engaging with your target market effectively. It's no longer enough to just have an online store; you need to actively promote your products and brand on social media platforms where your potential customers spend their time.

Having a strong social media presence allows you to tap into new streams of revenue and expand your customer base beyond your local area. It opens up opportunities to reach customers from across the country or even internationally.

Website builders like Squarespace and Wix provide easy integration with various social media channels, making it simple for businesses to promote their products and gain followers. However, platforms like Shopify take it a step further by offering specialized integrations with emerging social media platforms like TikTok, allowing store owners to create shoppable content and tap into the trends of the moment.

By leveraging the power of social media and online marketplaces, businesses can compete effectively in their specific niche markets and attract a dedicated following of loyal customers who are interested in their products and brand. The key is to focus on engaging and appealing to YOUR market, understanding their preferences and behaviors, rather than trying to cater to the entire market in general.

You're absolutely right; the availability and quality of integrations, plugins, and apps are essential factors to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform. Having access to the right tools and integrations can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and improve the overall functionality of your online store.

Platforms like BigCommerce, which offer specialized TikTok apps, can give you a competitive advantage by allowing you to create shoppable TikTok videos directly within the platform. This can help you tap into the growing popularity of TikTok and reach a younger, more engaged audience.

Similarly, having built-in email marketing capabilities within the ecommerce platform, like in the case of Squarespace, can save time and simplify your marketing workflow. However, it's important to use email marketing strategically and not overwhelm your audience with too many messages.

When it comes to marketing channels, it's crucial to be targeted and thoughtful in your approach. Instead of trying to be present on every channel, focus on the ones that align best with your target audience and product offerings. This way, you can craft more personalized and effective marketing messages that resonate with your potential customers.

In summary, the success of your online store's marketing efforts will heavily depend on the integration options, plugins, and apps available on your chosen platform, as well as your ability to be strategic and thoughtful in your marketing approach across different channels.

Setting up a solid shipping strategy early on is crucial for the success of your ecommerce business. Shipping issues can lead to customer dissatisfaction and negative reviews, so it's important to figure out what shipping setup works best for your specific products and business needs.

Many platforms offer built-in shipping features that can work well for conventional items and default rates. However, it's essential to check the shipping capabilities included in the entry-level plan of your chosen platform to ensure they meet your requirements.

Shopify, for example, offers discounted shipping rates with major carriers like DHL Express, UPS, or USPS, which can be beneficial for businesses shipping standard products. Upgrading to premium plans can provide even higher discounts.

For businesses shipping large, heavy, or unconventional items, you may need more flexible shipping rates, and this is where plugins or extensions come into play. These tools can fetch pricing rates from shipping carriers, calculate costs based on zip codes, and offer custom shipping options like white-glove or concierge delivery.

By setting up your shipping strategy early and choosing the right tools and carriers, you can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process for your customers, leading to better customer experiences and increased satisfaction. This, in turn, can help build a positive reputation for your ecommerce store and encourage repeat business.

Shipping flexibility is a critical factor for ecommerce businesses, especially when dealing with high-value orders or international shipping. Customers expect a seamless and convenient checkout process, and any hurdles or limitations in shipping options can lead to lost sales.

Shopify and BigCommerce are known for their robust shipping capabilities, which allow businesses to offer a wide range of shipping options and manage complex shipping requirements. These platforms can handle various shipping scenarios, including international shipping, multiple currencies, and different shipping methods.

BigCommerce, in particular, offers an edge in international shipping due to its ability to easily handle different currencies, making it more convenient for customers worldwide to shop on your site. This flexibility is essential for businesses looking to expand their reach globally and cater to an international customer base.

On the other hand, some other platforms may have limitations in terms of shipping flexibility. This could include a lack of support for multiple currencies, difficulty in configuring shipping costs for a varied inventory, or restricted international shipping options.

When choosing an ecommerce platform, it's crucial to consider your shipping needs and the level of flexibility required for your business. If you plan to sell high-value products or ship internationally, platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce offer the tools and features to streamline your shipping process and provide a better overall shopping experience for your customers.

You're absolutely right. Shipping capabilities can vary significantly between ecommerce platforms, and it's important for businesses to choose a platform that aligns with their specific shipping needs and scale.

Squarespace's shipping options are more straightforward and may work well for smaller-scale operations with a limited number of products and simple shipping requirements. However, it may lack the advanced shipping features and flexibility needed for businesses with complex shipping scenarios, multiple locations, or a high volume of orders.

Wix, like Squarespace, is also more suitable for smaller-scale ecommerce operations. Its entry-level plan may have limitations on automated tax calculations, and the higher-tier plans may still have transaction limits for these calculations.

On the other hand, Shopify and BigCommerce are better equipped for handling more complex shipping needs, including the ability to set shipping costs by individual product, track shipping from multiple locations, and integrate with various dropshipping and fulfillment services. Shopify, in particular, stands out for its extensive dropshipping integrations, making it a top choice for businesses interested in this business model.

As businesses grow and expand, their shipping requirements may evolve, so it's essential to choose a platform that can scale with the business and provide the necessary shipping flexibility and automation. Shopify and BigCommerce offer more advanced shipping features and integrations, making them suitable options for businesses looking to grow and streamline their shipping operations.

Ecommerce Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the best platform for an ecommerce business?

• Which platform should I choose for my ecommerce website?

• How much does it cost to start an ecommerce site?

• How do I set up an ecommerce site?

• Is Shopify better than BigCommerce?

• Is Shopify better than Squarespace?

• Is Wix or Squarespace better for ecommerce?

• Is Shopify a good ecommerce platform?

• What is the cheapest ecommerce platform?

Best Ecommerce Platforms: Your Top Questions Answered

What’s the best platform for an ecommerce business?

Shopify is the best platform for an ecommerce business because it has everything you need to build and scale your website. It has an integrated payments system and also supports over 100 third-party processors. Shopify’s drag-and-drop site builder makes it easy for anyone to create an ecommerce website without hiring a developer or learning how to code. 

With plans starting at just $39 per month, it’s an exceptional value for everything you get within a single platform. Shopify is also known for its responsive and friendly customer support, available 24/7.

Which platform should I choose for my ecommerce website?

You should choose Shopify’s platform for your ecommerce website if you want a powerful all-in-one solution at a great value. Wix is a great choice if you’re looking for something more affordable and selling less than 100 products. 

We recommend BigCommerce to ecommerce websites with massive inventories and Squarespace for online stores selling crafts, art, or other goods in a niche market. Hostinger is the best choice if you’re looking for the cheapest platform to start an online store.

How much does it cost to start an ecommerce site?

You can start an ecommerce site for around $20 to $30 per month. But this cost will only cover the use of an ecommerce platform and getting your site live on the web. Things like inventory, marketing, shipping, and payment processing still need to be taken into consideration when you’re evaluating the total cost of starting an ecommerce site. 

If you’re starting a brand new company from scratch, you should also form a legal business entity for your ecommerce website. This typically costs around $200 or $300, and you check out our reviews of the best business formation services for guidance with this step.

How do I set up an ecommerce site?

To set up an ecommerce site, you need to purchase a domain name and select an ecommerce platform to power your site. Then you need to set up your payment acceptance methods either through your ecommerce platform or through a third-party processor. 

You’ll also need to configure your taxes and shipping options. Create your product pages, add your inventory, and write content for your site. For a more detailed description, follow our step-by-step guide on how to create an ecommerce website.

Is Shopify better than BigCommerce?

Shopify is better than BigCommerce if you want a simple and easy-to-use ecommerce platform with everything you need under one roof. Shopify also has over 6,700 apps and plugins, whereas BigCommerce has roughly 1,000. But BigCommerce is better than Shopify if you’re selling thousands of products with lots of unique variants. 

Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the best and most reliable ecommerce platforms on the market, and you can’t go wrong with either option.

Is Shopify better than Squarespace?

Shopify is better than Squarespace for the majority of ecommerce websites. Shopify is built to scale, and it’s a more robust platform than Squarespace. However, Squarespace has the edge for creative professionals who want to sell art, photography, and prints. It’s easier to create a portfolio website and monetize your work with Squarespace.

Is Wix or Squarespace better for ecommerce?

Wix is better than Squarespace for ecommerce sites that want to launch as fast as possible with a small product inventory. The Wix ADI leverages AI technology to build an ecommerce website in minutes, allowing you to launch your business within an hour or two of signing up. But Squarespace is better than Wix for online sellers looking for stunning designs in niche-specific creative industries. If you’re selling art or prints from your portfolio, Squarespace has the edge.

Is Shopify a good ecommerce platform?

Shopify is a great ecommerce platform, and it’s arguably the best ecommerce software on the market today. It’s an all-in-one solution for selling online, accepting payments, and scaling across multiple sales channels. Shopify even has built-in tools for SEO and marketing, and it integrates with all of the best ecommerce tools and dropshipping solutions out there. 

For beginners and experienced ecommerce users alike, Shopify does it all. Thanks to Shopify, it’s never been easier to start, launch, manage, and scale an ecommerce business.

What is the cheapest ecommerce platform?

Hostinger is the cheapest ecommerce platform. Plans start at just $2.99 per month, which includes managed WordPress hosting, a free domain, and an ecommerce website builder with drag-and-drop editing capabilities. 

Other ecommerce platforms on the market have entry-level plans that are 10x more expensive than Hostinger. Just be aware that Hostinger’s ecommerce platform only supports up to 500 products, so it’s not ideal if you want to sell thousands of products online. Get started today for just $2.99.

Summary of Top Ecommerce Platforms

There is a wide range of ecommerce solutions available, each catering to different business sizes and requirements. Some platforms are designed for large international online stores, capable of handling a vast product inventory. On the other hand, there are platforms more suitable for sellers with a smaller selection of items.

While all the best ecommerce platforms allow you to sell online, not all of them are equipped to handle significant growth and expansion. It's essential to consider the possibility of your website's growth in the future. To ensure seamless scalability, it's wise to select a platform that can adapt and evolve along with your business.